Rear Acura RDX 2011 Repair Manual

The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the wheels from
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much faster than a
person can do it.
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the front-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.You should never pump the brake pedal.Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
referred to as‘‘stomp and steer. ’’You will feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
the brake pedal very hard before the
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
ABS Indicator
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock function of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 80).
If the indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as instructed
on page 467.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)38810/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is fully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page 467. If the brakes feel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.Important Safety Reminders
ABS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
It only helps with the
steering control during braking.
ABS will not prevent a skid that
results from changing direction
abruptly, such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed for the road and weather
conditions.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road. A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop
on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
389
Driving
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Tongue Load:The weight that the
tongue of a fully-loaded trailer puts
on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight. Too
much tongue load reduces front-tire
traction and steering control. Too
little tongue load can make the trailer
unstable and cause it to sway. To achieve a proper tongue load,
start by loading 60% of the load
toward the front of the trailer and 40%
toward the rear, then re-adjust the
load as needed.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
－The maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
all accessories, all cargo, and the
tongue load is :
4WD:4,894 lbs (2,220 kg)2WD:4,718 lbs (2,140 kg) Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(GAWR)
－The maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle axle is :
4WD:2,546 lbs (1,155 kg)
on the front axle
2,381 lbs (1,080 kg)
on the rear axle2WD:2,447 lbs (1,110 kg)
on the front axle
2,271 lbs (1,030 kg)
on the rear axle
Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) －The maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle and
trailer is :4WD:6,394 lbs (2,900 kg)2WD:4,718 lbs (2,140 kg)
Towing a Trailer39810/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

Crossing a Stream
Avoid driving through deep water. If
you encounter water in your route (a
small stream or large puddle, for
example), evaluate it carefully before
going ahead. Make sure it is shallow,
flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the
depth or the ground, turn around and
find another route.
Driving through deep water can also
damage your vehicle. The water can
get into the transmission and
differential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can
also wash the grease out of the wheel
bearings.If You Get Stuck
Avoid driving on soft sand, deep
mud, or other surfaces where you
could get stuck. If you do happen to
get stuck because of inclement
weather or other conditions, choose
a safe and appropriate course of
action.
You should never use a jack to try
getting unstuck. A jack only works
on firm, level ground. Also, your
vehicle could easily slip off 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 differential
temperature is too high.
You will also see an
‘‘SH-AWD DIFF
TEMP. HIGH ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 385).
If this happens, stop and allow
everything to cool down. The
SH-AWD indicator goes off after the
rear differential temperature drops.
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
407
Driving
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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
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3. Install the socket back into theheadlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
4. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working. Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Tailgate)
1. Open the tailgate. Place a cloth on
the edge of the light assembly
cover to prevent scratches.
Remove the cover by carefully
prying in the notch on its middle
edge with a flat-tip screwdriver.
2. Determine which of the two bulbs is burned out: taillight or back-up
light.
3. Remove the socket by turning itone-quarter turn counterclockwise.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
COVER
NOTCH
SOCKETS
BULBSCONTINUED
Lights
433
Maintenance
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5. Turn on the lights to make surethe new bulb is working.
6. Reinstall the socket into the light assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
7. Reinstall the light assembly cover. Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Rear Pillar)
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Remove the two bolt covers on the
rear pillar by prying on the bottom
edge with a flat-tip screwdriver.
Remove the bolts with a Phillips-
head screwdriver, and remove the
light assembly from the rear pillar.
3. Determine which of the threebulbs is burned out: brake/
taillight, turn signal or rear side
marker.
4. Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
5. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
COVERS BOLTS
BULB SOCKET
Lights43410/06/08 17:42:32 11 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK640 enu

6. Turn on the lights to make surethe new bulb is working.
7. Put the socket back into the light assembly, and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
8. Install the rear light assembly in the rear pillar. Tighten the two
bolts. Snap the bolt covers into
position. Replacing a Front Fog Light Bulb
Your vehicle uses halogen light
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its plastic case, and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the
glass can cause the bulb to overheat
and shatter.
1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to
remove the screw and use a flat-tip
screwdriver to remove the holding
clip located under the front
bumper.
2. Push up the undercover.SCREWS
HOLDING CLIP
CONTINUED
Lights
435
Maintenance
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3. Remove the socket from the lightassembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms. 5. Press the brake pedal to make
sure the new bulb is working.
6. Put the socket back into the light assembly, and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
7. Reinstall the high-mount brake light assembly into the tailgate.
Tighten the two screws and
reinstall the covers. Side Turn Signal Lights
Each outside mirror has side turn
signal lights. The lights should be
replaced by your dealer.
Replacing a Rear License Plate
Light Bulb
The license plate has two lights
above it. The bulbs should be
replaced by your dealer.BULB
SOCKET
Lights
437
Maintenance
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Audio AntennaYour vehicle is equipped with an
antenna at the rear of the roof. Before
using a‘‘drive-through ’’car wash,
remove the antenna by unscrewing it by
hand. This prevents the antenna from
being damaged by the car wash
brushes. Intercooler
Your vehicle is equipped with a
intercooler on the engine to cool the
air flow from a turbo charger into the
engine. The intercooler fins bend
easily. Do not push them with your
finger.
Do not spray water (from such sources
as garden hoses, high pressure
sprayers) into the engine compartment.
It may cause serious damage to your
vehicle, and could also damage the
intercooler fins.
Dust and Pollen Filter
This filter removes the dust and
pollen that is brought in from the
outside through the climate control
system.
Have your dealer replace the filter
when this service is indicated by a
maintenance message on the multi-
information display. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air, or if the flow from
the climate control system becomes
less than usual.
ANTENNA
INTERCOOLER
Audio Antenna, Intercooler, Dust and Pollen Filter
439
Maintenance
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