exhaust Acura RDX 2012 Owner's Manual

Your vehicle's exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. Carbon
monoxide should not enter the
vehicle in normal driving if you
maintain your vehicle properly and
follow the information on this page.
Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:●The vehicle is raised for an oil
change.●You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.●The vehicle was in a collision that
may have damaged the underside.
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.
High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage. With the tailgate open, airflow can
pull exhaust gas into your vehicle's
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
tailgate open, open all the windows,
and set the climate control system as
shown below.
If you must sit in your parked vehicle
with the engine running, even in an
unconfined area, adjust the climate
control system as follows:
1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the
mode.
3. Set the fan speed to high.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
57
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Odometer
The odometer shows the total
distance your vehicle has been
driven. It measures miles in U.S.
models and kilometers in Canadian
models. It is illegal under U.S.
federal law and Canadian provincial/
territorial regulations to disconnect,
reset, or alter the odometer with the
intent to change the number of miles
or kilometers indicated.
Trip Meter
This meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it. There
are two trip meters: Trip A and Trip
B. Each trip meter works
independently, so you can keep track
of two different distances.
To reset a trip meter, display it, then
press and hold the SEL/RESET
button until the number resets to
‘‘0.0 ’’. When you reset Trip A, AVG.
FUEL A is reset at the same time.
When you reset Trip B, AVG.
FUEL B is reset.
You can customize the Trip A and
AVG. FUEL A reset condition on the
multi-information display (see page
93).
Outside Temperature Display
This shows the outside temperature
in Fahrenheit (U.S. models), or in
Celsius (Canadian models).
The temperature sensor is in the
front bumper. The temperature
reading can be affected by heat
reflection from the road surface,
engine heat, and the exhaust from
surrounding traffic. This can cause
an incorrect temperature reading
when your vehicle speed is under 19
mph (30 km/h). When you start your
trip, the sensor is not fully
acclimatized, therefore it may take
several minutes until the proper
temperature is displayed.
In certain weather conditions,
temperature readings near freezing
(32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
forming on the road surface.
You can adjust the outside
temperature display (see page 91).Multi-Information Display7611/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

The tailgate will lock when you lock
the driver's door, and will unlock
when you unlock all doors.
You can change the‘‘DOOR LOCK
MODE ’’setting on the multi-
information display (see page 105).
To open the tailgate, press and hold
the switch, then lift up.
To close the tailgate, use the tailgate
handle or the pull pockets to lower
the tailgate, then press down on the
back edge.
Keep the tailgate closed at all times
while driving to avoid damaging the
tailgate and to prevent exhaust gas
from getting into the interior. See
Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page
57.
SWITCH
HANDLE PULL POCKET
Tailgate12811/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 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
CONTINUED
Carrying Cargo
369
Before Driving
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All service items not detailed in this
section should be performed by a
certified technician or other qualified
mechanic.
Important Safety Precautions
To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions before you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.●Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is off.●To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.●To reduce the possibility of fire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and flames away from the battery
and all fuel-related parts.●Wear eye protection and protective
clothing when working with the
battery or compressed air.
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner's
manual.
Potential Vehicle Hazards●Carbon Monoxide poison from
engine exhaust. Be sure there is
adequate ventilation whenever you
operate the engine.●Burns from hot parts. Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
down before touching any parts.
●Injury from moving parts. Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner's
manual.
Some of the most important safety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
Maintenance Safety41011/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

SymbolMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
ᤳ 1
B
●Replace engine oil
ᤳ1and 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
＃
ᤳ1: 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 the Maintenance Minder information, 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
ᤳ 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
ᤳ 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).
ᤳ2: SH-AWD only
Maintenance Minder
TM
Maintenance Minder
41811/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

