power steering Acura RDX 2012 Owner's Manual

ᤳ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.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
BLUETOOTH HANDSFREELINK
BUTTONS (P. 306)
STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS
(P. 122) HORN
ᤳ
1
MULTI-INFORMATION
BUTTONS (P. 74) CRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS (P. 300)SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
(P. 141)ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKET
(P. 157)
AUXILIARY INPUT JACK
(P. 291) REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER/
HEATED MIRROR
BUTTON
(P. 121/147)PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
(P. 33)
NAVIGATION SYSTEM
ᤳ
3/
CENTER DISPLAY
ᤳ 2
(P. 172)
HAZARD WARNING BUTTON
(P. 121)
PADDLE SHIFTERS
(P. 380) WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS/
REAR WINDOW
WIPER/WASHER
(P. 114/115) UPPER DISPLAY
ᤳ
3
(P. 173)
Vehicle with navigation system is shown.
Your Vehicle at a Glance411/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

This section gives information about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations
..........................
62
Instrument Panel
..........................
63
Instrument Panel Indicators
..........
64
Gauges
..........................................
73
Turbo Boost Meter
...................
73
Fuel Gauge
...............................
73
Multi-Information Display
.............
74
System Messages
.....................
79
Customized Settings
.................
82
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel
.....................................
113
Windshield Wipers and
Washers
..............................
114
Rear Window Wiper and Washer
...............................
115 Turn Signals and Headlights
.......
116
Instrument Panel Brightness
......
120
Rear Window Defogger
...............
121
Hazard Warning Button
..............
121
Steering Wheel Adjustments
.......
122
Keys and Locks
...........................
122
Immobilizer System
....................
124
Ignition Switch
............................
125
Door Locks
.................................
126
Power Door Locks
..................
126
Childproof Door Locks
............
127
Tailgate
.......................................
128
Remote Transmitter
....................
130
Seats
...........................................
134
Front Seat Power
Adjustments
........................
134
Head Restraints
.......................
135
Armrests
.................................
138
Folding the Rear Seats Down
..................................
138
Seat Heaters
................................
141
Power Windows
..........................
142
Moonroof
....................................
144 Mirrors
.......................................
146
Adjusting the Power
Mirrors
...............................
146
Reverse Tilt Door Mirror
........
147
Heated Mirrors
.......................
147
Driving Position Memory
System
....................................
148
Parking Brake
.............................
150
Interior Lights
.............................
151
Ceiling Lights
.........................
151
Individual Map Lights
.............
152
Courtesy Lights
......................
153
Cargo Area Light
.....................
153
Interior Convenience Items
.........
154
Glove Box
...............................
155
Front Door Pockets
.................
155
Beverage Holders
...................
156
Accessory Power Sockets
.......
157
Sun Visor
................................
157
Vanity Mirror
..........................
158
Console Compartment
............
158
Cargo Area Cover
...................
160
Coat Hook
...............................
161
Instruments and Controls
61
Instruments and Controls
11/06/16 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

The ignition switch has four
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), and START (III).
LOCK (0)－You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To turn the key, the shift lever must
be in Park, and you must push the
key in slightly. If the front wheels are turned, the
anti-theft lock may make it difficult to
turn the key. Firmly turn the steering
wheel to the left or right as you turn
the key.
ACCESSORY (I)
－You can operate
the audio system and the accessory
power sockets in this position.
ON (II) －This is the normal key
position when driving. Several of the
indicators on the instrument panel
come on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch from the
ACCESSORY (I) to the ON (II)
position.
START (III) －Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to the ON (II) position when
you let go of the key. You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or the
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver's door. Remove the key to
turn off the beeper.
You will also see a
‘‘REMOVE KEY ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 80).
The shift lever must be in Park
before you can remove the key from
the ignition switch.
Ignition Switch
125
Instruments and Controls
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Your vehicle has higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier.
Because your vehicle rides higher off
the ground, it has a high center of
gravity that can cause it to roll over if
you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a significantly higher
roll over rate than other types of
vehicles.To prevent rollovers or loss of
control:
●Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a passenger
vehicle.●Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible.●Do not modify your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.●Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof.Your vehicle is equipped with a super
handling-all wheel drive (SH-AWD)
system. When the system senses a
loss of one or more wheel traction, it
automatically transfers some power
to the other wheels. This gives you
better traction and mobility.
You still need to exercise the same
care when accelerating, steering, and
braking that you would in a two-
wheel drive vehicle.
See page 405 for off-highway driving
guidelines.
Driving Guidelines37211/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Using the Paddle Shifters in the D
position (D-Paddle Shift Mode)
When you are driving in the D
position, pulling either paddle shifter
switches from D-normal drive mode,
to D-paddle shift mode. You can shift
the transmission up or down
manually with the paddle shifters.
Downshifting gives you more power
when climbing, and provides engine
braking when going down a steep
hill.
To shift up or down, use the＋
(right) or －(left) paddle shifter on
either side of the steering wheel.
Each time you pull ＋(right), the
transmission shifts to a higher gear.
Pull －(left) to downshift. You will
see the selected gear number on the
instrument panel.
When you pull either paddle shifter,
the gear position indicator shows you
the selected gear number.
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
Driving with the Paddle Shifters38011/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist using negative pressure
generated by the engine and the
electric vacuum pump helps reduce
the effort needed on the brake pedal.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps you retain steering control
when braking very hard.
When the electric vacuum pump is in
operation, it makes some mechanical
noises come from the engine
compartment. This is normal.
When you drive in cold weather or
thinner air at high altitude, the
electric vacuum pump operates more
frequently after the engine is started.
For more information about the
electric vacuum pump, see page 468.Resting your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, fuel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, confusing
drivers behind you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their
effectiveness. Use the engine to
assist the brakes by taking your foot
off the accelerator and downshifting
to a lower gear.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.Braking System Design
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
All four brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Braking System
387
Driving
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page 497 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certified’’ to EPA standards. Maintenance Safety
.....................
410
Maintenance Minder
TM
...............
411
Fluid Locations
...........................
419
Adding Engine Oil
......................
420
Required Engine Oil
...............
420
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
.......................................
422
Engine Coolant
...........................
424
Windshield Washers
...................
426
Automatic Transmission Fluid
....
427
Brake Fluid
.................................
429
Power Steering Fluid
..................
430
Lights
..........................................
431
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
438
Floor Mats
..................................
438
Audio Antenna
............................
439
Intercooler
..................................
439
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
439
Wiper Blades
..............................
440
Wheels
........................................
443
Tires
...........................................
444
Checking the Battery
..................
450
Vehicle Storage
...........................
451
Interior Care
...............................
452
Maintenance
409
Maintenance
11/06/16 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

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
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu