page 1 Acura RDX 2008 Owner's Manual

Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter 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
bef ore checking the radiator. 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 f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed 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 ).
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark. 9.
8.
7.
6.
5.
10.
11.
391
391
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
380
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 f or a minute.
Open 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
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing 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 of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(see on page).
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
You will also see an ‘‘OIL
PRESSURE LOW’’ message on the
multi-inf ormation display (see page
). You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
Immediately turn of f all electrical
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.
1.
2.
4.
3.
77 276
336
391 77
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
381
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 f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn of f as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least once. Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator of f
immediately; it can take several days
of normal 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 f or 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 malf unction indicator lamp will
come on f or 20 seconds. If it then
goes of f , the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks f ive times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle f or an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to for
more information (see page ).
77
406
Malf unction Indicator L amp
Readiness Codes Emissions T esting
382
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 f ully release the parking
brake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
f luid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
f eels normal. If it does, check the
brake f luid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page). If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel 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 f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. 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 ).
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). 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.
345
77 77391
Brake System Indicator
Brake System Indicator (Red)
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
383
Canada
U. S.
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Your vehicle has an electric vacuum
pump located in the engine
compartment. It enhances the
ef f ectiveness of your vehicle’s brake
system more f requently when you
drive in cold weather or thinner air at
high altitude af ter the engine is
started.
When the electric vacuum pump is in
operation, it makes some mechanical
noises come f rom the engine
compartment. This is normal.The brake system indicator (amber)
on the instrument panel normally
comes on f or a f ew seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. If it stays on af ter
the engine starts, press on the brake
pedal with your f oot several times
until the indicator turns of f . 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 f eel 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 ).
77
Brake System Indicator
Brake System Indicator (Amber)
384
Canada
U. S.
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Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Make sure the
headlights and all other
accessories are of f .
Remove the cover f rom the f use
box.Check each of the large f uses in
the under-hood f use box by
looking through the side window
atthewireinside.Removethe
screws with a Phillips-head
screwdriver.
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
youshouldcheckforisablownfuse.
Determine f rom the chart on pages
and , or the diagram on the
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that device. Check those
f uses f irst, but check all the f uses
bef ore deciding that a blown f use is
the cause. Replace any blown f uses,
and check if the device works.
3.
1.
2. (Under-hood f use boxes) 389390
Fuses
Checking and Replacing Fuses
386
FUSE
BLOWN BLOWN
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If the replacement fuse of the
same rating blows in a short time,
there is probably a serious
electrical problem in your vehicle.
Leave the blown fuse in that
circuit and have your vehicle
checked by a qualif ied technician.
If the audio f use is removed, the
audio system will disable itself . The
next time you turn on the audio you
will see ‘‘ ’’ on the display.
Use the preset bars or buttons
(depending on models) to enter the
f ive-digit code (see page ).
When the audio system is disabled,
the clock setting in the audio system
will be canceled. You will need to
reset the clock (see page ). If the navigation system f use is
removed, the navigation system will
disableitself.Thenexttimeyouturn
on the ignition switch, the system
will require you to enter a PIN
bef ore it can be used. Ref er to the
Navigation System Owner’s Manual.
6.
232188
On RDX model On RDX with technology Package
model
Fuses
388
Replacing a f use with one that has a
higher rating greatly increases the
chances of damaging the electrical
system. If you do not have a
replacement f use with the proper rating
f or the circuit, install one with a lower
rating.
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µµµ
µ
µ
Î µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
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µ
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Î
Specif ications
Technical Inf ormation
397
Air Conditioning
Battery Fuses
Alignment
Tires
Lights
HFC-134a (R-134a)
15.8 17.6 oz (450 500 g) SP-10
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type
12 V 60 W
12 V 35 W
12 V 24/2.2 CP
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
Capacity 12 V
12 V65 AH/20 HR
52 AH/5 HR
12 V
12 V
5W
4CP
8W
16 W
3CP
2CP
21 W
3CP
21/5 W
21 W
3CP
55 W
12 V
12 V 2 CP Interior
Under-hood
Toe-in
Camber
Caster
0.0in(0mm)
0.10 in (2.5 mm) 0°10’1°
2°57’
Size
Pressure P235/55R18 99V
T165/80D17 104M
32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm
)
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm)
The low beam headlights are high voltage discharged type.
Replacement of a low beam headlight bulb should be performed by
your dealer.
Headlights
Front turn signal/parking
lights
Front fog lights
Front side marker lights
Rear turn signal lights
Brake/Taillights (in fenders)
Taillights (in tailgate)
Back-up lights
Rear side marker lights
License plate lights
High-mount brake light
Rear ceiling light
Front ceiling lights/Spotlights
Door courtesy lights
Cargo area light See page389or the fuse label
attached to the dashboard.
See page390or the fuse box
covers.
Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Front
Front/Rear
Spare
Front/Rear
Spare
: (HB3)
(D2S)
High
Low
(Amber)
(H11)
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Î
ÎThe United States Clean Air Act
sets standards f or automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
workandwhattodotomaintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page .
The burning of gasoline in your
vehicle’s engine produces several by-
products. Some of these are carbon
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen
(NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC).
Gasoline evaporating f rom the tank
also produces hydrocarbons. Con-
trolling the production of NOx, CO,
and HC is important to the environ-
ment. Under certain conditions of
sunlight and climate, NOx and HC
react to f orm photochemical ‘‘smog.’’
Carbon monoxide does not contri-
bute to smog creation, but it is a
poisonous gas.
Your vehicle has a positive
crankcase ventilation system. This
keeps gasses that build up in the
engine’s crankcase f rom going into
the atmosphere. The positivecrankcase ventilation valve routes
them from the crankcase back to the
intake manif old. They are then
drawn into the engine and burned.
As gasoline evaporates in the f uel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister f illed with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is of f . Af ter
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
The onboard ref ueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the f uel vapors during ref ueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
f illed with activated carbon. While
driving, the f uel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned of f .
In Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specif ied in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manuf actured. 334
The Clean Air Act
Crankcase Emissions Control
System Evaporative Emissions Control
System
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
Recovery
Emissions Cont rols
Technical Inf ormation
403
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U.S. Owners:Canadian Owners: When you call or write, please give
us this inf ormation:
Vehicle Identif ication Number
(see page )
Name and address of the dealer
who services your vehicle
Date of purchase
Mileage on your vehicle
Your name, address, and tele-
phone number
A detailed description of the
problem
Name of the dealer who sold the
vehicle to you
If you are dissatisf ied with the
decision made by the dealership’s
management, contact the Acura
Client Services Of f ice.
Acura dealership personnel are
trained prof essionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions.
If you encounter a problem that your
dealership does not solve to your
satisf action, please discuss it with
the dealership’s management. The
service manager or general manager
can help. Almost all problems are
solved in this way.
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands: 394
Client Service Inf ormation
410
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Client Services
Mail Stop 500-2N-7E
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 382-2238Honda Canada Inc.
715 Milner Avenue
Toronto, ON
M1B 2K8
Tel: 1-888-9-ACURA-9
Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909
Toronto (416) 287-4776
Vortex Motor Corp.
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Tel: (787) 620-7546
Acura Client Services
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