airbag Acura RDX 2012 Owner's Guide

Child Seat PlacementWe strongly recommend placing a
forward-facing child seat in a back
seat, not the front.Placing a forward-facing child seat inthe front seat of a vehicle equippedwith a passenger's airbag can be
hazardous.
If the vehicle seat is too
far forward, or the child's head is
thrown forward during a collision, an
inflating airbag can strike the child
with enough force to cause very
serious or fatal injuries. Even with advanced front airbags
that automatically turn the
passenger's front airbag off (see page
33), a back seat is the safest place for
a small child.
If it is necessary to put a forward-
facing child seat in the front, move
the vehicle seat as far to the rear as
possible, and be sure the child seat is
firmly secured to the vehicle and the
child is properly strapped in the seat.
Placing a forward-facing child
seat in the front seat can result
in serious injury or death if the
front airbag inflates.
If you must place a forward-
facing child seat in front, move
the vehicle seat as far back as
possible, and properly restrain
the child.
Protecting Infants and Small Children
43
Driver and Passenger Safety
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

When a child reaches the
recommended weight or height limit
for a forward-facing child seat, the
child should sit in a back seat on a
booster seat and wear a lap/shoulder
belt.
The following pages give instructions
on how to check proper seat belt fit,
what kind of booster seat to use if
one is needed, and important
precautions for a child who must sit
in front.
Allowing a child age 12 or under
to sit in front can result in injury
or death if the passenger's front
airbag inflates.
If a child must ride in front,
move the vehicle seat as far
back as possible, use a booster
seat if needed, have the child
sit up properly and wear the
seat belt properly.Checking Seat Belt Fit
To determine if a lap/shoulder belt
properly fits a child, have the child
put on the seat belt, then ask
yourself:
1. Does the child sit all the way back
against the seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably over the edge of the
seat?
CONTINUED
Protecting Larger Children
53
Driver and Passenger Safety
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

If a child who uses a booster seat
must ride in front, move the vehicle
seat as far back as possible and be
sure the child is wearing the seat belt
properly.
A child may continue using a booster
seat until the tops of their ears are
even with the top of the vehicle's or
booster's seat-back. A child of this
height should be tall enough to use
the lap/shoulder belt without a
booster seat.When Can a Larger Child Sit in
Front
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
aged 12 and under be properly
restrained in a back seat.
If the passenger's front airbag
inflates in a moderate to severe
frontal collision, the airbag can cause
serious injuries to a child who is
unrestrained, improperly restrained,
sitting too close to the airbag, or out
of position.
A side airbag also poses risks. If any
part of a larger child's body is in the
path of a deploying side airbag, the
child could receive possibly serious
injuries.Of course, children vary widely. And
while age may be one indicator of
when a child can safely ride in front,
there are other important factors you
should consider.
Physical SizePhysically, a child must be large
enough for the lap/shoulder belt to
properly fit (see pages 15 and 53). If
the seat belt does not fit properly,
with or without the child sitting on a
booster seat, the child should not sit
in front.MaturityTo safely ride in front, a child must
be able to follow the rules, including
sitting properly, and wearing the seat
belt properly throughout a ride.
CONTINUED
Protecting Larger Children
55
Driver and Passenger Safety
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P. 68)HIGH BEAM INDICATOR (P. 69)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE/TPMS INDICATOR
(P. 71, 390)
VSA OFF INDICATOR (P. 69) BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (AMBER) (P. 67, 468)
LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
(P. 70)
IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 66)
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
(P. 65, 465)
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P. 65, 465) A/T TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
(P. 65) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
(P. 65, 466) SYSTEM MESSAGE INDICATOR
(P. 72)
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR (P. 70)
LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P. 68)SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR (P. 20, 64)
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 70) SH-AWD INDICATOR
ᤳ
(P. 70)PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (RED)
(P. 67, 467)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR (P. 32, 66)
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) INDICATOR
(P. 32, 65)
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR
(P. 69)
CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR (P. 69)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR (P. 66, 388)
ᤳ : If equippedInstrument Panel
63
Instruments and Controls
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display. For more
information, see page 466.Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
The engine can be severely damaged if
this indicator flashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For more
information, see page 465.
You will also see a ‘‘OIL PRESSURE
LOW ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 79).Charging System
Indicator
If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged, and you will also see a
‘‘ CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display. For more information, see
page 465.
A/T Temperature
Indicator
This indicator monitors the
temperature of the automatic
transmission fluid. If it comes on
while driving, it means the
transmission fluid temperature is too
high. Pull to the side of the road
when it is safe, shift to Park, and let
the engine idle until the indicator
goes out.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
TRANSMISSION ’’message on the
multi-information display (see page
80).
Continuing to drive with the A/T
temperature indicator on may cause
serious damage to the transmission.
Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) Indicator
This indicator comes on for several
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates a potential problem with
your front airbags. This indicator will
also alert you to a potential problem
with your airbag system components.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK AIRBAG
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 80).
For more information, see page 32.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
65
Instruments and Controls
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

