power steering Acura RDX 2009 Owner's Manual

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Ref er to the navigation system manual.
1:
2 : On RDX model only
3:
4:
On RDX with Technology Package model only
Your Vehicle at a Glance
4
MIRROR CONTROLS VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA) OFF SWITCH
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
PADDLE SHIFTERS
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER/
HEATED MIRROR
BUTTON PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
HAZARD WARNING BUTTON
STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKET
AUXILIARY INPUT JACK
HEADLIGHTS/TURN
SIGNAL/FOG LIGHTS
UPPER DISPLAY
VOICE CONTROL
BUTTONS NAVIGATION SYSTEM /
CENTER DISPLAY
HORN WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS/
REAR WINDOW
WIPER/WASHER
BLUETOOTH
HANDSFREELINKBUTTONS
(P.114/115)
(P.230)
(P.313)
(P.119) (P.297)
(P.112/113)(P.169)(P.118)
(P.168)
MULTI-INFORMATION
BUTTONS (P.72) CRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS
(P.234) (P.32)
(P.220)
REMOTE AUDIO
CONTROL BUTTONS
(P.143) (P.118/144)
(P.154)
(P.138)
(P.251)
3
3, 4 3, 4
2
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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 Signals and Headlights .114
......
Instrument Panel Brightness .117
...............
Rear Window Def ogger .118
...............
Hazard Warning Button .118
......
Steering Wheel Adjustments .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
FrontSeatPower ..........................
Adjustments .131
........................
Head Restraints .132
........
Active Head Restraints .134
....................................
Armrests .135 .
Folding the Rear Seats Down .135
..................................
Seat Heaters .138
............................
Power Windows .139
.......................................
Moonroof .141
...........................................
Mirrors .143
..
Adjusting the Power Mirrors .143
........
Reverse Tilt Door Mirror .144
.........................
Heated Mirrors .144
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .145
...............................
Parking Brake .147
...............................
Interior Lights .148
............................
Ceiling Lights .148
..............
Individual Map Lights .149
........................
Courtesy Lights .150
......................
Cargo Area Light .150
.........
Interior Convenience Items .151
..................................
Glove Box .152
..................
Front Door Pockets .152
.....................
Beverage Holders .153
........
Accessory Power Sockets .154
...................................
Sun Visor .154
............................
Vanity Mirror .155
.............
Console Compartment .155
.....................
Cargo Area Cover .157
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols
59
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ÎÎÎ Î
ÎÎ
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
Ref er to the navigation system manual. On RDX model only
1:
2:
3:
4: On RDX with Technology Package model only
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
111
CRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA) OFF
SWITCH
MIRROR CONTROLS PADDLE SHIFTERS
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENT
VOICE CONTROL
BUTTONS
HORN
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNAL/
FOG LIGHTS
WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS/
REAR WINDOW
WIPER/WASHER
BLUETOOTH
HANDSFREELINKBUTTONS MULTI-INFORMATION
BUTTONS
(P.114/115)
(P.297)
(P.112/113)
(P.234)
(P.72)
(P.119)
(P.313)
UPPER DISPLAY
(P.169)
NAVIGATION SYSTEM /
CENTER DISPLAY
(P.168)
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER/
HEATED MIRROR BUTTON
AUXILIARY INPUT JACK
ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKET
(P.32)
(P.220)
HAZARD WARNING BUTTON
(P.118)
REMOTE AUDIO CONTROL
BUTTONS (P.230)
(P.143)
(P.138)(P.154)
(P.118/144)
(P.251)
3, 4 1 3
3, 4
2
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The ignition switch has f our
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), and START (III).
You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To turn the key, the shift lever must
be in Park, and you must push the
key in slightly. If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-theft lock may make it difficult
to turn the key. Firmly turn the
steering wheel to the lef t or right as
you turn the key.
You can
operate the audio system and the
accessory power sockets in this
position.
This is the normal key
position when driving. Several of the
indicators on the instrument panel
come on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch f rom the
ACCESSORY (I) to the ON (II)
position.
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to the ON (II) position when
you let go of the key. You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or the
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver’s door. Remove the key to
turn of f the beeper.
You will also see a ‘‘REMOVE KEY’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page ).
TheshiftlevermustbeinPark
bef ore you can remove the key f rom
the ignition switch.
78
Ignition Switch
LOCK (0) A CCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
ST A RT (III)
122
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Because your vehicle rides higher
of f the ground, it has a high center
of gravity that can cause it to roll
over if you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a signif icantly higher
roll over rate than other types of
vehicles. Your vehicle has higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier.To prevent rollovers or loss of
control:
Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a passenger
vehicle.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible.
Do not modif y your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.
Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof . Your vehicle is equipped with a
super handling-all wheel drive
(SH-AWD) system. When the
system senses a loss of one or more
wheel traction, it automatically
transfers some power to the other
wheels. This gives you better
traction and mobility.
You still need to exercise the same
care when accelerating, steering, and
brakingthatyouwouldinatwo-
wheel drive vehicle.
See page f or of f -highway driving
guidelines. 321
Driving Guidelines
290
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CONT INUED
Each time you pull (right), the
transmission shifts to a higher gear.
Pull (lef t) to downshif t. You will
see the selected gear number on the
instrument panel.
When you pull either paddle shif ter,
the gear position indicator shows you
the selected gear number.
When you are driving in D position,
pulling either paddle shif ter switches
fromtheordinaryautomatic
transmission [drive mode (D)] to the
D-paddle shif t mode. You can shif t
the transmission up or down
manually with the paddle shif ters.
To shif t up or down, use the
(right) or (lef t) paddle shif ter on
each side of the steering wheel.
Downshif ting gives you more power
when climbing, and provides engine
braking when going down a steep hill.
Using the Paddle Shif ters in D
position (D-Paddle Shif t Mode)
Driving with the Paddle Shif ters
Driving
297
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
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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 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.
When the electric vacuum pump is in
operation, it makes some mechanical
noises come f rom the engine
compartment. This is normal.
384
Braking System
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System Design
304
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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
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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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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
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