Low Fuel IndicatorThis indicator comes on as a
reminder that you must refuel soon.
When the indicator comes on, there
are about 2.5 U.S. gal (9.5 L) of fuel
remaining in the tank.
When the needle reaches E, there is
a very small amount of fuel in the
tank.You will also see a
‘‘FUEL LOW ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 80).
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damaging
the catalytic converter.
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA) System Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
It flashes when VSA is active (see
page 395).
If it comes on and stays on at any
other time, there is a problem with
the VSA system. You will also see a
‘‘ CHECK VSA SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display (see
page 80). Take your vehicle to a
dealer to have it checked. Without
VSA, your vehicle still has normal
driving ability, but will not have VSA
traction and stability enhancement.
For more information, see page 395.
LOW FUEL INDICATORInstrument Panel Indicators6811/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
Turbo Boost Meter
When the turbo charger is activated,
this meter shows the boost pressure.
Fuel Gauge
This shows how much fuel you have.
It may show slightly more or less
than the actual amount. The needle
returns to the bottom after you turn
off the ignition.Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damaging
the catalytic converter.
MULTI-INFORMATION
DISPLAYSELECT/RESET
KNOB
TURBO BOOST METER FUEL GAUGE
TACHOMETER
SPEEDOMETER
U.S. model is shown.
Gauges
73
Instruments and Controls
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
Break-in Period
Help assure your vehicle's future
reliability and performance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the first 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:●Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.●Avoid hard braking for the first 200
miles (300 km).●Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time.●Do not tow a trailer.
You should also follow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Fuel Recommendation
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
performance. The long-term use of
regular-grade gasoline can lead to
engine damage.
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damaging
the catalytic converter.
To help prevent harmful fuel system and
engine deposits, use high quality fuel
containing detergent and additives. In
addition, in order to maintain good
performance, fuel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain harmful manganese-
based fuel additives such as MMT, if
such gasoline is available.
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation35211/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure the
parking brake is set firmly, or your
vehicle may roll if it is parked on an
incline.
Set the parking brake before you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.Parking Tips
●Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.●Turn off 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 flammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
●If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb.●If the vehicle is facing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.●Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verify that the
security system is set.●Make sure the parking brake is
fully released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Parking38611/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
The diagrams in this section give you
the dimensions and capacities of
your vehicle and the locations of the
identification numbers. It also
includes information you should
know about your vehicle's tires and
emissions control systems.Identification Numbers
...............
478
Specifications
..............................
480
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
482
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
...............................
482
Treadwear
...............................
482
Traction
..................................
482
Temperature
...........................
483
Tire Labeling
..............................
484
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) -Required Federal
Explanation
.........................
485
Emissions Controls
.....................
487
The Clean Air Act
....................
487
Crankcase Emissions Control System
................................
487
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
................................
487
Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
.............................
488
Exhaust Emissions
Controls
..............................
488
Replacement Parts
..................
488 Three Way Catalytic
Converter
................................
489
Emissions Testing
.......................
490
Technical Information
477
Technical Information
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
The onboard refueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the fuel vapors during refueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
filled with activated carbon. While
driving, the fuel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned off.
Exhaust Emissions Controls
The exhaust emissions controls
include three systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, and three
way catalytic converter. These three
systems work together to control the
engine's combustion and minimize
the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
come out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI SystemThe PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport fuel injection.
It has three subsystems: air intake,
engine control, and fuel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM)
uses various sensors to determine
how much air is going into the
engine. It then controls how much
fuel to inject under all operating
conditions.Ignition Timing Control SystemThis system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.Three Way Catalytic ConverterThe three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO
2), nitrogen
(N
2), and water vapor. Replacement Parts
The emissions control systems are
designed and certified to work
together in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Acura replacement parts or their
equivalent for repairs. Using lower
quality parts may increase the
emissions from your vehicle.
The emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your vehicle. Read your
warranty manual for more
information.
Emissions Controls48811/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
The three way catalytic converters
contain precious metals that serve as
catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without affecting the metals.
The catalytic converters are referred
to as three-way catalysts, since they
act on HC, CO, and NOx.
Replacement units must be original
Acura parts or their equivalent.
The three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on fire any
combustible materials that come
near it. Park your vehicle away from
high grass, dry leaves, or other
flammables.
A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine's
performance. Follow these
guidelines to protect your vehicle's
three way catalytic converter.●Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter ineffective.
●Keep the engine well maintained.●Have your vehicle diagnosed and
repaired if it is misfiring,
backfiring, stalling, or otherwise
not running properly.
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
Three Way Catalytic Converter
489
Technical Information
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
Taking Care of theUnexpected
............................
453
Technical Descriptions DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.
Vehicles)
.............................
482
Emissions Control Systems
.....
487
Three Way Catalytic Converter
............................
489
Tire Labeling
...........................
484
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -Required Federal
Explanation
......................
485
Temperature, Outside
..................
76
Tensioners, Seat Belts
..................
22
Tether Anchorage Points
.............
51
Theft Protection, Radio
..............
291
Three Way Catalytic Converter
...............................
489
Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel
.....................................
122
Time, Setting the
........................
293
Tire Chains
................................
449
Tire, How to Change a Flat
........
455
Tire Information
.........................
484
Tire Labeling
..............................
484 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
.......................
390, 485
Low Tire Pressure Indicator.....
71
Tire Pressure Monitor
.......
78, 391
Tires
..........................................
444
Air Pressure
............................
445
Chains
.....................................
449
Checking Wear
.......................
445
Compact Spare
........................
454
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
482
Inflation
...................................
444
Inspection
...............................
445
Labeling
..................................
484
Maintenance
...........................
446
Pressure Monitoring System
...
390
Replacing
................................
447
Rotating
..................................
447
Snow
.......................................
448
Specifications
..........................
481
Tools, Tire Changing
.................
455
To Play the Radio
.......................
174
Towing A Trailer
..................................
397
Emergency Wrecker
...............
475
Equipment and Accessories
....
399 Trailer Towing Tips
.................
401
Weight Limit
...........................
397
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
..............................
390
Required Federal Explanation
.........................
485
Transmission Checking Fluid Level
..............
427
Fluid Selection
........................
428
Identification Number
.............
478
Shifting the Automatic
.............
376
Treadwear
..................................
482
Trip Meter
...................................
76
Turbo Boost Meter
......................
73
Turn Signals
.................................
69
Turn Signals and Headlights
......
116
U
Unexpected, Taking Care of the
..........................................
453
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (U.S. only)
..............................
482
Unleaded Gasoline
.....................
352
IndexX11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu