instrument panel Acura RDX 2008 Owner's Manual

One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to
read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Af terwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so
youcanrefertoitatanytime.
Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.As you read this manual, you will
f ind inf ormation that is preceded by
a symbol. This
inf ormation is intended to help you
avoid damage to your vehicle, other
property, or the environment.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the maintenance minder shown in the
instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-f ree while it preserves
your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that
your dealer’s staf f is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique
to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisf action and will be
pleased to answer any questions and concerns.
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2008 Acura RDX was a wise investment.
It will give you years of driving pleasure.
Introduction
i
\f—\f—\f
y
\f\fy
() 
\fy\f\f\fy
2008 RDX

A convenient ref erence to the
sections in this manual.
A quick ref erence to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and gauge,
and how to use the controls on the
dashboard and steering column.What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
The proper way to start the engine,
shif t the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you’re
planning to tow a trailer.
Important inf ormation about the
proper use and care of your vehicle’s
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable inf ormation on how to
protect children with child restraints.
How to operate the climate control
system, the audio system, and
other convenience f eatures. The maintenance minder shows you
when you need to take your vehicle
to the dealer for maintenance service.
There is also a list of things to check
and instructions on how to check
them.ID numbers, dimensions, capaci-
ties, and technical information.
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience,
and details how to handle them. A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual f or detailed
inf ormation.
How to order manuals and other
technical literature.
A summary of the inf ormation you
need when you pull up to the f uel
pump.
Overview of Contents
Contents
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Instruments and Controls
FeaturesDriving
Maintenance
Bef ore Driving T echnical Inf ormation
T aking Care of the Unexpected
Warranty and Client Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
Index
Service Inf ormation Summary
2
\f—\f—\f
y
\fy
() 
\fy\f\f\fy
2008 RDX

ÎÎ
Î
Î
Î Î
Front Ceiling Light Switch
Moonroof Switch
1: On RDX model only
On RDX with Technology Package model only
3:
2:
(P.142)
HomeLink Buttons
(P.247)
(P.149)
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Your Vehicle at a Glance
3
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCHGAUGES
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
PARKING BRAKE PEDAL CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT PANEL
INDICATORS
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH
AUDIO SYSTEM
POWER WINDOW
SWITCH
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE HANDLE DRIVER’S FRONT AIRBAG
ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKET AUDIO SYSTEM
DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM
CEILING CONSOLE MIRROR CONTROL
AUTO BUTTONPASSENGER’S
FRONT AIRBAG
(P.71) (P.61)
(P.9,25)
(P.146)
(P.123)
(P.140) (P.275)
(P.273) (P.148) (P.293)
(P.170)
(P.144) (P.9,32)
(P.160)
(P.123)
(P.140)
(P.189) (P.155)
1
2
3
 — — 
y
 y
() 
 y   y
2008 RDX

Your vehicle is equipped with seat
belts in all seating positions.
Seat belts are the single most
effectivesafetydeviceforadultsand
larger children. (Inf ants and smaller
children must be properly restrained
in child seats.)
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
In addition, most states and all
Canadian provinces require you to
wear seat belts.When properly worn, seat belts:
Help protect you in almost every
type of crash, including f rontal,
side, and rear impacts and
rollovers.
Keep you connected to the vehicle
so you can take advantage of the
vehicle’s built-in saf ety f eatures. Always wear your seat belt, and
make sure you wear it properly.
Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you in every
crash.Butinmostcases,seatbelts
can reduce your risk of serious
injury.Help keep you in a good position
should the airbags ever deploy. A
good position reduces the risk of
injury f rom an inf lating airbag and
allows you to get the best
advantage f rom the airbag.
Keep you f rom being thrown out
of the vehicle.
Help keep you f rom being thrown
against the inside of the vehicle
and against other occupants.
Your seat belt system also includes
an indicator on the instrument panel
and a beeper to remind you and your
passengers to f asten your seat belts.
Your Vehicle’s Saf ety Features
Seat Belts
Why Wear Seat Belt s
What You Should Do:
8
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
\f—\f—\f
y

y
() 
\fy\f\f
y
2008 RDX

Your seat belt system includes lap/
shoulder belts in all f ive seating
positions. The f ront seat belts are
also equipped with automatic seat
belt tensioners.
This system uses the same sensors
as the front airbags to monitor
whether the f ront seat belts are
latched or unlatched, and how much
weight is on the f ront passenger’s
seat (see pages and ).If either the driver or a f ront
passenger does not f asten their seat
belt while driving, the beeper will
sound and the indicator will f lash
again at regular intervals.
This system monitors the f ront seat
belts. If you turn the ignition switch
to the ON (II) position bef ore your
seat belt is f astened, the beeper will
sound and the indicator will f lash. If
your seat belt is not f astened bef ore
the beeper stops, the indicator will
stop f lashing but remain on.
If a f ront passenger does not f asten
their seat belt, the indicator will
come on about 6 seconds af ter the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position. The seat belt system
includes an indicator on the
instrument panel and a beeper to
remind you and your passengers to
f asten your seat belts.
You will also see a ‘‘FASTEN SEAT
BELT’’ or ‘‘FASTEN PASSENGER
SEAT BELT’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
When no one is sitting in the f ront
passenger’s seat, or a child or small
adult is riding there, the indicator
should not come on and the beeper
should not sound.
2728 77
CONT INUED
Seat Belt System Components
Additional Inf ormation About Your Seat Belts
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
19
\f—\f—\f
y
y
() 
\fy\f\fy
2008 RDX