U.S. CanadaSide Airbag Off Indicator
This indicator comes on for several
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates that the passenger's side
airbag has automatically shut off. You
will also see a‘‘PASSENGER SIDE
AIRBAG OFF ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 80).
For more information, see page 32.
Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and when the ignition
switch is turned to the START (III)
position. If this indicator comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the ABS. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With this indicator on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock function. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 80).
For more information, see page 388.
Immobilizer System
Indicator
This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will then go off if
you have inserted a properly coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly
coded key, the indicator blinks, and
the engine's fuel system will be
disabled (see page 124).
Instrument Panel Indicators6611/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

ᤳ1: To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
ᤳ 2: On models without navigation system.
ᤳ 3: Only on vehicles equipped with navigation system. Refer to the navigation system manual.BLUETOOTH HANDSFREELINK
BUTTONS (P. 306) HORN
ᤳ
1
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENTS (P. 122) MULTI-INFORMATION
BUTTONS (P. 74)CRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS (P. 300)SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
(P. 141)
HEADLIGHTS/TURN
SIGNAL/FOG LIGHTS
(P. 116/119)
REMOTE AUDIO CONTROL
BUTTONS (P. 289) VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA) OFF
SWITCH
(P. 396)MIRROR CONTROLS
(P. 146)
VOICE CONTROL
BUTTONS
ᤳ 3
HAZARD WARNING BUTTON
(P. 121)
PADDLE SHIFTERS
(P. 380)
WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS/
REAR WINDOW
WIPER/WASHER
(P. 114/115) NAVIGATION SYSTEM
ᤳ
3/
CENTER DISPLAY
ᤳ 2
(P. 172)
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR (P. 33)
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER/
HEATED MIRROR
BUTTON
(P. 121/147)
AUXILIARY INPUT JACK
(P. 291)
ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKET
(P. 157)
UPPER DISPLAY
ᤳ
3
(P. 173)
Vehicle with navigation system is shown.
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
113
Instruments and Controls
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Do not put any heavy items on the
seat-back when it is folded down.
Make sure all items in the cargo area
are secured. Loose items can fly
forward and cause injury if you have
to brake hard (SeeCarrying Cargo
on page 365).
Make sure that the folded down rear
seat does not interfere with the front
passenger's seat-back. This will
cause the front passenger's weight
sensors and the front passenger's
seat belt reminder indicator to work
improperly (see pages 21 and 33).
Also check the passenger airbag off
indicator to assure proper operation
of the passenger's front airbag.
After returning the seat-back to the
upright position, tug on the seat-back
to make sure it is latched. If the seat-
back is not latched fully, the seat belt
will not work properly and you will
see the red indicator behind the
release lever as shown. To return the seat cushion to its
original position, lift up the seat
cushion, then place the rear of the
seat cushion at the base of the seat-
back. Use the seat buckles as guides.
Lower the front of the seat cushion
until it locks into place.
Make sure the seat-back and seat
cushion are locked securely and all
rear shoulder belts are positioned in
front of the rear seat-backs.
RELEASE
LEVER
INDICATOR
Seats14011/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Both front seats are equipped with
seat heaters. The passenger seat is
only heated in the seat bottom
because of the side airbag cutoff
system.
The ignition switch must be in the
ON (II) position to use seat heaters.
Push the top of the switch, HI, to
rapidly heat up the seat. After the
seat reaches a comfortable
temperature, select LO by pushing
the bottom of the switch. This will
keep the seat warm.
Heat induced burns are
possible when using seat
heaters.
Persons with a diminished
ability to sense temperature
(e.g., persons with diabetes,
lower-limb nerve damage, or
paralysis) or with sensitive skin
should not use seat heaters.
In the HI setting, the heater turns off
when the seat gets warm, and turns
back on after the seat's temperature
drops.
In the LO setting, the heater runs
continuously. It does not cycle with
temperature changes.
Passenger's Seat
HEATERS Driver's Seat
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
CONTINUED
Seat Heaters
141
Instruments and Controls
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle's handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interfere with your vehicle's
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and
tire pressure monitoring system. Before installing any accessory:
●Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interfere
with proper vehicle operation or
performance.●Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits (see
page 469) or interfere with proper
operation of your vehicle.●Before installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the final installation.●Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
these areas may interfere with
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.Modifying Your Vehicle
Removing parts from your vehicle, or
replacing components with non-
Acura components could seriously
affect your vehicle's handling,
stability, and reliability.
Here are some examples:
●Lowering the vehicle with a non-
Acura suspension kit that
significantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.●Raising your vehicle with a non-
Acura suspension kit can affect the
handling, stability, and reliability.
CONTINUED
Accessories and Modifications
363
Before Driving
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu