transmission Acura RDX 2016 Owner's Manual

Visual Index
6
Quick Reference Guide❙Power Window Switches (P 140)
❙Rearview Mirror (P 159)
❙Parking Brake (P 314)
❙Hood Release Handle (P 348)
❙Shift Lever Automatic
Transmission
(P 275)
❙Driver’s Front Airbag (P 40)
❙Fuel Fill Door Release Handle (P 336)
❙Seat Heater Switches (P 177)
❙Interior Fuse Box (P 421)
❙Glove Box (P 171)
❙Passenger’s Front Airbag
(P 40)
❙Memory Buttons (P 157)
❙SET Button (P 157)
❙Power Door Lock Master Switch (P 129)
❙Door Mirror Controls (P 160)

16
Quick Reference Guide
Driving (P 255)
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 277)
M Indicator Shift Down (-)
Paddle Shifter Shift Up (+)
Paddle Shifter
●
Paddle shifters allow you to shift gea rs 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 275)
● Shift to
(P and depress the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
Shift Lever Position
Indicator
● The selected gear
position is shown in
the instrument panel.
Models without fu ll color displayModels with full color display
M Indicator Selected Gear
Number Shift Lever
Position
Indicator

68
uuIndicators u
Instrument Panel
*1:On the left: Models without full color display
On the right: Models with full color display
*2:Models with full color display
*3:Models without full color display
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage*1
Charging System
Indicator
●Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off when the
engine starts.
●Comes on when the battery is not
charging.
●Comes on while driving - Turn
off the climate control system and
rear defogger in order to reduce
electricity consumption.
2 If the Charging System
Indicator Comes On P. 416
Shift Lever
Position
Indicator●Indicates current shift lever position.2Shifting P. 275——
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. 277——
*2
*3
*2
*3
*2
*3

82
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 multi-information display. Press the / (information) button to see the message again
with the system me ssage indicator on.
*1:On the left: Models without full color display On the right: Models with full color display
Message*1ConditionExplanation
●Appears when the fuel fill cap is loose or is
not installed.
2Tighten Fuel Cap Message P. 417
—
●Appears when the washer fluid is low.
●Refill washer fluid.
2Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 358
●Appears while you are customizing the
settings and the shift lever is moved out of
(P.2Customized Features P. 100, 106
●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

153
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/Washer
INT: Intermittent
OFF ON : Continuous wipe
Washer
Front Wiper PositionRear Wiper Operation
INT (Intermittent)Intermittent
LO (Low speed wipe)
HI (High speed wipe)Continuous

255
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving................................... 256
Towing a Trailer ................................ 261
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ..... 266
When Driving Starting the Engine .......................... 268
Precautions While Driving................. 273
Automatic Transmission ................... 274
Shifting ............................................ 275
Cruise Control
*................................ 279
Front Sensor Camera*...................... 282
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*....... 284
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*...... 293Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*..... 297 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System ........... 305
Blind spot information (BSI) System
*.... 307All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System*..................................................... 310Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ... 310Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation ......... 312
Braking Brake System ................................... 314
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 316
Brake Assist System.......................... 317 Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM
(CMBSTM)*..................................... 318
Parking Your Vehicle When Stopped ................................ 326
Parking Sensor System
*................... 327
Cross Traffic Monitor*..................... 331
Multi-View Rear Camera .................. 334
Refueling Fuel Information .............................. 335
How to Refuel ................................. 336
Fuel Economy .................................... 337
Accessories and Modifications ........ 338
* Not available on all models

264
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. 261
•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.

267
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 ve hicle 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 de pth 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.

273
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 th at 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 un der 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
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.

274
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 pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexp ectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especi ally on slippery roads and curves.
■Creeping
■Kickdown