Removing The Oil Pan In Your 2009 Acura Mdx

Removing the oil pan from a 2009 Acura MDX is a complex task that requires mechanical expertise and a range of tools. The oil pan is located at the bottom of the engine and stores engine oil, which is crucial for lubricating the engine's moving parts. To remove the oil pan, you will need to drain the oil, remove the exhaust pipe, and detach several bolts securing the oil pan to the engine block. It is also important to clean the mating surfaces of the oil pan and engine block, and apply a new gasket or sealant to prevent oil leaks. The process can vary depending on the specific model of the Acura MDX and the accessibility of the oil pan bolts. It is recommended to refer to a repair manual or seek assistance from a professional mechanic if you are unsure about any steps or have difficulty accessing certain components.

Remove the mid-pipe, oil pan, and wait 48 hours before refilling the oil

To remove the mid-pipe, oil pan, and wait 48 hours before refilling the oil on a 2009 Acura MDX, follow these steps:

First, you will need to drain the oil. Place a container underneath the oil pan and remove the drain plug to let the oil out. Once the oil has drained, remove the container and reinstall the drain plug. Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.

Next, you will need to remove the necessary components blocking access to the oil pan. This includes the exhaust, frame parts, and any other parts mentioned in the service manual. After removing these parts, locate and start removing the bolts holding the oil pan to the engine block one by one.

Now, you can remove the oil pan. If it is difficult to remove, gently tap on it with a dead blow hammer or rubber mallet to loosen it. Remove the old gasket and scrape away any remaining material from the engine. Clean the mounting surface with a solvent to ensure it is completely clean for the new gasket.

At this point, you can install the new gasket and oil pan. Place the gasket on top of the pan and insert a couple of bolts to hold it in place. Thread the remaining bolts in by hand and then tighten them with a torque wrench to the manufacturer's specifications.

Finally, wait 48 hours before refilling the oil. This waiting period is crucial to allow the liquid compound to cure and prevent oil leaks between the oil pan and engine. After 48 hours, refill the engine with the correct amount of fresh oil and you're good to go!

Remove the exhaust pipe, oil pan, timing belt, and oil pump

To remove the exhaust pipe, oil pan, timing belt, and oil pump from a 2009 Acura MDX, follow these steps:

Remove the exhaust pipe

• Place wheel chocks in front and back of one rear wheel. Set the parking brake.
• Break free the lug nuts on the passenger side front wheel, but don't remove. Jack up the front end of the vehicle and place it on jack stands.
• When safely on stands, remove the passenger-side wheel by finishing removing the lug nuts. Place the wheel aside.
• In the passenger-side wheel well, remove the plastic shrouding piece to expose the harmonic balancer and bottom half of the engine.
• Remove the serpentine belt.
• Remove the crankshaft pulley using the 19mm Lisle crankshaft bolt socket and an impact gun. Wiggle the crankshaft pulley back and forth while pulling to remove it. Be careful of the keyway, which can easily be lost.
• Remove the two bolts indicated by red arrows in the belt tensioner diagram to remove the belt tensioner.
• Remove the exhaust pipe. This will require removing several bolts on each side of the engine and at the midsection of the car.

Remove the oil pan

• Remove the oil drain plug.
• Remove the small plastic trim and the big plastic trim underneath.
• Remove the steel plate (four 14mm bolts) and detach the exhaust pipe (as described above) and set it aside.
• Remove the two 10mm bolts to remove the small steel cover where the engine meets the transmission.
• Remove four 17 bolts for the oil pan mating the transmission and eighteen 10mm bolts securing the pan to the engine block.
• Clean up the engine block mating surface and reattach a new pan with a liquid gasket.

Remove the timing belt

• Remove the timing belt alignment washer from the crankshaft and place it with the plastic timing belt covers so it is not misplaced.
• Insert and hand-tighten the crankshaft bolt back into the crankshaft (without the pulley). Finish tightening the crankshaft bolt until the engine starts to move using a socket and breaker bar (or long ratchet).
• Slowly rotate the engine crankshaft until the crank alignment marks line up. This will take some patience, as each piston enters the compression stroke and then is allowed to relieve pressure.
• When the crankshaft timing marks are aligned, check both cam timing marks to ensure all marks are aligned.
• Double-check your timing marks to ensure proper alignment. For quick removal, use a pair of diagonal cutters and cut the timing belt.
• Remove the timing belt tensioner pulley by taking out the center bolt. This bolt is a special shouldered bolt, so be careful not to lose it.
• Remove the two bolts holding the hydraulic tensioner to remove it from the engine.
• Remove the idler pulley with the center bolt. This bolt will most likely have Locktite on it, so be prepared for a struggle.

Remove the oil pump

• To remove the oil pump, you must first remove the timing belt and oil pan.
• You may need to support the engine during this process, but some claim this is unnecessary.
• Remove the side engine mount.
• Remove the oil pump.

Note: These steps are not necessarily in the order they should be performed, and some steps may be redundant depending on your specific situation. Always proceed with caution and refer to a certified mechanic if you are unsure about any part of the process.

Check for oil leaks and damage, then remove the engine oil pan and gasket

To check for oil leaks and damage, you can use one of two methods:

Method 1: Using Talcum/Baby Powder

• Open the hood and inspect the top half of the engine for leaks. Use a flashlight to illuminate darker areas and remove any plastic covers that may be obstructing your view. Look for any signs of fresh oil leakage, usually indicated by wet or shiny areas.
• Inspect the lower part of the engine for leaks. Raise the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Inspect the underside of the engine for any especially wet or shiny spots that could indicate the origin of the oil leak.
• Apply talcum powder to any areas identified as possible leak origins. Be generous with the application so that you can clearly see the contrast between the powder and the oil from the leak.
• Drive your vehicle for 20 minutes to allow the leak to continue.
• Inspect all areas where talcum powder was applied for any signs of fresh oil leakage, which will appear as wet stains contrasting with the white powder.

Method 2: Using a UV Dye and UV Flashlight

• Open the hood and inspect the top half of the engine for leaks, using a flashlight to illuminate darker areas and removing any plastic covers that may be obstructing your view.
• Inspect the lower part of the engine for signs of an oil leak. Raise the vehicle and secure it on jack stands, then inspect the underside of the engine for any wet or shiny spots that could indicate the origin of the leak.
• Add UV dye to your engine. Pour automotive-grade UV dye into your engine via the oil filler cap.
• Drive the vehicle for 20 minutes to allow the UV dye to mix with the engine oil.
• Inspect the engine with the UV flashlight. Any fresh oil leakage will show up in a yellowish-green tint when the UV light is shone on it.
• Follow any drips or stains visible under the UV light to find the source of the leak.

Once you have identified and addressed any oil leaks, you can proceed to remove the engine oil pan and gasket. Here are the steps to do so for a 2009 Acura MDX:

Removing the Engine Oil Pan and Gasket

• Drain the oil and remove the oil filter.
• Remove the small plastic trim and the big plastic trim underneath.
• Remove the steel plate using a 14mm bolt.
• Detach the exhaust pipe and set it aside.
• Remove the small steel cover where the engine meets the transmission using a 10mm bolt.
• Remove the oil pan mating the transmission using four 17mm bolts.
• Remove the oil pan from the engine block using eighteen 10mm bolts.
• Clean up the engine block mating surface.
• Reattach a new pan with a liquid gasket.

Remove the splash shield, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, and torque converter cover

To remove the splash shield, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, and torque converter cover of a 2009 Acura MDX, follow these steps:

Remove the Splash Shield:

First, locate the splash shield under the vehicle. It is a large plastic cover that protects the engine and undercarriage components from water, debris, and dirt. You may need to raise the vehicle or remove the front subframe for better access. Once you have located the splash shield, simply remove the bolts or fasteners securing it in place. Place the bolts in a safe place so they are not lost. Gently lower the splash shield and set it aside.

Remove the Exhaust Pipe:

Locate the exhaust pipe, which is connected to the engine and runs along the bottom of the vehicle. There will be several bolts or clamps securing the exhaust pipe in place. Use the appropriate tools to loosen and remove these fasteners. You may need to detach brackets or hangers that support the exhaust pipe. Once all the fasteners are removed, carefully remove the exhaust pipe and set it aside.

Remove the Catalytic Converter:

The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system and is usually located close to the engine. It is connected to the exhaust pipe and may have a heat shield or protective covering. Remove any heat shields or covers by loosening the bolts or clamps holding them in place. Place these components aside and focus on the catalytic converter. Using the appropriate tools, loosen and remove the bolts or clamps that secure the catalytic converter to the exhaust system. Once it is detached, carefully remove the catalytic converter and set it aside.

Remove the Torque Converter Cover:

The torque converter is part of the vehicle's transmission system and is located between the engine and the transmission. To access it, you may need to remove additional components, such as the transmission pan. Once you have located the torque converter, identify the cover or housing that protects it. Using the appropriate tools, carefully remove the bolts or fasteners securing the cover in place. Gently lift and remove the cover, being careful not to damage any nearby components. Set the cover aside in a safe place.

By following these steps, you will have successfully removed the splash shield, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, and torque converter cover from your 2009 Acura MDX. Remember to place all removed parts and fasteners in a secure location for reinstallation or future use.

Remove the wheel and splash shield to access the oil pressure sender switch

To remove the wheel and splash shield to access the oil pressure sender switch, follow these steps:

First, raise the front of your Acura MDX with a jack. Position jack stands under the vehicle so that its weight is firmly supported. Next, turn the front wheels all the way to the right. Remove the push-in fasteners that secure the right-side front splash shield to the fender. You can use a trim stick or large flat screwdriver to remove these fasteners. Once the fasteners are removed, pull off the splash shield.

Now, reach into the engine compartment through the wheel opening and locate the oil pressure switch. It is typically located just above the oil filter. To access the switch, you may need to remove additional components, such as the shroud, mechanical fan, and belt.

With the oil pressure switch located, you can proceed to remove it. First, disconnect the electrical connector at the back of the switch by depressing the locking tab and pulling the connector straight off. Then, use a wrench to remove the switch by turning it counterclockwise until it comes out of the engine block.

After the switch is removed, you will be able to access the oil pressure sender switch for replacement or further maintenance.

Frequently asked questions