check engine Acura RDX 2020 Owner's Guide

405Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelin es. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in
or on it shown in the table. Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
• Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
• Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
• Each occupant has 17.6 lbs (8 kg) cargo in the cargo area.
Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and
maximum tongue load.
■Towing Load Limits1 Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not av ailable, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by th e manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer duri ng your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Vehicle Specifications P. 634
3WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Number of occupants2WD modelsAWD models
21,500 lbs (680 kg)1,500 lbs (680 kg)
31,500 lbs (680 kg)1,350 lbs (612 kg)
41,400 lbs (635 kg)1,150 lbs (522 kg)
5600 lbs (272 kg)600 lbs (272 kg)
20 ACURA RDX-31TJB6111.book 405 ページ ２０２０年２月１１日　火曜日　午後２時６分

413Continued
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parkin g brake is applied.
u The Parking Brake and Brake System
indicator (red) comes on for 30 seconds
when you press the electric parking
brake switch.
u The parking brake must be applied to
start the engine.
2. Depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N with the parking brake is applied, 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. Consult 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. 608
The engine may not start if the keyless access remote
is subjected to strong radio waves.
Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds
before trying again.
Electric Parking
Brake Switch
Brake Pedal
20 ACURA RDX-31TJB6111.book 413 ページ ２０２０年２月１１日　火曜日　午後２時６分

Continued415
uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
Driving
You can remotely start the engine usin g the two-way keyless access remote from
extended distances.
■To start the engine
The engine runs for up to 10 minu tes without you starting the vehicle.
To extend the run time for another 10 mi nutes during the first run, press the
button, then press an d hold the button.
u The amber LED blinks, then the green LED comes back on if a 10-minute
extension request was transmitted successfully.
After pressing the button, wait for the gr een LED to blink. This indicates that
the all the doors and the tailgate are locked.
■Remote Engine Start*1 Remote Engine Start*
The remote engine start may violate local laws.
Before using the remote e ngine start, check your
local laws.
If there are buildings an d obstacles between your
vehicle and the remote, th e range will be reduced.
This distance may vary by external electrical
interference.
The engine may not start by the remote engine start if:
•You have disabled a remote engine start setting
using the audio/information screen.
•The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).
•The transmission is in a position other than ( P.•The hood is open, or any door or the tailgate is
unlocked.
•You have already used the remote twice to start
the engine.
3WARNING
Carbon monoxide ga s is toxic and can
rapidly accumulate in closed or even partly
enclosed areas.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Never use the remote engine starter with
the vehicle parked in a garage or other
areas with limited ventilation.
Press the button, then press and hold
the button.
Amber LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.
Continues to blink
during a vehicle
self check until the
engine starts. Go within the range,
and try again.
Green LED: Comes on while
the engine is running. Red LED: Blinks when the
remote is out of the keyless
access system range.
* Not available on all models
20 ACURA RDX-31TJB6111.book 415 ページ ２０２０年２月１１日　火曜日　午後２時６分

uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
416
Driving
■To stop the engine
Press and hold the button
for one second.
Go within the range,
and try again.
Amber LED: Blinks when any
button is pressed. Red LED:
●Comes on for one second to let you
know that the engine has stopped.
●Blinks when the remote is out of
the keyless access system range.
The engine will not stop.
1
Remote Engine Start*
•Another registered keyless access remote is in the
vehicle.
•There is any antenna failure.
•The door is unlocked with the built-in key.•The engine oil pressure is low.
•The engine coolant temper ature is extremely high.
•The telematics unit malfunctions.•The security system alarm is not set.
Before starting the engine, make sure to check the
door lock status using the remote. When you press
the button, wait for the green LED to blink. If
the red LED turns on, the doors and tailgate did not
lock, and the engine does not start.
While the engine is running, the vehicle will
automatically preconditi on inside the vehicle.
When it is warm outside:
•The climate control system is activated in
recirculation mode.
•The seat ventilation is activated*.
When it is cold outside:
•The defroster is activated at a moderately warm
temperature.
•The rear defogger and door mirror heaters are
activated.
•The seat heaters and heated steering wheel* are
activated. 2Heated Steering Wheel
* P. 227
2 Front Seat Heaters and Ventilation*
P. 228
* Not available on all models
20 ACURA RDX-31TJB6111.book 416 ページ ２０２０年２月１１日　火曜日　午後２時６分

418
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than yo u would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of ca rgo on the roof rack (Acura accessory).
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1 Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not change the transmission while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the transmission.
NOTICE
If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in the
full left or right position for a while, the electric power
steering (EPS) system heats up. The system goes into a
protective mode, and limits its performance. The
steering wheel becomes harder and harder to operate.
Once the system cools down, the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can
eventually damage the system.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY while
driving, the engine will shut down and all steering
and brake power assist functi ons will stop, making it
difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the transmission into
( N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acce leration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You
should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.
1Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover. 2 Important Handling Information P. 32
20 ACURA RDX-31TJB6111.book 418 ページ ２０２０年２月１１日　火曜日　午後２時６分

