transmission Acura RDX 2009 Owner's Guide

Avoid driving through deep water. If
you encounter water in your route (a
small stream or large puddle, f or
example), evaluate it carefully before
going ahead. Make sure it is shallow,
f lowing slowly, and has f irm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of
the depth or the ground, turn around
andfindanotherroute.
Driving through deep water can also
damage your vehicle. The water can
get into the transmission and
dif f erential, diluting the lubricant
and causing an eventual failure. It
can also wash the grease out of the
wheel bearings.Avoid driving on sof t sand, deep mud,
or other surf aces where you could
get stuck. If you do happen to get
stuck because of inclement weather
or other conditions, choose a saf e
and appropriate course of action.
You should never use a jack to try
getting unstuck. A jack only works
on f irm, level ground. Also, your
vehicle could easily slip of f the jack
and hurt you or someone else.
If you spin the wheels excessively
trying to get unstuck, you may
overheat the components of the
SH-AWD system. The SH-AWD
indicator on the instrument panel will
blink to indicate the rear dif f erential
temperature is too high.
You will also see an ‘‘SH-AWD DIFF
TEMP HIGH’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
If this happens, stop and allow
everything to cool down. The
SH-AWD indicator goes of f af ter the
rear dif f erential temperature drops.
78
If You Get Stuck
Crossing a Stream
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
Driving
323
\f—\f—

y
\f
y
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .326
....................
Maintenance Minder .327
..............................
Fluid Locations .335
........................
Adding Engine Oil .336
.................
Required Engine Oil .336
Changing the Engine Oil and ...........................................
Filter .338
..............................
Engine Coolant .340
....................
Windshield Washers .342
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .343
....................................
Brake Fluid .345
....................
Power Steering Fluid .346
.............................................
Lights .347
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .354
.....................................
Floor Mats .354
..............................
Audio Antenna .355
.....................................
Intercooler .355
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .355
.................................
Wiper Blades .356
...........................................
Wheels .359
...............................................
Tires .360
...................
Checking the Battery .366
.............................
Vehicle Storage .368
413
Maintenance
Maint enance
325
\f—\f—

y
\fy
() \fy\f\fy
2009 RDX

µµµ µ
µ
µ
Ì
U.S. Vehicles:
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page . Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed in accordance
with the intervals indicated by the
multi-inf ormation display. 276
343 277345
361
347
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA standards. Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance
333
\f—\f—

y

y
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

ÃŽ
ÃŽ
Ì Ì
Ì
ÃŽ
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
\f—\f—

y
\fy
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

Fluid Locations
Maint enance
335
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID
(Red cap)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
RADIATOR CAP
\f—\f—

y
y
() \fy\f\fy
2009 RDX

The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-30 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect the engine or transmission
perf ormance and durability.
Engine Oil A dditives
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
337
Ambient Temperature
\f—\f—

y
y
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

CONT INUED
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is shown on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2.
1.
2.
Windshield Washers, A utomatic T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
343
DIPSTICK
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
\f—\f—

y
\fy
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

Always use Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid).Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug, then
add the f luid into the f ill hole to
bring it to the level between the
upper and lower marks on the
dipstick.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spills immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
5.
6.
3.
4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
344
FILL PLUG
HOT
MARK
LOWER MARK
UPPER MARK
Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do
not mix with other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Acura new vehicle warranty.
\f—\f—

y

y
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

Fill the f uel tank.Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors. Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
Vehicle Storage
368
\f—\f—

y

y
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

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.
\f—\f—

y

y
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX