Acura RDX 2017 Owner's Manual

340
uuRefueling uHow to Refuel
Driving
How to Refuel
1. Stop your vehicle with the service station
pump on the left side of the vehicle in the
rear.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Pull on the fuel fill door release handle
under the lower left corner of the
dashboard.
u The fuel fill door opens.
4. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. If you hear a
release of air, wait unt il this stops, then turn
the knob slowly to open the fuel fill cap.
5. Place the fuel fill cap in the holder.
6. Insert the filler nozzle fully.
u When the tank is full, the filler nozzle will
click off automatically . This leaves space
in the fuel tank in case the fuel expands
with a change in the temperature.
7. After filling, replace the fuel fill cap,
tightening it until you hear it click at least
once.
u Shut the fuel fill door by hand.1How to Refuel
The filler nozzle automatically stops to leave space in
the fuel tank so that fuel does not overflow as a result
of changes in air temperature.
If the fuel filler nozzle keeps turning off when the
tank is not full, there ma y be a problem with the
pump’s fuel vapor recovery system. Try filling at
another pump. If this does not fix the problem,
consult a dealer.
Do not continue to add fuel after the nozzle has
automatically stopped. Addi tional fuel can exceed
the full tank capacity.
3WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel.
• Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks,
and flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.Pull
Cap
Cap
Holder

341
Driving
Fuel Economy and CO2 Emissions
Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO2 Emissions
Achieving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions is dependent on several
factors, including driving conditions, load weight, idling time, driving habits, and
vehicle condition. Depending on these and other factors, you may not achieve the
rated fuel economy of this vehicle.
You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the
multi-information display.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal.
• Maintain the specified tire pressure.
• Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo.
• Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and increases wind resistance.
■Maintenance and Fuel Economy
1Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO2 Emissions
Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.
In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please visit
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/
Miles driven Gallons of
fuel Miles per
Gallon
100 LiterKilometers L per 100 km

342
Driving
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories
When installing accessories, check the following:
• Do not install accessories on the windsh ield. They can obstruct your view and
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
• Do not install any accessorie s over areas marked SRS Airbag, on the sides or backs
of the front seats, on front or side pillars, or near the side windows.
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
vehicle’s airbags or may be propelled into you or another occupant if the airbags
deploy.
• Be sure electronic accessories do not over load electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
2 Fuses P. 424
•Before installing any electronic accessory, have the inst aller contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a d ealer inspect the final installation.
Modifications
Do not modify your vehicle or use non-Acura components that can affect its
handling, stability, and reliability.
Overall vehicle performance can be affect ed. Always make sure all equipment is
properly installed and maintained, and th at it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
1 Accessories and Modifications
Acura Genuine accessori es are recommended to
ensure proper operati on on your vehicle.
3WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a crash in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner’s
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

343
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 344
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 345Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 346
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 347
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 351Opening the Hood ........................... 352
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 353
Oil Check ......................................... 354
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 355
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 356
Engine Coolant ................................ 358
Transmission Fluid ............................ 360
Brake Fluid ....................................... 361
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 362
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 363
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades.... 370Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 374
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 375Tire Labeling .................................... 375DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 377Wear Indicators................................ 379
Tire Service Life ................................ 379 Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 380
Tire Rotation .................................... 381
Winter Tires ..................................... 382
Battery ............................................... 383
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 384
Climate Control System Maintenance..... 386Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 387
Exterior Care.................................... 389

344
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.)
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 360
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 361
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 374
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 363
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 370
■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 maintenance services should
be performed in accordan ce with the intervals
indicated by the mult i-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 349
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. 439
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

345
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safe ty precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explos ion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
u Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
• To clean parts, use a co mmercially available degreas er or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective clothi ng when working with the battery or
compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
u Only operate the engine if th ere is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
u Make sure your vehicle is parked on le vel ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
u Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
u Do not start the engine unless instruct ed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.
■Maintenance Safety
■Vehicle Safety
1 Safety When Performing Maintenance
3WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a pr oblem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner’s manual.
3WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner’s manual.

346
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uParts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service
Maintenance
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service
The use of Acura genuine parts and fluids is recommended when maintaining and
servicing your vehicle. Acura genuine parts are manufactured according to the same
high quality standards used in Acura vehicles.

347Continued
Maintenance
Maintenance MinderTM
If the engine oil life is less than 15%, you will see the Maintenance Minder messages
appear on the multi-information display ev ery time you set the power mode to ON.
The messages notify you when to change the engine oil, or when to bring your
vehicle to a dealer for indicated maintenance services.
To Use Maintenance MinderTM
1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Press the / button repeatedly until the engine oil life appears on the
multi-information display.
■Displaying the Engine Oil Life1 Displaying the Engine Oil Life
Based on the engine ope rating conditions, the
remaining engine oi l life is calculated and displayed
as a percentage.
There is a list of maintena nce main and sub items you
can view on the multi-information display. 2 Maintenance Service Items P. 349
Displayed Engine Oil
Life (%)Calculated Engine Oil Life (%)
100 100 to 91
9090 to 81
80 80 to 71
7070 to 61
60 60 to 51
5050 to 41
40 40 to 31
3030 to 21
20 20 to 16
1515 to 11
10 10 to 6
55 to 1
00
Remaining Engine Oil Life
/ Button
Models with full
color displayModels without
full color display

348
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Maintenance
*1 : On the left: Models with full color display
On the right: Models without full color display
The system message indicator ( ) comes on along with the Maintenance Minder message.
■Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-Information
Display
Maintenance Message*1Oil Life Display*1ExplanationInformation
Maintenance Due Soon/
SERVICE DUE SOON15%The remaining engine oil life is 15 to 6
percent. Once you switch the display
by pressing the / (information)
button, this message will go off.The engine oil is approaching the end
of its service life, and the maintenance
items should be inspected and serviced
soon.
Maintenance Due Now /
SERVICE DUE NOW5%The remaining engine oil life is 5 to 1
percent. Press the / button to
switch to another display.The engine oil has almost reached the
end of its service life, and the
maintenance items should be
inspected and serviced as soon as
possible.
Maintenance Past Due /
SERVICE PAST DUENegative DistanceThe remaining engine oil life has
passed its service life, and a negative
distance appears after driving over 10
miles (U.S. models) or 10 km
(Canadian models). Press the /
button to switch to another display.The engine oil life has passed.
The maintenance items must be
inspected and serviced immediately.
A

349
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 message,
SERVICE DUE NOW 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).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Check expiration date for Temporary Tire Repair Kit bottle (If
equipped)
●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lin es (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#*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).
*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission and transfer temperatures. This requires transmission and transfer fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have
the transmission fluid changed at 60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C), in very low temperatures (under -
20 °F, -29 °C), 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
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*5
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*
Models with full
color displayModels without
full color display
Sub
Items
Main Item
* Not available on all models