lock Acura RDX 2009 Manual PDF

Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist using negative pressure
generated by the engine and the
electric vacuum pump helps reduce
the ef f ort needed on the brake pedal.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps you retain steering control
when braking very hard.All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, f uel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, conf using
drivers behind you.
When you drive in cold weather or
thinner air at high altitude, the
electric vacuum pump operates more
f requently af ter the engine is started.
For more inf ormation about the
electric vacuum pump, see page . Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.
When the electric vacuum pump is in
operation, it makes some mechanical
noises come f rom the engine
compartment. This is normal.
384
Braking System
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System Design
304
\f—\f—

y
y
() \fy\f\fy
2009 RDX

The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the f ront-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock f unction of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’ You will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
If the indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as instructed
on page .
78
383
CONT INUED
You should never pump the brake pedal.
ABS Indicator
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
305
\f—\f—

y
y
() \fy\f
\fy
2009 RDX

If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.It only helps with the
steering control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road. on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator. 383
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
306
\f—\f—

y
\fy
() \fy\f

y
2009 RDX

Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
f or any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving of f -highway can be
hazardous if you f ail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.Debris in the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Because your vehicle has a high
center of gravity, driving over a large
obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop
into a deep hole can cause your
vehicle to tip or roll over.
If you can’t clearly see all conditions
or obstacles on a slope, walk the
slope bef ore you drive on it. If you
have any doubt whether or not you
can saf ely drive on the slope, don’t
do it. Find another route.
If you are driving up a hill and f ind
that you cannot continue,
. Your vehicle could roll
over. Slowly back down the hill,
f ollowing the same route you took up
the hill.
Forbettertractiononallsurfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway, and you may dig
yourself a hole. Starting with the
shif t lever in D position will help you
have a smoother start on snow or ice.
Keep in mind that you will usually
need more time and distance to
brake to a stop on unpaved surf aces.
Avoid hard braking. Do not ‘‘pump’’
the brakes; let the anti-lock braking
system pump them f or you.
do not try to
turn around
Check Out Your Vehicle
Remember A ccelerating and Braking A voiding Obstacles
Driving on Slopes
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
322
\f—\f—

y
y
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
Relieve any pressure in the cooling
system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spills immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
2.
1. 4. 5.
6.
3.
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
341
RESERVE TANK
RADIATOR CAP
MAX
MIN
\f—\f—

y
\fy
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
Power Steering Fluid
346
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
\f—\f—

y
y
() \fy\f
y
2009 RDX

Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustmentsshouldbedonebyyour
dealer or another qualif ied
technician.Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Remove the bulb by turning it
about one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Open the hood.
The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced. 1.
2.3.
4.
5.
Headlight A iming Replacing a High Beam Headlight
Bulb
L ow Beam Headlight Bulb
Replacement
Lights
Maint enance
347
BULB CONNECTORHalogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
\f—\f—

y
y
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Install the new bulb in the socket.
Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
Remove the bulb f rom the socket
by pushing the bulb in and turning
it counterclockwise until it unlocks.
Open the hood. Remove the
socket f rom the headlight
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise. Open the hood. Remove the
socket f rom the headlight
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
1.
2.
3. 1.
2.
4.
5.
Lights
Replacing a Front T urn Signal/
Parking L ight Bulb
Replacing a Front Side Marker
Light Bulb
348
BULB
SOCKET SOCKET BULB
\f—\f—

y
\fy
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Open the tailgate. Place a cloth on
the edge of the light assembly
cover. Remove the cover by
caref ully prying in the notch on its
middle edge with a f lat-tip
screwdriver.
Determine which of the two bulbs
is burned out: taillight or back-up
light.
Install the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
1.
2. 3.
4.
3.
4.
CONT INUED
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Tailgate)
Maint enance
349
COVER
NOTCH SOCKETS
BULBS
\f—\f—

y

y
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX

Determine which of the three
bulbs is burned out: brake/
taillight, turn signal or rear side
marker.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Open the tailgate.
Remove the two bolt covers on the
rear pillar by prying on the bottom
edge with a flat-tip screwdriver.
Remove the bolts with a Phillips-
head screwdriver, and remove the
light assembly f rom the rear pillar.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Reinstall the light assembly cover.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
2. 4.
5.
3.
1.
5.
6.
7.
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Rear Pillar)
350
COVERS
BULB SOCKET
BOLTS
\f—\f—

y
y
() \fy\fy
2009 RDX