tow Acura RDX 2008 Owner's Guide

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Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion.
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
366
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
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Fill the f uel tank.Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors. Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
Vehicle Storage
368
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This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .370
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .371
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .375
................................
Jump Starting .377
..............
If the Engine Overheats .379
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .381
..........
Charging System Indicator .381
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .382
....
Brake System Indicator (Red) .383
Brake System Indicator
.....................................
(Amber) .384
..............................................
Fuses .385
..............................
Fuse Locations .389
......................
Emergency Towing .391
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
369
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If you have a f lat tire while driving,
stop in a saf e place to change it.
Drive slowly along the shoulder until
you get to an exit or an area that is
far away from the traffic lanes.Park the vehicle on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park. Apply the
parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer, unhitch
it.
Open the tailgate. Raise the cargo
area f loor lid by lif ting it up with
the strap, then remove the lid.
The spare tire, jack, and tools are
under the cargo area f loor.
Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
Unscrew the wing bolt. Use the
hooked end of the wheel nut
wrench extension as a wrench if
the wing bolt is hard to loosen.
Then take the spare tire out of the
cargo area.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
371
JACK
WING BOLT
LID
SPARE TIRE
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
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Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page . Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
121
292 386
391
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
376
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Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator. Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the H mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark. 9.
8.
7.
6.
5.
10.
11.
391
391
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
380
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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The brake system indicator (red)
normallycomesonwhenyouturn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and as a reminder to check
the parking brake. It will stay on if
you do not f ully release the parking
brake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
f luid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
f eels normal. If it does, check the
brake f luid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page). If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
345
77 77391
Brake System Indicator
Brake System Indicator (Red)
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
383
Canada
U. S.
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The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required.
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
391
Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the
all-wheel-drive system. Your vehicle
should be transported on a f lat-bed
truck or trailer.
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Your new vehicle is covered by these
warranties:
provides prorated
coverage f or a replacement battery
purchased f rom your dealer.
covers your new vehicle, except f or
the battery, emissions control
systems, and accessories against
def ects in materials and
workmanship.
these two
warranties cover your vehicle’s
emissions control systems. Time,
mileage, and coverage are
conditional. Please read your
warranty booklet f or exact
inf ormation. provides
coverageforaslongasthepur-
chaser of the muf f ler owns the
vehicle.
this warranty gives up
to 100 % credit toward a replacement
battery. a seat
belt that f ails to f unction properly is
covered by a limited warranty.
Please read your warranty booklet
f or details.
all exterior body panels are
covered f or rust-through f rom the
inside f or the specif ied time period
with no mileage limit.
Acura accessories are covered under
this warranty. Time and mileage
limits depend on the type of
accessory and other f actors. Please
read your warranty manual f or
details.
covers all Acura
replacement parts against defects in
materials and workmanship. Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2008 Acura warranty inf ormation
booklet that came with your vehicle
f or precise inf ormation on warranty
coverages. Your vehicle’s original
tires are covered by their
manuf acturer. Tire warranty
inf ormation is in a separate booklet.
Please ref er to the 2008 warranty
manual that came with your vehicle.
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Replacement Bat t ery L imit edWarranty
New Vehicle L imit ed Warrant y
Emissions Cont rol Syst ems Def ect sWarrant y and EmissionsPerf ormance Warranty Replacement Muf f ler L if et ime
Limited Warranty
Original Equipment Bat t ery L imit ed Warranty Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Rust Perf orat ion L imit ed Warrant yAccessory Limited Warranty
Replacement Part s L imit edWarranty
Warranty Coverages
Warrant y and Client Relat ions
411
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ÎÎ
CONT INUED
....................
Cruise Main Indicator .67
...................................
Cup Holders .154
.......................
Customized Settings .80
....................................
Def ault All .83
.................................
Door Setup .100
.............................
Lighting Setup .95
.................................
Meter Setup .86 ..............................
Economy, Fuel .278
............................
Elapsed Time .73,75
...........................
Reset Condition .93
........
Electric Vacuum Pump .304,384
..................................
Emergencies .369
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .377
Brake System Indicator
......................................
(Red) .383
Brake System Indicator .................................
(Amber) .384
................
Changing a Flat Tire .371
.....
Charging System Indicator .381
..................
Checking the Fuses .386
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers .118
............................
Jump Starting .377
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .381
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .382
..................
Overheated Engine .379
............................
Tailgate Open .126
..................
Emergency Towing .391
...............
DANGER, Explanation of .iii
...................................
Dashboard .3,60
..............
Daytime Running Lights .116
.................................
Dead Battery .377
........................................
Def ault All .83
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .412
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window .118
..............
Def rosting the Windows .163
....................................
Dimensions .396
.............
Dimming the Headlights .114
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .344
..................................
Engine Oil .277
........................
Directional Signals .114
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .304
.......................................
Disc Care .223 ........................
Disc Changer .173,196
Disc Changer Error
.....................................
Message .226
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .339
.....................................
Door Setup .100
........................
Auto Door Lock .101
.....................
Auto Door Unlock .109
.......................
Door Lock Mode .103
Keyless Lock
................
Acknowledgement .105
.............
Security Relock Timer .107
Doors ............
Childproof Door Locks .124
............
Locking and Unlocking .123
....................
Power Door Locks .123
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .398
.......................................
Drive (D) .295
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .289
....................................
Economy .278
........................
Driving Guidelines .290
............
Driving Position Memory .146
.......
Driving with Paddle Shif ters .297
................
D-Paddle Shif t Mode .297
...............................
In S Position .299
..........
Dual Temperature Control .165 ..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .355
Index
E
D
INDEX
III
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