2013 Acura RDX towing

ContentsThis owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these
features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.
The information and specifications included in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.
2Safe Driving P. 23For Safe Driving P. 24 Seat Belts P. 29 Airbags P. 372Instrument Panel P. 67Indicators P. 68 Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 822Controls P. 95Setting the Clock P. 96 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 97
Opening and Closing the Moonroof P. 118
Adjusting the Seats P. 1362Features P. 157Audio System P. 158 Audio System Basic Operation P. 161
HomeLink ® Universal Transceiver P. 1942 Driving P. 227Before Driving P. 228 Towing a Trailer P. 233Parking Your Vehicle P. 261
Multi-View Rear Camera P. 262
2Maintenance P. 267Before Performing Maintenance P. 268 Maintenance Minder
TM P. 271
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 297
Climate Control System Maintenance P. 312 Cleaning P. 313
2 Handling the Unexpected P. 317Tools P. 318 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 319
Overheating P. 331 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 3332Information P. 343Specifications P. 344 Identification Numbers P. 346
Emissions Testing P. 349 Warranty Coverages P. 351

Contents
Child Safety P. 52Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 64 Safety Labels P. 65Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 107 Security System P. 113 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 115
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 119 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 133
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 143 Climate Control System P. 152Audio Error Messages P. 187General Information on the Audio System P. 190
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ® P. 196 Compass
* P. 225
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 238 When Driving P. 240 Braking P. 257
Refueling P. 263 Fuel Economy P. 265Accessories and Modifications P. 266Maintenance Under the Hood P. 275 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 287
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 301 Battery P. 310 Remote Transmitter Care P. 311Engine Does Not Start P. 325Jump Starting P. 328 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 330
Fuses P. 337 Emergency Towing P. 340
When You Cannot Open the Tailgate P. 341
Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 347 Reporting Safety Defects P. 348
Authorized Manuals P. 353 Client Service Information P. 354
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 23
Instrument Panel
P. 67
Controls
P. 95
Features
P. 157
Driving
P. 227
Maintenance
P. 267
Handling the Unexpected
P. 317
Information
P. 343
Index
P. 355

Quick Reference Guide17
Handling the Unexpected
(P 317)
Flat Tire
(P 319)
● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the
cargo area.
Indicators Come On
(P 333)
● Identify the indicator and consult the
owner's manual.
Engine Won't Start
(P 325)
● If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse
(P 337)
● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P 331)
● Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing
(P 340)
● Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

227
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before DrivingDriving Preparation .......................... 228
Maximum Load Limit........................ 231
Towing a Trailer Towing Preparation .......................... 233
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 236
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 237
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines General Information ......................... 238
Important Safety Precautions............ 238
Avoiding Trouble ............................. 239
When Driving Starting the Engine .......................... 240 Precautions While Driving ................ 242
Automatic Transmission ................... 243
Shifting ............................................ 244
Cruise Control ................................. 248
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System .. 251AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with Intelligent Control System
*..................................................... 253
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 253Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation ......... 255
Braking Brake System ................................... 257 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 259
Brake Assist System ......................... 260
Parking Your Vehicle When Stopped ................................ 261
Multi-View Rear Camera .................. 262
Refueling Fuel Information .............................. 263
How to Refuel ................................. 264
Fuel Economy .................................... 265
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 265
Accessories and Modifications Accessories ...................................... 266
Modifications................................... 266
* Not available on all models

231
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 870 lbs (395 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includ es the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the ava ilable amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of av ailable cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1 Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.
2 Specifications P. 344
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications P. 344
3
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example

232
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5) Determine the combin ed weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 870 lbs
(395 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
570 lbs
(259 kg)
Example2 Max Load 870 lbs
(395 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
120 lbs (55 kg)

233
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerTowing PreparationYour vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■
Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
■
Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
■
Towing Load Limits
1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information
2 Vehicle Specifications P. 344
3
WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total LoadTongue LoadTongue Load

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
234Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.■
Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■
Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■
Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■
Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■
Towing Equipment and Accessories
1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.