An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbags,
sensors, or seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you that the
passenger’s side airbag has been
turned of f (see page ).
An indicator on the dashboard that
alerts you that the passenger’s
f ront airbag has been turned of f
(see page ).
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.If you ever have a moderate to
severe f rontal collision, sensors will
detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration.
If the rate of deceleration is high
enough, the control unit will instantly
inf late the driver’s and f ront
passenger’s airbags, at the time and
with the f orce needed. During a frontal crash, your seat belt
restrains your lower body and torso,
and the f ront airbag helps protect
your head and chest.
This can happen if the severity of a
collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether
or not the airbags will deploy. In
such cases, the seat belt will provide
suf f icient protection, and the
supplemental protection of f ered by
the airbag would be minimal.
Only the driver’s airbag will deploy if
there is no passenger in the f ront
seat, or if the advanced airbag
system has turned the passenger’s
airbag off (see page ).
Although both airbags normally
inf late within a split second of each
other, it is possible f or only one
airbag to deploy.
31
32
32
31
CONT INUED
How Your Front A irbags Work
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
25
\f—\f—\f
y
y
() 
\fy\f\f\fy
2008 RDX

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .60
............................
Instrument Panel .61
..........
Instrument Panel Indicators .62
.............................................
Gauges .71
.....................
Turbo Boost Meter .71
..................................
Fuel Gauge .71
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display .72
.......................
System Messages .77 ...................
Customized Settings .80
Controls Near the Steering .........................................
Wheel .111
Windshield Wipers and .................................
Washers .112
Rear Window Wiper and ...................................
Washer .113
.........
Turn Signal and Headlights .114
......
Instrument Panel Brightness .117
...............
Rear Window Def ogger .118
...............
Hazard Warning Button .118
........
Steering Wheel Adjustment .119
.............................
Keys and Locks .119
......................
Immobilizer System .121
..............................
Ignition Switch .122
....................................
Door Locks .123
....................
Power Door Locks .123
............
Childproof Door Locks .124
..........................................
Tailgate .125
.....................
Remote Transmitter .127
...............................................
Seats .131
.......
Driver’s Seat Adjustments .131
Front Passenger’s Seat
..........................
Adjustments .132
........................
Head Restraints .133
........
Active Head Restraints .135 ....................................
Armrests .136
.
Folding the Rear Seats Down .136
..................................
Seat Heaters .139
............................
Power Windows .140
.......................................
Moonroof .142
...........................................
Mirrors .144
..
Adjusting the Power Mirrors .144
..................
Reverse Mirror Tilt .145
.........................
Heated Mirrors .145
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .146
...............................
Parking Brake .148
...............................
Interior Lights .149
............................
Ceiling Lights .149
..............
Individual Map Lights .150
........................
Courtesy Lights .151
......................
Cargo Area Light .151
.........
Interior Convenience Items .152
..................................
Glove Box .153
..................
Front Door Pockets .153
.....................
Beverage Holders .154
........
Accessory Power Sockets .155
...................................
Sun Visor .155
............................
Vanity Mirror .156
.............
Console Compartment .156
.....................
Cargo Area Cover .158
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols
59
\f—\f—\f
y
y
() 
\fy\f\fy
2008 RDX

Î
Î
Î
Î
ÎÎ
Front Ceiling Light Switch Moonroof Switch
HomeLink Buttons
1: On RDX model only
2:
3:
On RDX Technology Package model only
(P.274)
(P.142) (P.149)
Control L ocations
60
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSIONCLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH
PARKING BRAKE
PEDAL
FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE HANDLE POWER WINDOW
SWITCH
ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET AUDIO SYSTEM
DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT PANEL
INDICATORS
GAUGES
AUDIO SYSTEM CEILING CONSOLE MIRROR CONTROL
AUTO BUTTON (P.144)
(P.61)
(P.71)
(P.146)
(P.123)
(P.140)
(P.275) (P.273) (P.148)
(P.293) (P.155)(P.140)
(P.170)
(P.160)
(P.189)
(P.123)
2
13
 — — 
y
y
() 
 y  y
2008 RDX

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)
\f—\f—\f
y
y
() 
\fy\f\fy
2008 RDX

The instrument panel has many
indicators that give you important
inf ormation about your vehicle.If your f ront passenger does not
f asten their seat belt, the indicator
comes on about 6 seconds af ter the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position.
If either of you do not f asten your
seat belt while driving, the beeper
will sound and the indicator will f lash
again at regular intervals. For more
inf ormation, see page .
You will also see a ‘‘FASTEN SEAT
BELT’’ or ‘‘FASTEN PASSENGER
SEAT BELT’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
This indicator reminds you and your
passengers to f asten your seat belts.
If you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position bef ore f astening
your seat belts, the beeper sounds,
and the indicator f lashes. If you do
not fasten your seat belts before the
beeper stops, the indicator stops
f lashing but remains on.
19
77
Instrument Panel Indicators
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
62
\f—\f—\f
y
\f\fy
() 
\fy\f\fy
2008 RDX