towing Acura RDX 2009 User Guide

If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and f irmly
setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s
tires.
Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
391
bottom
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up Parking
Towing a Trailer
Towing Your Vehicle
320
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Î
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Maintenance Minder
334
:
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 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
61
1
Maintenance Minder
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This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .370
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .371
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .375
................................
Jump Starting .377
..............
If the Engine Overheats .379
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .381
..........
Charging System Indicator .381
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .382
....
Brake System Indicator (Red) .383
Brake System Indicator
.....................................
(Amber) .384
..............................................
Fuses .385
..............................
Fuse Locations .389
......................
Emergency Towing .391
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
369
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If you have a f lat tire while driving,
stop in a saf e place to change it.
Drive slowly along the shoulder until
you get to an exit or an area that is
far away from the traffic lanes.Park the vehicle on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park. Apply the
parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer, unhitch
it.
Open the tailgate. Raise the cargo
area f loor lid by lif ting it up with
the strap, then remove the lid.
The spare tire, jack, and tools are
under the cargo area f loor.
Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
Unscrew the wing bolt. Use the
hooked end of the wheel nut
wrench extension as a wrench if
the wing bolt is hard to loosen.
Then take the spare tire out of the
cargo area.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
371
JACK
WING BOLT
LID
SPARE TIRE
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
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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 f aster
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? Ref er to on page . Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
121
292 386
391
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
376
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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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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 ‘‘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.
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
).
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). 77391
345 77
Brake System Indicator
Emergency
Towing
Brake System
Indicator (Red)
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
383
Canada
U. S.
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The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required.
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
391
Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the
all-wheel-drive system. Your vehicle
should be transported on a f lat-bed
truck or trailer.
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ÎÎ
CONT INUED
..............................
Economy, Fuel .278
............................
Elapsed Time .73,75
...........................
Reset Condition .93
........
Electric Vacuum Pump .304,384
..................................
Emergencies .369
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .377
Brake System Indicator
......................................
(Red) .383
Brake System Indicator .................................
(Amber) .384
................
Changing a Flat Tire .371
.....
Charging System Indicator .381
..................
Checking the Fuses .386
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers .118
............................
Jump Starting .377
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .381
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .382
..................
Overheated Engine .379
............................
Tailgate Open .126
..................
Emergency Towing .391
....................
Cruise Main Indicator .67
...................................
Cup Holders .153
.......................
Customized Settings .80
....................................
Def ault All .83
.................................
Door Setup .100
.............................
Lighting Setup .95
.................................
Meter Setup .86
...............
DANGER, Explanation of .iii
...................................
Dashboard .3,60
..............
Daytime Running Lights .116
.................................
Dead Battery .377
........................................
Def ault All .83
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .412
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window .118
..............
Def rosting the Windows .163
....................................
Dimensions .396
.............
Dimming the Headlights .114
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .344
..................................
Engine Oil .277
........................
Directional Signals .114
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .304
.......................................
Disc Care .223 ........................
Disc Changer .173,196
Disc Changer Error
.....................................
Message .226
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .339
.....................................
Door Setup .100
........................
Auto Door Lock .101
.....................
Auto Door Unlock .109
.......................
Door Lock Mode .103
Keyless Lock
................
Acknowledgement .105
.............
Security Relock Timer .107
Doors
............
Childproof Door Locks .124
............
Locking and Unlocking .123
....................
Power Door Locks .123
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .398
.......................................
Drive (D) .295
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .289
....................................
Economy .278
........................
Driving Guidelines .290
............
Driving Position Memory .145
.......
Driving with Paddle Shif ters .297
................
D-Paddle Shif t Mode .297
...............................
In S Position .299
..........
Dual Temperature Control .165 ..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .355
Index
E
D
INDEX
III
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Technical Descriptions
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading .398
.....
Emissions Control Systems .403
....................
Emissions Testing .406
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter .405
.............................
Tire Labeling .400
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) Required .........
Federal Explanation .401
.................
Temperature Gauge .73,76
..............
Temperature, Outside .73,74
..............
Tether Anchorage Points .50
................
Thef t Protection, Radio .232
.........
Tighten Fuel Cap Message .274
................
Tilt the Steering Wheel .119
..........................
Time, Setting the .188
....................................
Tire Chains .365
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat .371
.........................
Tire Inf ormation .398
...............................................
Tires .360
..............................
Air Pressure .361
........................................
Chains .365
.........................
Checking Wear .362
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading .398
......................................
Inf lation .360 ..................................
Inspection .361
.....................................
Labeling .400
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS
...........................
Indicator .69,307
..............................
Maintenance .362
......................
Pressure Monitor .308
..
Pressure Monitoring System .307
...................................
Replacing .363
......................................
Rotating .363
................................
Service Lif e .362
...........................................
Snow .364
....................
Specif ications .364,397
...................
Tools, Tire Changing .372
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer .314
................
Emergency Wrecker .391
....
Equipment and Accessories .315
....................
Pre-Tow Checklist .318
.............................
Weight Limit .314
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring ..................................
System) .307
...............................
Indicator .69,307
Required Federal
............................
Explanation .401
.....................
Trailer Loading .314,315
......................
Trailer Towing Tips .319 Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .343
...........................
Fluid Selection .344
..............
Identif ication Number .395
.............
Shif ting the Automatic .293
.....................................
Treadwear .362
.................................
Trip Meter .73,74
.........................
Turbo Boost Meter .71
..................................
Turn Signals .114
Unexpected, Taking Care
..........................................
of the .369
..
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading .398
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .272
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of .339
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load .284
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .396
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number .394
Index
U
V
X
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