towing Acura RDX 2014 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2014, Model line: RDX, Model: Acura RDX 2014Pages: 363, PDF Size: 13.7 MB
Page 1 of 363
Contents
This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front
cover) represent features and equipment that are available on
some, but not all, models. Your particular model may not have
some of these features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States
and Canada.
The information and specifications included in this publication
were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor
Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change
specifications or design at any time without notice and without
incurring any obligation.
2Safe Driving P. 23
For Safe Driving P. 24 Seat Belts P. 29 Airbags P. 37
2Instrument Panel P. 67
Indicators P. 68 Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 82
2Controls P. 95
Setting the Clock P. 96 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 97
Opening and Closing the Moonroof P. 118
Adjusting the Seats P. 136
2Features P. 157
Audio System P. 158 Audio System Basic Operation P. 161
HomeLink ® Universal Transceiver P. 194
2 Driving P. 227
Before Driving P. 228 Towing a Trailer P. 233
Parking Your Vehicle P. 261Multi-View Rear Camera P. 262
2Maintenance P. 267
Before Performing Maintenance P. 268Maintenance MinderTM P. 271
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 297
Climate Control System Main tenance P. 312Cleaning P. 313
2Handling the Unexpected P. 317
Tools P. 318 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 319
Overheating P. 331 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 333
2Information P. 343
Specifications P. 344 Identification Numbers P. 346
Emissions Testing P. 349 Warranty Coverages P. 351
2014 RDX
Online Reference Owner's Manual
QRGQuick Reference Guide
IndexIndex
Book Table of Contents
TOCChapter Table of Contents
Navigation Key
QRG
Index
Page 2 of 363
Contents
Child Safety P. 52 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 64 Safety Labels P. 65
Opening and Closing the Tailgat e P. 107Security System P. 113 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 115
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 119 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 133
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 143 Climate Control System P. 152
Audio Error Messages P. 187General Information on the Audio System P. 190
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink ® P. 196 Compass* P. 225
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 238 When Driving P. 240Braking P. 257
Refueling P. 263 Fuel Economy P. 265Accessories and Modifications P. 266
Maintenance Under the Hood P. 275Replacing Light Bulbs P. 287
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 301 Battery P. 310Remote Transmitter Care P. 311
Engine Does Not Start P. 325 Jump Starting P. 328 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 330
Fuses P. 337 Emergency Towing P. 340When You Cannot Open the Tailgate P. 341
Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 347Reporting Safety Defects P. 348
Authorized Manuals P. 353 Client Service Information P. 354
Quick Reference GuideP. 2
Safe DrivingP. 23
Instrument PanelP. 67
ControlsP. 95
FeaturesP. 157
DrivingP. 227
MaintenanceP. 267
Handling the UnexpectedP. 317
InformationP. 343
IndexP. 355
Quick Reference GuideIndexIndex
Book Table of Contents
TOCChapter Table of Contents
Navigation Key
QRG
Home
2014 RDX
Page 18 of 363
17
Handling the Unexpected (P 317)
Flat Tire (P 319)
● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the comp act spare tire in the
cargo area.
Indicators Come On (P 333)
● Identify the indica tor and consult the
owner's manual.
Engine Won't Start (P 325)
● If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse (P 337)
● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating (P 331)
● Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P 340)
● Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.
QRG
Index
Quick Reference Guide - 2014 RDX
Page 228 of 363
227
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 228
Maximum Load Limit........................ 231
Towing a Trailer Towing Preparation .......................... 233
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 236
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 237
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines General Information ......................... 238
Important Safety Precautions............ 238
Avoiding Trouble ............................. 239
When Driving Starting the Engine .......................... 240 Precautions While Driving ................
242
Automatic Transmission ................... 243
Shifting ............................................ 244
Cruise Control ................................. 248
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System .. 251
AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with Intelligent Control
System*..................................................... 253TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 253Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ......... 255
Braking Brake System ................................... 257ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ...........
259
Brake Assist System ......................... 260
Parking Your Vehicle When Stopped ................................ 261
Multi-View Rear Camera .................. 262
Refueling Fuel Information .............................. 263
How to Refuel ................................. 264
Fuel Economy .................................... 265
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 265
Accessories and Modifications Accessories ...................................... 266
Modifications................................... 266
* Not available on all models
QRG
Index2014 RDX
Page 232 of 363
231
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Maximum Load Limit
The maximum load for your ve hicle is 870 lbs (395 kg).1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all a ccessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load. 2 Specifications P. 344
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications P. 344
3WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories,
and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load
capaci ty. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,4000 lbs. and there
will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
Label Example
or XXX lbs. be riding in your vehicle.
Page 233 of 363
232
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Driving
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 870 lbs
(395 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
570 lbs
(259 kg)
Example2 Max Load 870 lbs
(395 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
120 lbs (55 kg)
QRG
Index
TOC
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That we ight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver's doorjamb.
Page 234 of 363
233Continued
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelin es. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the lo ad as needed.
■Towing Load Limits1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not av ailable, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by th e manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer duri ng your vehicle's first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Vehicle Specifications P. 344
3WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Tongue LoadTongue Load
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
Page 235 of 363
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
234
Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.
■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brake s: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it w ill lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories requi re special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qua lified technician.
QRG
Index
TOC
Page 236 of 363
235
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
Your trailer lighting connector is located behind the left side panel in the cargo area.
Each pin’s purpose and wiring co lor code are shown in the image.
When using a non-Acura trailer lighting ha rness and converter, get the connector
and pins for your vehicle from a dealer.
Right Turn Signal (Brown) Left Turn Signal (Yellow)
Small (Red)
Stop Light (Light Green)
Option (Pink) Grand (Black)
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
Page 237 of 363
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.
2Towing 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
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the traile r 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.
QRG
Index
TOC
while driving.