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
Windshield Replacement
NOTE:
- Put on gloves to protect your hands.
- Wear eye protection while cutting the glass adhesive with piano wire.
- Cover interior surfaces to avoid damaging them.
- Remove these items:
- Automatic dimming rearview mirror (see AUTOMATIC DIMMING REARVIEW MIRROR REPLACEMENT )
- Rain sensor, for some models (see CONTROL UNIT INPUT TEST )
- A-pillar trim, '03 model (see A-PILLAR - '03 MODEL ), '04-06 models (see A-PILLAR - '04-06 MODELS )
- Windshield wiper arms (see WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT )
- Cowl cover (see COWL COVER REPLACEMENT )
- Remove the molding (A) from the edge of the windshield (B). If necessary, cut the molding with a utility knife.
- If the old windshield will be reinstalled, make alignment marks across the glass and body with a grease pencil.
- Pull down the front portion of the headliner (see HEADLINER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ). Take care not to bend the headliner excessively, or you may crease or break it.
- Apply protective tape along the edge of the dashboard and body. Using an awl, make a hole through the rubber dam, adhesive, and dashboard seal from inside the vehicle at the corner portion of the glass. Push a piece of piano wire through the hole, and wrap each end around a piece of wood.
- With a helper on the outside, pull the piano wire (A) back and forth in a sawing motion. Hold the piano wire as close to the windshield (B) as possible to prevent damage to the body and dashboard. Carefully cut through the rubber dam and adhesive (C) around the entire windshield.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.