uuWhen Driving uShifting
422
Driving
■Shift Operation1Shift Operation
NOTICE
When you change (D to (R and vice versa, come to
a complete stop and keep the brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift button before the vehicle has
come to a complete standstill can damage the
transmission.
Use the gear position indicator and the shift button
indicator to check the gear position before selecting
a shift button.
If the indicator of the curren tly selected gear position,
or all the gear position indicators are blinking
simultaneously, there is a problem with the
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut of f if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tac hometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happe ns, you may experience a
slight jolt.
When the engine speed is increased while the
transmission is in
( N, (P or (R, the fuel supply may
be cut off even without the engine speed entering
the tachometer’s red zone.
The beeper sounds once when you change to
( R.
2 Customized Features P. 335
Gear Position Indicator
Tachometer’s red zone
Press the (P button.
Pull back the (R button.
Press the
( N button.
Shift Button
Indicator M
(sequential mode)
Indicator
Sequential Mode Gear
Selection Indicator
Press the button.
Each time you press the button,
the mode switches between
Drive and S Position mode.D/S
20 ACURA RDX-31TJB6111.book 422 ページ ２０２０年２月１１日　火曜日　午後２時６分

436
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA ®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System
VSA ® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and select ively applying the brakes.
When VSA ® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.
■VSA ® Operation
1 Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
The VSA ® may not function properl y if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® system indicator comes on and stays
on while driving, there ma y be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehi cle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA® System
Indicator
20 ACURA RDX-31TJB6111.book 436 ページ ２０２０年２月１１日　火曜日　午後２時６分

437
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To partially disable VSA ® functionality/
features, press and hold it until you hear a
beep.
Your vehicle will have normal braking and
cornering ability, but tra ction control function
will be less effective.
To restore VSA ® functionality/features, press
the (VSA ® OFF ) button until you hear a
beep.
VSA ® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■VSA ® On and Off1 Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA® ), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fr esh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA ® temporarily switched off.
When the button is pressed, the traction control
function becomes less effective. This allows for the
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should
only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA ® off if
you are not able to free it when the VSA ® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA ® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA ® systems switched off.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA ® OFF Indicator
20 ACURA RDX-31TJB6111.book 437 ページ ２０２０年２月１１日　火曜日　午後２時６分

Continued493
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
■Automatic parking br ake feature operation
If the automatic parking brake feature has been activated:
• The parking brake is applied automatically when you set the power mode to
VEHICLE OFF.
• To confirm that the parking brake is applied, check if the Parking Brake and Brake
System indicator (red) is on.
2 Activating and deactivating the automatic parking brake feature P. 495
■To release
The power mode must be in ON in order to
release the electric parking brake.
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Pull the electric parking brake switch up
gently and securely.
u The indicator in the switch goes off.
u The Parking Brake and Brake System
indicator (red) goes off.
Manually releasing the parking brake using
the switch helps your vehicle start slowly and
smoothly when facing down hill on steep hills.
1 Parking Brake
In the following situations, the parking brake
automatically operates.
•When the vehicle stops more than 10 minutes
while ACC with Low Speed Follow is activated.
•When the driver’s seat belt is unfastened while
your vehicle is stopped au tomatically by ACC with
Low Speed Follow.
•When the engine is turned off, except by Auto Idle
Stop system, while ACC with Low Speed Follow is
activated.
•When the vehicle stops with the automatic brake
hold system activated for more than 10 minutes.
•When the driver’s seat belt is unfastened while
your vehicle is stopped a nd automatic brake hold is
applied.
•When the engine is turned off, except by Auto Idle
Stop system, while automatic brake hold system is
applied.
•When there is a problem with the automatic brake
hold system while Automatic Brake Hold is applied.
Electric Parking
Brake Switch
20 ACURA RDX-31TJB6111.book 493 ページ ２０２０年２月１１日　火曜日　午後２時６分

Continued495
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
■Activating and deactivating the automatic parking brake feature
With the power mode is in ON, carry out th e following steps to either activate or
deactivate the automatic parking brake feature.
1. Put the transmission into
(P.
2. Without depressing the brake pedal, pres s and release the parking brake switch.
u Check that the Parking Brake and Brake System indicator (red) has come on.
3. Press and hold the parking brake switch. Wh en you hear a beeping sound, release
the switch and within 3 seconds pull up and hold the switch again.
4. When you hear a sound indicating that the procedure is completed, release the
switch.
u Two beeps indicates that the feature has been activated.
u One beep indicates that the feature has been deactivated.
u When you have completed activating the feature, the parking brake will
remain applied after you turn off the engine.
u To confirm that the park ing brake is applied, check if the Parking Brake and
Brake System indicator (red) is on.
If you need to temporarily deactivate th e feature for when putting your vehicle
through a conveyor type car wash, you can follow the procedure explained below.
1. Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
2. Set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF and then within 2 seconds pull up the
parking brake switch.
u Activation and deactivation settings for the feature will not be affected.
u Before temporarily deactivating the feat ure, make sure to first turn off both
ACC with Low Speed Follow and the automatic brake hold system.
u To confirm that the park ing brake is applied, check if the Parking Brake and
Brake System indicator (red) is on.
1 Parking Brake
In cold climates, the parking brake may freeze in
place if applied.
When parking the vehicle, chock the wheels and
make sure the automatic parking brake feature is
deactivated.
Also, when putting your vehicle through a conveyor-
type car wash or when ha ving your vehicle towed,
deactivate the automatic parking brake feature and
leave the parking brake released.
20 ACURA RDX-31TJB6111.book 495 ページ ２０２０年２月１１日　火曜日　午後２時６分