steering Acura RDX 2011 Service Manual

SymbolMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
ꭧ 1
B
●Replace engine oil
ꭧ1and 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/VSA)●All fluid levels and condition of fluids●Exhaust system
＃
●Fuel lines and connections
＃
ꭧ1: If the message ‘‘SERVICE ’’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 417.
NOTE:
●Independent of maintenance message 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 if they are noisy. Symbol Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filterIf 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
3●Replace transmission and transfer
ꭧ 2fluid
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).
4
●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid
ꭧ 2
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).
ꭧ2: SH-AWD only
Maintenance Minder™
Maintenance Minder
41810/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID
(Red cap)ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
RADIATOR CAP BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
Fluid Locations
419
Maintenance
10/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The fluid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering fluid to the
UPPER LEVEL.
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 Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering fluid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Acura PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer.
Turning the steering wheel to full left or
right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Power Steering Fluid43010/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Tire RotationTo help increase tire life and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the illustration each time they are
rotated. If you purchase directional
tires, rotate only front-to-back.Replacing Tires and Wheels
Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire's sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a different
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
The ABS and VSA system work by
comparing the speed of the wheels.
When replacing tires, use the same
size originally supplied with the
vehicle. Tire size and construction
can affect wheel speed and may
cause the ABS or VSA system to
activate.
It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, replace the two front
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle's handling.
If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel's specifications
match those of the original wheels.
Also be sure you use only TPMS
specific wheels. If you do not, the tire
pressure monitoring system will not
work.
Replacement wheels are available at
your dealer.
Front Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) (For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
CONTINUED
Tires
447
Maintenance
10/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.(On SH-AWD models)The only way you can safely tow
your vehicle is with flat-bed
equipment.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, inform
them a flat-bed is required.Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the all-
wheel-drive system. Your vehicle should
be transported on a flat-bed truck or
trailer.
(Execpt SH-AWD models)There are two ways to tow your
vehicle:Flat-bed Equipment
－ The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. This is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
Wheel-lift Equipment
－ The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground. This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle. If, due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the front wheels on
the ground, do this:
●Start the engine.●Shift to the D position and hold for
5 seconds, then to N.●Turn off the engine.●Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.●Release the parking brake.
CONTINUED
Emergency Towing
475
Taking Care of the Unexpected
10/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shift the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported with the front wheels off the
ground.
With the front wheels on the ground,
do not tow the vehicle more than 50
miles (80 km), and keep the speed
below 35 mph (55 km/h).
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle's weight.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns freely before you begin
towing.
Emergency Towing47610/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

A
Accessories andModifications
..........................
362
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)
.................................
125
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
157
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models
only)
.......................................
332
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
421
Adjusting the Sound
............
177, 224
Adjusting the Steering Wheel....
122
Advanced Airbags
........................
28
Airbag (SRS)
..........................
10, 24
Air Conditioning System
............
164
Usage
......................................
165
Air Pressure, Tires
..............
444, 445
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
352
Antifreeze
...................................
424
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator
............................
66, 388
Operation
................................
388
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
292
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock
.......................................
125 Armrests
....................................
138
Audio Antenna
...........................
439
Audio System
......................
172, 216
Automatic Lighting Off
Feature
...................................
118
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...
22
Automatic Speed Control
...........
300
Automatic Transmission
............
376
Capacity, Fluid
........................
480
Checking Fluid Level
..............
427
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
................................
380
Shifting
...................................
376
Shift Lever Position Indicators
............................
376
Shift Lever Positions
...............
377
Shift Lock Release
...................
379
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
291
B
Battery Charging System
Indicator
........................
65, 465
Jump Starting
..........................
461 Maintenance
...........................
450
Specifications
..........................
481
Before Driving
...........................
351
Belts, Seat
................................
9, 20
Beverage Holders
......................
156
Bluetooth
®Audio
................
212, 280
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®......
306
Booster Seats
...............................
54
Brakes Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...........
388
Break-in, New Linings
.............
352
Bulb Replacement
...................
433
Fluid
.......................................
429
Parking
...................................
150
System Design
........................
387
System Indicator (Amber)
.......
468
System Indicator (Red)
...........
467
Wear Indicators
.......................
387
Braking System
..........................
387
Break-in, New Vehicle
................
352
Brightness Control,
Instruments
............................
120
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX
10/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

