2013 Acura RDX Noise

20Quick Reference Guide
Why do I hear a screeching
sound when I apply the
brake pedal?
The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Is it possible to use
unleaded gasoline with a
Pump Octane Number
(PON) of 87 or higher on
this vehicle?
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic
knocking noise in the engine and will result in decreased engine
performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to
engine damage.

64Safe Driving
Exhaust Gas HazardCarbon Monoxide GasThe engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle, carbon
monoxide gas will not get into the interior.■
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever
• The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.
• The exhaust system may have been damaged.
• The vehicle is raised for an oil change.
When you operate a vehicle with the tailgate open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into
the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the tailgate
open, open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown below.
1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the mode.
3. Set the fan speed to high.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked
vehicle with the engine running.
1 Carbon Monoxide Gas
An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up
with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not run the engine with the garage door closed.
Even when the garage door is open, drive out of the
garage immediately after starting the engine.
3
WARNING
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that
expose you to carbon monoxide.

196Features
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink ®For models with navigation system, s ee Navigation System Manual for how to
operate Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®.
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ® (HFL) allows you to place and receive phone calls using
your vehicle's audio system, without handling your cell phone.Using HFL
(Pick-up) button: Press to go directly to the Phone screen or to answer an
incoming call.
(Hang-up) button: Press to end a call.
(TALK) button: Press to call a number with a stored voice tag.
(Back) button: Press to cancel a command.
PHONE button: Press to go directly to the Phone screen.
Selector knob: Rotate to select an item on the screen, then press .
■
HFL Buttons
1Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®
To use HFL, you need a Bluetooth-compatible cell
phone. For a list of compatible phones, pairing
procedures, and special feature capabilities:•U.S.: Visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink, or call 1-
888-528-7876.•Canada: Visit www.handsfreelink.ca , or call 1-888-
528-7876.
Voice control tips•Aim the vents away from the ceiling and close the
windows, as noise coming from them may interfere
with the microphone.•Press and release the button when you want to
call a number using a stored voice tag. Speak
clearly and naturally after a beep.•If the microphone picks up voices other than yours,
the command may be misinterpreted.•To change the volume level, use the audio system's
volume knob or the remote audio controls on the
steering wheel.
State or local laws may prohibit the operation of
handheld electronic devices while operating a
vehicle.
Models with navigation systemModels without navigation systemTALK Button
Volume up
Microphone
Hang-up Button
Pick-up Button
Volume down
Selector KnobPHONE Button
Back Button

251
uuWhen Driving uVSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Continued
Driving
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), SystemVSA ® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also no tice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.■
VSA ® Operation
1 VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
The VSA ® may not function properly if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA ® System
Indicator

260
uuBraking uBrake Assist System
Driving
Brake Assist SystemDesigned to assist the driver by generating greater braking force when you depress
the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.■
Brake assist system operation
Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking.
When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise
may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.

263Driving
RefuelingFuel Information■
Fuel recommendation
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.
■
Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Acura
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today ’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.
For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information on
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit My Acura at owners.acura.com In
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com .
■
Fuel tank capacity: 15.9 US gal (60.5 liters)Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel Information
NOTICEWe recommend quality gasoline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions
control, we strongly recommend the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is
available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, and cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service. Some
gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as
ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol
by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try
another service station or switch to another brand of
gasoline.

268Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 284
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 285
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 301
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 287
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 297
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 273
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 353
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

361
Index
Shifting (Transmission)............................ 244
Shoulder Anchor ........................................ 33
Side Airbags ............................................... 44
Cutoff System ........................................... 46
Off Indicator ............................................. 46
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 47
SMS Text Message ............................ 208, 220
Snow Tires ................................................ 309
Spare Tire ......................................... 319, 345
Spark Plugs ............................................... 344
Specifications ........................................... 344
Specified Fuel ................................... 263, 344
Speedometer .............................................. 82
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................ 40
Starting the Engine .................................. 240
Does Not Start ........................................ 325
Jump Starting ......................................... 328
Steering Wheel ........................................ 132
Adjusting ................................................ 132
Stopping ................................................... 261
Summer Tires ............................................ 309
Sunglasses Holder .................................... 150
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....... 40
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ........ 2, 3, 119
Synchronized Mode ................................. 154
System Message Indicator ......................... 76
TTachometer................................................. 82
Tailgate ..................................................... 107
Unable to Open ....................................... 341
Temperature Outside Temperature Display ..................... 85
Temperature Gauge ................................... 82
Temperature Sensor ........................... 85, 155
Text Message .................................... 208, 220
Time (Setting) ............................................. 96
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..................................................... 253
Indicator ............................................ 74, 336
Tires ........................................................... 301
Air Pressure ..................................... 302, 345
Checking and Maintaining....................... 301
Inspection................................................ 301
Labeling .................................................. 302
Puncture (Flat Tire)................................... 319
Regulations ............................................. 304
Rotation .................................................. 308
Spare Tire ........................................ 319, 345
Summer .................................................. 309
Tire Chains .............................................. 309
Wear Indicators ....................................... 306
Winter ..................................................... 309
Tools .......................................................... 318
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 233
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 234
Load Limits .............................................. 233 Towing Your Vehicle
................................ 237
Emergency .............................................. 340
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ........ 253
Indicator............................................ 74, 336
Transmission ............................................. 244
Automatic ............................................... 244
Fluid ........................................................ 284
Number................................................... 346
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 246
Shift Lever Position Indicator.............. 70, 245
Trip Meter ................................................... 85
Troubleshooting ....................................... 317
Blown Fuse...................................... 337, 338
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 18
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 19
Emergency Towing .................................. 340
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 325
Noise When Braking .................................. 20
Overheating ............................................ 331
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 319
Rear Door Won’t Open...................... 19, 105
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 330
Warning Indicators .................................... 68
Turn Signals .............................................. 122
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 74