ABS Acura RDX 2008 Owner's Manual

The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
61
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
CHARGINGSYSTEM INDICATOR
A/T TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATORFOG LIGHT INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR
VSA ACTIVATION INDICATOR
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORSUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) INDICATOR
SYSTEM MESSAGE INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATORCRUISE MAIN INDICATOR
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (AMBER)
PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (RED)
(P.66)
(P.67)
(P.68)
(P.64)
(P.63,381)
(P.63,381) (P.63)(P.63,382) (P.67)
(P.69,307)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE/TPMS INDICATOR
(P.65,385)
(P.67)
(P.67)
(P.31,63)
(P.65,383)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
(P.31,64)
(P.68) SUPER HANDLING-ALL
WHEEL DRIVE (SH-AWD)
INDICATOR
(P.64,305) (P.19,62)
(P.70)
(P.68)
(P.66)
(P.68)
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This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates that the
passenger’s side airbag has
automatically shut of f . You will also
see a ‘‘PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG
OFF’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
For more inf ormation, see page .This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and when the ignition
switch is turned to the START (III)
position. If this indicator comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
theABS.If thishappens,takethe
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With this indicator on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock f unction. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
For more inf ormation, see page .This indicator comes on brief ly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will then go of f if
you have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink,
and the engine’s f uel system will be
disabled (see page ).
78 31
78305 121
Side Airbag Of f Indicator
Anti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator
Immobilizer System
Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
64
Canada
U.S.
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This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the super handling-all wheel
drive (SH-AWD) system, the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system, the tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS),
and f acts you need if you are
planning to tow a trailer or drive off-
highway.........................
Driving Guidelines .290
........................
Preparing to Drive .291
.......................
Starting the Engine .292
..............
Automatic Transmission .293
Driving with the Paddle
.......................................
Shif ters .297
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive ...................
(SH-AWD) System .301
...........................................
Parking .303
.............................
Braking System .304
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .305
Tire Pressure Monitoring
........................
System (TPMS) .307
Vehicle Stability Assist ............................
(VSA) System .312
...........................
Towing a Trailer .314
Of f -Highway Driving
..................................
Guidelines .321
Driving
Driving
289
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Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist using negative pressure
generated by the engine and the
electric vacuum pump helps reduce
the ef f ort needed on the brake pedal.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps you retain steering control
when braking very hard.All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, f uel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, conf using
drivers behind you.
When the electric vacuum pump is in
operation, it makes some mechanical
noises come f rom the engine
compartment. This is normal.
When you drive in cold weather or
thinner air at high altitude, the
electric vacuum pump operates more
f requently af ter the engine is started.
For more inf ormation about the
electric vacuum pump, see page . Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.
384
Braking System
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System Design
304
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The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the f ront-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock f unction of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’ You will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
If the indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as instructed
on page .
78
383
CONT INUED
You should never pump the brake pedal.
ABS Indicator
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
305
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If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.It only helps with the
steering control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road. on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator. 383
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
306
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Î
Î
Ì Ì
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Maintenance Minder
334
: Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission and transfer fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures. This
requires transmission and transfer fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
maintenance minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
and transfer fluid changed at 60,000 miles
(100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace rear differential fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles
(12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
1
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page.
Independent of the maintenance items in the information display, replace
the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
NOTE: 1:
333
Maintenance Minder
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Examine the new wiper blades. If
they have no plastic or metal
reinf orcement along the back
edge, remove the metal
reinf orcement strips f rom the old
wiper blade, and install them in
the slots along the edge of the new
blade. Install the new blade onto the
blade assembly:
Find two tabs with a ‘‘SET’’ and
‘‘ ’’ mark on the wiper blade
assembly.Thisisthedirectionyou
install.
Slide the blade onto the assembly
until it is locked by the tabs.
Remove the blade from the blade
assembly:
Pull out the blade by grabbing
the end of the blade as shown
above illustration.
Find two tabs with a ‘‘SET’’ and
‘‘ ’’ mark on the wiper blade
assembly. The opposite side of
the ‘‘ ’’ mark is the direction
you pull out the wiper blade. 5.
3. 4.
Wiper Blades
Maint enance
357
REINFORCEMENT BLADE
BLADE TABS
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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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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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