transmission Acura RDX 2007 User Guide

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Use
neutral if you
need to restart a stalled engine, or if
it is necessary to stop briefly with
the engine idling. Shift to the Park
position if you need to leave your
vehicle for any reason. Press on the
brake pedal when you are moving
the shift lever from neutral to
another gear. With
the shift lever in D or S, you
can also use the paddle shifters to
shift the transmission up or down.
Once you begin to use the paddle
shifters in S, the transmission will no
longer upshift or downshift
automatically. For more inf ormation
of driving with the paddle shif ters,
see page .
If you exceed the maximum speed
f or the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may f eel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
rpm below the red zone.
Use this position f or
your normal driving. The transmis-
sion automatically selects a suitable
gear f or your speed and acceleration.
To shift into the S
position, press the release button on
the front of the shift lever, and move
the lever to S. This position is similar
to D, except only gears f rom f irst to
f ourth are selected. The S position
keeps the transmission f rom cycling
between fourth and fifth gears in
stop-and-go driving. 299
Neutral (N)
Engine Speed L imiter
Drive (D)
S position (S)
Automatic Transmission
Driving
297
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This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release
button does not work.Set the parking brake.
Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
Push down on the key while you
pressthereleasebuttononthe
shif t lever and move the shif t lever
out of Park to neutral. Insert the key in the shift lock
release slot.
Putaclothonthenotchof the
shif t lock release slot cover. Using
a small f lat-tipped screwdriver or a
metal f ingernail f ile, caref ully pry
on the notch of the cover to
remove it. Remove the key from the shift
lock release slot, then install the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the rear.
Return the key to the ignition
switch, press the brake pedal, and
restart the engine.
If you need to use the shif t lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.6.
Shif t L ock Release
Automatic Transmission
298
COVER
RELEASE
BUTTON
NOTCH
SHIFT LOCK
RELEASE SLOTKEY
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CONT INUED
Each time you pull the (right), the
transmission shifts to a higher gear.
Pull the (lef t) to downshif t. You
will see the selected gear number on
the instrument panel.
When you pull either paddle shif ter,
the gear position indicator shows you
the selected gear number.
When you are driving in D position,
pulling the either paddle shif ter
switches f rom the ordinary
automatic transmission [drive mode
(D)] to the D-paddle shif t mode. You
can shif t the transmission up or
down manually with the paddle
shif ters.
To shif t up or down, use the
(right) or (lef t) paddle shif ter on
each side of the steering wheel.
Downshif ting gives you more power
when climbing, and provides engine
braking when going down a steep hill. Using the Paddle Shif ters in D
position (D-Paddle Shif t Mode)
Driving with the Paddle Shif ters
Driving
299
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
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The transmission downshif ts to f irst
gear and returns to drive mode (D)
when the vehicle comes to a
complete stop and the vehicle speed
is about 6 mph (10 km/h).
The transmission control system
monitors the accelerator pedal use
and your driving conditions. When
you press the accelerator pedal as in
the normal driving, the system
judges that you are driving at a
constant cruising speed without
using the paddle shif ters. Under
these conditions, D-paddle shif t
mode is canceled, and the
transmission automatically returns to
drive mode(D). If there is a problem in the
transmission while you are driving
with the paddle shifters, the D
indicator f lashes, the D-paddle shif t
mode is canceled, and the
transmission returns to drive mode
(D).
The transmission remains in the
selected gear if you do not accelerate. When the transmission returns to
drive mode (D), the displayed gear
number goes out.
Each time you pull either paddle
shif ter, the transmission shif ts one
gear up or down. If you want to shif t
up or down more than two gears, pull
the paddle shif ter twice, pause, and
then pull it again. The automatic transmission will not
allow you to change shif t if :
You downshif t bef ore the engine
speed reaches the upper limit of
the lower gear.
If you try to do this, the gear
position indicator will f lash the
numberof thelowergearseveral
times, then return to a higher gear.
You upshif t bef ore the engine
speed reaches the lower limit of
the higher gear.
You press both paddle shif ters at
thesametime.
You press one of the two paddle
shifters with another paddle
shif ter being pressed.
Driving with the Paddle Shif ters
300
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When you move the shif t lever f rom
‘‘D’’ to ‘‘S’’ position and pull either
paddle shif ter, the gear position
indicator displays on ‘‘M’’ along with
the selected gear number.
To upshif t, pull the (right) paddle
shif ter. To downshif t, pull the
(lef t) paddle shif ter. When you accelerate f rom a stop,
the transmission starts in f irst gear,
and you must manually upshif t
between f irst and f if th gears. Make
sure you upshif t bef ore the engine
speed reaches the tachometer’s red
zone.
