automatic transmission Acura RDX 2015 Owner's Manual

Visual Index
6
Quick Reference Guide
❙Power Door Lock Master Switch (P 105)
❙Power Window Switches (P 115)
❙Rearview Mirror (P 133)
❙Parking Brake (P 257)
❙Hood Release Handle (P 276)
❙Shift Lever Automatic
Transmission
(P 243)
❙Driver's Front Airbag (P 40)
❙Door Mirror Controls (P 134)
❙Passenger's Front Airbag
(P 40)
❙Fuel Fill Door Release Handle (P 264)
❙Glove Box (P 145)
❙Accessory Power Socket
(P 148)
❙Seat Heater Switches (P 151)
❙Interior Fuse Box (P 340)

16
Quick Reference Guide
Driving (P 227)
Release ButtonShift Lever
Depress the brake pedal and press the
release button to move out of
( P.
Move the shift lever without
pressing the release button.
Press the release button to
move the shift lever.
●
Shifting
Park
Turn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.
Reverse
Used when reversing.
Neutral
Transmission is not locked.
Drive
Normal driving. D-paddle shift mode can be used.
S Position
Sequential shift mode can be used. Paddle Shifters
(P 246)
M Indicator
Shift Down (-)
Paddle Shifter Shift Up (+)
Paddle Shifter
●
Paddle shifters allow you to shift gears much like a manual transmission
(1st through 6th). This is useful for engine braking.
● D-paddle shift mode: The transmission will shift back to automatic mode
once the system detects that the vehicle is cruising.
● Sequential shift mode: Holds the selected gear, and the M indicator comes
on.
Selected Gear Number
Automatic Transmission (P 244)
● Shift to
(P and depress the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
Gear Position Indicator
● The selected gear
position is shown in
the instrument panel.

127
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel uWipers and Washers
Controls
The rear wiper and washer can be used when
the power mode is in ON.
■Wiper switch (OFF, INT, ON)
Change the wiper switch setting according to
the amount of rain.
■Washer ( )
Sprays while you rotate the switch to this
position.
Hold it to activate th e wiper and to spray the
washer. Once released , it stops operating
after a few more sweeps.
■Operating in reverse
When you shift the transmission to
(R with the front wiper activated, the rear wiper
operates automatically as follows even if its switch is off.
■Rear Wiper/Washer1 Wipers and Washers
If the wiper stops operating due to any obstacle such
as the build-up of snow, pa rk the vehicle in a safe
place.
Rotate the wiper switch to OFF, and set the power
mode to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF (LOCK), then
remove the obstacle.
INT: Intermittent
OFF ON : Continuous wipe
Washer
Front Wiper PositionRear Wiper Operation
INT (Intermittent)Intermittent
LO (Low speed wipe)
HI (High speed wipe)Continuous

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 ................................... 257 ABS (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

243
uuWhen Driving uAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic Transmission
The engine runs at a higher id le speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator peda l while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unex pectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especi ally on slippery roads and curves.
■Creeping
■Kickdown

253
uuWhen Driving uAWD (All-Wheel Drive) with Intelligent Control System*
Continued
Driving
AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with Intelligent Control System*
Your vehicle is equipped with the AWD wi th intelligent control system. When the
system senses a loss of front wheel tractio n, it automatically transfers some power
to the rear wheels. This allows you to ut ilize all available traction and may increase
mobility.
You still need to exercise the same care when accelerating, steering, and braking
that you would in a two wheel drive vehicle.
If you excessively spin all four wheels and overheat the AWD with intelligent control
system, only the front wheels receive powe r. Stop until the system cools down.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are
driving. If your vehicle's tire pressure becomes
significantly low, the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on and a message appears on
the multi-information display.
1 AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with Intelligent Control System*
NOTICE
Do not continuously spin the front tires of your
vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can
cause transmission or re ar differential damage.
The AWD with intelligent control system may not
function properly if tire ty pe and size are mixed.
Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and
the air pressures as specified.
2 Tire and Wheel Replacement P. 307
1TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Conditions such as low ambient temperature and
altitude change directly affect tire pressure and can
trigger the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come
on.
2 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks P. 338
Tire pressure checked and inflated in:
•Warm weather can beco me under-inflated in
colder weather.
•Cold weather can become over-inflated in warmer
weather.
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator will not come
on as a result of over inflation.
* Not available on all models

268
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For 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 maintena nce booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance tri ps, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmi ssion fluid level monthly.
2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 284
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 285
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking 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 bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking 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 fede ral regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all ma intenance services should
be performed in accordan ce with the intervals
indicated by the mult i-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 273
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills a nd tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 355
If you want to perform ma intenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing ma intenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

275
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reserve Tank
Radiator Cap
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Loop)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)Battery

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

347
uuSpecifications u
Information
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
■ Rear Differential Fluid
*
■Transfer Assembly Fluid*
SpecifiedAcura Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF DW-1
Capacity Change 3.3 US qt (3.1 ℓ)
SpecifiedAcura All Wheel Drive Fluid (DPSF)
Capacity Change 1.32 US qt (1.25 ℓ)
SpecifiedAcura Hypoid Gear Oil HGO-1
Capacity Change 0.43 US qt (0.41 ℓ)
■ Engine Oil
■ Engine Coolant
Recommended·Genuine Acura Motor Oil 0W-20
·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
Capacity Change 4.23 US qt (4.0 ℓ)
Change
including
filter
4.55 US qt (4.3 ℓ)
SpecifiedAcura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity1.75 US gal (6.6 ℓ)
(change including the remaining 0.193 US gal
(0.73 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
■ Tire
RegularSizeP235/60R18 102VPressure
psi (kPa[kgf/cm2])33 (230 [2.3])
Compact
Spare Size
T165/90R17 105M
Pressure
psi (kPa[kgf/cm
2]) 60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel SizeRegular18 x 7.5JCompact Spare17 x 4T
* Not available on all models