2008 Acura RDX light

Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of the
battery and terminal connections
(see page ). You can then try
jump starting the vehicle from a
booster battery (see page ).
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
or neutral or the starter will not
operate.
Check these things:
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See on page . Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit f or the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied mechanic to
determine the problem (see
on page ).
377 391
366 377
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Jump Starting Emergency T owing
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
375
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2008 RDX

Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.Open the hood, and check the
physical condition of the battery.
In very cold weather, check the
condition of the electrolyte. If it
seems slushy or f rozen, do not try
jump starting until it thaws.
The numbers in the illustration show
you the order to connect the jumper
cables.
You cannot start your vehicle by
pushing or pulling it. Turn of f all electrical accessories:
heater, A/C, climate control, audio
system, lights, etc. Put the
transmission in Park, and set the
parking brake.
1.
2.
CONT INUED
To Jump Start Your Vehicle:
Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
377
BOOSTER
BATTERY
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
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CONT INUED
If the temperature gauge reading
stays at the H (Hot) mark, turn of f
the engine.
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Park, and
set the parking brake. Turn of f all
accessories, and turn on the
hazard warning lights.
The reading of the vehicle’s
temperature gauge on the multi-
inf ormation display should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the H
(Hot) mark, you should determine
the reason (hot day, driving up a
steep hill, etc.).
If the coolant temperature rises to
224°F (118°C) or more, the
temperature gauge will appear on
the display and blink for several
times. At the same time, the beeper
will sound once.
If your vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to the H (Hot) mark.
Or you may see steam or spray
coming f rom under the hood.
1.2.
3.
4.
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
379
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
reading at the H (Hot) mark can cause
serious damage to the engine.
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Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(see on page).
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
You will also see an ‘‘OIL
PRESSURE LOW’’ message on the
multi-inf ormation display (see page
). You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
1.
2.
4.
3.
77 276
336
391 77
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator Charging System Indicator
Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
381
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
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The brake system indicator (red)
normallycomesonwhenyouturn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and as a reminder to check
the parking brake. It will stay on if
you do not f ully release the parking
brake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
f luid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
f eels normal. If it does, check the
brake f luid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page). If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
345
77 77391
Brake System Indicator
Brake System Indicator (Red)
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
383
Canada
U. S.
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2008 RDX

Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Make sure the
headlights and all other
accessories are of f .
Remove the cover f rom the f use
box.Check each of the large f uses in
the under-hood f use box by
looking through the side window
atthewireinside.Removethe
screws with a Phillips-head
screwdriver.
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
youshouldcheckforisablownfuse.
Determine f rom the chart on pages
and , or the diagram on the
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that device. Check those
f uses f irst, but check all the f uses
bef ore deciding that a blown f use is
the cause. Replace any blown f uses,
and check if the device works.
3.
1.
2. (Under-hood f use boxes) 389390
Fuses
Checking and Replacing Fuses
386
FUSE
BLOWN BLOWN
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´
µ
µ
µ
µ
No. No. Circuits ProtectedNo. Circuits Protected
Circuits Protected
Amps. Amps. Amps.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15 RR Wiper
OPDS
Meter
SRS
Right Headlight High
Left Headlight High
Small Lights (Interior)
Small Lights (Exterior) 16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38Right Headlight Low
Left Headlight Low
Headlight High Main
Small Lights Main
TPMS
Headlight Low Main
Not Used
Not Used
Moonroof
Door Lock
Driver’s Power Window
Not Used
Accessory Socket (Console
Compartment)
BACC
Passenger’s Power Window
Radio Amplifier
Right Rear Power Window
Left Rear Power Window
Not Used
Radio
HAC
Daytime Running Light
FR Wiper
SH-AWD
Fuel Pump
ACG
ABS/VSA
Heated Seat
FR Fog Lights
Driver’s Power Seat Lumbar
Support
7.5 A
20 A
15 A
7.5 A 15 A
20 A
7.5 A 10 A
7.5 A
7.5 A 10 A
10 A
10 A
7.5 A 15 A 15 A
15 A
20 A
20 A
7.5 A 30 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
15 A
15 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
7.5 A 10 A
7.5 A 30 A
Fuse Locations
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
389
INTERIOR FUSE BOX
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µ
µ
No. No.
No. Circuits Protected Circuits Protected Circuits Protected
Amps.
Amps.
Amps.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
1 Electric Vacuum Pump Main Fuse
SH-AWD
Option Main
Ignition Switch Main
ABS/VSA Fail Safe
ABS/VSA Motor
Headlight Main
Power Window Main
Not Used
Main Fan Motor
Sub Fan Motor
Rear Defogger
Blower
Hazard
LAF
Stop & Horn
Power Seat (Recline)
Power Seat (Slide)
IGPS Oil Level
Not Used
Electric Vacuum Pump
IG Coil
FI Main
MG Clutch
DBW
Interior Light
Back Up
15 A
15 A
20 A
20 A
7.5 A
15 A
15 A
15 A
7.5 A 15 A
7.5 A 10 A
7.5 A
100 A
30 A
80 A
50 A
20 A
40 A
50 A
40 A
30 A
30 A
30 A
40 A
15 A
Fuse Locations
390
Primary Fuse Box
Secondary Fuse Box
UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOXES
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
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