The transmission remains in the
selectedgear(5,4,3,2,or1).There
is no automatic downshif t when you
push the accelerator pedal to the
f loor.
When you are driving in 4th or 5th
gear, the transmission downshifts to
the lower gear under the f ollowing
conditions:
The vehicle slows down to a
certain speed.
You press the brake pedal.
With the shif t lever in S position, you
can select the sequential shif t mode
to shif t gears; much like a manual
transmission using the paddle
shif ters, but without a clutch pedal.
To enter the sequential shif t mode,
pressthereleasebuttononthefront
of the shift lever, move the lever to
the S position, then pull either paddle
shif ter. To cancel the sequential shif t
mode and return to the ordinary
automatic transmission, move the
shif t lever f rom S position. When
moving the shift lever, be careful not
to operate incorrectly. While you are
driving in the sequential shif t mode,
the transmission will not
automatically return to ordinary
automatic transmission.
CONT INUED
Using the Paddle Shif t in S
position (Sequential Shif t Mode)
Driving with the Paddle Shif ters
Driving
301
‘‘M’’ INDICATOR
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
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à
à
à
à à
à
à
à
Downshifting with the paddle shifter
allows you to increase the engine
braking when going down steep or
long hills, and provides more power
when climbing uphills. You can
upshif t the transmission manually to
reduce the rpm. Driving in the
higher gear helps f uel economy.
The transmission also shif ts
automatically as the vehicle comes to
a complete stop. It downshif ts to f irst
gear when the vehicle speed reaches
6mph(10km/h)orless.
The automatic transmission will not
allow you to change shif t if :
You downshif t bef ore the engine
speed reaches the upper limit of
the lower gear. To shift
from
21
32
43
54 Speed range
under 29 mph (47 km/h)
under 63 mph (100 km/h)
under 94 mph (150 km/h)
under 114 mph (182 km/h)
Here are the speed ranges f or
upshif ting and downshif ting.
To shift from
12
23
34
45 Speed range
over 0 mph (0 km/h)
over 8 mph (13 km/h)
over 17 mph (27 km/h)
over 47 mph (75 km/h)
If you try to do this, the gear
position indicator will f lash the
numberof thelowergearseveral
times, then return to a higher gear. You upshif t bef ore the engine
speed reaches the lower limit of
the higher gear.
You try to shif t to third or a higher
gear when the vehicle is stationary.
You press both paddle shif ters at
thesametime.
You press one of the two paddle
shifters with another paddle
shif ter being pressed.
Driving with the Paddle Shif ters
302
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Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly, or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.
Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
Lock the doors and the tailgate.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Parking T ips
Parking
Driving
305
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If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and f irmly
setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s
tires.
bottom
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up Parking
Towing a Trailer
Driving
323
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Avoid driving through deep water. If
you encounter water in your route (a
small stream or large puddle, for
example), evaluate it carefully before
going ahead. Make sure it is shallow,
flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of
the depth or the ground, turn around
andfindanotherroute.
Driving through deep water can also
damage your vehicle. The water can
get into the transmission and
differential, diluting the lubricant
and causing an eventual failure. It
can also wash the grease out of the
wheel bearings. Avoid
driving on soft sand, deep mud,
or other surfaces where you could
get stuck. If you do happen to get
stuck because of inclement weather
or other conditions, choose a safe
and appropriate course of action.
You should never use a jack to try
getting unstuck. A jack only works
on firm, level ground. Also, your
vehicle could easily slip off the jack
and hurt you or someone else. If
you spin the wheels excessive ly
trying to get unstuck, you may
overheat the components of the SH-
AWD system. The SH-AWD
indicator on the instrument panel will
blink to indicate the rear dif f erential
temperature is too high.
You will also see an ‘‘SH-AWD DIFF
TEMP HIGH’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
If this happens, stop and allow
everything to cool down. The SH-
AWD indicator goes off after the
rear dif f erential temperature drops. 85
On RDX with Technology Package
model
If You Get Stuck
Crossing a Stream
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
326
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display or multi-
info rmation display (dep ending on
models), a mainten ance record, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer. ......................
Maintenance Saf ety .328
....................
Maintenance Minder .330
....................
Maintenance Record .344
..............................
Fluid Locations .346
........................
Adding Engine Oil .347
.................
Required Engine Oil .347
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter .349
..............................
Engine Coolant .351
....................
Windshield Washers .353
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .355
....................................
Brake Fluid .357
....................
Power Steering Fluid .358
.............................................
Lights .359
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .366
.....................................
Floor Mats .366
..............................
Audio Antenna .367
.....................................
Intercooler .367
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .367
.................................
Wiper Blades .368
...............................................
Tires .372
...................
Checking the Battery .378
.............................
Vehicle Storage .380
425
Maintenance
Maint enance
327
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