transmission Acura RLX 2014 User Guide

uuWhen DrivinguShifting
350Driving
■Second gear lock mode
If you pull the
(+
paddle shifter while stopped or driving at 6 mph (10 km/h) or less,
the gear position will be locked in 2nd gear. This makes it easier to pull away on
slippery surfaces such as snow covered roads.
To cancel the 2nd gear lock mode, pull the
(-
paddle shifter.
■
Sequential Shift Mode Operation
1Sequential Shift Mode Operation
Each paddle shift operation makes a single gear
change.
To change gears continuously, release the paddle
shifter before pulling it again for the next gear.
Recommended Shift Points
Use this table as a guideline for efficient fuel
economy and effective emission control.
If the gear position indicator blinks when you try to
shift up or down, this means your vehicle speed is not
in its allowable gear range.
Slightly accelerate to shift up and decelerate to shift
down while the indicator is blinking.
In sport mode, to prioritize the engine performance
enhancement, the transmission may not allow for
shifting up while the engine speed is low.Shift Up Normal Acceleration
1st to 2nd
17 mph (28 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 27 mph (44 km/h)
3rd to 4th
36 mph (57 km/h)
4th to 5th 41 mph (66 km/h)
5th to 6th
44 mph (71 km/h)
Downshifting when pulling
the paddle shifter.
(Changes to a lower gear)
Upshifting when pulling
the paddle shifter.
(Changes to a higher gear)
Paddle Shifter
(Shift down)Paddle Shifter
(Shift up)

Continued
385
uuBrakinguBrake System
Driving
■To release automatically
Depressing the accelerator pedal releases the parking brake.
Use the accelerator pedal to release the brake when you are starting the vehicle
facing uphill, or in a traffic jam.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
uThe electric parking brake indicator goes
off.
You can release the parking brake automatically when:
•You are wearing the driver’s seat belt.
•The engine is running.
•The shift lever is in any position other than
(P
or
(N
.
1Parking Brake
If the parking brake cannot be released
automatically, release it manually.
The parking brake cannot be released automatically
while the following indicators are on:•Malfunction indicator lamp•Transmission indicator
The parking brake may not be released automatically
while the following indicators are on:•Electric parking brake system indicator•VSA® system indicator•ABS indicator•Supplemental restraint system indicator
Accelerator Pedal

Continued
387
uuBrakinguBrake System
Driving
Keeps the brake applied after releasing the brake pedal until the accelerator pedal is
pressed. You can use this system while the vehicle is temporarily stopped, such as
when you stop at a traffic light.■
Automatic Brake Hold
1Automatic Brake Hold
3
WARNING
Activating the automatic brake hold system
on steep hills or slippery roads may still
allow the vehicle to move if you remove
your foot from the brake pedal.
If a vehicle unexpectedly moves, it may
cause a crash resulting in serious injury or
death.
Never activate the automatic brake hold
system or rely on it to keep a vehicle from
moving when stopped on a steep hill or
slippery roads.
3
WARNING
Using the automatic brake hold system to
park the vehicle may result in the vehicle
unexpectedly moving.
If a vehicle moves unexpectedly, it may
cause a crash, resulting in serious injury or
death.
Never leave the vehicle when braking is
temporarily kept by automatic brake hold
and always park the vehicle by putting the
transmission in
(P and applying the
parking brake.
■Turning on the system
Fasten your seat belt
properly, then start the
engine. Press the
automatic brake hold
button.●The automatic brake
hold system indicator
comes on. The system
is turned on.
■Activating the system
Depress the brake pedal
to come to a complete
stop. The shift lever must
be in
(D or
(N.
●The automatic brake
hold indicator comes
on. Braking is kept for
up to 10 minutes.●Release the brake
pedal after the
automatic brake hold
indicator comes on.
■Canceling the system
Depress the accelerator
pedal while the shift
lever is in
(D or
(R. The
system is canceled and
the vehicle starts to
move.
●The automatic brake
hold indicator goes
off. The system
continues to be on.Accelerator Pedal
Brake Pedal
Automatic Brake
Hold Button
Goes
Off On OnOn
On
On U.S.
Canada

397Driving
Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped1.Depress the brake pedal firmly.
2.With the brake pedal depressed, pull up the electric parking brake switch slowly,
but fully.
3.Move the shift lever from
(D
to
(P
.
4.Turn off the engine.
uThe electric parking brake indicator goes off in about 15 seconds.
Always set the parking brake firmly, in particular if you are parked on an incline.
1Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire.1When StoppedNOTICEThe following can damage the transmission:•Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals
simultaneously.•Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by
depressing the accelerator pedal.•Moving the shift lever into
(P before the vehicle
stops completely.
Raise the wiper arms when snow is expected.

407
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 408Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 409Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 410
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 411
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 416Opening the Hood ........................... 417
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 418
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 419
Oil Check ......................................... 420
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 421
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 422Engine Coolant ................................ 424
Transmission Fluid ............................ 426
Brake Fluid ....................................... 427
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 427
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 428Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 434Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 437Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 438Tire Labeling .................................... 438DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 440
Wear Indicators ............................... 442
Tire Service Life ................................ 442
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 443
Tire Rotation .................................... 444
Winter Tires ..................................... 445
Battery............................................... 446
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 447Climate Control System Maintenance
.... 448
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 449
Exterior Care.................................... 451

414
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Maintenance
■
Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 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 ItemModels with
navigation
system
Models without
navigation
system
Sub ItemsMain Item
*1: If a message Maintenance Due Now/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.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, boots, and
drain plug●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
●Check expiration information for TRK bottle
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*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: 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.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant

426
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidHave a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.
Do not attempt to check or change the automatic transmission fluid yourself. The
location of the ATF dipstick and fill increases the likelihood that you could be burned
when trying to check or change the ATF.■
Automatic Transmission FluidSpecified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission FluidNOTICEDo not mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other 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 using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Acura ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Acura’s new vehicle warranty.

482
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks
Handling the Unexpected
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks
■Reasons for the indicator lamp to come on or blink
•Comes on when there is a problem with the engine emissions control
system.
•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.
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
Depress 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.
1If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or BlinksNOTICEIf you drive with the malfunction 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.1If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
Canada

490Handling the Unexpected
Emergency TowingCall a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.■Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the only way you can safely transport your vehicle.
Any other towing method will damage the vehicle’s drive system.
1Emergency TowingNOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle's weight.NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.

495
Information
This chapter includes your vehicle’s specifications, locations of identification numbers, and other
information required by regulation.
Specifications.................................... 496
Identification NumbersVehicle Identification Number (VIN)...... 498Engine Number and Transmission
Number...................................... 498Devices that Emit Radio Waves....... 499
Reporting Safety Defects................. 500Emissions Testing
Testing of Readiness Codes.............. 501
Warranty Coverages........................ 503
Authorized Manuals......................... 505
Client Service Information............... 506