Acura RDX 2007 Owner's Manual

Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start falls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position: Wh
en you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of the
battery and terminal connections
(see page ). You can then try
jump starting the vehicle from a
booster battery (see page ).
You
can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
You
hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
or neutral or the starter will not
operate.
Check
these things:
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See
on page . Turn
the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the fuses. If the fuses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified mechanic to
determine the problem (see
on page ).
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378 389
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Jump Starting Emergency T owing
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
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Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
In
this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to
on page . Do
you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the low fuel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses
(see page ).
Ifyoufindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See
on page .
128 398
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T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
388
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Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.Open the hood, and check the
physical condition of the battery.
In very cold weather, check the
condition of the electrolyte. If it
seems slushy or f rozen, do not try
jump starting until it thaws.
The numbers in the illustration show
you the order to connect the jumper
cables.
You cannot start your vehicle by
pushing or pulling it. Turn of f all electrical accessories:
heater, A/C, climate control, audio
system, lights, etc. Put the
transmission in Park, and set the
parking brake.
1.
2.
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To Jump Start Your Vehicle:
Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
389
BOOSTER
BATTERY
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
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µ
Connect one jumper cable to the
positive ( ) terminal on your
battery. Connect the other end to
the positive ( ) terminal on the
booster battery. If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
Start your vehicle. If the starter
motor still operates slowly, check
that the jumper cables have good
metal-to-metal contact.
Once your vehicle is running,
disconnect the negative cable f rom
your vehicle, then f rom the
booster battery. Disconnect the
positive cable f rom your vehicle,
then from the booster battery.
Keep the ends of the jumper cables
away from each other and any metal
on the vehicle until everything is
disconnected. Otherwise, you may
cause an electrical short.
Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative ( ) terminal on
the booster battery. Connect the
other end to the grounding point
as shown. Do not connect this
jumper cable to any other part of
the engine.
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
Jump Starting
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The reading of the vehicle’s
temperature gauge on the
inf ormation display or multi-
inf ormation display (depending on
models) should stay in the midrange.
If it climbs to the H (Hot) mark, you
should determine the reason (hot
day, driving up a steep hill, etc.).If the temperature gauge reading
stays at the H (Hot) mark, turn of f
the engine. If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running, and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving. If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.
If the coolant temperature rises to
224°F (118°C) or more, the
temperature gauge will appear on
the display and blink for several
times. At the same time, the beeper
will sound once.
If your vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to the H (Hot) mark.
Or you may see steam or spray
coming f rom under the hood. Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Park, and
set the parking brake. Turn of f all
accessories, and turn on the
hazard warning indicators.
1. 2.
3.
4.
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
391
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
reading at the H (Hot) mark can cause
serious damage to the engine.
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Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see
on page ).
If you don’t find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
If
there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
befo re checking the radiato r. Start
the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the filler
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly. Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the H mark, the engine
needs repair (see on page ).
9.
8.
7. 6. 5.
10.
11.
403
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Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
392
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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Let the vehicle sit for a minute.
Op en the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers. If
the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
wh en the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
Safely
pull off the road, and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
This
indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
befo re you can continue driving
(see on page
). You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGI NG SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
Immediately turn off all electri cal
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
If
necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipsti ck (see page ).
You
will also see an ‘‘OIL
PRESSURE LOW’’ message on the
multi-info rmation display (see page
). 1.
2.
4. 3.
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On RDX with Technology Package
model
On RDX with Technology Package model
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator Charging System Indicator
Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
393
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
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If the indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle’s performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damag e.
If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible. If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least once. Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator off
immediately; it can take several days
of norm al driving. The
indicator may also come on with
the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not set,
the test cannot be completed.
If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
these codes are erased. It takes at
least three days of driving under
various conditions to set the codes
again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malfunction indicator lamp will
come on for 20 seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks five times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle for a state
emissions test until the readiness
codes are set. Ref er to for more
inf ormation (see page ). 418
84
On RDX with Technology Package
model
Malf unction Indicator L amp
Readiness Codes State
Emissions T esting
394
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
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The brake system indicator (red)
normallycomesonwhenyouturn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and as a reminder to check
the parking brake. It will stay on if
you do not fully release the parking
brake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
fluid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
feels normal. If it does, check the
brake fluid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
). If
the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ message on the multi-
info rmation display (see page ).You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
info rmation display (see page ).Slow
down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see on page ).
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On RDX with Technology Package model On RDX with Technology Package
model
Brake System Indicator
Brake System Indicator (Red)
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
395
Canada
U. S.
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Your vehicle has an electric vacuum
pump located in the engine
compartment. It enhances the
effectiveness of your vehic le’s brake
system more frequently when you
drive in cold weather or thinner air at
high altitude after the engine is
started.
When the electric vacuum pump is in
operation, it makes some mechanical
noises come from the engine
compartment. This is normal. The
brake system indicator (amber)
on the instrument panel norm ally
comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. If it stays on after
the engine starts, press on the brake
pedal with your foot several times
until the indicator turns off. If the
indicator is still on or comes on again
after this procedure, there is a
problem in the brake system
including the electric vacuum pump.
If this happens, the brake pedal
might feel heavy when you press it.
Have your vehicle checked by your
dealer.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
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On RDX with Technology Packagemodel
Brake System Indicator
Brake System Indicator (Amber)
396
Canada
U. S.
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