Acura RDX 2018 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2018, Model line: RDX, Model: Acura RDX 2018Pages: 453, PDF Size: 20.13 MB
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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 
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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 
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uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
352
Maintenance
Reset the engine oil life display if you  have performed the maintenance service.
1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Select  VEHICLE SETTINGS /Vehicle Settings using the   /   button, then 
press the  SEL/RESET  button.
3. Select  MAINTENANCE INFO. /Maintenance Info.  using the   /   button, 
then press the  SEL/RESET button.
4. Select  RESET using the   /   button, then press the  SEL/RESET button.
u The service code will disappear and the en gine oil life display will return to 
100%.
To cancel the oil life reset mode, select  CANCEL, then press the  SEL/RESET button.
■Resetting the Display1Resetting the Display
NOTICE
Failure to reset the engine oil life after a maintenance 
service results in the sy stem showing incorrect 
maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious 
mechanical problems.
The dealer will reset the en gine oil life display after 
completing the required ma intenance service. If 
someone other than a deal er performs maintenance 
service, reset the engine  oil life display yourself.
Engine Oil Life
SEL/RESET 
Button
 /   Button
Maintenance Item Codes
Models with full 
color displayModels without 
full color display
Engine Oil Life
Maintenance Item Codes 
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Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid 
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant 
Reserve Tank
Radiator Cap
Washer Fluid 
(Blue Cap)
Engine Oil Dipstick 
(Orange Loop)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic 
Transmission Fluid 
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)Battery 
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uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set 
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the 
lower left corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Slide the hood latch lever in the center of 
the hood to release the lock mechanism, 
and open the hood.
4. Lift the hood up most of the way.
u The hydraulic supports will lift it up the 
rest of the way and hold it up.
When closing, lower it to approximately 
12 inches (30 cm), then  press down firmly with 
your hands.1 Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are 
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage 
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is 
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves  stiffly, or if you can 
open the hood without lifti ng the lever, the latch 
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever 
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uuMaintenance Under the Hood uRecommended Engine Oil
Maintenance
Recommended Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your engine’s 
performance and longevity. If you drive the 
vehicle with insufficient  or deteriorated oil, 
the engine may fail or be damaged.
This seal indicates the o il is energy conserving 
and that it meets the American Petroleum 
Institute’s latest requirements.
Use a Genuine Acura Motor Oil or another 
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for 
the ambient temperature as shown.
■Synthetic oil
You may also use synthetic motor oil if it  is labeled with the API Certification Seal 
and is the specified viscosity grade.
• Genuine Acura Motor Oil
• Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with  an API Certification Seal on the 
container.1 Recommended Engine Oil
Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require  oil additives. In fact, 
they may adversely affect the engine performance 
and durability.
Ambient Temperature 
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uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engi ne oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turn ing the engine off before you check the 
oil. 1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or 
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its 
hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the 
level. It should be between the upper and 
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly 
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Lower MarkUpper Mark 
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uuMaintenance Under the Hood uAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten 
it securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the 
engine oil dipstick.1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may 
damage the engine compartment components.
NOTICE
Do not fill the engine  oil above the upper mark. 
Overfilling the engine oil  can result in leaks and 
engine damage.
Engine Oil 
Fill Cap 
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uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the 
engine’s lubrication. The engine may be  damaged if they are not changed regularly.
Change the oil and filter in  accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display. 1.Run the engine until it reaches normal 
operating temperature, and then turn the 
engine off.
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil 
fill cap.
3. Remove the drain bolt and washer from 
the bottom of the engine, and drain the 
oil into a suitable container.1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
NOTICE
You may damage the environment if you do not 
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are 
changing the oil by yourself , appropriately dispose of 
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take 
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away 
into a garbage can or onto the ground.
Drain Bolt
Washer 
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uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the 
remaining oil.
5. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to 
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the 
contact surface of the engine block, and 
install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to 
the oil filter rubber seal.
7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then 
reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the 
engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including 
filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and 
start the engine.
10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and   
then check that there  is no leak from the   
drain bolt or oil filter.
11. Stop the engine, wait  for three minutes,   
and then check the oil level on the   
dipstick.
u If necessary, add more engine oil.1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil 
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the 
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill  cap. Start the engine. The 
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five 
seconds. If it does not, turn  off the engine, and check 
your work.
Oil Filter