2012 Acura RDX automatic transmission

Shift Lock Release
This allows you to move the shift
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release button
does not work.1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Put a cloth on the notch of the shift lock release slot cover to prevent
scratches. Using a small flat-tip
screwdriver or a metal fingernail
file, carefully pry on the notch of
the cover to remove it.
4. Insert the key in the shift lockrelease slot.
5. Push down on the key while you press the release button on the
shift lever and move the shift lever
out of Park to neutral.
6. Remove the key from the shift lockrelease slot, then install the cover.
Make sure the notch on the cover
is on the rear.
Insert the key back into the
ignition switch, press the brake
pedal, and restart the engine.
If you need to use the shift lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer
COVER NOTCH
KEY
RELEASE
BUTTON SHIFT LOCK
RELEASE SLOT
Automatic Transmission
379
Driving
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The transmission control system
monitors the accelerator pedal use
and your driving conditions. When
you press the accelerator pedal as in
normal driving, the system judges
that you are driving at a constant
cruising speed without using the
paddle shifters. Under these
conditions, D-paddle shift mode is
canceled, and the transmission
automatically returns to drive mode
(D).
When the transmission returns to
drive mode (D), the displayed gear
number disappears.
The transmission remains in the
selected gear if you do not
accelerate.
Each time you pull either paddle
shifter, the transmission shifts one
gear up or down. If you want to shift
up or down more than two gears, pull
the paddle shifter twice, pause, and
then pull it again.The automatic transmission will not
allow you to shift up or down if:
●You downshift before the engine
speed reaches the highest
threshold of the lower gear.
If you try to do this, the gear
position indicator will flash the
number of the lower gear several
times, then return to a higher gear.●You upshift before the engine
speed reaches the lowest
threshold of the higher gear.●You pull both paddle shifters at the
same time.●You pull one of the two paddle
shifters while continuously pulling
on the other one.
The transmission downshifts to first
gear and returns to drive mode (D)
when the vehicle comes to a
complete stop or the vehicle speed is
about 6 mph (10 km/h).
If there is a problem in the
transmission while you are driving
with the paddle shifters, the D
indicator flashes, the D-paddle shift
mode is canceled, and the
transmission returns to drive mode
(D).
CONTINUED
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
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Driving
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Using the Paddle Shifters in the S
position (Sequential Shift Mode)
With the shift lever in the S position,
you can select the sequential shift
mode to shift gears; much like a
manual transmission using the
paddle shifters, but without a clutch
pedal.
To enter the sequential shift mode,
press the release button on the front
of the shift lever, move the lever to
the S position, then pull either paddle
shifter. To cancel the sequential shift
mode and return to the ordinary
automatic transmission, move the
shift lever from the S position. When
moving the shift lever, be careful not
to operate incorrectly. While you are
driving in the sequential shift mode,
the transmission will not
automatically return to ordinary
automatic transmission.
When you move the shift lever from
‘‘D ’’to ‘‘S ’’ and pull either paddle
shifter, the gear position indicator
displays ‘‘M’’ along with the selected
gear number.
To upshift, pull the ＋(right) paddle
shifter. To downshift, pull the －
(left) paddle shifter. When you accelerate from a stop, the
transmission starts in first gear, and
you must manually upshift between
first and fifth gears. Make sure you
upshift before the engine speed
reaches the tachometer's red zone.
The transmission remains in the
selected gear (5, 4, 3, 2, or 1). There
is no automatic downshift when you
push the accelerator pedal to the
floor.
When you are driving in 4th or 5th
gear, the transmission downshifts to
the lower gear under the following
conditions:
●The vehicle slows down to a
certain speed.●You press the brake pedal.
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
‘‘ M’’ INDICATOR
Driving with the Paddle Shifters38211/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Downshifting with the paddle shifter
allows you to increase the engine
braking when going down steep or
long hills, and provides more power
when climbing uphills. You can
upshift the transmission manually to
reduce the rpm.
The transmission also shifts
automatically as the vehicle comes to
a complete stop. It downshifts to first
gear when the vehicle speed reaches
6 mph (10 km/h) or less.The automatic transmission will not
allow you to shift up or down if:
●You downshift before the engine
speed reaches the highest
threshold of the lower gear.
If you try to do this, the gear
position indicator will flash the
number of the lower gear several
times, then return to a higher gear.●You upshift before the engine
speed reaches the lowest
threshold of the higher gear.●You try to shift to third or a higher
gear when the vehicle is
stationary.●You pull both paddle shifters at the
same time.●You pull one of the two paddle
shifters while continuously pulling
on the other one.
Starting in Second GearWhen you are in sequential shift
mode, and the vehicle is stopped,
pull the
＋(right) paddle shifter to
shift to second gear. You will see
‘‘ M2’’ in the display. Starting in
second gear helps to reduce
wheelspin in deep snow or on a
slippery surface.
CONTINUED
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
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Driving
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Driving on HillsWhen climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge (see page
78). If it nears the H (Hot) mark, turn
the A/C off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the road
to let the engine cool.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and shift down to S
position, or use the paddle shifters to
the lower gear (3, 2 or 1)in the S
position. When towing a trailer, do
not‘‘ride ’’the brakes, and remember,
it will take longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer.
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in place
by pressing on the accelerator, as
this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
Handling Crosswinds and BuffetingCrosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Backing UpAlways drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing
up. Grip the
bottom
of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the left
to get the trailer to move to the left,
and turn the wheel right to move the
trailer to the right.
ParkingFollow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and firmly
setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer's
tires.Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page 475.
Towing a Trailer40411/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page 497 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certified’’ to EPA standards. Maintenance Safety
.....................
410
Maintenance Minder
TM
...............
411
Fluid Locations
...........................
419
Adding Engine Oil
......................
420
Required Engine Oil
...............
420
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
.......................................
422
Engine Coolant
...........................
424
Windshield Washers
...................
426
Automatic Transmission Fluid
....
427
Brake Fluid
.................................
429
Power Steering Fluid
..................
430
Lights
..........................................
431
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
438
Floor Mats
..................................
438
Audio Antenna
............................
439
Intercooler
..................................
439
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
439
Wiper Blades
..............................
440
Wheels
........................................
443
Tires
...........................................
444
Checking the Battery
..................
450
Vehicle Storage
...........................
451
Interior Care
...............................
452
Maintenance
409
Maintenance
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U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with＃will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be performed in accordance
with the intervals indicated by the
multi-information display. Owner's Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If you
are unsure of how to perform any
check, turn to the appropriate page
listed.
●Engine oil level
－Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page
357.●Engine coolant level －Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 358.●Automatic transmission －Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
427.
●Brakes －Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 429.●Tires －Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
445.●Lights －Check the operation of
all the lights monthly. See page
431.
Maintenance Minder
TM417
Maintenance
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ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID
(Red cap)ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
RADIATOR CAP BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
Fluid Locations
419
Maintenance
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