2012 Acura RDX immobilizer

This section gives information about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations
..........................
62
Instrument Panel
..........................
63
Instrument Panel Indicators
..........
64
Gauges
..........................................
73
Turbo Boost Meter
...................
73
Fuel Gauge
...............................
73
Multi-Information Display
.............
74
System Messages
.....................
79
Customized Settings
.................
82
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel
.....................................
113
Windshield Wipers and
Washers
..............................
114
Rear Window Wiper and Washer
...............................
115 Turn Signals and Headlights
.......
116
Instrument Panel Brightness
......
120
Rear Window Defogger
...............
121
Hazard Warning Button
..............
121
Steering Wheel Adjustments
.......
122
Keys and Locks
...........................
122
Immobilizer System
....................
124
Ignition Switch
............................
125
Door Locks
.................................
126
Power Door Locks
..................
126
Childproof Door Locks
............
127
Tailgate
.......................................
128
Remote Transmitter
....................
130
Seats
...........................................
134
Front Seat Power
Adjustments
........................
134
Head Restraints
.......................
135
Armrests
.................................
138
Folding the Rear Seats Down
..................................
138
Seat Heaters
................................
141
Power Windows
..........................
142
Moonroof
....................................
144 Mirrors
.......................................
146
Adjusting the Power
Mirrors
...............................
146
Reverse Tilt Door Mirror
........
147
Heated Mirrors
.......................
147
Driving Position Memory
System
....................................
148
Parking Brake
.............................
150
Interior Lights
.............................
151
Ceiling Lights
.........................
151
Individual Map Lights
.............
152
Courtesy Lights
......................
153
Cargo Area Light
.....................
153
Interior Convenience Items
.........
154
Glove Box
...............................
155
Front Door Pockets
.................
155
Beverage Holders
...................
156
Accessory Power Sockets
.......
157
Sun Visor
................................
157
Vanity Mirror
..........................
158
Console Compartment
............
158
Cargo Area Cover
...................
160
Coat Hook
...............................
161
Instruments and Controls
61
Instruments and Controls
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P. 68)HIGH BEAM INDICATOR (P. 69)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE/TPMS INDICATOR
(P. 71, 390)
VSA OFF INDICATOR (P. 69) BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (AMBER) (P. 67, 468)
LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
(P. 70)
IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 66)
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
(P. 65, 465)
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P. 65, 465) A/T TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
(P. 65) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
(P. 65, 466) SYSTEM MESSAGE INDICATOR
(P. 72)
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR (P. 70)
LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P. 68)SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR (P. 20, 64)
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 70) SH-AWD INDICATOR
ᤳ
(P. 70)PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (RED)
(P. 67, 467)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR (P. 32, 66)
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) INDICATOR
(P. 32, 65)
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR
(P. 69)
CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR (P. 69)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR (P. 66, 388)
ᤳ : If equippedInstrument Panel
63
Instruments and Controls
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

U.S. CanadaSide Airbag Off Indicator
This indicator comes on for several
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates that the passenger's side
airbag has automatically shut off. You
will also see a‘‘PASSENGER SIDE
AIRBAG OFF ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 80).
For more information, see page 32.
Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and when the ignition
switch is turned to the START (III)
position. If this indicator comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the ABS. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With this indicator on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock function. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 80).
For more information, see page 388.
Immobilizer System
Indicator
This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will then go off if
you have inserted a properly coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly
coded key, the indicator blinks, and
the engine's fuel system will be
disabled (see page 124).
Instrument Panel Indicators6611/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

You should have received a key
number tag with your keys. You will
need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Use
only Acura-approved key blanks.
These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
immobilizer system. They will not
work to start the engine if the circuits
are damaged.●Protect the keys from direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.●Do not drop the keys or set heavy
objects on them.●Keep the keys away from liquids.
If they get wet, dry them
immediately with a soft cloth.
The valet key does not contain a
battery. Do not try to take it apart.
Retractable Master KeyThe master key can be retracted into
the remote transmitter. To use the
key, push the release button to
release the key from the transmitter.
The key should be fully extended. To
retract the key, push the release
button and at the same time push the
key into the remote transmitter until
it is securely latched. Always use the fully-extended key
when you insert it to the ignition
switch. If the key does not fully
extend, the immobilizer system may
not operate properly and may
prevent the engine from starting.
The key may come in contact with
your finger while being retracted or
extended. Make sure your fingers do
not touch the pivot of the key when
retracting or extending the key.RELEASE BUTTON
Push
Keys and Locks
123
Instruments and Controls
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

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.
When you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, the immobilizer
system indicator should come on
briefly, then go off. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position, remove the key,
reinsert it, and turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position again.The system may not recognize your
key's coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object (i.e. key
chain) is near the ignition switch
when you insert the key.
If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your dealer.
Do not attempt to alter this system or
add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your vehicle inoperable.
If you have lost your key and cannot
start the engine, contact your dealer.
Always take the ignition key with you
whenever you leave the vehicle alone.
As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept any
interference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user'sauthority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may causeundesired operation of the device.
Immobilizer System12411/06/16 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

The Starter Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's speed
sounds normal, or even faster than
normal, when you turn the ignition
switch to the START (III) position,
but the engine does not run.
●Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page 124).●Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer toStarting the
Engine on page 374.
●Do you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the low fuel indicator may
not be working.●There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see
page 470).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find the
problem. See Emergency Towing on
page 475.
If the Engine Won't Start46011/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu

Automatic Lighting Off
............
118
Automatic Lighting On
............
117
Daytime Running Lights
.........
119
High Beam Indicator
................
69
High Beams, Turning on
.........
116
Lights On Indicator
..................
70
Low Beams, Turning on
..........
116
Reminder Chime
.....................
116
Turning on
..............................
116
Head Restraints
..........................
135
Heated Mirrors
..........................
147
Heaters, Seats
............................
141
Heating and Cooling
..................
164
High Altitude, Starting at
............
374
High-Low Beam Switch
..............
117
HomeLink
®Universal
Transceiver
............................
303
Hood, Opening and Closing the
..........................................
356
Horn
......................................
4, 113
I
Identification Number, Vehicle
...................................
478 Ignition
Keys
........................................
122
Switch
.....................................
125
Timing Control System
...........
488
Immobilizer System
...................
124
Important considerations when selecting a child seat
................
44
Important Safety Precautions
.........
6
Indicators, Instrument Panel
........
63
ABS (Anti-lock Brake)
.......
66, 388
A/T Temp
................................
65
Brake (Amber)
..................
67, 468
Brake (Red)
......................
67, 467
Charging System
..............
65, 465
Cruise Control
..........................
69
Cruise Main
.............................
69
Fog Lights
................................
70
High Beam
...............................
69
Key (Immobilizer System)
.......
66
Lights On
.................................
70
Low Fuel
..................................
68
Low Oil Pressure
..............
65, 465
Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS
............................
71, 390
Maintenance Minder
TM
...........
411 Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
.............................
65, 466
Passenger Airbag Off
...............
33
Seat Belt Reminder
.............
20, 64
Security System
.......................
70
SH-AWD
®.................................
70
Side Airbag Off
....................
32, 66
SRS
.....................................
32, 65
System Message
......................
72
TPMS/Tire Pressure Monitor
.........................
71, 390
Turn Signal and Hazard
Warning
...............................
69
VSA OFF
..................................
69
VSA System
.............................
68
Individual Map Lights
................
152
Infant Restraint
............................
41
Infant Seats
..................................
41
Tether Anchorage Points
.........
51
Inflation, Proper Tire
..................
444
Recommended Pressures
.......
445
Inside Mirror
.............................
146
Inspection, Tire
..........................
445
Installing a Child Seat
..................
45
Instrument Panel
..........................
63
CONTINUED
Index
V
INDEX
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu