cooling Acura RDX 2015 Owner's Guide

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DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
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VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
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BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
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Pre-tow checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the following:
•  Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600 miles (1,000 km).
•  The vehicle has been properly serviced, and the suspension and the cooling
system are in good operating condition.
•  The trailer has been properly serviced and is in good condition.
•  All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
•  Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale. If a public scale is not
available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer) and the tongue load.
•  The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
•  All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift while you
drive.
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the
proper equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. See the Owner’s Manual on
the Owner Information CD or visit  owners.acura.com (U.S.) or www.myacura.com 
(Canada) for more information.
Towing Load Limits
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.
Total load
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 load as
needed.
Tongue load
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.
WARNING
Starting to Drive
The keyless access system allows simple push-button start.
Before Starting the Engine
Check that the shift lever is in Park (P), then
depress the brake pedal. Keep your foot firmly on
the brake pedal when starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and
in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000
feet (2,400 m). When starting the engine in cold
weather, turn off all electrical accessories such
as the lights, climate control system, and rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
Changing the Power Mode
Accessory or On mode: Press ENGINE START/
STOP once without pressing the brake pedal for
Accessory mode. Press it again for On mode.
Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake
pedal, then press ENGINE START/STOP. Keep your
foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting the
engine.
If you press the button and the shift lever is not in
Park (P), the vehicle goes into Accessory mode.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P), then press
ENGINE START/STOP.
Brake pedal

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HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
TABLE OF
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After the Engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following
order:
1. Disconnect the jumper cable from your engine hanger.
2. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’s (-)
terminal.
3. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s (+) terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’s (+)
terminal.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
Shift Lever Does Not Move
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Park (P).
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the built-in key from the keyless access
remote.
3. Wrap a cloth around  the tip of a small  flat-tip 
screwdriver to remove the cover of the shift lock
release slot. Put  the tip of the  flat-tip screwdriver 
into the slot and remove it as shown in the image.
4. Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5. While pushing the key down, press the shift lever
release button and place the shift lever into
Neutral. The lock is now released. Have the shift
lever checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
Slot
Cover
Release button
Shift lock release slot
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly loses power,
or steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is oveheating.
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If no steam or spray is present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine
and wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop
the engine once the temperature gauge needle
comes down. If the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then 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.
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.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
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.
WARNING
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may damage
the engine.
NOTICE
MAX MIN
Reserve tank

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Engine Coolant
Park the vehicle on level ground. Check the reserve tank and the coolant level in the
radiator. We recommend Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
Checking the Reserve Tank
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.
Adding 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. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back on the
reserve tank.
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.
WARNING
If temperatures consistently below −22°F (−30°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration. Consult your dealer for more
information.
Pour  the fluid slowly and carefully so  you do not spill any.  Clean up any spills 
immediately; they can damage components in the engine compartment.
NOTICE
NOTICE
Reserve tank MAX
MIN
Radiator
cap
Transmission Fluid
Park  the vehicle  on level ground, and check  the fluid level  when the engine is at 
normal operating temperature. We recommend Acura Automatic Transmission
Fluid ATF DW-1.
Checking and Refilling the Fluid
1. Start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts, and then turn
off the engine. Wait for about one minute.
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. 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.
Do not mix Acura Automatic Transmission Fluid 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.
Pour  the fluid slowly and carefully so  you do not spill any.  Clean up any spills 
immediately; they can damage components in the engine compartment.
NOTICE
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.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshield washer
reservoir. Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint. A vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
NOTICE
HOT
Range Upper mark
Lower mark
1/2 mark

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Checking the Battery
Check the battery terminals for corrosion monthly.
For jump starting the battery, see page 91.
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas during normal operation.
A spark  or flame can cause  the battery to explode with enough  force to kill  or 
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery maintenance, wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled technician do it.
WARNING
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
Air Conditioning
To ensure proper and safe operation, the Society of Automotive Engineers
recommends that the refrigerant system only be serviced by trained and certified
technicians (SAE Standard J2845).
Never repair or replace the air conditioning evaporator (cooling coil) with one
removed from a used or salvaged vehicle. New replacement mobile air conditioning
evaporators must be certified (and labeled) as meeting SAE Standard J2842.
Vented refrigerant is harmful to the environment. To avoid refrigerant from venting,
never replace the evaporator with one removed from a used or salvaged vehicle.
Refrigerant in  your vehicle’s air conditioning system is  flammable and can be 
ignited during servicing if proper procedures are not followed.
NOTICE
Changing Wiper Blades
If the wiper blades leave streaks across the windshield, try cleaning them first
with a paper  towel or soft cloth and  wiper fluid. If  the wiper blade rubber has 
deteriorated, you should change the wiper blades.
1. Lift the driver side wiper arm first, then the
passenger side.
2. Place a cloth on the edge of the lock tab. Push the
lock  tab up  with a flat-tip screwdriver.
3. Slide the blade from the wiper arm.
4. Slide the wiper blade out from its holder by pulling
the tabbed end out.
5. Remove the retainers from the rubber blade that
has been removed, and mount to a new rubber
blade. Correctly align the rubber protrusion and
the retainer grooves.
6. Slide the new wiper blade onto the holder from
the bottom end. The tab on the holder should fit in
the indent of the wiper blade.
7. Slide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm, then
push down the lock tab.
8. Lower the passenger side wiper arm first, then the
driver side.
Lock tab
Blade
Top Retainer
Blade
Indent
Tab
Avoid dropping the wiper arm, as it may damage the windshield.
NOTICE