climate control Acura RDX 2013 User Guide

155
uuClimate Control System uAutomatic Climate Control Sensors
Controls
Automatic Climate Control Sensors
The automatic climate control system is
equipped with a sunlight sensor, and an
interior temperature sensor. Do not cover or
spill any liquid on them.
Sunlight Sensor
Temperature Sensor

236
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 233
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D
position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the
climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool
down the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the (S
position if the transmission shifts frequently.
■
Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■
Towing Speeds and Gears
■
Turning and Braking
■
Driving in Hilly Terrain
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.

240Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N
, it is safer to start it in
(P
.
3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
1 Starting the EngineThe engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner
air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Bring the keyless access remote close to the ENGINE
START/STOP button if the battery in the keyless
access remote is weak.
2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is
Weak P. 326
The engine may not start if the keyless access remote
is subjected to strong radio waves.
You do not need to hold the ENGINE START/STOP
button to start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 10 seconds
before trying again.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is
used, the engine's fuel system is disabled. 2 Immobilizer System P. 113
Brake Pedal

243
uuWhen Driving uAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic TransmissionThe following conditions cause the engine to run at high revolutions, and increase
creeping:
• Immediately after the engine starts.
• When the climate control system is in use.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.■
Creeping
■
Kickdown

267
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 268Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 269Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 270
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 271
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 275Opening the Hood ........................... 276
Recommended Engine Oil ...... .......... 277
Oil Check ......................................... 278
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 279Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 280
Engine Coolant ................................ 282
Transmission Fluid ............................ 284
Brake Fluid ....................................... 285
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 286
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 287Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades
.... 297
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 301Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 302Tire Labeling .................................... 302DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 304Wear Indicators................................ 306
Tire Service Life ................................ 306 Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 307
Tire Rotation .................................... 308
Winter Tires ..................................... 309
Battery ............................................... 310
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 311
Climate Control System Maintenance
..... 312
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 313
Exterior Care.................................... 315

304
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Maintenance
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety
Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction,
and temperature performance according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standard s. The following explains these
gradings.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and maximum section width.
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For exampl e, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.■
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
■
Treadwear
1 Uniform Tire Quality GradingFor example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.

312Maintenance
Climate Control System MaintenanceDust and Pollen FilterThe climate control system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance Minder
TM messages will let
you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.
1 Dust and Pollen Filter
If the airflow from the climate control system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.

333Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/BlinkingIf the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low.
■
What to do as soon as the indicator comes on
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
2. If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights on.
■
What to do after parking the vehicle
1. Stop the engine and let it sit for about one minute.
2. Open the hood and check the oil level.
u Add oil as necessary.
3. Start the engine and check the low oil pressure indicator.
u The light goes out: Start driving again.
u The light does not go out within 10 seconds: Stop the engine and
contact a dealer for repairs immediately.
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the battery is not being charged.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on
Turn off the climate control system, rear defogger, and other electrical
systems, and immediately contact a dealer for repairs.
1 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
NOTICERunning the engine with low oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.1If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the
engine. Restarting the engine may rapidly discharge
the battery.

