maintenance Acura RDX 2008 Owner's Guide

To saf ely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inf lated.
The f ollowing pages give more
detailed inf ormation on how to take
care of your tires and what to do
when they need to be replaced.Keeping the tires properly inf lated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread lif e, and riding
comf ort.
Underinf lated tires wear unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to
fail from being overheated.
Overinf lated tires can make your
vehicleridemoreharshly,are
more prone to damage f rom road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)willwarnyouwhenatire
pressure is low. See page f or
inf ormation on the TPMS. Even though your vehicle is
equipped with TPMS, we
recommend that you visually check
your tires every day. If you think a
tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure in each tire at least once a
month. Even tires that are in good
condition may lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf /cm ) per
month. Remember to check the
sparetireatthesametime.
Check the air pressures when the
tires are cold. This means the
vehicle has been parked f or at least 3
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km). Add or release air, if needed, to
match the recommended cold tire
pressures.
307
Tires
Inf lation Guidelines
360
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.
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In addition to proper inf lation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you f ind a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you f eel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed f rom the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.
A tire this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see three
or more tread wear indicators. The service lif e of your tires is
dependent on many f actors,
including, but not limited to, driving
habits, road conditions, vehicle
loading, inf lation pressure,
maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even
when the tires are not in use).
In addition to your regular
inspections and inf lation pressure
maintenance, it is recommended that
you have annual inspections
perf ormed once the tires reach f ive
years old. It is also recommended
that all tires, including the spare, be
removed from service after 10 years
from the date of manufacture,
regardless of their condition or state
of wear.
The last f our digits of the TIN (tire
identif ication number) are f ound on
the sidewall of the tire and indicate
the date of manufacture (See
on page ).
Your tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down, you will see a 1/2
inch (12.7 mm) wide band across the
tread. This shows there is less than
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread lef t on
the tire.
400
Tires
T ire Maintenance
Tire Service Lif e
Tire
Labeling
362
INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only Acura wheel weights f or balancing.
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Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling.
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the illustration each time they are
rotated. If you purchase directional
tires, rotate only front-to-back. The ABS and VSA system work by
comparing the speed of the wheels.
When replacing tires, use the same
size originally supplied with the
vehicle. Tire size and construction
can af f ect wheel speed and may
cause the ABS or VSA system to
activate.If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specif ications
match those of the original wheels.
Also be sure you use only TPMS
specif ic wheels. If you do not, the
tire pressure monitoring system will
not work.
Replacement wheels are available at
your dealer.
Tires
T ire Rotation Replacing T ires and Wheels
Maint enance
363
Front Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) (For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
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µ
Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion.
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
366
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
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Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malf unction indicator
to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS
malf unction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a
malf unction, the telltale will f lash f or
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.
Driving on a signif icantly under-
inf lated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inf lation also reduces f uel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
af f ect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inf lation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
When the malf unction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended.TPMS malf unctions may occur f or a
variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS f rom
f unctioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malf unction
telltale af ter replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to f unction
properly.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Required Federal Explanation
402
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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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T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.Covers maintenance and recommended procedures f or
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
f or the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
f or most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting inf ormation f or each electrical circuit
in your vehicle.
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)
Authorized Manuals
413
Publication
Form Number 61STK01
61STK01EL
61STK30
31STK610
31STK810
31STKM10 31STKQ10 ACU-R Form Description
2007-2008 Acura RDX Service Manual 2008 Acura RDX
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual 2007 Model series Acura RDX Body Repair Manual
2008 Acura RDX Owner’s Manual
2008 Acura RDX Navigation System Manual 2008 Acura RDX Honda Service History2008 Acura RDX Quick Start GuideOrder Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
www. helminc. com
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CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .281
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.....................................
Position) .122
............
Accessory Power Sockets .155
................
Active Head Restraints .135
......................................
AcuraLink .237
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .337
.......................
Additives, Gasoline .272
.............
Adjusting the Sound .186,217
.....
Adjusting the Steering Wheel .119
........
Adjust Outside Temperature .74
......
Adjust Outside Temp. Display .89
...........................
Advanced Airbags .27
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,23
..............
Air Conditioning System .160
.........................................
Usage .161
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .361
......................................
Antif reeze .340
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .64,305
...................................
Operation .305
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .232
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .122 ........................................
Armrests .136
..............................
Audio Antenna .355
................................
Audio System .168
............................
Auto Door Lock .101
.........................
Auto Door Unlock .109
.
Automatic Lighting Off Feature .115
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .21
..............
Automatic Transmission .293
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .396
...............
Checking Fluid Level .343
Driving with the Paddle
...................................
Shif ters .297
.......................................
Shif ting .293
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators .293
................
Shif t Lever Positions .294
....................
Shif t Lock Release .296
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .220
Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .63,381
............................
Jump Starting .377
..............................
Maintenance .366 ............................
Specif ications .397
..............................
Bef ore Driving .271
....................................
Belts,Seat.8,19
.........................
Beverage Holders .154
.......
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink.252
..................................
Booster Seats .53
Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .305
.............
Break-in, New Linings .272
....................
Bulb Replacement .350
...........................................
Fluid .345
.......................................
Parking .148
......
System Indicator (Red) .65,383
System Indicator
...........................
(Amber) .65,384
..........................
System Design .304
........................
Wear Indicators .304
.............................
Braking System .304
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .272
Brightness Control,
...............................
Instruments .117
......................
Brights, Headlights .114
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
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CONT INUED
GaugesEngine Coolant .....................
Temperature .73,76
...............................................
Fuel .71
.................................
Tachometer .71
.....................
Turbo Boost Meter .71
...............................
Speedometer .71
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions .293
......................................
Glove Box .153
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.....................................
(GVWR) .315
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs .347
..................................
Hanger Bars .287
......
HandsFreeLink
, Bluetooth.252
............
Hazard Warning Flashers .118
Headlights
........................................
Aiming .347
.........
Daytime Running Lights .116
..................
High Beam Indicator .67
High-Intensity Discharge
......................................
Lamp .347
.........................
Reminder Tone .114
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs .347 .................................
Turning on .114
.............
Headlight Auto Of f Timer .98
............................
Head Restraints .133
.............................
Heated Mirrors .145
.................................
Heaters, Seat .139
..........................
High Beam Lever .114
HomeLink
Universal
................................
Transceiver .247
.......................
Hood, Opening the .275
...........................................
Horn.4,111
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle .394
Ignition
............................................
Keys .119
.........................................
Switch .122
............
Timing Control System .404
......................
Immobilizer System .121
.........
Important Safety Precautions .6
Indicators
......
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) .64,305
.......................
A/T Temperature .63
...................
Brake (Amber) .65,385
.........................
Brake (Red) .65,383
................
Charging System .63,381 .............................
Cruise Control .67
.................................
Cruise Main .67
.....................................
Fog Light .68
...................................
High Beam .67
........
Key (Immobilizer System) .64
......................................
Low Fuel .66
................
Low Oil Pressure .63,381
.....................................
Lights On .68
Low Tire Pressure/
...............................
TPMS .69,307
..................
Maintenance Minder .70
.....
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .63
.................
Passenger Airbag Of f .32
..................
Security System .68,233
......................................
SH-AWD .68
.....................
Side Airbag Of f .31,64
.........................................
SRS .31,63
.........................
System Message .70
.
TPMS, Low Tire Pressure .69,307
Turn Signal and Hazard
...................................
Warning .67
VSA (Vehicle Stability ..............................
Assist) .66,312
....................
VSA Activation .67,312
Index
INDEX
H I
V
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Keyless Lock....................
Acknowledgement .105
...........
Keyless Memory Settings .130
................................................
Keys .119
.......................
Label, Certif ication .394
...............
Lane Change, Signaling .114
........................
Language Selection .87
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts .14,20
...........
LATCH Anchorage System .45
.................................
Lighting Setup .95
Interior Light Dimming .........................................
Time .96
.........
Headlight Auto Of f Timer .98
Lights
....................
Bulb Replacement .347
.......................................
Indicator .62
.......................................
Parking .114
................................
Turn Signal .114
....................................
Load Limits .284
....
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) .122
......................
Lockout Prevention .124 Locks
.....
Anti-thef t Steering Column .122
........................
Childproof Door .124
.............
Console Compartment .156
............................
Fuel Fill Door .273
..................................
Glove Box .153
...............................
Power Door .123
......................................
Tailgate .125
........................
Low Coolant Level .277
................................
Lower Anchors .45
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .66
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .63,381
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS
...............................
Indicator .69,307
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart .369
.
Luggage Hooks (Cargo Hooks) .287
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) .283
...........
Luggage Net (Cargo Net) .287
.................
Jacking up the Vehicle .372
.......................................
Jack, Tire .372
................................
Jump Starting .377 ..................................
Maintenance .325
...........
Main Items and Sub Items .331
............................................
Minder .327
..................
Individual Map Lights .150
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .40
......................................
Inf ant Seats .40
..........
Tether Anchorage Points .50
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire .360
........
Recommended Pressures .361
....................................
INFO Button .72
.................................
Inside Mirror .144
.............................
Inspection, Tire .361
....................
Installing a Child Seat .44
............................
Instrument Panel .61
......
Instrument Panel Brightness .117
..............
Instruments and Controls .59
.....................................
Intercooler .355
.................................
Interf ace Dial .189
...............................
Interior Lights .149
.......
Interior Light Dimming Time .96
........................................
Introduction .i
Index
J K
L
M
VI
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