ecu Acura RDX 2011 Service Manual

3. Holding the grip, pull the supportrod out of its clip. Insert the end
into the designated hole in the
hood. To close the hood, lift it up slightly to
remove the support rod from the
hole. Put the support rod back into
its holding clip. Lower the hood to
about a foot (30 cm) above the
fender, then let it drop. Make sure it
is securely latched.
Oil Check
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Wait a few minutes after turning the
engine off before you check the oil.
1. Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
3. Hold the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel, and then
insert it all the way back in its
hole.
GRIP
SUPPORT ROD CLIP
DIPSTICK
Service Station Procedures35610/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Carrying Cargo in the Passenger
Compartment●Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.●Be sure items placed on the floor
behind the front seats cannot roll
underneath and interfere with the
proper operation of the seats, the
sensors under the seats, or the
driver's ability to operate the
pedals.
●If you fold the rear seats down, tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop. Also, keep all cargo
below the bottom of the windows.
If it is higher, it could interfere
with the proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.●Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop.●Do not put any items on top of the
cargo area cover. They can block
your view and be thrown around
the vehicle during a crash.Carrying Cargo in the Cargo Area
or on a Roof Rack
●Distribute cargo evenly on the
floor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.●If you fold the rear seats down, tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop. Keep all cargo below
the bottom of the windows. If it is
higher, it could interfere with the
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.
CONTINUED
Carrying Cargo
367
Before Driving
10/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

●If you carry large items that
prevent you from closing the
tailgate, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility ofcarbon monoxide
poisoning, follow the instructions
on page 57.●●If you carry any items on a roof
rack, be sure the total weight of
the rack and the items does not
exceed 110 lbs (50 kg). Cargo Hooks/Hanger Bars
To secure the cargo, you can use the
four cargo hooks in the cargo area.
The illustration shows the location of
each cargo hook.
The cargo hooks on the floor can be
used to install the cargo net for
securing items. The hanger bars can be used to hang
items. The hanger bar is designed to
hang light items (maximum load: 11
lbs or 5 kg on each side). Heavy
items may damage the bars.
HANGER
BARS
HOOK
Carrying Cargo36810/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Optional Cargo Net
The cargo net can be used to help
hold down light items in the cargo
area. The cargo net may not prevent
heavy items from being thrown
forward in a crash or a sudden stop.
Heavy items should be secured to
the cargo area floor with the hooks
or cinch straps attached to the cargo
hooks.
Carrying Cargo
369
Before Driving
10/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

You should do these checks and
adjustments before you drive your
vehicle:1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
2. Check that the hood is fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
4. Check that any items you may be carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely. 5. Check the seat adjustment (see
page 134).
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see page
146).
7. Check the steering wheel adjustment (see page 122).
8. Make sure the doors and the tailgate are securely closed and
locked.
9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 15). 10. When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-information
display (see pages 63, 73 and 74).
Preparing to Drive
373
Driving
10/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure the
parking brake is set firmly, or your
vehicle may roll if it is parked on an
incline.
Set the parking brake before you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.Parking Tips
●Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.●Turn off the lights.●Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them with
you.●Lock the doors and the tailgate.●Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
●If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb.●If the vehicle is facing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.●Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verify that the
security system is set.●Make sure the parking brake is
fully released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Parking38610/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Checking Loads
The best way to confirm that all loads
are within limits is to check them at a
public scale. For public scales in your
area, check your local phone book,
or contact your trailer dealer or
rental agency for assistance.
If you cannot get to a public scale,
you can estimate the total trailer
weight by adding the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the
manufacturer) with everything in or
on the trailer.
If you normally pull the same load
each time you tow a trailer, you can
use a suitable scale or a special
tongue load gauge to check the
tongue load the first time you set up
a towing combination (a fully loaded
vehicle and trailer), then recheck the
tongue load whenever the conditions
change.Towing Equipment and
Accessories
Towing can require a variety of
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, how
much load you are towing, and
where you tow.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and follow the
guidelines in this section. Also make
sure that all equipment is properly
installed and maintained, and that it
meets federal, state, provincial,
territorial and local regulations.
HitchesAny hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody.Safety ChainsAlways use safety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it becomes
unhitched. Leave enough slack to
allow the trailer to turn corners
easily, but do not let the chains drag
on the ground.
CONTINUED
Towing a Trailer
399
Driving
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●The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.●All weights and loads are within
limits.●The hitch, safety chains, and any
other attachments are secure.●All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
●The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.●Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated, and the trailer
tires and spare are inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.Driving Safely With a Trailer
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
in this section.
Towing a Trailer40210/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour
in the oil slowly and carefully so you
do not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not fill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.
Required Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Your vehicle is equipped with a high-
performance turbocharged engine
that requires the use of synthetic
motor oil. Always use Mobil 1
®
5W-30 or an equivalent oil that meets
the Acura HTO-06 standard. Not all
synthetic oils will meet this standard.
Only use oils that display the HTO-06
standard on the label.
Failure to use Mobil 1
®or an
equivalent oil that meets the HTO-06
standard can lead to a reduction in
engine performance or durability,
and can cause engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
ENGINE OIL FILL CAPAdding Engine Oil42010/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

3. Insert the dipstick all the way intothe transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be between
the upper and lower marks.
5. If the level is below the lowermark, remove the fill plug, then
add the fluid into the fill hole to
bring it to the level between the
upper and lower marks on the
dipstick.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spills immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Always use Acura ATF-Z1 (automatic
transmission fluid).
Use only Acura ATF-Z1 (automatic
transmission fluid). Do not mix with
other transmission fluids.
Using transmission fluid other than
Acura ATF-Z1 may cause deterioration
in transmission operation and
durability, and could result in damage
to the transmission.
Damage resulting from the use of
transmission fluid other than Acura
ATF-Z1 is not covered by the Acura
new vehicle warranty.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer.
HOT
MARK UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
FILL PLUG
Automatic Transmission Fluid42810/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu