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.

70
uuIndicators u
Instrument Panel
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage
Shift Lever
Position
Indicator●Indicates current shift lever
position.2Shifting P. 244—
Transmission
Indicator
●Blinks if the transmission system has
a problem.●Blinks while driving - Avoid sudden
starts and acceleration and have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
M (sequential
shift mode)
Indicator/Gear
Position
Indicator●Comes on when the manual
sequential shift mode is applied.
2 Sequential Shift Mode P. 246—

78
uuIndicators uMulti-Information Display Warn ing and Information Messages
Instrument Panel
Multi-Information Display Warn ing and Information Messages
The following messages appear only on the mu lti-information display. Press the / (information) button to see the message again
with the system me ssage indicator on.
MessageConditionExplanation
●Appears when the fuel fill cap is loose or is not
installed.
2Tighten Fuel Cap Message P. 336
●Appears when the washer fluid is low.
●Refill washer fluid.
2Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 286
●Appears while you are customizing the settings and
the shift lever is moved out of
(P.2Customized Features P. 87
●Appears when the transmission fluid temperature is
too high.Stop in a safe place in (P. Let the engine idle until the
message disappears.
Canadian models
Models with AWD

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

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 tr ailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• 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
Operating speed when towing a trailer is restricted
up to 100km/h.
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.

239
uuOff-Highway Driving Guidelines uAvoiding Trouble
Driving
Avoiding Trouble
• Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all
scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.
• Remember the route you choose presents limi ts (too steep or bumpy), you have
limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in
a hazardous situation.
• Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start
or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.
• Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover
or damage to your suspension or other components.
• Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to
drive across a slope that is too steep. Goin g straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all cond itions or obstacles on a slope, walk it
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it.
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around.
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.
• Crossing a Stream - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water
in your route (a small stream or large pu ddle, for example), evaluate it carefully
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and di fferential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.
• If You Get Stuck , carefully go in the direction that you think will get you
unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front and rear tow ho oks are provided for this purpose.

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.

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