alt Acura RDX 2018 Owner's Manual

Continued43
uuAirbags uFront Airbags (SRS)
Safe DrivingFront airbags are designed to inflate durin g moderate-to-severe frontal collisions.
When the vehicle decelerates suddenly, the sensors send information to the control
unit which signals one or both front airbags to inflate.
A frontal collision can be either head-on or angled between two vehicles, or when a
vehicle crashes into a stationary object, such as a concrete wall.
While your seat belt restrains your torso, the
front airbag provides supplemental protection
for your head and chest.
The front airbags deflate immediately so that
they won’t interfere with the driver’s visibility
or the ability to steer or operate other
controls.
The total time for inflation and deflation is so fast that most occupants are not
aware that the airbags deployed until th ey see them lying in front of them.
■Operation
■How the Front Airbags Work1How the Front Airbags Work
Although the driver’s and fr ont passenger’s airbags
normally inflate within a spli t second of each other, it
is possible for only one airbag to deploy. This can
happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin,
or threshold, that determines whether or not the
airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will
provide sufficient protec tion, and the supplemental
protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.

76
uuIndicators u
Instrument Panel
*1:On the left: Models without full color display
On the right: Models with full color display
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage*1
Lights On
Indicator
●Comes on whenever the light
switch is on, or in AUTO when the
exterior lights are on.●If you set the power mode to
ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF (LOCK)
while the lights are on, a chime sounds
when the driver’s door is opened.
——
Fog Light
Indicator*
●Comes on when the fog lights are
on.———
Immobilizer
System Indicator
●Comes on briefly when you set the
power mode to ON, then goes off.
●Comes on if the immobilizer system
cannot recognize the key
information.
●Blinks - You cannot start the engine.
Set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF
(LOCK), then select the ON mode
again.
●Repeatedly blinks - The system may
be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer.
●Do not attempt to alter this system or
add other devices to it. Electrical
problems can occur.
——
* Not available on all models

139Continued
Controls
Security System
Immobilizer System
The immobilizer system prevents a key that has not been pre-registered from
starting the engine. Each key contains electronic transmitters that use electronic
signals to verify the key.
Pay attention to the following when selecting the ACCESSORY mode with the
ENGINE START/STOP button:
• Do not allow objects that emit strong radio waves near the ENGINE START/
STOP button.
• Make sure the key is not covered by or touching a metal object.
• Do not bring a key from another vehicle’s immobilizer system with the keyless
access remote.
Security System Alarm
The security system alarm activates when the doors, tailgate, or hood are opened
without the key, remote transmitt er or keyless access system.
However, the alarm goes off when a door is opened with the key, then the shift
lever is moved out of
( P or the hood is opened before the power mode is set to ON.
■When the security system alarm activates
The horn sounds intermittently, an d all of the exterior lights flash.
■To deactivate the security system alarm
Unlock the vehicle using the remote tra nsmitter, or keyless access system. The
system, along with the horn and flashing lights, is deactivated.
1 Immobilizer System
NOTICE
Leaving the keyless access re mote in the vehicle can
result in theft or accidental movement of the vehicle.
Always take the key with you whenever you leave the
vehicle unattended.
Do not alter the system or add other devices to it.
Doing so may damage the system and make your
vehicle inoperable.
1 Security System Alarm
The security alarm continues for a maximum of two
minutes until the security system alarm deactivates.

uuSecurity System uSecurity System Alarm
140
Controls
■Setting the security system alarm
The security system alarm automatically sets when the following conditions have
been met:
• The power mode is in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).
• The hood is closed.
• All doors and the tailgate are locked from outside with the key, remote
transmitter, or keyless access system.
■When the security system alarm sets
The security system alarm indicator in the instrument panel blinks. When the
blinking interval changes after about 15 se conds, the security system alarm is set.
■To cancel the security system alarm
The security system alarm is canceled when the vehicle is unlocked using the remote
transmitter, keyless ac cess system, or the power mode is set to ON. The security
system alarm indicator goe s off at the same time.
1Security System Alarm
Do not set the security system alarm when someone
is in the vehicle or a window is open. The system can
accidentally activate when:
•Unlocking the door with the lock tab.•Moving the shift lever out of ( P.
If the battery goes dead after you have set the
security system alarm, the security alarm may go off
once the battery is re charged or replaced.
If this occurs, deactivate the security system alarm by
unlocking a door using the remote transmitter, or
keyless access system.
Do not attempt to alter th is system or add another
device to it.

270
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(P, then
depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N, it is safer to start it in (P.
3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
1 Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner
air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear de fogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. Cons ult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Bring the keyless access remote close to the ENGINE
START/STOP button if the batte ry in the keyless
access remote is weak. 2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is
Weak P. 415
The engine may not start if the keyless access remote
is subjected to strong radio waves.
You do not need to hold the ENGINE START/STOP
button to start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds
before trying again.
Brake Pedal

316
uuWhen Driving uAll-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System*
Driving
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System*
Your vehicle is equipped with the AWD wi th intelligent control system. When the
system senses a loss of front wheel tracti on, it automatically transfers some power
to the rear wheels. This allows you to ut ilize all available traction and may increase
mobility.
You still need to exercise the same care when accelerating, steering, and braking
that you would in a two wheel drive vehicle.
If you excessively spin all four wheels and overheat the AWD with intelligent control
system, only the front wheels receive power. Stop until the system cools down.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are
driving. If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes
significantly low, the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on and a message appears on
the multi-information display.
1 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System*
NOTICE
Do not continuously spin the front tires of your
vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can
cause transmission or re ar differential damage.
The AWD with intelligent control system may not
function properly if tire ty pe and size are mixed.
Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and
the air pressures as specified.
2 Tire and Wheel Replacement P. 382
1Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Conditions such as low ambient temperature and
altitude change directly affect tire pressure and can
trigger the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come
on.
2 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks P. 425
Tire pressure checked and inflated in:
•Warm weather can beco me under-inflated in
colder weather.
•Cold weather can become over-inflated in warmer
weather.
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator will not come
on as a result of over inflation.
The TPMS audibly and visually informs you of
changes in tire pressure of the individual ti re that you
are adjusting using audibl e and visual indications.
2 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks P. 425
* Not available on all models

319
uuWhen Driving uTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation
Driving
correct tire pressure, even if un der-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of th e TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equi pped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the syst em detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash fo r approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illumina ted. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including
the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.

321
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
2 Brake Assist System P. 323
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 322
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous me tallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, this is caused by the brake wear
indicator rubbing on the brake rotor and indicates
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the
vehicle checked by a deal er. If you hear only an
occasional squeak or squeal when you initially apply
the brake pedal, this may be normal and caused by
high frequency vibr ation of the brake pads against
the rotating brake disc.
Constantly using the brak e pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pe dal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also conf use drivers behind you.
Your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic brake
booster that, under certain conditions, such as
braking at high altitudes, supplements the vacuum
power assist. When the hydraulic brake booster
activates, you may hear a motor sound and a slight
vibration in the pedal. This is normal.

330
uuBraking uCollision Mitigation Braking SystemTM (CMBSTM)*
Driving
• When driving through a narrow iron bridge.
• When a pedestrian blends in with the background.
• When a pedestrian is bent ov er or squatting, or when their hands or raised or they
are running.
• When several pedestrians are walking ahead in a group.
• When the lead vehicle suddenly slows down.
• When the camera cannot correctly identify that a pedestrian is present due to an
unusual shape (holding luggage, body position, size).
• When there is a group of people in front of your vehicle walking together side by
side.
• Surrounding conditions or belongings of the pedestrian alter the pedestrian’s
shape, preventing the system from recogn izing that the person is a pedestrian.
• When the pedestrian is squatting.
• A strong light is reflected onto the roadway.
• When the pedestrian is shorter than about 3.3 feet (1 meter) or taller than about
6.6 feet (2 meters) in height.
Limitations applicable to pedestrian detection only

uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
380
Maintenance
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asph alt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction performance.
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate h eat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temp erature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
■Traction
■Temperature
1 Traction
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
1Temperature
Warning: The temperature grade for
this tire is establishe d for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.