2012 Acura RDX ECO mode

Compass CalibrationIf the compass direction is blinking
and the CAL indicator is shown, the
compass is self-calibrating.The compass may need to be
manually calibrated after exposure to
a strong magnetic field. If the
compass seems to be continually
showing the wrong direction and is
not self-calibrating, do the following.
NOTE
: Do this procedure in an open
area, away from buildings, power
lines, and other vehicles.
1. Press and hold the SOUND/ CLOCK and RPT buttons at the
same time for about 2 seconds.
You will hear a beep, then the
display will change to the compass
setting mode as shown above.
Compass29611/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

1. Press and hold the SOUND/CLOCK and RPT buttons at the
same time for about 2 seconds.
You will hear a beep, then the
center display will change to the
compass setting mode as shown
above. 2. Select
‘‘ZONE ’’by pressing preset
2 to enter the zone setting mode.
The display will change to zone
setting mode, and show you the
current zone setting. If you want to
cancel this mode, select ‘‘R ’’ by
pressing preset 3. The display will
return to the normal display.
3. Find the zone for your area on the map (see next page).
4. If the zone is incorrect, presspreset 1 (－ ) or preset 2 (＋ ) to get
the zone number to count up and
down. When you finish setting the
correct zone, or want to cancel this
mode without changing the
current setting, select ‘‘SET ’’by
pressing preset 3. The display will
return to the normal display.
Compass29811/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Diagnostic Info
When an indicator comes on or a
message is displayed on the Multi-
Information Display (MID),
AcuraLink can provide information
about the cause of the indicator or
message and the recommended
action to address it. This helps you
handle the problem as it occurs,
preventing or limiting costly repairs.
The AcuraLink system cannot
determine some mechanical
problems (such as squeaks or
rattles) that are not triggered by the
diagnostic indicator monitors.
A diagnostic message is generated if
any of the instrument panel
indicators stay on when they should
go off. For more information on the
instrument panel indicators, see page
63.
When an instrument panel indicator
comes on or a message is displayed
on the MID, AcuraLink immediately
notifies you with the message,
‘‘Check more information. ’’If you do
not want the information right away,
select the Check Later option. If you
want the information now, select the
Check Now option. (If the navigation
screen is not active, you must select
OK from the navigation disclaimer
screen before you can check the
information.) Depending on the severity of the
problem, the message will let you
know if you should see your dealer
immediately or if you can wait a
while.
CONTINUED
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models only)
345
Features
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Improving Fuel EconomyVehicle MaintenanceA properly maintained vehicle
maximizes fuel economy. Poor
maintenance can significantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
information display (seeOwner's
Maintenance Checks on page 417).
For example:●Use the required engine oil (see
page 420).●Maintain proper tire inflation －
An underinflated tire increases
‘‘ rolling resistance, ’’which reduces
fuel economy.●Avoid carrying excess weight in
your vehicle －It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing fuel
consumption.
●Keep your vehicle clean －In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle's underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
economy.
Drive Efficiently●Drive moderately －Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering, and
hard braking increase fuel
consumption.●Observe the speed limit －
Aerodynamic drag has a big effect
on fuel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
Fuel Economy36011/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Your vehicle's starting system has an
auto control mode. When you turn
the ignition switch to the START (III)
position, this feature keeps the
engine's starter motor running until
the engine starts. Follow these
instructions to start the engine:1. Apply the parking brake.
2. In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the
drain on the battery.
3. Make sure the shift lever is in Park. Press on the brake pedal. 4. Without touching the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, then
release the ignition switch. You do
not need to hold the ignition
switch in the START (III) position
to start the engine. The starter
motor can run for up to 9 seconds
to guarantee starting when the
outside temperature is very low.
If you hold the ignition switch in
the START (III) position for more
than 7 seconds, the starter motor,
depending on the outside
temperature, runs for up to 25
seconds until the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, wait at
least 10 seconds before trying
again.
The immobilizer system protects your
vehicle from theft. If an improperly
coded key (or other device) is used, the
engine's fuel system is disabled. For
more information, see page 124.The engine is harder to start in cold
weather. Also, the thinner air found at
altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.
Starting the Engine37411/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Your vehicle has an electric vacuum
pump located in the engine
compartment. When you drive in
cold weather or thinner air at high
altitude, the electric vacuum pump
operates more frequently 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.Check Starter System Message
If there is a problem with the starter
system, you will see a
‘‘CHECK
STARTER SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position. You will also see this
message when the auto control mode
of the starter system has a problem.
If this message is on, the ignition
switch has to be held in the START
(III) position manually until the
engine starts. The ignition switch can
be held in that position up to 15
seconds.
Even though you may be able to start
the engine manually without the auto
control mode of the starter system,
have your dealer inspect your
vehicle.
U.S.
Canada
Starting the Engine
375
Driving
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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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Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist using negative pressure
generated by the engine and the
electric vacuum pump helps reduce
the effort needed on the brake pedal.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps you retain steering control
when braking very hard.
When the electric vacuum pump is in
operation, it makes some mechanical
noises come from the engine
compartment. This is normal.
When you drive in cold weather or
thinner air at high altitude, the
electric vacuum pump operates more
frequently after the engine is started.
For more information about the
electric vacuum pump, see page 468.Resting your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, fuel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, confusing
drivers behind you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their
effectiveness. Use the engine to
assist the brakes by taking your foot
off the accelerator and downshifting
to a lower gear.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.Braking System Design
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
All four brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Braking System
387
Driving
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