page 61 Acura RDX 2012 Owner's Manual

The Starter Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's speed
sounds normal, or even faster than
normal, when you turn the ignition
switch to the START (III) position,
but the engine does not run.
●Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page 124).●Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer toStarting the
Engine on page 374.
●Do you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the low fuel indicator may
not be working.●There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see
page 470).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find the
problem. See Emergency Towing on
page 475.
If the Engine Won't Start46011/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

5. Look for any obvious coolantleaks, such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see Emergency
Towing on page 475).
6. If you do not find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
7. If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower before
checking the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
8. Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off. 9. Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘
’’). Add coolant to the radiator
up to the base of the filler neck. If
you do not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have the
cooling system drained and refilled
with the proper mixture as soon as
you can.
10. Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the H mark, the engine
needs repair (see Emergency
Towing on page 475).
11. If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has gone
down, add coolant to the MAX
mark. Put the cap back on tightly.
If the Engine Overheats46411/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
You will also see an ‘‘OIL PRESSURE
LOW ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 79).
The indicator notifies you of low oil
pressure and does not measure the
oil level. Check your vehicle's oil
level at each refueling.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the vehicle stopped. 1. Safely pull off the road, and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page 357). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page 420).
4. Start the engine, and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving
(see Emergency Towing on page
475). Charging System Indicator
If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display (see
page 79).
Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
465
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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If the indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine's emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle's performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. You will also see a
‘‘ TIGHTEN FUEL CAP ’’message on
the multi-information display.
Tighten the cap until it clicks at least
once. Tightening the cap will not turn
the indicator off immediately; it can
take several days of normal driving.
If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
If you keep driving with the malfunction
indicator lamp on, you can damage
your vehicle's emissions controls and
engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your vehicle's warranties.
The indicator may also come on with
the ‘‘D ’’indicator.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display (see
page 79).
Readiness Codes
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes ’’that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed. If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
these codes may be erased. It can
take several days of driving under
various conditions to set the codes
again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malfunction indicator lamp will
come on for 20 seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks five times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle for an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to
Emissions Testing for
more information (see page 490).
Malfunction Indicator Lamp46611/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Brake System Indicator
(Red)U.S. CanadaThe brake system indicator (red)
normally comes on when you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and as a reminder to check
the parking brake. It will stay on if
you do not fully release the parking
brake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
fluid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
feels normal. If it does, check the
brake fluid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
429).
You will also see a‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 79). If the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system's dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
You will also see a
‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 79). Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see
Emergency
Towing on page 475).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
Brake System Indicator
467
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Brake System Indicator
(Amber)U.S. CanadaYour vehicle has an electric vacuum
pump located in the engine
compartment. It enhances the
effectiveness of your vehicle's brake
system more frequently when you
drive in cold weather or thinner air at
high altitude after the engine is
started.
When the electric vacuum pump is in
operation, it makes some mechanical
noises come from the engine
compartment. This is normal.The brake system indicator (amber)
on the instrument panel normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position and
goes off after the engine starts. If it
comes on at any other time, press on
the brake pedal with your foot
several times until the indicator turns
off. If the indicator is still on or
comes on again after this procedure,
there is a problem in the brake
system including the electric vacuum
pump. If this happens, the brake
pedal might feel heavy when you
press it. Have your vehicle checked
by your dealer.
You will also see a
‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 79).Brake System Indicator46811/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
473 and 474, or the diagram on the
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that device. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
the cause. Replace any blown fuses,
and check if the device works.1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. Make sure the
headlights and all other
accessories are off.
2. (Under-hood fuse boxes) Remove the cover from the fuse
box.
3. Check each of the large fuses inthe under-hood fuse box by
looking through the side window
at the wire inside. Remove the
screws with a Phillips-head
screwdriver.FUSE BLOWN
BLOWN
Fuses47011/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Replacing a fuse with one that has a
higher rating greatly increases the
chances of damaging the electrical
system. If you do not have a
replacement fuse with the proper rating
for the circuit, install one with a lower
rating.6. If the replacement fuse of the same
rating blows in a short time, there
is probably a serious electrical
problem in your vehicle. Leave the
blown fuse in that circuit and have
your vehicle checked by a
qualified technician.
On models without navigation systemWhen the audio system is disabled,
the clock setting in the audio system
will be canceled. You will need to
reset the clock (see page 293).
On models with navigation systemIf the navigation system fuse is
removed, the navigation system will
disable itself. The next time you turn
on the ignition switch, the system
will require you to enter a PIN before
it can be used. Refer to the
navigation system manual.
Fuses47211/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

LightsHeadlights High12 V－60 W (HB3)
Low
ᤳ
12 V －35 W (D2S)
Front turn signal/parking lights 12 V －24/2.2 CP (Amber)
Front fog lights 12 V －55 W (H11)
Front side marker lights 12 V －3CP
Rear turn signal lights 12 V －21 W
Brake/Taillights (in fenders) 12 V －21/5 W
Taillights (in tailgate) 12 V －3CP
Back-up lights 12 V －21 W
Rear side marker lights 12 V －2CP
License plate lights 12 V －3CP
High-mount brake light 12 V －16 W
Front ceiling lights/Spotlights 12 V －4CP
Rear ceiling light 12 V －8W
Glove box light 14 V －1.4 W
Console compartment light 14 V －1.4 W
Vanity mirror lights 12 V －2W
Door courtesy lights 12 V －2CP
Cargo area light 12 V －5W
ᤳ : The low beam headlights are high voltage discharged type.
Replacement of a low beam headlight bulb should be performed by
your dealer.
Air ConditioningRefrigerant type HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge quantity 15.8－17.6 oz (450 －500 g)
Lubricant type SP-10BatteryCapacity12 V－52 AH/5 HR
12 V －65 AH/20 HRFusesInterior See page 473 or the fuse label
attached to the dashboard.
Under-hood See page 474 or the fuse box
covers.AlignmentToe-in Front 0.0 in (0 mm)
Rear 0.10 in (2.5 mm)
Camber Front 0 ° 10’
Rear －1°
Caster Front 2 ° 57’TiresSize Front/Rear P235/55R18 99V
Spare T165/80D17 104M
Pressure Front/Rear 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Spare 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2)
Specifications
481
Technical Information
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The burning of gasoline in your
vehicle's engine produces several by-
products. Some of these are carbon
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen
(NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC).
Gasoline evaporating from the tank
also produces hydrocarbons.
Controlling the production of NOx,
CO, and HC is important to the
environment. Under certain
conditions of sunlight and climate,
NOx and HC react to form
photochemical‘‘smog. ’’Carbon
monoxide does not contribute to
smog creation, but it is a poisonous
gas. The Clean Air Act
The United States Clean Air Act
ᤳ
sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
work and what to do to maintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
418.ᤳIn Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specified in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manufactured. Crankcase Emissions Control
System
Your vehicle has a positive crankcase
ventilation system. This keeps
gasses that build up in the engine's
crankcase from going into the
atmosphere. The positive crankcase
ventilation valve routes them from
the crankcase back to the intake
manifold. They are then drawn into
the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
As gasoline evaporates in the fuel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister filled with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is off. After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
Emissions Controls
487
Technical Information
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