| bingster |
Our MDX had the check engine light (malfunction indicator) came on again. 2 weeks ago it did it and we took it to the dealer. They diagnosed the problem as P0456 (Evap System small leak). They tested the system and found no leaks. Adviser said tighten the gas cap real well (at least 3-4 clicks) and if the light comes on again, take it back. Well, its on again -- this time the gas cap is on tight for sure.
The service advisor is saying that they got this complaint from other 03 MDX owners, but neither they nor Acura knows how to fix it!??? Anyone out there heard about this? Any suggestions? |
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| joemdx |
Our '03 MDX has had this problem twice, once in February (1,650 miles) and again this month (3,450 miles). Our MDX spent a week at the dealer each time.
It starts to make you lose a little confidence in a new vehicle. Good luck with yours. |
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| bingster |
joemdx, I called another dealer in Colorado, and the service advisor there also said that the 03 MDXs have a problem with check engine light coming on for error code p0456 (slight evap leak). That dealer too does not know what to do with this error. He said that they're in touch with Acura, although its been a few "months" and Acura has not resolved the issue yet. He says that almost every 03 MDX that came in with the check engine light on had the same error code.
I would suggest that every 03 MDX owner call Acura directly and complain about this issue -- I did. |
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| joemdx |
| Bingster, I called Acura Customer Service both times and complained. I was very disappointed this time because I clearly got the sense they weren't sure if the problem has been fixed. They told me to drive it for a period of time to see if the light comes back on. When they asked me if I was using a name brand gasoline I knew they were grasping at straws. |
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| mdxtx |
| Although your posting is old, you may already know that there is a technical service bulletin in the NHTSA site. Search under "fuel system other." It was posted by ACURA on 1/27/03. I hope that I am not going to get the same treatment from my dealer. |
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| dth77 |
Got the same problem this weekend. Courtesy Acura cannot find anything wrong and just reset the system.
mdxtx,
Cannot find anything post on 1/27/03 by ACURA/MDX in the NHTSA site. Help? |
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| bingster |
| Mine came on twice -- the first time it happened, I brought it to Courtesy, I got the same stonewall job as you. The second time (about 1 month ago) I called them and told them they're a bunch of incompetent people who didn't know how to fix their own products. I took it to Mile Hi, and they also did the same thing. Well, after that time, the light never came on again. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If it comes on the third time, I will bring my friend's pit bull :-) serenity now |
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| mdxtx |
I turned the engine light off by unscrewing and tightening the gas cap. I turned it severeal times. It takes about 3 days for the light to go off (the computer has to reset.)
For those interested in the technical service bulletin of NHTSA, here are the steps:
1. NHTSA
2. RECALLS
3. SERVICE BULLETINS
4. SEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETINS
5. SEARCH SELECTED TYPE
6. ENTER "YEAR, ACURA, MDX"
7. Check the document under "FUEL SYSTEM OTHER"
GOOD LUCK. |
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| dth77 |
mdxtx,
Your link refers to 2002 MDX with DTC P1457.
That's why I cannot find it under year 2003.
After dealer reset, my MDX is okay so far. |
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| QuicksilverZ06 |
Most of the time, the gas cap is the cause. And with a P0456 or P1456, it's almost a 99% chance that it's the cap. If the dealer says it tests good, have it replaced anyways. They most likely test the cap with a tester that only checks for a pressure drop over only a few seconds. A small leak might not be detected by the tester, but your in tank pressure sensor sure will find it. OBD-II systems are very sensitive to that. Make sure there are no nicks on the filler neck lip either. Sometimes people are clumsy with the gas pumps and damage the filler necks.
Rob |
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| sdmonkey |
| I have had my check engine come on 6 times on my 2001 MDX. That's right, 6 times. My D5 transmission light blinks, the transmission stays in 5th gear, and the check engine light comes on. Same thing over and over again. The 3rd and 4th time it happened, the dealer replaced the transmission solenoids and reset the check engine light. The 5th time, they just reset the check engine light and kept the car for 6 days but nothing else was done. The same day I picked up the car, the check engine light came on again. Back to the dealer. This time, they replaced the PCM. I was told it is the computer control module for the transmission. The dealer can't seem to figure out what the problem is. Hopefully this will be my final trip but who knows? |
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| bblume |
| I have an '01 MDX with about 85K miles, when the check enginge light came on followed by the DTM-4 light after driving about 1-2 miles . I took it upon myself to try to diagnose the problem. I first started with a new air filter even though it only had a few thousand miles on it. Secondly, I took off the intake manifold cover and found that the air channels on the cover and gasket were plugged with alot of carbon (probably from EGR ). I carefully cleaned the channels with carburator cleaner, and various sized screwdrivers, being especially careful on the gasket. The damn car now runs like a top, and my fuel mileage went from about 20 to 23.5. I don't know if this is relevant to your problem, but the inspection is simple and free if you do it yourself. Good luck. |
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