Acura RDX 2018 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2018, Model line: RDX, Model: Acura RDX 2018Pages: 453, PDF Size: 20.13 MB
Page 391 of 453

uuCleaning uInterior Care
390
Maintenance
The front floor mats hook over the floor 
anchors, which keep the mats from sliding 
forward. To remove a  mat for cleaning, turn 
the anchor knobs to the unlock position. 
When reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn 
the knobs to the lock position.
Do not put additional  floor mats on top of 
the anchored mat.
To properly clean leather:
1. Use a vacuum or soft dry cloth first to remove any dirt or dust.
2. Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampen ed with a solution comprised of 90% 
water and 10% neutral soap.
3. Wipe away any soap residu e with a clean damp cloth.
4. Wipe away residual water and allow  leather to air dry in the shade.
■Floor Mats1Floor Mats
If you use any floor mats  that were not originally 
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are 
designed for your specific ve hicle, fit correctly, and 
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat floor mats properly. If they are 
not properly positioned, the  floor mats can interfere 
with the front seat functions.
Lock
Unlock
■Maintaining Genuine Leather1
Maintaining Genuine Leather
It is important to clean or  wipe away dirt or dust as 
soon as possible. Spills can  soak into leather resulting 
in stains. Dirt or dust ca n cause abrasions in the 
leather. In addition, pl ease note that some dark 
colored clothing can rub onto the leather seats 
resulting in discol oration or stains. 
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391
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Continued
Maintenance
Exterior Care
Dust off the vehicle body after you drive.
Regularly inspect your vehicle for scra tches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a 
painted surface can result in body rust. If  you find a scratch, promptly repair it.
Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following 
conditions:
• If driving on roads with road salt.
• If driving in coastal areas.
• If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects,  or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.
Fold in the door mirrors.
Make sure to follow the instructions  indicated on the automated car wash.
• Keep sufficient distance between the  cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body.
• Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water to 
enter the vehicle interior.
• Do not spray high pressure water directly  into the engine compartment. Instead, 
use low pressure water  and a mild detergent. 
■Washing the Vehicle
■Using an Automated Car Wash
■Using High Pressure Cleaners
1Washing the Vehicle
Do not spray water into the air intake vents. It can 
cause a malfunction.
Air Intake Vents 
Page 393 of 453

uuCleaning uExterior Care
392
Maintenance
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the 
elements. Wax will wear off over time an d expose your vehicle’s paint to the 
elements, so reapply as necessary.
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they 
may be stained or the coating may peel. Prom ptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and 
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deteriorat ion caused by salt and other road 
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (inc luding some commercial wheel cleaners) or 
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear  coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that 
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
■Applying Wax
■Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
■Cleaning the Window
■Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
1 Applying Wax
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners  can damage 
the paint, metal, and plasti c on your vehicle. Wipe up 
spills immediately.
1 Maintaining the Bumpers an d Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when 
you want to repair the pa inted surface of the parts 
made of resin. 
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393
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Maintenance
The inside lenses of exterior lights (headlights, brake light s, etc.) may fog temporarily 
if you have driven in the rain, or after the vehicle has been run through a car wash. 
Dew condensation also may build up inside  the lenses when there is a significant 
enough difference between the ambient and  inside lens temperatures (similar to 
vehicle windows fogging up in rainy conditions).
These conditions are natura l processes, not structural design problems in the 
exterior lights.
Lens design characteristics ma y result in moisture developing on the light lens frame 
surfaces. This also is not a malfunction.
However, if you see large amounts wate r accumulation, or large water drops 
building up inside the lenses, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
■Fogged Exterior Light Lenses 
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394
Maintenance
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. 426
•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 in a manner that  may affect its handling, stability, or 
reliability, or install non-genuine Acura parts or accessories that may have a similar 
effect.
Even minor modifications to  vehicle systems can affect overall vehicle performance.
Always make sure all equipment is prop erly installed and maintained, and do not 
make any modification to your vehicle or its systems that might cause your vehicle 
to no longer meet federal, state, prov ince, territory, and local regulations.
Do not modify or attempt to repair  any of the electrical components.
1Accessories 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. 
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395
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
ToolsTypes of Tools .................................. 396
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire
*....................... 397
Temporarily Repair ing a Flat Tire*..... 403
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 414
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak ............................................. 415
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 416
Jump Starting .................................... 417
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 419Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 420
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes  On ............................................. 422
If the Charging System Indicator Comes 
On ................................................. 422
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes  On or Blinks ................................... 423
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes  On .................................................... 424
If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System 
Indicator Comes On............................ 424
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks ....................... 425
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 426
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 428
Emergency Towing ........................... 429
When You Cannot Open the Tailgate..... 430
* Not available on all models 
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396
Handling the Unexpected
Tools
Types of Tools
1Types of Tools
The tools are stored  in the luggage area.
Wheel Nut Wrench/
Jack Handle Jack
Jack Handle Bar
Vehicles with a compact spare tire 
Page 398 of 453

397Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire*
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually 
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe plac e. Replace the flat tire with a compact 
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possib le to have the full-size tire repaired or 
replaced.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, non-slip pery surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to 
(P.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights and set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF 
(LOCK).
1Changing a Flat Tire*
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact 
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure. 
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the 
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with 
a full-size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are 
specifically for this model. Do not use them with 
another vehicle. Do not us e another type of compact 
spare tire or wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains  on a compact spare tire. 
If a chain-mounted front tire  goes flat, remove one of 
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact 
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it 
with the full-size tire that was removed from the rear. 
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairi ng agent on a flat tire, 
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
* Not available on all models 
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398
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire*
Handling the Unexpected
1. Open the cargo area floor lid.
2. Take the wheel nut wrench and jack handle 
bar out of the cargo area.
3. Unscrew the wing bolt, and remove the 
spacer cone. Then, remove the spare tire.
4. Take the jack out of the spare tire area.
■Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire
Spare Tire 
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399
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire*
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
5. Place a wheel block or rock in front and rear 
of the wheel diagonal to the flat tire.
6. Place the compact spare  tire (wheel side up) 
under the vehicle body, near the tire that 
needs to be replaced.
7. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn 
using the wheel nut wrench.
Wheel 
Blocks
The tire to be replaced.