2008 Acura RDX tailgate

The security system automatically
sets 15 seconds after you lock the
doors, hood, and the tailgate. For the
system to activate, you must lock the
doorsandthetailgatefromthe
outside with the key, driver’s lock
tab, door lock master switch, or
remote transmitter. The security
system indicator on the instrument
panel starts blinking immediately to
show you the system is setting itself .
The security system helps to protect
your vehicle and valuables f rom thef t.
The horn sounds and a combination
of headlights, parking lights, side
marker lights, and taillights f lashes if
someone attempts to break into your
vehicleorremovetheradio.This
alarm continues f or 2 minutes, then
the system resets. To reset an
alarming system before the 2
minutes have elapsed, unlock the
driver’s door with the key or the
remote transmitter.Once the security system is set,
opening any door, the tailgate, or the
hood without using the key or the
remote transmitter, will cause it to
alarm. It also alarms if the radio is
removed f rom the dashboard or the
wiring is cut.Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it.To see if the system is set
af ter you exit the vehicle, press the
LOCK button on the remote
transmitter within 5 seconds. If the
system is set, a beep will sound.
The security system will not set if
the hood, tailgate, or any door is not
f ully closed. Bef ore you leave the
vehicle, make sure the doors,
tailgate, and hood are securely
closed.
The alarm will also be activated if
the passenger inside the locked
vehicle turns the ignition switch on.
Security System
Features
233
NOTE:SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
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2008 RDX

Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop.
Be sure items placed on the f loor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
underneath and interf ere with the
proper operation of the seats, the
sensors under the seats, or the
driver’s ability to operate the
pedals.
Do not put any items on top of the
cargo area cover. They can block
your view and be thrown around
the vehicle during a crash.If you carry large items that
prevent you f rom closing the
tailgate, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of
, f ollow the instructions
on page .
If you carry any items on a roof
rack,besurethetotalweightof
the rack and the items does not
exceed the maximum allowable
weight. Please contact your dealer
for further information.
Distribute cargo evenly on the
f loor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.
If youfoldtherearseatsdown,tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop. Also, keep all cargo
below the bottom of the windows.
If it is higher, it could interf ere
with the proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
If you use an accessory roof rack,
the roof rack weight limit may be
lower. Ref er to the inf ormation that
came with your roof rack.If you carry any items on a roof
rack,besurethetotalweightof
the rack and the items does not
exceed 110 lbs (50 kg). 56
Carrying Cargo in the Passenger
Compartment
carbon monoxide
poisoning
Carrying Cargo in the Cargo A rea
or on a Roof Rack
Carrying Cargo
286
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2008 RDX

Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ). Make sure the doors and the
tailgate are securely closed and
locked.
Youshoulddothesechecksand
adjustments bef ore you drive your
vehicle:
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely. Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure. When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages , and
).
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
135
119
14
144
61 71
77
Preparing to Drive
Driving
291
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2008 RDX

Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly, or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.
Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
Lock the doors and the tailgate.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Parking T ips
Parking
Driving
303
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2008 RDX

Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Open the tailgate. Place a cloth on
the edge of the light assembly
cover. Remove the cover by
caref ully prying in the notch on its
middle edge with a f lat-tip
screwdriver.
Determine which of the two bulbs
is burned out: taillight or back-up
light.
Install the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
1.
2. 3.
4.
3.
4.
CONT INUED
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Tailgate)
Maint enance
349
COVER
NOTCH SOCKETS
BULBS
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2008 RDX

Determine which of the three
bulbs is burned out: brake/
taillight, turn signal or rear side
marker.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Open the tailgate.
Remove the two bolt covers on the
rear pillar by prying on the bottom
edge with a flat-tip screwdriver.
Remove the bolts with a Phillips-
head screwdriver, and remove the
light assembly f rom the rear pillar.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Reinstall the light assembly cover.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
2. 4.
5.
3.
1.
5.
6.
7.
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Rear Pillar)
350
COVERS
BULB SOCKET
BOLTS
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2008 RDX

Remove the two screw covers on
the light assembly by prying on
the side edge with a flat-tip
screwdriver.
Remove the screws with a Phillips-
head screwdriver, then remove
the light assembly f rom the
tailgate.
Install the new bulb into the hole
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the f og lights to test the
new bulb.
Put the undercover in place.
Reinstall the clip, and tighten the
screw securely.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb f rom the f og
light assembly by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise. 5.
6.
7.
8.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lights
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
352
COVERS
SCREWS
CONNECTOR
BULB
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2008 RDX

Each outside mirror has side turn
signal lights. The lights should be
replaced by your dealer.
The license plate has two lights
above it. The bulbs should be
replaced by your dealer.
Press the brake pedal to make
sure the new bulb is working.
Put the socket back into the light
assembly, and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
Reinstall the high-mount brake
light assembly into the tailgate.
Tighten the two screws and
reinstall the covers.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Remove the socket f rom the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise. 6.
5.
7.
3.
4.
Lights
Side T urn Signal L ight
Replacing a Rear License Plate
Light Bulb
Maint enance
353
SOCKET
BULB
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2008 RDX