Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Acura MDX BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Ignition Switch/Steering Lock: Test
SRS component locations for the appropriate year:
- '03 model (see 2003 MODEL )
- '04-06 models (see 2004-2006 MODELS )
Also review the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before performing repairs or service.
- Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the radio presets.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Remove the dashboard lower cover (see DASHBOARD LOWER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
- Disconnect the 6P connector from the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box.
- Check for continuity between the terminals in each switch position according to Fig 2 .
- If the continuity checks do not agree with the table, replace the steering lock.
- After reconnecting the battery, enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the customer's radio presets.
- Perform the powertrain control module (PCM) idle learn procedure (see PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ) and the power window control unit reset procedure (see RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT ).
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