The diagrams in this section give you
the dimensions and capacities of
your vehicle and the locations of the
identification numbers. It also
includes information you should
know about your vehicle's tires and
emissions control systems.Identification Numbers
...............
478
Specifications
..............................
480
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
482
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
...............................
482
Treadwear
...............................
482
Traction
..................................
482
Temperature
...........................
483
Tire Labeling
..............................
484
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) －Required Federal
Explanation
.........................
485
Emissions Controls
.....................
487
The Clean Air Act
....................
487
Crankcase Emissions Control System
................................
487
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
................................
487
Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
.............................
488
Exhaust Emissions
Controls
..............................
488
Replacement Parts
..................
488 Three Way Catalytic
Converter
................................
489
Emissions Testing
.......................
490
Technical Information
477
Technical Information
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Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
The onboard refueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the fuel vapors during refueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
filled with activated carbon. While
driving, the fuel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned off.
Exhaust Emissions Controls
The exhaust emissions controls
include three systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, and three
way catalytic converter. These three
systems work together to control the
engine's combustion and minimize
the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
come out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI SystemThe PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport fuel injection.
It has three subsystems: air intake,
engine control, and fuel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM)
uses various sensors to determine
how much air is going into the
engine. It then controls how much
fuel to inject under all operating
conditions.Ignition Timing Control SystemThis system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.Three Way Catalytic ConverterThe three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO
2), nitrogen
(N
2), and water vapor. Replacement Parts
The emissions control systems are
designed and certified to work
together in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Acura replacement parts or their
equivalent for repairs. Using lower
quality parts may increase the
emissions from your vehicle.
The emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your vehicle. Read your
warranty manual for more
information.
Emissions Controls48811/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

The three way catalytic converters
contain precious metals that serve as
catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without affecting the metals.
The catalytic converters are referred
to as three-way catalysts, since they
act on HC, CO, and NOx.
Replacement units must be original
Acura parts or their equivalent.
The three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on fire any
combustible materials that come
near it. Park your vehicle away from
high grass, dry leaves, or other
flammables.
A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine's
performance. Follow these
guidelines to protect your vehicle's
three way catalytic converter.●Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter ineffective.
●Keep the engine well maintained.●Have your vehicle diagnosed and
repaired if it is misfiring,
backfiring, stalling, or otherwise
not running properly.
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
Three Way Catalytic Converter
489
Technical Information
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Bulb ReplacementBack-up Lights
........................
433
Brake Lights
...........................
434
Fog Lights
...............................
435
Front Parking Lights
...............
432
Front Side Marker Lights
........
432
Headlights
..............................
431
High-mount Brake Light
.........
436
Rear Bulbs
......................
433, 434
Rear License Plate Lights........
437
Specifications
..........................
481
Taillights
.........................
433, 434
Turn Signal Lights
..........
432, 434
Bulbs, Halogen
..........................
431
C
Capacities Chart
.........................
480
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
............
57
Cargo
.........................................
365
Cargo Area Cover
.......................
160
Cargo Area Light
........................
153
Cargo, How to Carry
..................
365
Carrying Cargo
..........................
365
CAUTION, Explanation of
............
iii CD Care
.....................................
257
Ceiling Lights
.............................
151
Certification Label
......................
478
Chains, Tires
..............................
449
Changing a Flat Tire
..................
455
Changing Oil How to
....................................
422
When to
..................................
411
Charging System Indicator
...........................
65, 465
Checklist, Before Driving
...........
373
Childproof Door Locks
...............
127
Child Safety
..................................
36
Booster Seats
...........................
54
Child Seats
....................
41, 42, 44
Important Safety Reminders
.....
40
Infants
......................................
41
Larger Children
.......................
53
LATCH
.....................................
46
Risks with Airbags
...................
37
Small Children
.........................
42
Tethers
....................................
51
Warning Labels
........................
38
Where Should a Child Sit?
........
37
Child Seats
...................................
44
LATCH Anchorage Points
........
46 Tether Anchorage Points
.........
51
Cleaning the Seat Belts
..............
438
Client Service Information
..........
494
Climate Control Sensors
............
171
Climate Control System
.............
164
Clock
..........................................
293
Coat Hook
..................................
161
Code, Audio System
...................
291
CO in the Exhaust
................
57, 487
Cold Weather, Starting in
...........
374
Compact Spare Tire
....................
454
Compass Operation
..................
295
Console Compartment
...............
158
Consumer Information
...............
494
Controls, Instruments and
............
61
Coolant Adding
....................................
424
Checking
................................
358
Proper Solution
.......................
424
Courtesy Lights
..........................
153
Crankcase Emissions Control
System
...................................
487
Cruise Control Indicator
...............
69
Cruise Control Operation
...........
300
Cruise Main Indicator
..................
69
Cup Holders
...............................
156
IndexII11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu