stop start Acura RDX 2013 Owner's Guide

241
uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
Driving
You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.
1. Shift to
(P
.
2. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button with your foot on the brake pedal.
1. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that
the parking brake indicator has gone off.
2 Parking Brake P. 257
2.Put the shift lever in
(D
. Select
(R
when reversing.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
■
Hill start assist system
Hill start assist helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling on inclines as you move your
foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
Move the shift lever to
(D
or
(S
when facing uphill, or
( R
when facing downhill,
then release the brake pedal.
The brakes remain engaged briefly as you release the brake pedal.
■
Stopping the Engine
■
Starting to Drive
1 Hill start assist system
Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and
will not operate on small inclines.
Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking
brake.

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

uuWhen Driving uVSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
252Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To turn the VSA® system on and off, press and
hold it until you hear a beep.
VSA ® will stop and the indicator will come on.
To turn it on again, press the (VSA ® OFF )
button until you hear a beep.
VSA ® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■
VSA ® On and Off
1 VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Without VSA ®, your vehicle will have normal braking
and cornering ability, but it will not have VSA ®
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA ® temporarily switched off.
When the VSA ® system is off, the traction control
system is also off. You should only attempt to free
your vehicle with the VSA ® off if you are not able to
free it when the VSA ® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA ® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA ® and traction control
systems switched off.
If the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator comes on or
blinks, the VSA ® system turns on automatically. In
this case, you cannot turn the system off by pressing
the button.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA ® OFF Indicator

259
uuBraking uABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■
ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■
ABS
1 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

281
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
5. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely
and start the engine.
10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
11. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
u If necessary, add more engine oil.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
Oil Filter

317
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 318
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 319
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 325
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak ............................................. 326
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 327
Jump Starting .................................... 328
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 330Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 331
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On ............................................. 333If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 333
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 334If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On .................................................... 335If the EPS System Indicator Comes On...... 335
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 336
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 337
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 339
Emergency Towing ........................... 340When You Cannot Open the Tailgate
..... 341

326
uuEngine Does Not Start uIf the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak
Handling the Unexpected
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is WeakIf the beeper sounds, the TO START, HOLD REMOTE NEAR START BUTTON
message appears on the multi-information display, the indicator on the ENGINE
START/STOP button flashes, and the engine won’t start, start the engine as
follows. 1.Touch the center of the ENGINE START/
STOP button with the A logo on the keyless
access remote while the indicator on the
ENGINE START/STOP button is flashing.
The buttons on the keyless access remote
should be facing you.
u The indicator flashes for about 30
seconds.
2. Depress the brake pedal and press the
ENGINE START/STOP button within 10
seconds after the beeper sounds and the
indicator changes from flashing to on. u If you don’t depress the pedal, the mode
will change to ACCESSORY.
HOLD

327
uuEngine Does Not Start uEmergency Engine Stop
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Engine StopIf you cannot stop the engine by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button, do
either of the following operations:
• Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for three seconds.
• Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button three times.
The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF with the
shift lever in
(P
, and to ACCESSORY with the shift lever in any position other than
(P
.
1 Emergency Engine Stop
Do not press the button while driving unless it is
absolutely necessary for the engine to be switched
off.

uuOverheating uHow to Handle Overheating
332Handling the Unexpected
■
Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the temperature
gauge needle comes down.
u If the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
u If the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the
MAX mark.
u If there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
■
Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone down,
contact a dealer for repairs.
1 How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
3
WARNING
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.
Reserve Tank
MAX
MIN

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.