2008 Acura RDX tow

A convenient ref erence to the
sections in this manual.
A quick ref erence to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and gauge,
and how to use the controls on the
dashboard and steering column.What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
The proper way to start the engine,
shif t the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you’re
planning to tow a trailer.
Important inf ormation about the
proper use and care of your vehicle’s
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable inf ormation on how to
protect children with child restraints.
How to operate the climate control
system, the audio system, and
other convenience f eatures. The maintenance minder shows you
when you need to take your vehicle
to the dealer for maintenance service.
There is also a list of things to check
and instructions on how to check
them.ID numbers, dimensions, capaci-
ties, and technical information.
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience,
and details how to handle them. A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual f or detailed
inf ormation.
How to order manuals and other
technical literature.
A summary of the inf ormation you
need when you pull up to the f uel
pump.
Overview of Contents
Contents
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Instruments and Controls
FeaturesDriving
Maintenance
Bef ore Driving T echnical Inf ormation
T aking Care of the Unexpected
Warranty and Client Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
Index
Service Inf ormation Summary
2
\f—\f—\f
y
\fy
() 
\fy\f\f\fy
2008 RDX

If this indicator blinks while driving,
it indicates the dif f erential
temperature is too high.You will also see a ‘‘CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
This indicator has two f unctions:
If this happens, pull to the side of the
road when it is saf e, check which tire
has lost pressure on the multi-
inf ormation display, and determine
the cause. If it is because of a flat tire,
have the flat tire repaired as soon as
possible. If two or more tires are
underinf lated, call a prof essional
towing service. For more
inf ormation, see page .
Check the tire pressure monitor on
the multi-information display and
determinethecause(seepage ).
You will also see an ‘‘SH-AWD DIFF
TEMP HIGH’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
Pull to the side of the road when it is
saf e, shif t to Park, and let the engine
idle until the indicator goes out. If
the indicator does not go out, take
your vehicle to a dealer to have it
checked.
For more inf ormation, see page . If it comes on while driving, it
indicates that one or more of your
vehicle’s tires are signif icantly low
on pressure.
1.
78
301 77
308
391
CONT INUED
Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
Inst rument s and Cont rols
69
Continuing to drive with the SH-AWD
indicator blinking may cause serious
damage to the system.
\f—\f—\f
y
\f\fy
() 
\fy\f\fy
2008 RDX

µ
µ
µ
µ
µ µ
µ
µ µ
Push the right lever up or down to
select a position. The wipers run at high
speed until you release the lever.
The wipers are not activated.
MIST
OFF
INT Intermittent
LO Low speed
HI High speed
Windshield washers The length of the wiper
interval is varied automatically
according to the vehicle’s speed.
Vary the delay by turning the INT
TIME ring. If you turn it to the
shortest delay, the wiper speed will
increase to low speed operation
when the vehicle speed exceeds 12
mph (20 km/h).
While the vehicle is stopped and in
gear, the wipers sweep the
windshield whenever you remove
your f oot f rom the brake pedal. The wipers run at low speed.
The wipers run at high speed. Pull the
wiper control lever toward you,
andholdit.Thewashersspray
until you release the lever. The
wipers run at low speed, then
complete one more sweep af ter
you release the lever.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Windshield Wiper MIST OFF
INTLO
HI
Windshield Washers
Windshield Wipers and Washers
112
\f—\f—\f
y
y
() 
\fy\f

y
2008 RDX

Make any steering wheel adjustment
bef ore you start driving.Push the lever under the steering
column all the way down. The master key fits all the locks on
your vehicle. The valet key works
only in the ignition and the door
locks. You can keep the glove box
and console compartment locked
when you leave your vehicle and the
valet key at a parking f acility.
Push the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in position.
Make sure you have securely
locked the steering wheel in place
by trying to move it up, down, in,
and out.
Move the steering wheel up or
down, and in or out, so it points
toward your chest, not toward
your f ace. Make sure you can see
the instrument panel gauges and
indicators.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CONT INUED
Steering Wheel A djustment K eys
Steering Wheel A djustment, K eys and L ocks
Inst rument s and Cont rols
119
LEVER VALET KEY
(Light Gray)
KEY
NUMBER
TAG MASTER KEYS
WITH REMOTE
TRANSMITTER
Adjusting the steering wheel
position while driving may
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and be seriously injured
inacrash.
Adjust the steering wheel only
when the vehicle is stopped.
\f—\f—\f
y

y
() 
\fy\f
y
2008 RDX

None of the sockets will power an
automotive type cigarette lighter
element. When both sockets are
being used, the combined power
rating of the accessories should be
120 watts or less (10 amps).To use the sun visor, pull it down.
You can also use the sun visor at the
side window. Remove the support
rod from the clip and swing the sun
visor toward the side window.
Make sure you put the sun visor
back in place when you are getting
into or out of the vehicle.
To use the accessory power socket,
pull up the cover. The ignition switch
must be in the ACCESSORY (I) or
ON (II) position.
These sockets are intended to supply
power f or 12 volt DC accessories
that are rated 120 watts or less (10
amps).
A ccessory Power Sockets Sun Visor
Interior Convenience Items
Inst rument s and Cont rols
155
COVER Console Compartment
COVER Front
\f—\f—\f
y
\fy
() 
\fy\f
\fy
2008 RDX

Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Do not tow a trailer. In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
f uel additives such as MMT.
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane of 91 or higher. If this
octane grade is unavailable, regular
unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane of 87 or higher may be used
temporarily. The use of regular
unleaded gasoline can cause metallic
knocking noises in the engine and
will result in decreased engine
perf ormance. The long-term use of
regular-grade gasoline can lead to
engine damage. We recommend using quality
gasolines containing detergent
additives that help prevent fuel
system and engine deposits.
Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely af f ect perf ormance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact
your authorized dealer f or service.
Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
272
\f—\f—\f
y
\f
y
() 
\fy\fy
2008 RDX

Holding the grip, pull the support
rod out of its clip. Insert the end
into the designated hole in the
hood.To close the hood, lif t it up slightly to
remove the support rod f rom the
hole. Put the support rod back into
its holding clip. Lower the hood to
about a f oot (30 cm) above the
f ender, then let it drop. Make sure it
is securely latched.
Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.
Park the vehicle on a level surf ace.Hold the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel, and then
insert it all the way back in its hole.
Wipe of f the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
3.
3.
1.
2.
Service Station Procedures
Oil Check
276
GRIPCLIP
SUPPORT ROD DIPSTICK
\f—\f—\f
y
\f
y
() 
\fy\f
y
2008 RDX

µ·
µ
Locate the statement ‘‘The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle’s
placard.
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers f rom
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
The resulting f igure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the ‘‘XXX’’ amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
f ive 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.
(1,400 750 (5 150) = 650 lbs.)
The maximum load f or your vehicle
is 870 lbs f or U.S. vehicles, and 395
kg f or Canadian vehicles.
See Tire And Loading Inf ormation
label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.
Label Example
This f igure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer.
Steps f or Determining Correct Load
Limit
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Load Limits
Carrying Cargo
284
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.
\f—\f—\fy
\f\fy
() 
\fy\fy
2008 RDX