tow Acura RDX 2013 Owner's Guide

276
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
1 Opening the Hood
NOTICEDo not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
PullLever
Support Rod Grip
Clamp

278
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Lower MarkUpper Mark

287
Continued
Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.1.Push the tab to remove the coupler.
2. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
3. Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
4. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
High voltage can remain in the circuit for a long period of time after the light is
switched off. Do not attempt to inspect or replace the high voltage discharge type
bulbs yourself. Ask a dealer to inspect and replace low beam headlights.High beam headlight:
Low beam headlight:
60 W (HB3)
55W (H11 for halogen bulb type)
35W (D2S for high voltage discharge type)
■
High Beam Headlight
1 Headlight Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
The HB3 and H11 types are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and
protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
The exterior lights' inside lenses (headlights, brake
lights, etc.) may fog temporarily after a vehicle wash
or while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Coupler Bulb
Tab
■
Low Beam Headlights
Models with high voltage discharge tube bulbs

310Maintenance
BatteryChecking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look at
the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The audio system is disabled.
2 Reactivating the audio system P. 160
•The clock resets.
2 Setting the Clock P. 96
•The navigation system
* is disabled.
2 Refer to navigation system manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cab le first, and reconnect it last.
1BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.The test indicator's color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3
WARNING
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.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator Window
* Not available on all models

317
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 318
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 319
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 325
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak ............................................. 326
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 327
Jump Starting .................................... 328
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 330Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 331
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On ............................................. 333If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 333
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 334If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On .................................................... 335If the EPS System Indicator Comes On...... 335
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 336
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 337
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 339
Emergency Towing ........................... 340When You Cannot Open the Tailgate
..... 341

325Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 310
●If the interior lights come on normally
2 Fuses P. 337
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.
Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2 Starting the Engine P. 240
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 113
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 82
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 339
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 340
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 328

340Handling 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 best way to transport your vehicle.
■
Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1 Emergency Towing
NOTICETrying 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.
All models2WD models

361
Index
Shifting (Transmission)............................ 244
Shoulder Anchor ........................................ 33
Side Airbags ............................................... 44
Cutoff System ........................................... 46
Off Indicator ............................................. 46
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 47
SMS Text Message ............................ 208, 220
Snow Tires ................................................ 309
Spare Tire ......................................... 319, 345
Spark Plugs ............................................... 344
Specifications ........................................... 344
Specified Fuel ................................... 263, 344
Speedometer .............................................. 82
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................ 40
Starting the Engine .................................. 240
Does Not Start ........................................ 325
Jump Starting ......................................... 328
Steering Wheel ........................................ 132
Adjusting ................................................ 132
Stopping ................................................... 261
Summer Tires ............................................ 309
Sunglasses Holder .................................... 150
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....... 40
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ........ 2, 3, 119
Synchronized Mode ................................. 154
System Message Indicator ......................... 76
TTachometer................................................. 82
Tailgate ..................................................... 107
Unable to Open ....................................... 341
Temperature Outside Temperature Display ..................... 85
Temperature Gauge ................................... 82
Temperature Sensor ........................... 85, 155
Text Message .................................... 208, 220
Time (Setting) ............................................. 96
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..................................................... 253
Indicator ............................................ 74, 336
Tires ........................................................... 301
Air Pressure ..................................... 302, 345
Checking and Maintaining....................... 301
Inspection................................................ 301
Labeling .................................................. 302
Puncture (Flat Tire)................................... 319
Regulations ............................................. 304
Rotation .................................................. 308
Spare Tire ........................................ 319, 345
Summer .................................................. 309
Tire Chains .............................................. 309
Wear Indicators ....................................... 306
Winter ..................................................... 309
Tools .......................................................... 318
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 233
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 234
Load Limits .............................................. 233 Towing Your Vehicle
................................ 237
Emergency .............................................. 340
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ........ 253
Indicator............................................ 74, 336
Transmission ............................................. 244
Automatic ............................................... 244
Fluid ........................................................ 284
Number................................................... 346
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 246
Shift Lever Position Indicator.............. 70, 245
Trip Meter ................................................... 85
Troubleshooting ....................................... 317
Blown Fuse...................................... 337, 338
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 18
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 19
Emergency Towing .................................. 340
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 325
Noise When Braking .................................. 20
Overheating ............................................ 331
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 319
Rear Door Won’t Open...................... 19, 105
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 330
Warning Indicators .................................... 68
Turn Signals .............................................. 122
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 74