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
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
SymbolMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
ᤳ 1
B
●Replace engine oil
ᤳ1and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect these items:●Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots●Suspension components●Driveshaft boots●Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)●All fluid levels and condition of fluids●Exhaust system
#
●Fuel lines and connections
#
ᤳ1: If the message ‘‘SERVICE ’’does not appear more than 12 months after
the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page 417.
NOTE:
●Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the
brake fluid every 3 years.●Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).●Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy. Symbol Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filterIf you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer
ᤳ 2fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds
or trailer towing results in higher transmission and
transfer temperatures. This requires transmission and
transfer fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have
the transmission and transfer fluid changed at 60,000
miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
4
●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid
ᤳ 2
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds
or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical
(shear) stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid
changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle
under these conditions, have the differential fluid
changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
ᤳ2: SH-AWD only
Maintenance Minder
TM
Maintenance Minder
41811/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
Always change the oil and filter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the multi-
information display. The oil and filter
collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
technician.
1. Run the engine until it reachesnormal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2. Open the hood, and remove the engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container. 3. Remove the oil filter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
4. Check the oil filter to make sure its gasket did not stick to the filter
base. A stuck gasket could cause
an oil leak.
5. Install a new oil filter according to the instructions that come with it.
OIL
FILTER
OIL DRAIN
BOLT WASHER
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter42211/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
6. Put a new washer on the drainbolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
7. Refill the engine with the recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
5.0 US qt (4.7 L) 8. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn off the
engine, and check your work.
9. Let the engine run for several minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
10. Turn off the engine and let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
423
Maintenance
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
DimensionsLength182.5 in (4,635 mm)
Width 73.6 in (1,870 mm)
Height 65.2 in (1,655 mm)
Wheelbase 104.3 in (2,650 mm)
Track Front 61.9 in (1,572 mm)
Rear 62.6 in (1,590 mm)WeightsGross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached to
the driver's doorjamb.EngineType Water cooled 4-stroke DOHC i-VTEC
4 cylinder gasoline engine with turbo charger, intercooler
Bore x Stroke 3.39 x 3.90 in (86.0 x 99.0 mm)
Displacement 140.3 cu-in (2,300 cm
3)
Compression ratio 8.8
Spark plugs SILKR8A-S (NGK)
Seating CapacitiesTotal 5
Front 2
Rear 3
CapacitiesFuel tankApprox.
18.0 US gal (68 L)
Engine oil Change
ᤳ 1
Including
filter 5.0 US qt (4.7 L)
Without filter 4.8 US qt (4.5 L)
Total 6.1 US qt (5.8 L)
Engine coolant Change
ᤳ 2
1.85 US gal (7.0 L)
Total 2.22 US gal (8.4 L)
Automatic
transmission fluid Change
2WD 3.0 US qt (2.8 L)
SH-AWD 3.1 US qt (2.9 L)
Total 2WD 8.8 US qt (8.3 L)
SH-AWD 8.2 US qt (7.8 L)
Rear differential
fluid (SH-AWD) Change 2.67 US qt (2.53 L)
Total 2.93 US qt (2.77 L)
Transfer assembly
fluid (SH-AWD) Change 0.45 US qt (0.43 L)
Total 0.48 US qt (0.45 L)
Windshield
washer reservoir U.S. Vehicles 2.6 US qt (2.5 L)
Canada
Vehicles 4.8 US qt (4.5 L)
ᤳ1: Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
ᤳ2: Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity:
0.18 US gal (0.7 L)
Specifications48011/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
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
Engine Number
.........................
479
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
352
Evaporative Emissions Controls
..................................
487
Exhaust Emissions Controls
......
488
Exhaust Fumes
............................
57
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by
....................................
18
F
Fan, Interior
...............................
166
Features
.....................................
163
Filters
Dust and Pollen
.......................
439
Oil
...........................................
422
Flashers, Hazard Warning
.........
121
Flat Tire, Changing a
.................
455
Floor Mats
.................................
438
Fluids Automatic Transmission
.........
427
Brake
......................................
429
Location
..................................
419
Power Steering
........................
430
Windshield Washer
.................
426 FM/AM Radio Reception
...........
287
Fog Lights
..................................
119
Folding the Rear Seats Down
.....
138
Four-way Flashers
......................
121
Front Airbags
.........................
10, 26
Front Door Pockets
....................
155
Front Seat Heaters
...................................
141
Front Seat Power Adjustments
...........................
134
Fuel
............................................
352
Economy
.................................
358
Fill Door and Cap
....................
354
Gauge
......................................
73
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
68
Octane Requirement
...............
352
Reserve Indicator
.....................
68
Tank, Filling the
......................
354
Tighten Fuel Cap
....................
355
Fuel Economy
............................
358
Fuses, Checking the
..................
470
G
Gas Mileage, Improving
.............
360 Gasoline
.....................................
352
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
68
Octane Requirement
...............
352
Tank, Refueling
.......................
354
Gas Station Procedures
..............
354
Gauges Fuel
..........................................
73
Speedometer
............................
73
Tachometer
..............................
73
Turbo Boost Meter
..................
73
Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic
Transmission
...............
376, 377
Glove Box
..................................
155
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
.................................
398
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.................................
398
H
HandsFreeLink
®........................
306
Hazard Warning Flashers
..........
121
Headlights Aiming
....................................
431
IndexIV11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu
Numbers, Identification
.............
478
O
Octane Requirement, Gasoline
.................................
352
Odometer
.....................................
76
Odometer, Trip
............................
76
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
..............................
405
Off-Road Precautions
..................
405
Oil Change, How to
......................
422
Change, When to
....................
411
Checking Engine
....................
357
Life, Engine
.............................
411
Pressure Indicator
.............
65, 465
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart
...................................
420
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery
................................
488
ON (Ignition Key Position)
........
125
Outside Mirrors
.........................
146
Outside Temperature
...................
76
Overheating, Engine
..................
463 Owner's Maintenance Checks
....
417
Oxygenated Fuels
......................
352
P
Panel Brightness Control
...........
120
Park Gear Position
.....................
377
Parking
......................................
386
Parking Brake
............................
150
Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator
.................................
467
Parking Lights
...........................
116
Parking Over Things that Burn
................................
386, 489
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
....
33
PGM-FI System
..........................
488
Playing an iPod
®..................
197, 260
Playing a USB Flash Memory Device
.............................
204, 270
Playing Disc
...............................
185
Playing the FM/AM Radio
...............................
174, 217
Playing the XM
®Radio
........
179, 228
Pollen Filter
...............................
439
Power Door Locks
.....................
126 Power Seat Adjustments
............
134
Power Socket Locations
.............
157
Power Steering Fluid
.................
430
Power Windows
.........................
142
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts
........
18
Preparing to Drive
......................
373
Proper Seat Belt Usage
................
15
Protecting Adults and Teens
........
12
Additional Safety Precautions
...
19
Advice for Pregnant Women
....
18
Protecting Children
......................
36
General Guidelines
..................
36
Protecting Infants
.....................
41
Protecting Larger Children
......
53
Protecting Small Children
........
42
Using Child Seats with Tethers
.................................
51
Using LATCH
..........................
46
R
Radiator Overheating
.................
463
Radio/CD Sound System
...........
172
Radio/Disc Sound System
.........
174
Radio Theft Protection
...............
291
CONTINUED
Index
VII
INDEX
11/06/16 17:42:51 12 ACURA RDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STK650 enu