EngineAdding Engine Coolant
...........
424
If it Won't Start
........................
459
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
.............................
65, 466
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
411
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
65, 465
Overheating
............................
463
Specifications
..........................
480
Speed Limiter
..........................
378
Starting
...................................
374
Engine Coolant
..........................
424
Engine Number
.........................
479
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
352
Evaporative Emissions Controls
..................................
487
Exhaust Emissions Controls
......
488
Exhaust Fumes
............................
57
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by
....................................
18
F
Fan, Interior
...............................
166
Features
.....................................
163 Filters
Dust and Pollen
.......................
439
Oil
...........................................
422
Flashers, Hazard Warning
.........
121
Flat Tire, Changing a
.................
455
Floor Mats
.................................
438
Fluids Automatic Transmission
.........
427
Brake
......................................
429
Location
..................................
419
Power Steering
........................
430
Windshield Washer
.................
426
FM/AM Radio Reception
...........
287
Fog Lights
..................................
119
Folding the Rear Seats Down
.....
138
Four-way Flashers
......................
121
Front Airbags
.........................
10, 26
Front Door Pockets
....................
155
Front Seat Heaters
...................................
141
Front Seat Power
Adjustments
...........................
134
Fuel
............................................
352
Economy
.................................
358
Fill Door and Cap
....................
353
Gauge
......................................
73 Low Fuel Indicator
...................
68
Octane Requirement
...............
352
Reserve Indicator
.....................
68
Tank, Filling the
......................
353
Tighten Fuel Cap
....................
354
Fuel Economy
............................
358
Fuses, Checking the
..................
470
G
Gas Mileage, Improving
.............
359
Gasoline
.....................................
352
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
68
Octane Requirement
...............
352
Tank, Refueling
.......................
353
Gas Station Procedures
..............
353
Gauges Fuel
..........................................
73
Speedometer
............................
73
Tachometer
..............................
73
Turbo Boost Meter
..................
73
Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic
Transmission
...............
376, 377
Glove Box
..................................
155
IndexIV10/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Infant Restraint
............................
41
Infant Seats
..................................
41
Tether Anchorage Point
...........
51
Inflation, Proper Tire
..................
444
Recommended Pressures
.......
445
Inside Mirror
.............................
146
Inspection, Tire
..........................
445
Installing a Child Seat
..................
45
Instrument Panel
..........................
63
Instrument Panel Brightness
.....
120
Instruments and Controls
.............
61
Intercooler
.................................
439
Interface Dial
.............................
216
Interior Care
..............................
452
Interior Lights
............................
151
Introduction
...................................
i
iPod
®...................................
197, 260
iPod
®Error Messages
.........
203, 269
J
Jacking up the Vehicle
...............
455
Jack, Tire
...................................
455
Jump Starting
.............................
461 K
Keys
...........................................
122
L
Label, Certification
.....................
478
Lane Change, Signaling
.............
116
Lap/Shoulder Belt
.................
15, 21
LATCH Anchorage System
..........
46
Lights Bulb Replacement
...................
431
Indicator
...................................
63
Interior
....................................
151
Parking
...................................
116
Turn Signal
.............................
116
Load Limit
...........................
365, 397
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....
125
Locks Anti-theft Steering Column
......
125
Childproof Door
......................
127
Fuel Fill Door
..........................
353
Glove Box
...............................
155
Lockout Prevention
.................
127
Power Door
.............................
126 Tailgate
...................................
128
Low Coolant Level
......................
357
Lower Anchors
.............................
46
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................
68
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
...........................
65, 465
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
...........................
71, 390
Lubricant Specifications Chart...
480
Luggage, Storing (cargo)
...........
364
M
Maintenance
..............................
409
Main Items and Sub Items
......
415
Minder
....................................
411
Owner's Maintenance Checks
................................
417
Safety
......................................
410
Schedule
.................................
418
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
................................
65, 466
Memory, Driving Position
..........
148
Meters, Gauges
............................
73
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
352
IndexVI10/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Mirrors, Adjusting
......................
146
Modifications
.............................
363
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
363
Moonroof
...................................
144
Multi-Information Display
............
74
N
Neutral Gear Position
.................
377
New Vehicle Break-in
.................
352
NOTICE, Explanation of
................
i
Numbers, Identification
.............
478
O
Octane Requirement, Gasoline
.................................
352
Odometer
.....................................
76
Odometer, Trip
............................
76
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
..............................
405
Off-Road Precautions
..................
405
Oil Change, How to
......................
422
Change, When to
....................
411 Checking Engine
....................
356
Life, Engine
.............................
411
Pressure Indicator
.............
65, 465
Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart
...................................
420
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery
................................
488
ON (Ignition Key Position)
........
125
Outside Mirrors
.........................
146
Outside Temperature
...................
76
Overheating, Engine
..................
463
Owner's Maintenance Checks
....
417
Oxygenated Fuels
......................
352
P
Panel Brightness Control
...........
120
Park Gear Position
.....................
377
Parking
......................................
386
Parking Brake
............................
150
Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator
.................................
467
Parking Lights
...........................
116
Parking Over Things that Burn
................................
386, 489 Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
....
33
PGM-FI System
..........................
488
Playing an iPod
®..................
197, 260
Playing a USB Flash Memory
Device
.............................
204, 270
Playing Disc
...............................
185
Playing the FM/AM Radio
...............................
174, 217
Playing the XM
®Radio
........
179, 228
Pollen Filter
...............................
439
Power Door Locks
.....................
126
Power Seat Adjustments
............
134
Power Socket Locations
.............
157
Power Steering Fluid
.................
430
Power Windows
.........................
142
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts
........
18
Preparing to Drive
......................
373
Proper Seat Belt Usage
................
15
Protecting Adults and Teens
........
12
Additional Safety Precautions
...
19
Advice for Pregnant Women
....
18
CONTINUED
Index
VII
INDEX
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