2014 Acura RDX Chain

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
234
Driving
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 brake s: 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 w ill lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories requi re 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 Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qua lified technician.
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236
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 233
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the traile r tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the
climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool
down the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the
(S position if the transmission shifts frequently.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.
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while driving.

259
uuBraking uABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribu tion (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pe dal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the ti me or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:
•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow.
•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
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DrivingTOC

309
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWinter Tires
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and main tain sufficient distance between vehicles
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to
prevent skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires:
• Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
• Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
• Install them on the front tires only.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire clea rance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
• Follow the chain manufactur er's instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
• Check that the chains do not touc h the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Ra dial Chain TC2212MM
1Winter Tires
NOTICE
Traction devices that are th e wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer's instructi ons regarding vehicle
operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be
aware that these tires are not designed for winter
driving conditions. For more information, contact a
dealer.
3WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner's
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.
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MaintenanceTOC

319Continued
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake
gradually to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a
compact spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire
repaired or replaced.
1.Park the vehicle on firm, level, non-slip pery surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to
(P.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lights and set the power mode to VEHICLE
1Changing a Flat Tire
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with
a full-size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are
specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it
with the full-size tire that was removed from the rear.
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairi ng agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
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Handling the Unexpected
TOC
OFF (LOCK).

340
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
■Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
■Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoti ng arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1 Emergency Towing
NOTICE
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle's weight.
NOTICE
Improper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.
All models
2WD models
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361
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 ......................... 76Tachometer
................................................. 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) ..................... 74QRG
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IndexA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
T

362
Unlocking the Doors................................... 99
Unlocking the Front Doors from the Inside .................................. 10, 104
USB Adapter Cable ........................... 158, 159
USB Flash Drives ........................................ 193
Vanity Mirrors ............................................... 5
Vehicle Identification Number ................. 346
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®).................. 251
Off Button ............................................... 252
Off Indicator .............................................. 73
System Indicator ................................ 73, 251
Viscosity (Oil) ..................................... 277, 345
VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist) .................. 251
Wallpaper .................................................. 184
Warning and Information Messages ......... 78
Warning Indicator On/Blinking ................ 333
Warning Labels ........................................... 65
Warranties (Warranty Manual provided separately) ............................................... 351
Watts ......................................................... 344
Wear Indicators (Tire) ............................... 306
Wheel Nut Wrench (Jack Handle) ............ 322
Window Washers ...................................... 126
Adding/Refilling Fluid ............................... 286 Switch ..................................................... 126
Windows (Opening and Closing) ............ 115
Windshield ................................................ 126
Cleaning ................................................. 316
Defrosting/Defogging .............................. 153
Washer Fluid ........................................... 286
Wiper Blades ........................................... 297
Wipers and Washers................................ 126
Winter Tires .............................................. 309
Snow Tires .............................................. 309
Tire Chains .............................................. 309
Wipers and Washers ................................. 126
Checking and Replacing Wiper Blades ..... 297
Front ....................................................... 126
Rear ........................................................ 127
WMA ................................................. 171, 179
Worn Tires ................................................ 301
XM ® Radio ................................................ 169
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IndexA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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