Bef ore you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to use and how to check the
levels of important f luids. You also
need to know how to properly store
luggage or packages. The
inf ormation in this section will help
you. If you plan to add any
accessories to your vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first..............................
Break-in Period .278
.................
Fuel Recommendation .278
.........
Service Station Procedures .279
....................................
Ref ueling .279
........
Check Fuel Cap Message .280
.....
Tighten Fuel Cap Message .281
Opening and Closing
................................
the Hood .282
...................................
Oil Check .283
.............
Engine Coolant Check . 283
...............................
Fuel Economy .284
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 285
.............................
Carrying Cargo .287
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
277
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Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Wait a few minutes after turning the
engine off before you check the oil.
Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
Wipe off the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Hold the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel, and then
insert it all the way back in its hole. Make
sure the ‘‘UP’’ mark on the
loop is facing up when you insert
the dipstick.
Remove the dipstick again, and
ch eck the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .Look
at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page for
info rmation on adding the proper
coolan t.
Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
1.
2.
3.
4.
347 351
342
Service Station Procedures
Oil Check
A dding Engine OilEngine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
Bef ore Driving
283
DIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
‘‘UP’’MARK
RESERVE TANK
MAX MIN
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µµ µ
µ
µ
U.S.
Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
pe rformed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
information display. Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items
at the specified interval s. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
. Brakes
Check the fluid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and licen se plate lights monthly.
See page .
283
355 357
359
283 374
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA standards. Owner’s Maintenance Checks
342
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Î
Î
Ì Ì
Ì
Î
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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If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks. Always use Honda Long-lif e Anti-
f reeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water.
Never add straight antifreeze or
plain water.
A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
351
RESERVE TANK
MAX
MIN
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 coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.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.
2. 1. 4. 5.
6.
3.
Engine Coolant
352
RESERVE TANK
RADIATOR CAP
MAX
MIN
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Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see
on page ).
If you don’t find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. After 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
befo re checking the radiato r. 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 filler
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled 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 ).
9.
8.
7. 6. 5.
10.
11.
403
283
403
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
392
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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Parking .121
................................
Turn Signal .121
....................................
Load Limits .288
....
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 129
......................
Lockout Prevention .132
Locks .....
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 129
........................
Childproof Door .132
.............
Console Compartment . 165
............................
Fuel Fill Door .279
..................................
Glove Box .162
...............................
Power Door .131
......................................
Tailgate .138
........................
Low Coolant Level .283
................................
Lower Anchors .47
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .69
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 65, 393
.
Low Tire Pressure Indicator . 73, 309
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 408
.
Luggage Hooks (Cargo Hooks) . 290
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) . 287
...........
Luggage Net (Cargo Net) . 290
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 297
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 278
.....................
Normal Shif t Speeds .302
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i ...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 406
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 278
...................................
Odometer . 76, 81
....................
Of f -Highway Driving . 324
Oil ........................
Change, How to .349
......................
Change, When to .330
......................
Checking Engine .283
..............
Pressure Indicator . 65, 393
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .348
.........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 129
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .415
......................
Optional Cargo Net .290
............................
Outside Mirrors .155
...............
Outside Temperature . 77, 81
....................
Overheating, Engine .391
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 342
..................................
Maintenance .327 ..
Main Items and Sub Items . 333, 340
............................................
Minder .330
.............................
Minder Indicator .74
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .342
........................................
Record .344
..........................................
Saf ety .328
.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 65, 394
...............................
Meters, Gauges .75
.....................................
Meter Setup .93
..
Adjust Outside Temp. Display . 96
.....
Elap. Time Reset Condition . 100
....................
Language Selection .94
Trip A&Avg. Fuel Reset with .......................................
Ref uel .98
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .155
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 286
.......................................
Moonroof .153
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display . 79
Index
INDEX
N O
M
VII
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