cooling Acura RDX 2016 Owner's Guide

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DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
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.ca 
(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.
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
T ongue LoadTongue load

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HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.
1. Connect the first jumper cable to your vehicle’s
battery (+) terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the first jumper cable
to the booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt
booster battery only.
3. Connect the second jumper cable to the booster
battery (-) terminal.
4. Connect the other end of the second jumper cable
to the engine hanger as shown. Do not connect
this jumper cable to any other part.
5. If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle,
start the assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its
rpm slightly.
6. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns over slowly, make sure the
jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
Booster battery
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks,  open flames, and smoking materials away  from the battery.
WARNING
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 vehicle’s ground.
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.
Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
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 overheating.
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.
WARNING
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
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may
damage the engine.
NOTICE
Reserve tank MAX
MIN

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MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
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
Reserve tank MAX
MIN
Radiator cap
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.
NOTICE
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. Pour  the washer  fluid carefully. Do 
not  overflow  the reservoir.
Canadian models
If  the  washer  fluid is low, a message appears  on the 
multi-information display.
1/2 mark
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
Checking the Battery
Check the battery terminals for corrosion monthly.
For jump starting, see page 114.
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.
Brake Fluid
The  fluid level should be between  the MIN and MAX marks on the side  of the 
reservoir. We recommend using Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3.
Pour  the fluid carefully.
If  the  fluid level is at  or below the MIN mark, have a 
dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as soon as
possible.
Brake  fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible  with your  vehicle’s braking system 
and can cause extensive damage.
NOTICE
Brake reservoir MAX
MIN