light Acura RDX 2013 Repair Manual

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

268Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 284
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 285
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 301
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 287
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 297
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 273
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 353
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

276
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
1 Opening the Hood
NOTICEDo not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
PullLever
Support Rod Grip
Clamp

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

287
Continued
Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.1.Push the tab to remove the coupler.
2. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
3. Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
4. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
High voltage can remain in the circuit for a long period of time after the light is
switched off. Do not attempt to inspect or replace the high voltage discharge type
bulbs yourself. Ask a dealer to inspect and replace low beam headlights.High beam headlight:
Low beam headlight:
60 W (HB3)
55W (H11 for halogen bulb type)
35W (D2S for high voltage discharge type)
■
High Beam Headlight
1 Headlight Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
The HB3 and H11 types are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and
protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
The exterior lights' inside lenses (headlights, brake
lights, etc.) may fog temporarily after a vehicle wash
or while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Coupler Bulb
Tab
■
Low Beam Headlights
Models with high voltage discharge tube bulbs

288
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uHeadlight Bulbs
Maintenance
1. Push the tab to remove the coupler.
2. Rotate the cover to the left to remove.
3. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
4. Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
5. Reinstall and rotate the cover to the right.
6. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
cover.
■
Low Beam Headlights
Models with halogen low beam headlight bulbsCoupler Cover
Tab
Bulb
Coupler Tab

289
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uFog Light Bulbs
*
Continued
Maintenance
Fog Light Bulbs
*
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Turn the steering wheel all the way to the
opposite side from the fog light being
replaced.
Passenger side: Turn the steering wheel to
the left.
Driver side: Turn the steering wheel to the
right.
2. Remove the holding clip, and pull the inner
fender back.Fog Light: 55 W (H11)
1Fog Light Bulbs
*
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration,
or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
The fog lights are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its plastic case,
and protect the glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Clip
* Not available on all models

uuReplacing Light Bulbs uSide Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Light Bulbs
290Maintenance
3. Push the tab to remove the coupler.
4. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
5. Insert new bulb.
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Light BulbsDoor mirrors have the side turn lights. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and
replace the light bulbs.
1Fog Light Bulbs
*
Insert a flat-tip screwdriver, lift and remove the
central pin to remove the clip.
Insert the clip with the central pin raised, and push
until it is flat.
Central pin
Push until the
pin is flat.
Bulb
Coupler
Tab* Not available on all models

291
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uFront Turn Signal/Parking Light and Front Side Marker Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Front Turn Signal/Parking Light and Front Side Marker Light BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Turn the steering wheel all the way to the
opposite side from the light being replaced.
Passenger side:Turn the steering wheel to
the left.
Driver side: Turn the steering wheel to the
right.
2. Remove the holding clips, and pull the inner
fender back.
2 Fog Light Bulbs
* P. 289
3.Turn the socket to the left and remove it.
4. Remove the old bulb and insert a new bulb.
Front Turn Signal/Parking Light: 28/8 W (Amber)
Front Side Marker Light: 5W (Amber)
Bulb SocketBulb
Socket
* Not available on all models

292
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uBrake Light, Taillight, Rear Turn Signal Light and Rear Side Marker Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Brake Light, Taillight, Rear Turn Signal Light and Rear Side Marker Light BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the cover by prying on the edge
using a flat-tip screwdriver.
u Wrap the flat-tip screwdriver with a cloth
to prevent scratches.
2. Use a Phillip-head screwdriver to remove
the bolts.
3. Pull the light assembly out of the rear pillar.Rear Side Marker/Brake/Taillight: 21/5 W
Rear Turn Signal Light: 21 W Bolts