2012 Acura RDX paddle shifters

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
383
Driving
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Recommended Shift PointsDrive in the highest gear that lets the
engine run and accelerate smoothly.
This will give you good fuel economy
and effective emissions control. The
following shift points are
recommended:Shift up Normal acceleration
1st to 2nd
2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th4th to 5th 15 mph (24 km/h)
25mph (40 km/h)
40 mph (64 km/h)
47 mph (76 km/h) Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
™
(SH-AWD
®) System
If equippedThe super handling-all wheel drive
(SH-AWD) system is a full time all-
wheel-drive system that
automatically controls and transfers
varying amounts of engine torque to
all wheels independently, according
to the driving conditions.
While the SH-AWD system helps to
enhance the vehicle's driving
stability in all situations, it is still
your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety. SH-AWD Torque Distribution
Monitor
The SH-AWD torque distribution
monitor on the multi-information
display shows you the amount of
torque being sent to the wheels.
Each wheel
－right front (RF), left
front (LF), right rear (RR), and left
rear (LR) －has its own torque
indicator.
TORQUE INDICATOR
TORQUE INDICATOR
Driving with the Paddle Shifters, Super Handling-All Wheel Drive ™(SH-AWD
®) System
38411/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Towing Speeds and GearsDrive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
Use the D position when towing a
trailer on level roads. See‘‘
Driving on
Hills
’’ in the next column for
additional gear information. Do not
exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). At higher
speeds, the trailer may sway or affect
vehicle handling. When driving uphill and downhill,
use the S position (without using the
paddle shifters) to provide the proper
engine power and engine braking on
each gear. You can also use the
paddle shifters. In this case, select
third, second, or first gear with the
paddle shifter; depending on the
vehicle speeds and road condition.
Do not use fourth and fifth gears.
The recommended speed range for
each gear position is shown in the
table.
Gear position Speed range 10 －38 mph
(0 － 60 km/h)
2, 3 19 －62 mph
(30 －100 km/h)
Making Turns and BrakingMake turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.
CONTINUED
Towing a Trailer
403
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

A
Accessories andModifications
..........................
362
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)
.................................
125
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
157
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models
only)
.......................................
332
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
421
Adjusting the Sound
............
177, 224
Adjusting the Steering Wheel....
122
Advanced Airbags
........................
28
Airbag (SRS)
..........................
10, 24
Air Conditioning System
............
164
Usage
......................................
165
Air Pressure, Tires
..............
444, 445
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
352
Antifreeze
...................................
424
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator
............................
66, 388
Operation
................................
388
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
291
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock
.......................................
125 Armrests
....................................
138
Audio Antenna
...........................
439
Audio System
......................
172, 216
Automatic Lighting Off
Feature
...................................
118
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...
22
Automatic Speed Control
...........
300
Automatic Transmission
............
376
Capacity, Fluid
........................
480
Checking Fluid Level
..............
427
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
................................
380
Shifting
...................................
376
Shift Lever Position Indicators
............................
376
Shift Lever Positions
...............
377
Shift Lock Release
...................
379
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
291
B
Battery Charging System
Indicator
........................
65, 465
Jump Starting
..........................
461 Maintenance
...........................
450
Specifications
..........................
481
Before Driving
...........................
351
Belts, Seat
................................
9, 20
Beverage Holders
......................
156
Bluetooth
®Audio
................
212, 280
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®......
306
Booster Seats
...............................
54
Brakes Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...........
388
Break-in, New Linings
.............
352
Bulb Replacement
...................
434
Fluid
.......................................
429
Parking
...................................
150
System Design
........................
387
System Indicator (Amber)
.......
468
System Indicator (Red)
...........
467
Wear Indicators
.......................
387
Braking System
..........................
387
Break-in, New Vehicle
................
352
Brightness Control,
Instruments
............................
120
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX
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Customized Settings
....................
82
D
DANGER, Explanation of
.............
iii
Dashboard
...............................
3, 62
Daytime Running Lights
............
119
Dead Battery
..............................
461
Defogger, Rear Window
.............
121
Defrosting the Windows
............
167
Dimensions
................................
480
Dimming the Headlights
............
116
Dipstick Automatic Transmission
.........
427
Engine Oil
...............................
357
Directional Signals
...............
69, 116
Disc Brake Wear Indicators.......
387
Disc Care
...................................
257
Disc Changer
......................
185, 239
Disc Changer Error Messages
........................
195, 255
Disc Player
..........................
185, 239
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
423
Doors Childproof Door Locks
............
127 Locking and Unlocking
...........
126
Power Door Locks
..................
126
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
................................
482
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
371
Economy
.................................
358
Driving Guidelines
.....................
372
Driving Position Memory System
...................................
148
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
...................................
380
Dust and Pollen Filter
................
439
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
358
Emergencies on the Road
..........
453
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
461
Brake System Indicator
...
467, 468
Changing a Flat Tire
...............
455
Charging System Indicator
........................
65, 465
Checking the Fuses
................
470
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
455 Hazard Warning Flashers
.......
121
Jump Starting
..........................
461
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
........................
65, 465
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
65, 466
Overheated Engine
.................
463
Towing
....................................
475
Emergency Brake
......................
150
Emergency Flashers
..................
121
Emergency Towing
....................
475
Emissions Controls
....................
487
Emissions Testing
......................
490
Engine Adding Engine Coolant
...........
424
If it Won't Start
........................
459
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
65, 466
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
411
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
65, 465
Overheating
............................
463
Specifications
..........................
480
Speed Limiter
..........................
378
Starting
...................................
374
Engine Coolant
..........................
424
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu