check transmission fluid Acura RDX 2013 Owner's Manual

242
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While DrivingUtility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover 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 you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.■
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
■
In Rain
■
Other Precautions
1 Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover.
2 Important Handling Information P. 26
2 Precautions While Driving P. 2421Precautions While Driving
NOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE
OFF (LOCK) while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N
, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.

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

273
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■
Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•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.
Maintenance Minder Message
System Message Indicator
Sub Items
Main
Item
*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.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C), in very low temperatures (under - 20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
*
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6
●Replace rear differential fluid
*
* Not available on all models

284
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
u Perform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the
image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level.
u It should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.■
Automatic Transmission FluidSpecified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICEDo not mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Acura ATF DW-
1 may adversely affect the operation and durability of
your vehicle's transmission, and damage the
transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Acura ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Acura's new vehicle warranty.NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark
HOT

Range

335
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
• If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the EPS System Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with EPS system.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1 If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
Canada
1 If the EPS System Indicator Comes On
NOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, EPS system is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.

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

357
Index
Keys.......................................................... 97
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside...................................... 104
Locking/Unlocking the Doors
from the Outside..................................... 99
Lockout Prevention System ..................... 100
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................ 304
Driver’s Seat Lumbar Support ................. 136
Driving ...................................................... 227
Automatic Transmission .......................... 243
Braking ................................................... 257
Cruise Control ........................................ 248
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines .............. 238
Shifting Gear .......................................... 244
Starting the Engine ................................. 240
Driving Position Memory System ............ 130
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 312EElapsed Time.............................................. 86
Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator ........................................... 74, 335
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............ 251
Emergency ................................................ 340
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ...... 349
Engine ....................................................... 346
Coolant .................................................. 282
Jump Starting ......................................... 328
Oil .......................................................... 277
Starting................................................... 240 Engine Coolant
......................................... 282
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 283
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 282
Overheating ............................................ 331
Temperature Gauge .................................. 82
Engine Oil ................................................. 277
Adding .................................................... 279
Checking ................................................. 278
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 271
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.................. 69, 333
Recommended Engine Oil........................ 277
EPS (Electric Power Steering) System ............................................... 74, 335
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide) .................................. 64
Exterior Care (Cleaning) ........................... 315
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 134
FFeatures..................................................... 157
Filters Dust and Pollen ....................................... 312
Oil ........................................................... 280
Flat Tire ..................................................... 319
Floor Mats ................................................. 314
Fluids
Automatic Transmission........................... 284
Brake....................................................... 285
Engine Coolant........................................ 282
Windshield Washer.................................. 286 Fog Light Indicator
..................................... 75
Folding Down the Rear Seats .................. 141
Foot Brake ................................................ 258
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 40
Front Seats ................................................ 136
Adjusting ................................................ 136
Fuel ...................................................... 15, 263
Economy ................................................. 265
Gauge ....................................................... 82
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 71
Range ....................................................... 86
Recommendation .................................... 263
Refueling................................................. 263
Fuel Economy ........................................... 265
Fuel Fill Cap ........................................ 15, 264
Message.................................................. 334
Fuel Fill Door ...................................... 15, 264
Fuses .......................................................... 337
Inspecting and Changing........ ............... .. 339
Locations......................................... 337, 338
GGasoline (Fuel) Economy ................................................. 265
Gauge ....................................................... 82
Information ............................................. 263
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 71
Refueling................................................. 263
Gauges ........................................................ 82

