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Engine Removal and Installation Acura MDX I

Mechanical 62 illustrations ~2025 words

Special Tools Required

Front subframe adapter EQS02BMDXSB0

Note. Use fender covers to avoid damaging painted surfaces. To avoid damaging the wiring and terminals, unplug the wiring connectors carefully while holding the connector portion. Mark ail wiring and hoses to avoid misconnection. Also, be sure that they do not contact other wiring or hoses, or interfere with other parts.

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Scheme 8: Engine Removal
Scheme 8: Engine Removal

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  1. Remove the two clips, and pull the insulator, then remove the support struts from the engine hood. Move the engine hood to a vertical position, then reinstall the support strut as shown. NOTE: Do not attempt to close the hood with the support strut in the vertical position, as it will damage the support strut and hood.
  2. Drain the power steering system fluid (see «FLUID REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__fluid-replacement) ).
  3. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and navigation system, then write down the customer's audio presets. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
  4. Relieve fuel pressure (see «FUEL PRESSURE RELIEVING»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system__fuel-pressure-relieving) ).
  5. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery first, then the disconnect positive cable.
  6. Remove the battery.
  7. Remove the intake manifold cover.
  8. Disconnect the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor 2 connector (A), and remove the breather pipe (B), then remove the intake air duct (C).
  9. Remove the harness clamps (A), then remove the battery base (B).
  10. Remove the ground cable (A), harness clamp (B), and starter motor cable (C).
  11. Remove the shift cable bracket and the spring clip/washer, then remove the shift cable from the control lever (see step 18 in «TRANSMISSION REMOVAL»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission__transmission-removal) ).
  12. 2003-2004 models: Remove the fuel feed hose.
  13. 2005-2006 models: Remove the quick-connect fitting cover (A), then disconnect the fuel feed hose (see «FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING REMOVAL»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system__fuel-linequick-connect-fitting-removal) ).
  14. Remove the brake booster vacuum hose (A), evaporative emission (EVAP) canister hose (B), and vacuum hose (C).
  15. Remove the driver's side console lower panel, and pull the carpet to expose the steering joint cover (see «CARPET REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__carpet-replacement) ).
  16. Remove the steering joint cover (A).
  17. Lock the steering wheel. Make a reference mark (B) across the steering joint and steering gearbox pinion shaft. Remove the steering joint bolt (C), and disconnect the steering joint from the steering gearbox pinion shaft (D).
  18. Remove the harness clamps (A), then disconnect the powertrain control module (PCM) connector (B) and the engine wire harness connectors (C) on the right side of the engine compartment.
  19. Remove the harness clamps (A), then remove the alternator cable (B).
  20. Remove the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT INSPECTION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/charging-system/#charging-system) ).
  21. Remove the power steering (P/S) pump outlet hose (A) at the pump (B) and remove the hose clamp bolt (C).
  22. Remove the radiator cap.
  23. Raise the vehicle on the hoist to full height.
  24. Remove the front wheels.
  25. Remove the splash shield.
  26. Loosen the drain plug in the radiator, and drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
  27. Drain the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) (see «ATF REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission__atf-replacement) ).
  28. Drain the engine oil (see «ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/lubrication-system/#engine-lubrication) ).
  29. Remove the front subframe stiffener.
  30. Remove exhaust pipe A.
  31. Make reference marks (A) on the propeller shaft (B) and transfer shaft flange (C), then separate the propeller shaft from the transfer shaft flange.
  32. Remove the transfer assembly (see «TRANSFER ASSEMBLY REMOVAL»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
  33. Disconnect the stabilizer links (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
  34. Separate the tie-rod end ball joints from the knuckles (see step 12 in «STEERING GEARBOX REMOVAL»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-gearbox-removal) ).
  35. Separate the knuckles from the lower arms (see «LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__lower-arm-removalinstallation) ).
  36. Remove the driveshafts (see step 10 in «FRONT DRIVESHAFT REMOVAL»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/axle-shafts/#drivelineaxle) ). Coat all precision-finished surfaces with new engine oil. Tie plastic bags over the driveshaft ends.
  37. Remove the P/S hose, then plug the line and the hose.
  38. Disconnect the power steering pressure switch connector.
  39. Remove the transmission lower front mount nuts and transmission lower rear mount nuts.
  40. Remove the rear engine mount bolts.
  41. Remove the A/C compressor without disconnecting the A/C hoses.
  42. Lower the vehicle on the hoist.
  43. Remove the heater hoses.
  44. Remove the upper radiator hose (A) and lower radiator hose (B).
  45. Remove the ground cables.
  46. Remove the ATF cooler hoses, then plug the ATF cooler hoses and lines.
  47. Remove the radiator (see «RADIATOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system__radiator-and-fan-replacement) ).
  48. Hang the A/C compressor with a rope (Scheme 33)
  49. Attach the chain hoist to the engine (Scheme 34)
  50. Remove the mounting bolts from the upper half of the side engine mount bracket.
  51. Remove the front engine mount nut.
  52. Make sure the hoist brackets are positioned properly. Raise the vehicle on the hoist to full height.
  53. Make the appropriate reference lines (A) at both ends of the subframe (B) that line up with the edge (C) of the body.
  54. Loosen the four bolts (A) holding the adjustable arms (B) of the front subframe adapter to its center plate.
  55. Line up the slots in the arms with the bolt holes on the corner of the jack base, then attach the adapter to the jack base with the bolts (A) that came with the jack. Tighten all bolts securely.
  56. Raise the jack to vehicle height, then attach the adapter to the front subframe using the subframe stiffener mounting bolts (B) and bolt holes.
  57. Remove the six 12 x 1.25 mm bolts (A) securing the subframe stiffeners (B), the four subframe mounting bolts (C), and the stiffeners, then lower the front subframe (D).
  58. Check that the engine/transmission is completely free of vacuum hoses, fuel and coolant hoses, and electrical wiring.
  59. Slowly lower the engine/transmission assembly about 150 mm (6 in.). Check once again that all hoses and wires are disconnected from the engine/transmission.
  60. Lower the engine/transmission assembly all the way. Remove the chain hoist from the engine.
  61. Remove the engine/transmission assembly from under the vehicle.

Engine Installation

Special Tools Required

Front subframe adapter EQS02BMDXSB0

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Scheme 41: Engine Installation
Scheme 41: Engine Installation

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  1. Install the accessory brackets and tighten their bolts to the specified torques.
  2. Position the engine/transmission assembly under the vehicle. Attach the chain hoist to the engine, then lift the engine into position in the vehicle. NOTE: Reinstall the mounting bolts/support nuts in the sequence given. Failure to follow this sequence may cause excessive noise and vibration, and reduce bushing life.
  3. Support the front subframe with the front subframe adapter and a jack, and lift it up to the body.
  4. Loosely install the four front subframe mounting bolts (A) and the six 12 x 1.25 mm bolts (B), (C) with the stiffeners (D).
  5. Align all reference marks (A) on the front subframe (B) with the edge of the body (C), then tighten the bolts on the front subframe to the specified torque.
  6. Remove the front subframe adapter and a jack.
  7. Tighten the transmission lower rear mount nuts (A) and transmission lower front mount nuts (B).
  8. Tighten the rear engine mount bolts.
  9. Lower the vehicle on the hoist.
  10. Tighten the front engine mount nut.
  11. Tighten the upper half of the side engine mount bracket bolts.
  12. Remove the chain hoist from the engine.
  13. Raise the vehicle on the hoist to full height.
  14. Install the A/C compressor.
  15. Install the power steering (P/S) hose.
  16. Connect the power steering pressure switch connector.
  17. Install a new set ring on the end of each driveshaft, then install the driveshafts. Make sure each ring "clicks" into place on the differential and intermediate shafts.
  18. Connect the suspension lower arm ball joints (see «LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__lower-arm-removalinstallation) ).
  19. Connect the tie-rod end ball joints (see step 22 in «STEERING GEARBOX INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) ).
  20. Connect the stabilizer links (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
  21. Install the transfer assembly (see «TRANSFER ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
  22. Install the shift cable (see «SHIFT CABLE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission) ).
  23. Align the reference marks (A) on the propeller shaft (B) and transfer shaft flange (C), then install the propeller shaft.
  24. Install exhaust pipe A using new gaskets (B) and new self locking nuts (C).
  25. Install the front subframe stiffener.
  26. Install the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cooler hoses.
  27. Install the splash shield.
  28. Install the front wheels.
  29. Lower the vehicle on the hoist.
  30. Install the radiator (see «RADIATOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system__radiator-and-fan-replacement) ).
  31. Install the ground cables.
  32. Install the upper radiator hose (A) and lower radiator hose (B).
  33. Install the heater hoses.
  34. Install the power steering pump outlet hose (A) with a new O-ring (B) to the pump (C), and secure the hose clamp (D) with the bolt.
  35. Install the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT INSPECTION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/charging-system/#charging-system) ).
  36. Install the alternator cable (A), then install the harness clamps (B).
  37. Connect the powertrain control module (PCM) connector (A) and the engine wire harness connectors (B) on the right side of the engine compartment.
  38. Install the harness clamps (C).
  39. Align the reference marks (A) on the steering joint and steering gearbox pinion shaft. Connect the steering joint (B) to the steering gearbox pinion shaft (C). Tighten the steering joint bolt.
  40. Install the steering joint cover (D).
  41. Install the carpet (see «CARPET REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__carpet-replacement) ) and driver's side console lower panel.
  42. Install the brake booster vacuum hose (A), evaporative emission (EVAP) canister hose (B), and vacuum hose (C).
  43. 2003-2004 models: Install the fuel feed hose (A) with new washers (B).
  44. 2005-2006 models: Connect the fuel feed hose (see «FUEL LINE/QUICK-CONNECT FITTING INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system__fuel-linequick-connect-fitting-installation) ), then install the quick-connect fitting cover (A).
  45. Install the shift cable with the spring clip/washer, then install the shift cable bracket (see step 45 ).
  46. Install the starter motor cable (A), harness clamp (B), and ground cable (C).
  47. Install the battery base (A), then install the harness clamps (B).
  48. Install the intake air duct (A), then install the breather pipe (B).
  49. Connect the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor 2 connector (C).
  50. Install the intake manifold cover.
  51. Install the battery. Clean the battery posts and cable terminals with sandpaper, then assemble them and apply grease to prevent corrosion.
  52. Inspect for fuel leaks. Turn the ignition switch ON (II) (do not operate the starter) so the fuel pump runs for about 2 seconds and pressurizes the fuel line. Repeat this operation two or three times, then check for fuel leakage at any point in the fuel line.
  53. Move the shift lever to each gear, and verify that the A/T gear position indicator follows the transmission range switch.
  54. Refill the engine with new engine oil (see «ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/lubrication-system/#engine-lubrication) ).
  55. Refill the transmission with ATF (see «ATF REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission__atf-replacement) ).
  56. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed air from the cooling system with the heater valve open (see step 8 in «COOLANT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
  57. Refill the power steering system fluid (see «FLUID REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__fluid-replacement) ).
  58. Do the powertrain control module (PCM) reset procedure (see «HDS CLEAR COMMAND»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/auxiliary-emission-control-systems/#fuel-and-emissions-systems__hds-clear-command) ).
  59. Do the crankshaft position (CKP) pattern clear/CKP pattern learn procedure (see «HDS CLEAR COMMAND»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/auxiliary-emission-control-systems/#fuel-and-emissions-systems__hds-clear-command) ).
  60. Inspect the idle speed (see «IDLE SPEED INSPECTION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/testing-diagnostics/#idle-control-system__idle-speed-inspection) ).
  61. Inspect the ignition timing (see «IGNITION TIMING INSPECTION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/ignition-system/#ignition-system) ).
  62. Check the wheel alignment (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__wheel-alignment) ).
  63. Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the customer's audio presets.
  64. Do the power window control unit reset procedure (see «RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/windows/#power-windows) ).
  65. Set the clock.

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