check engine Acura RDX 2017 Owner's Guide

358
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Maintenance
Engine Coolant
This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
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.
Specified coolant: Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
■Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICE
Genuine Acura engine cool ant is a 50/50 mixture of
antifreeze and water that can withstand freezing at
temperatures as low as a bout -31°F (-35°C). If your
vehicle is consistently subjected to temperatures
below this, the concentration of antifreeze in the
coolant should be increased. Consult a dealer for
details.
If Acura antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non- silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Acur a coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction
or fail. Have the cooling system flushed and refilled
with Acura antifreeze/cool ant as soon as possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
Reserve
TankMAX
MIN

360
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 (yellow 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 ho le 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 fluid ot her than Acura ATF DW-
1 may adversely affect 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

362
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uRefilling Window Washer Fluid
Maintenance
Refilling 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.
If the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the multi-information display.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.1Refilling Window Washer Fluid
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage y our vehicle’s paint. A
vinegar/water solution ca n damage the windshield
washer pump.
1/2 Mark
Models with washer level sensor

393
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
ToolsTypes of Tools .................................. 394
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire
*....................... 395
Temporarily Repair ing a Flat Tire*..... 401
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 412
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak ............................................. 413
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 414
Jump Starting .................................... 415
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 417Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 418
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On ............................................. 420
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 420
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 421
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On .................................................... 422
If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System
Indicator Comes On............................ 422
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks ....................... 423
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 424
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 426
Emergency Towing ........................... 427
When You Cannot Open the Tailgate..... 428
* Not available on all models

412
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine
If the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter conditionChecklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.Check for a message on the multi-information display.
●If the TO START, HOLD REMOTE NEAR START BUTTON /To Start, Hold Remote Near Start
Button message appears
2If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak P. 413
uMake sure the keyless access remo te is in its operating range.
2ENGINE START/STOP Button P. 144
Check brightness of the interior lights.
Turn on the interior lights and check the brightness.
●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 383●If the interior lights come on normally 2 Fuses P. 424
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly. Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2
Starting the Engine P. 268
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 137
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 93
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 426
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 427
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehi cle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 415

415Continued
Handling the Unexpected
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.
u Use a 12-volt booster battery only.
3. Connect the second ju mper 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 ve hicle’s engine. If it
turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
■Jump Starting Procedure1 Jump Starting
Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they
do not come off when the e ngine vibrates. Also be
careful not to tangle the ju mper cables or allow the
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or
detaching the jumper cables.
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions and
may prevent the engi ne from starting.
3WARNING
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.
Booster Battery

419
uuOverheating uHow to Handle Overheating
Handling the Unexpected
■Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the temperature
gauge needle comes down.
u If the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
u If the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the
MAX mark.
u If there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. 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.
■Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, re start 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.
1 How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
3WARNING
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.
Reserve Tank
MAXMIN

420
Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low.
■What to do as soon as the indicator comes on
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
2. If necessary, turn the ha zard warning lights on.
■What to do after parking the vehicle
1. Stop the engine and let it sit for about one minute.
2. Open the hood and check the oil level.
u Add oil as necessary.
3. Start the engine and check the low oil pressure indicator.
u The indicator goes off: Start driving again.
u The indicator does not go off within 10 seconds: Stop the
engine and contact a dealer for repairs immediately.
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the battery is not being charged.
■What to do when the indicator comes on
Turn off the climate con trol system, rear defogger, and other electrical
systems, and immediately contact a dealer for repairs.
1 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
NOTICE
Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.
1If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the
engine. Restarting the engi ne may rapidly discharge
the battery.

421
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks
Handling the Unexpected
If the Malfunction Indica tor Lamp Comes On or
Blinks
■Reasons for the indicator la mp to come on or blink
• Comes on when there is a problem with the engine emissions control
system, or the fuel fill cap is missing, or loose.
• Blinks when engine misfiring is detected.
■What to do when the indicator lamp comes on
Avoid high speeds and immediately get your vehicle inspected at a
dealer.
■What to do when the indicator lamp blinks
Park the vehicle in a safe place with no flammable items and wait at least
ten minutes or more with the engine stopped until it cools.
■The message appears on when:
An evaporative system leak is detected. This may be caused by the fuel fill cap being
loose or not being installed.
■What to do when the message appears:
1. Stop the engine.
2. Check that the fuel fill cap is fully installed.
u If not, loosen the cap, and then reti ghten it until it clicks at least once.
3. Drive for several days of normal driving.
u The message should go off.
■When the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
Malfunction indicator lamp comes on if th e system continues to detect a leak of
gasoline vapor. If this happens, check the fuel fill cap using the procedures described
above.
■Tighten Fuel Cap Message
1 If the Malfunction Indicato r Lamp Comes On or Blinks
NOTICE
If you drive with the malf unction indicator lamp on,
the emissions control system and the engine could be
damaged.
If the malfunction indicator lamp blinks again when
restarting the engine, drive to the nearest dealer at
31 mph (50 km/h) or less. Have your vehicle
inspected.

422
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf 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 action . 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 idlin g, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■What to do when the 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