CONT INUEDThe U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
RDX model
63
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
SH-AWD INDICATOR
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
A/T TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATORFOG LIGHT INDICATOR
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR
VSA ACTIVATION INDICATOR LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR
CRUISE MAIN INDICATORCRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) INDICATOR
SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR
(P.70)
(P.66) (P.74)
(P.69)DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL)
INDICATOR
(P.71) (P.70)
(P.72)
(P.71)
MAINTENANCE MINDER
INDICATOR (P.70)
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
(P.69)
(P.71)
(P.67) (P.71)
(P.65,
393)
(P.66, 393)
(P.65, 394) (P.70)
(P.20, 65) (P.73, 309)
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (AMBER) (P.68,
396)
(P.33, 66)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR (P.33, 67)
PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (RED)
(P.68, 395)
(P.73, 310)
(P.67, 307)
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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.
Instrument Panel
RDX with Technology Package model
64
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
SH-AWD INDICATOR
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
A/T TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATORFOG LIGHT INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR
VSA ACTIVATION INDICATOR CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) INDICATOR
SYSTEM MESSAGE INDICATOR (P.70)
(P.70)
(P.72)
(P.70)
(P.66) (P.74)
(P.69)
(P.71)
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR (P.70
) LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR
( P. 69)
(P.71)
(P.71)
(P.67)
(P.65, 393)
(P.66, 393)
(P.65, 394) (P.73, 309)
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (AMBER)
(P.33, 66) SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR (P.33, 67)
PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (RED)
(P.68, 395)
(P.67, 307) (P.20, 65) (P.68,
396)
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This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates that the
passenger’s side airbag has
automatically shut off. For more
info rmation, see page .
You will also see a ‘‘PASSENGER
SIDE AIRBAG OFF’’ message on the
multi-info rmation display (see page
). You will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
info rmation display (see page ).
This
indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and when the ignition
switch is turned to the START (III)
position. If it comes on at any other
time, there is a problem with the
ABS. If this happens, have your
vehicle checked at a dealer. With
this indicator on, your vehicle still
has normal braking ability but no
an ti-lock function. For more
info rmation, see page . This
indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will then go off if
you have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink,
and the engine will not start (see
page ).
85
307
85 33
128
On RDX with Technology Package
model
On RDX with Technology Packagemodel
Instrument Panel Indicators
Side Airbag Of f Indicator Anti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator
Immobilizer System
Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
67
Canada
U.S.
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This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the super handling-all wheel
drive (SH-AWD) system, the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system, the tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS),
and f acts you need if you are
planning to tow a trailer or drive off-
highway.........................
Driving Guidelines .292
........................
Preparing to Drive .293
.......................
Starting the Engine .294
..............
Automatic Transmission .295
Driving with the Paddle
.......................................
Shif ters .299
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive ...................
(SH-AWD) System .303
...........................................
Parking .305
.............................
Braking System .306
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .307
Tire Pressure Monitoring
........................
System (TPMS) .309
Vehicle Stability Assist ............................
(VSA) System .315
...........................
Towing a Trailer .317
Of f -Highway Driving ..................................
Guidelines .324
Driving
Driving
291
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Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist using negative pressure
generated by the engine and the
el ectric vacuum pump helps reduce
the effort needed on the brake pedal.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps you retain steering control
when braking very hard.
All four brakes have audible brake
wear indicato rs.
The
hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Ea ch circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front 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 distincti ve, 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 norm al for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your foot off the
accelerator and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Check your brakes after driving
th rough deep water. Apply the
brakes moderate ly to see if they feel
norm al. If not, apply them gently and
frequently 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.
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 . 396
Braking System
Brake Pad Wear Indicators Braking System Design
306
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The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the brakes from
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much faster than a
person can do it.
The ABS also balances the front-to-
rear braking distribution according
to vehicle loading.
Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
referred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’ You
will feel 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 function 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.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). 85
You should never pump the brake pedal. On RDX with Technology Package
model
CONT INUED
ABS Indicator
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
307
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If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is fully
released, the front-to-rear braking
distribution system may also be shut
down.
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. 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.
395
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
308
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Maintenance Minder
343
: Maintenance
Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connect ions Maintenance
Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures. This
requires transmission and transfer fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
maintenance minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
and transfer fluid changed at 60,000 miles
(100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace rear differential fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles
(12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
1
If the message ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
If the message ‘‘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 on page .
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy. Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km). Independent of the maintenance items in the information display, replace
the brake fluid every 3 years.
NOTE: 1:
342
On RDX model
On RDX with Technology Package model
Maintenance Minder
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