Index
355
Index
Index
Numbers4WD.......................................................... 253AABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .................. 259
Accessories and Modifications ................ 266
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 148
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 282
Engine Oil ............................................... 277
Washer ................................................... 286
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 277
Adjusting Armrest .................................................. 142
Front Seats.............................................. 136
Head Restraints ....................................... 138
Mirrors.................................................... 133
Rear Seats ............................................... 141
Steering Wheel ....................................... 132
Temperature ............................................. 85
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control System) ....................... 152
Changing the Mode................................ 152
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 153
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 312
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode.... ............... 152
Sensors ................................................... 155
Synchronized Mode ................................ 154
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 152 Air Conditioning System
(Heating and Cooling System)Dust and Pollen Filter ............................... 312
Air Pressure ....................................... 302, 345
Airbags ........................................................ 37
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 43
After a Collision......................................... 41
Airbag Care ............................................... 51
Event Data Recorder .................................. 21
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 40
Indicator ........................................ 48, 72, 75
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 49
Sensors...................................................... 37
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 46
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 50
Side Airbags .............................................. 44
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 47
AM/FM Radio ............................................ 167
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 259
Indicator .................................................... 71
Armrest ..................................................... 142
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 165
Audio System ............................................ 158
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 166
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 159
Error Messages ........................................ 187
General Information ................................ 190
iPod® ....................................................... 174
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 179
Pandora ®................................................. 177
Reactivating............................................. 160 Recommended CDs ................................. 191
Recommended Devices............................ 193
Security Code .......................................... 160
Theft Protection ...................................... 160
USB Adapter Cable.................................. 159
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 193
Audio/Information Display ...................... 162
Authorized Manuals ................................ 353
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 106
Customize ................................................. 92
Automatic Lighting .................................. 123
Automatic Transmission ........................... 243
Creeping ................................................. 243
Fluid ........................................................ 284
Kickdown ................................................ 243
Operating the Shift Lever................... 14, 245
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 246
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 330
Shifting ................................................... 244
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 159
Average Fuel Economy .............................. 85
Average Speed ........................................... 86
AWD .......................................................... 253
BBattery ...................................................... 310
Charging System Indicator................. 69, 333
Jump Starting .......................................... 328
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 310
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 29

356Index
Beverage Holders...................................... 147
Bluetooth ® Audio ..................................... 182
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®..................... 196
Booster Seats (For Children) ....................... 63
Brake System ............................................. 257
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ................... 259
Brake Assist System ................................. 260
Brake System Indicator............................... 68
Fluid ........................................................ 285
Foot Brake ............................................... 258
Indicator ............................................ 68, 335
Parking Brake .......................................... 257
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel) .... 128
Bulb Replacement ..................................... 287
Back-Up Light and Taillight ...................... 294
Brake Light, Taillight, Rear Turn Signal Light
and Rear Side Marker Light .................... 292
Fog Lights ................................................ 289
Front Turn Signal/Parking Light and Front Side
Marker Light .......................................... 291
Headlights ............................................... 287
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 296
Rear License Plate Light............................ 295
Bulb Specifications .................................... 344CCarbon Monoxide Gas ................................ 64
Cargo Hook ............................................... 149
Carrying Cargo .................................. 229, 231
CD Player ................................................... 171 Certification Label
.................................... 346
Changing Bulbs ........................................ 287
Charging System Indicator ................. 69, 333
Child Safety ................................................. 52
Childproof Door Locks............................. 105
Child Seat .................................................... 52
Booster Seats ............................................ 63
Child Seat for Infants................................. 54
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 55
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Seat Belt ................................... 59
Larger Children ......................................... 62
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 54
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 56
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 105
Cleaning the Exterior ............................... 315
Cleaning the Interior ................................ 313
Client Service Information ....................... 354
Climate Control System ............................ 152
Changing the Mode ................................ 152
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows ............................................... 153
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 312
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode ..... .............. 152
Sensors ................................................... 155
Synchronized Mode................................. 154
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 152
Clock ............................................................ 96
Coat Hook ................................................. 149
Compact Spare Tire .......................... 319, 345
Compass .................................................... 225 Console Compartment
............................. 146
Controls ...................................................... 95
Coolant (Engine) ...................................... 282
Adding to the Radiator ...... ..................... 283
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 282
Overheating ............................................ 331
Creeping (Automatic Transmission) ........ 243
Cruise Control .......................................... 248
Indicator ................................................... 76
Cup Holders .............................................. 147
Customized Features ................................. 87
DDaytime Running Lights .......................... 125
Dead Battery ............................................ 328
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows ................................................. 153
Detachable Anchor .................................... 34
Devices that Emit Radio Waves ............... 347
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 122
Rearview Mirror ...................................... 133
Dipstick (Engine Oil) ................................ 278
Directional Signals (Turn Signal) ............. 122
Display Button .......................................... 162
Door Mirrors ............................................. 134
Doors .......................................................... 97
Auto Door Locking.................................. 106
Auto Door Unlocking .............................. 106
Door Open Indicator ........................... 28, 73