Acura RDX 2017 Owner's Manual
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uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
350
Maintenance
Reset the engine oil life display if you  have performed the maintenance service.
1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Select  VEHICLE SETTINGS /Vehicle Settings using the   /   button, then 
press the  SEL/RESET  button.
3. Select  MAINTENANCE INFO. /Maintenance Info.  using the   /   button, 
then press the  SEL/RESET button.
4. Select  RESET using the   /   button, then press the  SEL/RESET button.
u The service code will disappear and the en gine oil life display will return to 
100%.
To cancel the oil life reset mode, select  CANCEL, then press the  SEL/RESET button.
■Resetting the Display1Resetting the Display
NOTICE
Failure to reset the engine oil life after a maintenance 
service results in the sy stem showing incorrect 
maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious 
mechanical problems.
The dealer will reset the en gine oil life display after 
completing the required ma intenance service. If 
someone other than a deal er performs maintenance 
service, reset the engine  oil life display yourself.
Engine Oil Life
SEL/RESET 
Button
 /   Button
Maintenance Item Codes
Models with full 
color displayModels without 
full color display
Engine Oil Life
Maintenance Item Codes 
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351
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid 
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant 
Reserve Tank
Radiator Cap
Washer Fluid 
(Blue Cap)
Engine Oil Dipstick 
(Orange Loop)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic 
Transmission Fluid 
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)Battery 
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352
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. Slide the hood latch lever in the center of 
the hood to release the lock mechanism, 
and open the hood.
4. Lift the hood up most of the way.
u The hydraulic supports will lift it up the 
rest of the way and hold it up.
When closing, lower it to approximately 
12 inches (30 cm), then  press down firmly with 
your hands.1 Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do 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 lifti ng the lever, the latch 
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever 
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353
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uRecommended Engine Oil
Maintenance
Recommended Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your engine’s 
performance and longevity. If you drive the 
vehicle with insufficient  or deteriorated oil, 
the engine may fail or be damaged.
This seal indicates the o il is energy conserving 
and that it meets the American Petroleum 
Institute’s latest requirements.
Use a Genuine Acura Motor Oil or another 
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for 
the ambient temperature as shown.
■Synthetic oil
You may also use synthetic motor oil if it  is labeled with the API Certification Seal 
and is the specified viscosity grade.
• Genuine Acura Motor Oil
• Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with  an API Certification Seal on the 
container.1 Recommended Engine Oil
Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require  oil additives. In fact, 
they may adversely affect the engine performance 
and durability.
Ambient Temperature 
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354
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engi ne oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turn ing 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 
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355
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten 
it securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the 
engine oil dipstick.1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may 
damage the engine compartment components.
NOTICE
Do not fill the engine  oil above the upper mark. 
Overfilling the engine oil  can result in leaks and 
engine damage.
Engine Oil 
Fill Cap 
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356
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the 
engine’s lubrication. The engine may be  damaged if they are not changed regularly.
Change the oil and filter in  accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display. 1.Run the engine until it reaches normal 
operating temperature, and then turn the 
engine off.
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil 
fill cap.
3. Remove the drain bolt and washer from 
the bottom of the engine, and drain the 
oil into a suitable container.1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
NOTICE
You may damage the environment if you do not 
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are 
changing the oil by yourself , appropriately dispose of 
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take 
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away 
into a garbage can or onto the ground.
Drain Bolt
Washer 
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357
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the 
remaining oil.
5. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to 
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the 
contact surface of the engine block, and 
install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to 
the oil filter rubber seal.
7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then 
reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the 
engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including 
filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and 
start the engine.
10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and   
then check that there  is no leak from the   
drain bolt or oil filter.
11. Stop the engine, wait  for three minutes,   
and then check the oil level on the   
dipstick.
u If necessary, add more engine oil.1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil 
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the 
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill  cap. Start the engine. The 
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five 
seconds. If it does not, turn  off the engine, and check 
your work.
Oil Filter 
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358
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Maintenance
Engine Coolant
This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any 
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the 
reserve tank first. If it is completely  empty, also check the coolant level in the 
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve 
tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the  MIN mark, 
add the specified coolant until it reaches 
the  MAX  mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Specified coolant: Acura Long  Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
■Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICE
Genuine Acura engine cool ant is a 50/50 mixture of 
antifreeze and water that can withstand freezing at 
temperatures as low as a bout -31°F (-35°C). If your 
vehicle is consistently subjected to temperatures 
below this, the concentration of antifreeze in the 
coolant should be increased. Consult a dealer for 
details.
If Acura antifreeze/coolant  is not available, you may 
use another major brand non- silicate coolant as a 
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality 
coolant recommended for  aluminum engines. 
Continued use of any non-Acur a coolant can result in 
corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction 
or fail. Have the cooling  system flushed and refilled 
with Acura antifreeze/cool ant as soon as possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your 
vehicle’s cooling system. They may not be compatible 
with the coolant or with the engine components.
Reserve 
TankMAX
MIN 
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uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Maintenance
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are 
cool.
2. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and 
relieve any pressure in the coolant system. 
Do not push the cap down when turning.
3. Push down and turn the radiator cap 
counterclockwise to remove it.
4. The coolant level should be up to the base 
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it 
fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it 
reaches the  MAX mark. Put the cap back 
on the reserve tank.
■Radiator1 Radiator
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and ca refully so you do not spill 
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can 
damage components in the engine compartment.
3WARNING
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.Radiator Cap