2012 Acura RDX tailgate

The security system helps to protect
your vehicle and valuables from
theft. The horn sounds and a
combination of headlights, parking
lights, side marker lights, and
taillights flashes if someone attempts
to break into your vehicle or remove
the audio unit. This alarm continues
for two minutes, then the system
resets. To deactivate the system
before the two minutes have elapsed,
unlock the driver's door with the key
or the remote transmitter.
The security system automatically
sets 15 seconds after you lock the
doors, hood, and the tailgate. For the
system to activate, you must lock the
doors and the tailgate from the
outside with the key, or use driver's
lock tab, door lock master switch, or
remote transmitter. The security
system indicator on the instrument
panel starts blinking immediately to
show you the system is setting itself.
Once the security system sets,
opening any door, the tailgate, or the
hood without using the key or the
remote transmitter, will cause the
alarm to activate. It also activates if
the audio unit is removed from the
dashboard or the wiring is cut.The alarm also activates if a
passenger inside the locked vehicle
turns the ignition switch on.
The security system does not set if
the hood, tailgate, or any door is not
fully closed. Before you leave the
vehicle, make sure the doors,
tailgate, and hood are securely
closed.
NOTE:
To see if the system is set
after you exit the vehicle, press the
LOCK button on the remote
transmitter within five seconds. If the
system is set, a beep will sound.
Do not attempt to alter this system or
add other devices to it.
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
Security System29411/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

●If you carry large items that
prevent you from closing the
tailgate, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility ofcarbon monoxide
poisoning, follow the instructions
on page 57.●●If you carry any items on a roof
rack, be sure the total weight of
the rack and the items does not
exceed 110 lbs (50 kg). Cargo Hooks/Hanger Bars
To secure the cargo, you can use the
four cargo hooks in the cargo area.
The illustration shows the location of
each cargo hook.
The cargo hooks on the floor can be
used to install the cargo net for
securing items. The hanger bars can be used to hang
items. The hanger bar is designed to
hang light items (maximum load: 11
lbs or 5 kg on each side). Heavy
items may damage the bars.
HANGER
BARS
HOOK
CONTINUED
Carrying Cargo
369
Before Driving
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

You should do these checks and
adjustments before you drive your
vehicle:1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
2. Check that the hood is fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
4. Check that any items you may be carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely. 5. Check the seat adjustment (see
page 134).
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see page
146).
7. Check the steering wheel adjustment (see page 122).
8. Make sure the doors and the tailgate are securely closed and
locked.
9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 15). 10. When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-information
display (see pages 63, 73 and 74).
Preparing to Drive
373
Driving
11/06/16 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

3. Install the socket back into theheadlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
4. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working. Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Tailgate)
1. Open the tailgate. Place a cloth on
the edge of the light assembly
cover to prevent scratches.
Remove the cover by carefully
prying in the notch on its middle
edge with a flat-tip screwdriver.
2. Determine which of the two bulbs is burned out: taillight or back-up
light.
3. Remove the socket by turning itone-quarter turn counterclockwise.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
COVER
NOTCH
SOCKETS
BULBSCONTINUED
Lights
433
Maintenance
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

5. Turn on the lights to make surethe new bulb is working.
6. Reinstall the socket into the light assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
7. Reinstall the light assembly cover. Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Rear Pillar)
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Remove the two bolt covers on the
rear pillar by prying on the bottom
edge with a flat-tip screwdriver.
Remove the bolts with a Phillips-
head screwdriver, and remove the
light assembly from the rear pillar.
3. Determine which of the threebulbs is burned out: brake/
taillight, turn signal or rear side
marker.
4. Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
5. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
COVERS BOLTS
BULB SOCKET
Lights43411/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

3. Remove the electrical connectorfrom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
4. Remove the bulb from the fog light assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise. 5. Install the new bulb into the hole
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
6. Push the electrical connector back onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
7. Turn on the fog lights to test the new bulb.
8. Put the undercover in place. Reinstall the clip, and tighten the
screw securely. Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
1. Remove the two screw covers on
the light assembly by prying on
the side edge with a flat-tip
screwdriver.
2. Remove the screws with a Phillips- head screwdriver, then remove the
light assembly from the tailgate.
CONNECTOR
BULB
SCREWS
COVERS
Lights43611/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

3. Remove the socket from the lightassembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms. 5. Press the brake pedal to make
sure the new bulb is working.
6. Put the socket back into the light assembly, and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
7. Reinstall the high-mount brake light assembly into the tailgate.
Tighten the two screws and
reinstall the covers. Side Turn Signal Lights
Each outside mirror has side turn
signal lights. The lights should be
replaced by your dealer.
Replacing a Rear License Plate
Light Bulb
The license plate has two lights
above it. The bulbs should be
replaced by your dealer.BULB
SOCKET
Lights
437
Maintenance
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu