check transmission fluid Acura RDX 2015 Owner's Manual

242
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than yo u would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of ca rgo on the roof rack (Acura accessory).
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1 Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover. 2 Important Handling Information P. 26
2 Precautions While Driving P. 242
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the transmission.
NOTICE
If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on the
full left or right position for a while, the electric power
steering (EPS) system heats up. The system goes into a
protective mode, and limits its performance. The
steering wheel becomes harder and harder to operate.
Once the system cools down, the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can
eventually damage the system.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY while
driving, the engine will shut down and all steering
and brake power assist functi ons will stop, making it
difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
( N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acce leration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You
should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.

267
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 268
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 269Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 270
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 271
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 275Opening the Hood ........................... 276
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 277
Oil Check ......................................... 278
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 279
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 280
Engine Coolant ................................ 282
Transmission Fluid ............................ 284
Brake Fluid ....................................... 285
Refilling Window Wa sher Fluid......... 286
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 287
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades.... 297Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 301
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 302Tire Labeling .................................... 302DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 304Wear Indicators................................ 306
Tire Service Life ................................ 306 Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 307
Tire Rotation .................................... 308
Winter Tires ..................................... 309
Battery ............................................... 310
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 311
Climate Control System Maintenance..... 312Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 313
Exterior Care.................................... 315

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

273
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
•Inspect idle speed every 16 0,000 miles (256,000 km).
•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message
System Message Indicator
Sub Items
Main
Item
*1: If the message
SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear bra kes, service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and li nes (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C), in very low temperatures (under -
20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3
●Replace transmission and transfer fluid*
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*
* Not available on all models

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

337
uuIndicator, Comin g On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
• If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate acti on. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the Electric Power Steeri ng (EPS) System Indicator
Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with EPS system.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■What to do when th e indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1 If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle re paired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe plac e. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the elec tronic brake distribution
system is not working. Th is can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspecte d by a dealer immediately.U.S.
Canada

Index
357
Index
Index
Numbers
4WD.......................................................... 253
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .................. 259
Accessories and Modifications ................ 266
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 148
Additives Coolant .................................................. 282
Engine Oil ............................................... 277
Washer ................................................... 286
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 277
Adjusting Armrest .................................................. 142
Front Seats.............................................. 136
Head Restraints ....................................... 138
Mirrors.................................................... 133
Rear Seats ............................................... 141
Steering Wheel ....................................... 132
Temperature ............................................. 85
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control System) ....................... 152
Changing the Mode................................ 152
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 153
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 312
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 152
Sensors ................................................... 155
Synchronized Mode ................................ 154
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 152 Air Conditioning System
(Heating and Cooling System)
Dust and Pollen Filter ............................... 312
Air Pressure ....................................... 302, 347
Airbags ........................................................ 37
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 43
After a Collision ......................................... 40
Airbag Care ............................................... 51
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 40
Indicator ........................................ 48, 72, 75
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 49
Sensors ...................................................... 37
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 46
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 50
Side Airbags .............................................. 44
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 47
AM/FM Radio ............................................ 167
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 259
Indicator .................................................... 71
Armrest ..................................................... 142
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 165
Audio System ............................................ 158
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 166
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 159
Error Messages ........................................ 187
General Information ................................ 190
iPod ®....................................................... 174
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 179
Pandora ®................................................. 177
Reactivating ............................................. 160
Recommended CDs ................................. 191 Recommended Devices............................ 193
Security Code .......................................... 160
Theft Protection ...................................... 160
USB Adapter Cable.................................. 159
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 193
Audio/Information Display ...................... 162
Authorized Manuals ................................ 355
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 106
Customize ................................................. 92
Automatic Lighting .................................. 123
Automatic Transmission ........................... 243
Creeping ................................................. 243
Fluid ........................................................ 284
Kickdown ................................................ 243
Operating the Shift Lever................... 16, 245
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 246
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 332
Shifting ................................................... 244
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 159
Average Fuel Economy .............................. 85
Average Speed ........................................... 86
AWD .......................................................... 253
B
Battery ...................................................... 310
Charging System Indicator................. 69, 335
Jump Starting .......................................... 330
Maintenance (Checki ng the Battery) ........ 310
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 29
Beverage Holders ..................................... 147

359
Index
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside...................................... 104
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside..................................... 99
Lockout Prevention System ..................... 100
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................ 304
Driver’s Seat Lumbar Support ................. 136
Driving ...................................................... 227
Automatic Transmission .......................... 243
Braking ................................................... 257
Cruise Control ........................................ 248
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines .............. 238
Shifting Gear .......................................... 244
Starting the Engine ................................. 240
Driving Position Memory System ............ 130
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 312
E
Elapsed Time.............................................. 86
Electric Power Steering (EPS) System
Indicator ........................................... 74, 337
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............ 251
Emergency ................................................ 342
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ...... 351
Engine ....................................................... 348
Coolant .................................................. 282
Jump Starting ......................................... 330
Oil .......................................................... 277
Starting................................................... 240 Engine Coolant
......................................... 282
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 283
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 282
Overheating ............................................ 333
Temperature Gauge .................................. 82
Engine Oil ................................................. 277
Adding .................................................... 279
Checking ................................................. 278
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 271
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 69, 335
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 277
EPS (Electric Power Steering) System ............................................... 74, 337
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide) .. 64
Exterior Care (Cleaning) ........................... 315
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 134
F
Features..................................................... 157
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 312
Oil ........................................................... 280
Flat Tire ..................................................... 321
Floor Mats ................................................. 314
Fluids Automatic Transmission ........................... 284
Brake ....................................................... 285
Engine Coolant ........................................ 282
Windshield Washer .................................. 286
Fog Light Indicator ..................................... 75 Folding Down the Rear Seats
.................. 141
Foot Brake ................................................ 258
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 40
Front Seats ................................................ 136
Adjusting ................................................ 136
Fuel ...................................................... 17, 263
Economy ................................................. 265
Gauge ....................................................... 82
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 71
Range ....................................................... 86
Recommendation .................................... 263
Refueling................................................. 263
Fuel Economy ........................................... 265
Fuel Fill Cap ........................................ 17, 264
Message.................................................. 336
Fuel Fill Door ...................................... 17, 264
Fuses .......................................................... 339
Inspecting and Changing......................... 341
Locations......................................... 339, 340
G
Gasoline (Fuel) Economy ................................................. 265
Gauge ....................................................... 82
Information ............................................. 263
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 71
Refueling................................................. 263
Gauges ........................................................ 82
Gear Shift Lever Positions
Automatic Transmission .......................... 244

