2012 Acura RDX ignition

If the indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine's emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle's performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. You will also see a
‘‘ TIGHTEN FUEL CAP ’’message on
the multi-information display.
Tighten the cap until it clicks at least
once. Tightening the cap will not turn
the indicator off immediately; it can
take several days of normal driving.
If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
If you keep driving with the malfunction
indicator lamp on, you can damage
your vehicle's emissions controls and
engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your vehicle's warranties.
The indicator may also come on with
the ‘‘D ’’indicator.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display (see
page 79).
Readiness Codes
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes ’’that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed. If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
these codes may be erased. It can
take several days of driving under
various conditions to set the codes
again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malfunction indicator lamp will
come on for 20 seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks five times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle for an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to
Emissions Testing for
more information (see page 490).
Malfunction Indicator Lamp46611/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Brake System Indicator
(Red)U.S. CanadaThe brake system indicator (red)
normally comes on when you turn
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 fully release the parking
brake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
fluid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
feels normal. If it does, check the
brake fluid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
429).
You will also see a‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 79). If the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel 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 feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
You will also see a
‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 79). Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. 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
Emergency
Towing on page 475).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
Brake System Indicator
467
Taking Care of the Unexpected
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Brake System Indicator
(Amber)U.S. CanadaYour vehicle has an electric vacuum
pump located in the engine
compartment. It enhances the
effectiveness of your vehicle's brake
system more frequently when you
drive in cold weather or thinner air at
high altitude after the engine is
started.
When the electric vacuum pump is in
operation, it makes some mechanical
noises come from the engine
compartment. This is normal.The brake system indicator (amber)
on the instrument panel normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position and
goes off after the engine starts. If it
comes on at any other time, press on
the brake pedal with your foot
several times until the indicator turns
off. If the indicator is still on or
comes on again after this procedure,
there is a problem in the brake
system including the electric vacuum
pump. If this happens, the brake
pedal might feel heavy when you
press it. Have your vehicle checked
by your dealer.
You will also see a
‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 79).Brake System Indicator46811/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
473 and 474, or the diagram on the
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that device. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
the cause. Replace any blown fuses,
and check if the device works.1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. Make sure the
headlights and all other
accessories are off.
2. (Under-hood fuse boxes) Remove the cover from the fuse
box.
3. Check each of the large fuses inthe under-hood fuse box by
looking through the side window
at the wire inside. Remove the
screws with a Phillips-head
screwdriver.FUSE BLOWN
BLOWN
Fuses47011/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Replacing a fuse with one that has a
higher rating greatly increases the
chances of damaging the electrical
system. If you do not have a
replacement fuse with the proper rating
for the circuit, install one with a lower
rating.6. If the replacement fuse of the same
rating blows in a short time, there
is probably a serious electrical
problem in your vehicle. Leave the
blown fuse in that circuit and have
your vehicle checked by a
qualified technician.
On models without navigation systemWhen the audio system is disabled,
the clock setting in the audio system
will be canceled. You will need to
reset the clock (see page 293).
On models with navigation systemIf the navigation system fuse is
removed, the navigation system will
disable itself. The next time you turn
on the ignition switch, the system
will require you to enter a PIN before
it can be used. Refer to the
navigation system manual.
Fuses47211/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOXES PRIMARYSECONDARY
Primary Fuse BoxNo. Amps. Circuits Protected1 100 A Main Fuse
30 A SH-AWD
ᤳ
2 80 A Option Main50 A Ignition Switch Main
3 40 A ABS/VSA Motor 20 A ABS/VSA Fail Safe
4 50 A Headlight Main 40 A Power Window Main
5 30 A Passenger's Power Seat Reclining
6 30 A Main Fan Motor
7 30 A Sub Fan Motor
8 30 A Rear Defogger
9 40 A Blower
10 15 A HazardSecondary Fuse Box
No. Amps. Circuits Protected1 7.5 A Electric Vacuum Pump
2 20 A Passenger's Power Seat
Reclining
No. Amps. Circuits Protected11 15 A LAF
12 15 A Stop & Horn
13 20 A Driver's Power Seat Reclining
14 20 A Driver's Power Seat Sliding
15 7.5 A IGPS Oil Level
16 20 A Passenger's Power Seat Sliding
17 15 A Electric Vacuum Pump
18 15 A IG Coil
19 15 A FI Main
20 7.5 A MG Clutch
21 15 A DBW
22 7.5 A Interior Light
23 10 A Back Up
ᤳ : On SH-AWD models only
Fuse Locations47411/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.(On SH-AWD models)The only way you can safely tow
your vehicle is with flat-bed
equipment.The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inform
them a flat-bed is required.Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the all-
wheel-drive system. Your vehicle should
be transported on a flat-bed truck or
trailer.
(Execpt SH-AWD models)There are two ways to tow your
vehicle:Flat-bed Equipment
－ The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. This is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
Wheel-lift Equipment
－ The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground. This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle. If, due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the front wheels on
the ground, do this:
●Start the engine.●Shift to the D position and hold for
5 seconds, then to N.●Turn off the engine.●Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.●Release the parking brake.
CONTINUED
Emergency Towing
475
Taking Care of the Unexpected
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shift the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported with the front wheels off the
ground.
With the front wheels on the ground,
do not tow the vehicle more than 50
miles (80 km), and keep the speed
below 35 mph (55 km/h).
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle's weight.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns freely before you begin
towing.
Emergency Towing47611/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu