Acura RDX 2015 Owner's Manual

280
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You must change the engine oil and oil f ilter regularly in order to maintain the
engine's lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.
Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display. 1.Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil
fill cap.
3. Remove the drain bolt and washer from
the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
NOTICE
You may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself , appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.
Drain Bolt
Washer

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

282
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: Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
■Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICE
If temperatures consistent ly below -22°F (-30°C) are
expected, the coolant mixture should be changed to
a higher concentration. Cons ult a dealer for more
information.
If Acura 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

283
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Maintenance
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.
■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

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 Automa tic Transmission Fluid ATF DW-1
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Acura Automatic Transmission Fluid
ATF DW-1 with other transmission fluids.
Using a transmission flui d other than Acura ATF
DW-1 may adversely af fect 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

285
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uBrake Fluid
Maintenance
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
Specified fluid: Acura Hea vy 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

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

287Continued
Maintenance
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 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 vo ltage discharge type
bulbs yourself. Ask a dealer to insp ect 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
1Headlight 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.
When replacing a halogen bu lb, handle it by its base,
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.
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 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

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*
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