361
Index
Keys............................................................. 97
Lockout Prevention ................................. 100
Number Tag.............................................. 98
Rear Door Won’t Open ........................... 105
Remote Transmitter .................................. 99
Types and Functions.................................. 97
Kickdown (Automatic Transmission) ...... 243
L
Language (HFL)........................................ 197
LATCH (Child Seats) ............................. 57, 60
Lights ................................................ 122, 287
Automatic............................................... 123
Bulb Replacement ................................... 287
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 125
Fog Lights ............................................... 125
High Beam Indicator ................................. 74
Interior.................................................... 143
Light Switches......................................... 122
Lights On Indicator.................................... 75
Turn Signals ............................................ 122
Load Limits ............................................... 231
Locking/Unlocking ..................................... 97
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 106
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 105
From Inside ............................................. 104
From Outside ............................................ 99
Keys.......................................................... 97
Using a Key............................................. 100
Lockout Prevention System ..................... 100Low Battery Charge
.................................. 335
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 71
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 69, 335
Lower Anchors ...................................... 57, 60
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit) ............. 231
M
Maintenance............................................. 267
Battery .................................................... 310
Brake Fluid .............................................. 285
Cleaning .................................................. 313
Climate Control System ........................... 312
Coolant ................................................... 282
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 271
Oil ........................................................... 278
Precautions .............................................. 268
Radiator .................................................. 283
Remote Transmitter ................................. 311
Replacing Light Bulbs ............................... 287
Safety ...................................................... 269
Service Items ........................................... 273
Tires ........................................................ 301
Transmission Fluid ................................... 284
Under the Hood ...................................... 275
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 69, 336
Map Lights ................................................ 143
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 231
Meters, Gauges ........................................... 82
Mirrors ....................................................... 133
Adjusting ................................................. 133 Door ....................................................... 134
Exterior ................................................... 134
Interior Rearview ..................................... 133
Modifications (and Accessories) .............. 266
Moonroof ................................................. 118
MP3 ................................................... 171, 179
Multi-Information Display ......................... 83
Multi-View Rear Camera .......................... 262
N
Numbers (Identification).......................... 348
O
Odometer................................................... 84
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ............. 238
Oil (Engine) ............................................... 277
Adding .................................................... 279
Checking................................................. 278
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 271
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 69, 335
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 277
Viscosity .................................................. 277
Opening/Closing Hood....................................................... 276
Moonroof ............................................... 118
Power Windows ...................................... 115
Tailgate ................................................... 107
Outside Temperature Display .................... 85
Overheating .............................................. 333

363
Index
Side Curtain Airbags.................................. 47
SMS Text Message ............................ 208, 220
Snow Tires ................................................ 309
Spare Tire ......................................... 321, 347
Spark Plugs ............................................... 346
Specifications ........................................... 346
Specified Fuel ................................... 263, 346
Speedometer .............................................. 82
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................ 40
Starting the Engine .................................. 240
Does Not Start ........................................ 327
Jump Starting ......................................... 330
Steering Wheel ........................................ 132
Adjusting ................................................ 132
Stopping ................................................... 261
Summer Tires ............................................ 309
Sunglasses Holder .................................... 150
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....... 40
Switches
(Around the Steering Wheel) ........ 4, 5, 119
Synchronized Mode ................................. 154
System Message Indicator ......................... 76
T
Tachometer................................................ 82
Tailgate ..................................................... 107
Unable to Open ...................................... 343
Temperature Outside Temperature Display .................... 85
Temperature Gauge .................................. 82 Temperature Sensor
........................... 85, 155
Text Message .................................... 208, 220
Time (Setting) ............................................. 96
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..................................................... 253
Indicator ............................................ 74, 338
Tires ........................................................... 301
Air Pressure ..................................... 302, 347
Checking and Maintaining ....................... 301
Inspection ................................................ 301
Labeling .................................................. 302
Puncture (Flat Tire) ................................... 321
Regulations ............................................. 304
Rotation .................................................. 308
Spare Tire ........................................ 321, 347
Summer .................................................. 309
Tire Chains .............................................. 309
Wear Indicators ....................................... 306
Winter ..................................................... 309
Tools .......................................................... 320
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 233
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 234
Load Limits .............................................. 233
Towing Your Vehicle ................................ 237
Emergency .............................................. 342
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ......... 253
Indicator ............................................ 74, 338 Transmission
............................................. 244
Automatic ............................................... 244
Fluid ........................................................ 284
Number................................................... 348
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 246
Shift Lever Position Indicator.............. 70, 245
Trip Meter ................................................... 85
Troubleshooting ....................................... 319
Blown Fuse...................................... 339, 340
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 20
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 21
Emergency Towing .................................. 342
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 327
Noise When Braking .................................. 22
Overheating ............................................ 333
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 321
Rear Door Won’t Open...................... 21, 105
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 332
Warning Indicators .................................... 68
Turn Signals .............................................. 122
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 74
U
Unlocking the Doors .................................. 99
Unlocking the Front Doors from the Inside ................................. 12, 104
USB Adapter Cable ........................... 158, 159
USB Flash Drives ....................................... 193