maintenance Acura RDX 2014 Owner's Guide

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uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Maintenance
Engine Coolant
This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
■Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICE
You will need a mo re concentrated coolant if you are
driving in extremely cold temperature below −31°F
(−35°C). Consult your Acura dealer for details about
a suitable coolant mixture.
If Honda antifreeze /coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non- silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle's cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
Reserve
TankMAX
MIN
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283
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
1. Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
2. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system.
Do not push the cap down when turning.
3. Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
4. The coolant level should be up to the base
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
5 . Pu t th e rad iato r cap b ack o n ,
an d tighten it fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
■Radiator1 Radiator
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and ca refully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
3WARNING
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.Radiator Cap
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284
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid
Check 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 (y ellow 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 Fluid
Specified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1 Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid ot her 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 usi ng a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Acur a ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Acura's new vehicle warranty.
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and ca refully 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
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285
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uBrake Fluid
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
Specified fluid: Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
■Checking the Brake Fluid
1Brake Fluid
NOTICE
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle's braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Acura brake fl uid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and re filled with Acura Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect for l eaks or worn brake pads as
soon as possible.
Brake Reservoir
MIN
MAX
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286
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uRefilling Window Washer Fluid
Maintenance
Refilling Window Washer Fluid
Check the amount of window washer fluid using the 1/2 mark on the reservoir.
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
If the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the multi-information display.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.1Refilling Window Washer Fluid
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage y our vehicle's paint. A
vinegar/water solution ca n damage the windshield
washer pump.
1/2 Mark
Models with washer level sensor
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287Continued
Replacing Light Bulbs
Headlight Bulbs
When 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
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 vo ltage 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
NOTICE
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overhe at and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. Howeve r, 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, ha ndle 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 tempor arily after a vehicle wash
or while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a larg e amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the le nses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Coupler Bulb
Tab
■Low Beam Headlights
Models with high voltage discharge tube bulbs
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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 th e cover to the right.
6. Insert the coupler into the connector of
the cover.
■Low Beam Headlights
Models with halogen low beam headlight bulbs
Coupler Cover
Tab
Bulb
Coupler Tab
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289
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uFog Light Bulbs*
Continued
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*
NOTICE
Halogen bulbs get very hot wh en lit. Oil, perspiration,
or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
The fog lights ar e halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handl e it by its plastic case,
and protect the glass from c ontact 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
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uuReplacing Light Bulbs uSide Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Light Bulbs
290
Maintenance
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 Bulbs
Door mirrors have the side turn lights. Ha ve an authorized Acura dealer inspect and
replace the light bulbs.
1 Fog 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
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291
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uFront Turn Signal/Parking Light and Front Side Marker Light Bulbs
Front Turn Signal/Parking Light and Front Side
Marker Light Bulbs
When 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 Socket
BulbSocket
* Not available on all models
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