359
Index
KKey Number Tag........................................ 98
Keyless Access System .............................. 101
Keyless Lockout Prevention ..................... 100
Keys ............................................................. 97
Lockout Prevention ................................. 100
Number Tag.............................................. 98
Rear Door Won’t Open ........................... 105
Remote Transmitter .................................. 99
Types and Functions.................................. 97
Kickdown (Automatic Transmission) ...... 243LLanguage (HFL)........................................ 197
LATCH (Child Seats) ............................. 57, 60
Lights ................................................ 122, 287
Automatic............................................... 123
Bulb Replacement ................................... 287
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 125
Fog Lights ............................................... 125
High Beam Indicator ................................. 74
Interior.................................................... 143
Light Switches......................................... 122
Lights On Indicator.................................... 75
Turn Signals ............................................ 122
Load Limits ............................................... 231
Locking/Unlocking ..................................... 97
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .... ............. 106
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 105
From Inside ............................................. 104 From Outside............................................. 99
Keys .......................................................... 97
Using a Key ............................................. 100
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 100
Low Battery Charge .................................. 333
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 71
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 69, 333
Lower Anchors ...................................... 57, 60
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit) ............. 231
MMaintenance............................................. 267
Battery .................................................... 310
Brake Fluid .............................................. 285
Cleaning.................................................. 313
Climate Control System ........................... 312
Coolant ................................................... 282
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 271
Oil ........................................................... 278
Precautions.............................................. 268
Radiator .................................................. 283
Remote Transmitter ................................. 311
Replacing Light Bulbs............................... 287
Safety ...................................................... 269
Service Items ........................................... 273
Tires ........................................................ 301
Transmission Fluid ................................... 284
Under the Hood ...................................... 275
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 69, 334
Map Lights ................................................ 143 Maximum Load Limit
............................... 231
Meters, Gauges ........................................... 82
Mirrors ...................................................... 133
Adjusting ................................................ 133
Door ....................................................... 134
Exterior ................................................... 134
Interior Rearview ..................................... 133
Modifications (and Accessories) .............. 266
Moonroof ................................................. 118
MP3 ................................................... 171, 179
Multi-Information Display ......................... 83
Multi-View Rear Camera .......................... 262
NNumbers (Identification).......................... 346OOdometer................................................... 84
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ............. 238
Oil (Engine) ............................................... 277
Adding .................................................... 279
Checking................................................. 278
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 271
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 69, 333
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 277
Viscosity .................................................. 277
Opening/Closing
Hood....................................................... 276
Moonroof ............................................... 118

361
Index
Shifting (Transmission)............................ 244
Shoulder Anchor ........................................ 33
Side Airbags ............................................... 44
Cutoff System ........................................... 46
Off Indicator ............................................. 46
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 47
SMS Text Message ............................ 208, 220
Snow Tires ................................................ 309
Spare Tire ......................................... 319, 345
Spark Plugs ............................................... 344
Specifications ........................................... 344
Specified Fuel ................................... 263, 344
Speedometer .............................................. 82
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................ 40
Starting the Engine .................................. 240
Does Not Start ........................................ 325
Jump Starting ......................................... 328
Steering Wheel ........................................ 132
Adjusting ................................................ 132
Stopping ................................................... 261
Summer Tires ............................................ 309
Sunglasses Holder .................................... 150
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....... 40
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ........ 2, 3, 119
Synchronized Mode ................................. 154
System Message Indicator ......................... 76
TTachometer................................................. 82
Tailgate ..................................................... 107
Unable to Open ....................................... 341
Temperature Outside Temperature Display ..................... 85
Temperature Gauge ................................... 82
Temperature Sensor ........................... 85, 155
Text Message .................................... 208, 220
Time (Setting) ............................................. 96
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..................................................... 253
Indicator ............................................ 74, 336
Tires ........................................................... 301
Air Pressure ..................................... 302, 345
Checking and Maintaining....................... 301
Inspection................................................ 301
Labeling .................................................. 302
Puncture (Flat Tire)................................... 319
Regulations ............................................. 304
Rotation .................................................. 308
Spare Tire ........................................ 319, 345
Summer .................................................. 309
Tire Chains .............................................. 309
Wear Indicators ....................................... 306
Winter ..................................................... 309
Tools .......................................................... 318
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 233
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 234
Load Limits .............................................. 233 Towing Your Vehicle
................................ 237
Emergency .............................................. 340
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ........ 253
Indicator............................................ 74, 336
Transmission ............................................. 244
Automatic ............................................... 244
Fluid ........................................................ 284
Number................................................... 346
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 246
Shift Lever Position Indicator.............. 70, 245
Trip Meter ................................................... 85
Troubleshooting ....................................... 317
Blown Fuse...................................... 337, 338
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 18
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 19
Emergency Towing .................................. 340
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 325
Noise When Braking .................................. 20
Overheating ............................................ 331
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 319
Rear Door Won’t Open...................... 19, 105
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 330
Warning Indicators .................................... 68
Turn Signals .............................................. 122
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 74