2015 Acura RDX Owner's Guide

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
owners.acura.com (U.S.)
myacura.ca (Canada)

31TX4G00 2015 Acura RDX Owner’s Guide
00X31-TX4-G000 ©2014 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. — All Rights Reserved Printed in U.S.A.2015
OWNER’S GUIDE
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
Devices That Emit Radio Waves
The following products and systems on your vehicle emit radio waves when in
operation:
•  Audio system
•  Bluetooth® Audio
•  Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
•  HomeLink Universal Transceiver • 
Immobilizer system
•  Remote transmitter
•  Keyless Access System
•  Tire Pressure Monitoring System
DISCLOSURES
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose
of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding
how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related
to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically
30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:
•  How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•  Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/
fastened;
•  How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake
pedal; and,
•  How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a
non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal
driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash
location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could
combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to
the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other
parties such as law enforcement that have the special equipment can read the
information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.
The data belong to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else
except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.
Service Diagnostic Recorders This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information
about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law
requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It
may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it
remains confidential.
Each of the above complies with the appropriate requirements or the required
standards of FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and Industry Canada,
described below:
As required by 
the FCC:
This  device complies  with Part 15 of the FCC rules.  Operation is subject  to the 
following  two conditions:  (1) This  device may not cause harmful interference,  and 
(2)  this  device must  accept any interference received,  including interference that 
may cause undesired  operation.
Changes  or modifications not expressly  approved by the party responsible for 
compliance could  void the user’s  authority to operate  the equipment.
As required by Industry  Canada:
This  device complies  with Industry Canada Standard RSS-Gen/210/310.  Operation is 
subject  to the following  two conditions:  (1) this  device may not cause interference,  
and (2)  this device must  accept any interference,  including interference  that may 
cause undesired  operation of the  device.
California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act
The airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR-type batteries in this vehicle may
contain perchlorate materials—special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/
hazardouswaste/perchlorate/ for more information.
California Proposition 65 WarningWARNING: This product contains or emits chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your 2015
Acura RDX. It provides basic information and instructions on technology and
convenience features, as well as emergency procedures and how to get assistance.
This guide is for vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. It covers all RDX
models, so you may find descriptions of features and equipment that are not in
your vehicle.
Images throughout this guide are from U.S. vehicles and represent features and
equipment that are available on some, but not all, models. Images shown in this
guide should be considered examples and used for demonstration purposes only.
This guide is not intended to be a substitute for the Owner’s Manual. The Owner
Information CD enclosed in your glove box kit includes the Owner’s Manual,
Navigation Manual, Consumer Information Book, and vehicle and tire warranties
in electronic format. This information can be viewed on a computer (PC or Mac
platform) and saved or printed for your reference. In addition, you can visit
owners.acura.com to view the complete and most current information.
If you are the first registered owner of your vehicle, you may request a
complimentary printed copy of the Owner’s Manual, Navigation Manual, Vehicle
Warranty, or Consumer Information Book. To request a copy, visit owners.acura.
com and create or log in to your account. In Canada, please request a copy from
your Acura dealer.
American Honda Motor Company strives to be proactive in protecting our
environment and natural resources. By using electronic delivery for a considerable
portion of the information typically found in a vehicle owner’s manual, we are
further reducing our impact on the environment.
Acura Total Luxury Care Roadside Assistance
Your Acura TLC Roadside Assistance representative is here to help you 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. Under your 4-year/50,000-mile (80,000 km) warranty, the
following benefits are available:
•  Towing services—full cost  of towing  to the closest  Acura dealer
• Roadside assistance—jump starting,  fuel delivery, lockout, and  flat tire 
•  Trip planning—detailed  trip routing, emergency services, and more
Call (800) 594-8500 (U.S.) or (800) 565-7587 (Canada)
Acura Client Relations Your authorized Acura dealer should be able to answer any questions you have
about your vehicle. However, if you are dissatisfied with the information you
receive, you can call Acura Client Relations (see page 122).
Call (800) 382-2238 (U.S.) or (888) 922-8729 (Canada)
INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX ................................... 1
Steering Wheel and Nearby
Controls ................................................. 1
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls ........ 2
SAFETY INFORMATION .................. 3
Important Safety Information ........... 3
Seat Belts ............................................... 5
Airbags ................................................... 9
Child Safety ......................................... 15
Safety Label Locations ...................... 21
Reporting Safety Defects .................. 22
INSTRUMENT P ANEL .................... 23
Malfunction Indicators ...................... 23
Condition Indicators .......................... 24
On/Off Indicators .............................. 25
Multi-Information Display ...............26
Customized Settings .......................... 27
VEHICLE CONTROLS ..................... 28
Using the Remote Transmitter ....... 28
Keyless Access System ..................... 28
Power Tailgate Operation* ............... 29
Door Operation from Inside the
Vehicle ................................................. 30
Power Window Operation ................ 31
Power Moonroof Operation ............32
Interior and Exterior Lights ............. 33
One-Touch Turn Signal ..................... 34
Wiper Operation ................................ 35
Adjusting the Seats ............................ 37
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ......... 40
Adjusting the Mirrors ........................ 40
Driving Position Memory
System ................................................. 41
HomeLink® Garage Opener ............ 42Climate Control System ..................
43
Seat Heaters ....................................... 43
Setting the Clock ............................... 44
AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY ...... 45
Basic Audio Operation ...................... 45
FM/AM Radio ..................................... 48
XM® Radio .......................................... 50
Compact Disc (CD) ............................ 52
iPod® ................................................... 54
USB Flash Drive .................................. 56
Bluetooth® Audio .............................. 58
Pandora®* .......................................... 60
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio* ........62
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK ® 63
Basic HFL Operation ......................... 63
Pairing a Phone ........................... 64, 68
Making a Call ................................ 65, 69
SMS Text Messaging ................... 66, 70
A CURALINK
®* .................................. 71
AcuraLink Messages ........................... 71
NAVIGATION* ............................... 72
Basic Navigation Operation ............. 72
Entering a Destination ...................... 75
Routing ................................................. 76
DRIVING .......................................... 78
Before Driving ..................................... 78
Maximum Load Limit ........................ 80
Towing a Trailer .................................. 82
Starting to Drive ................................ 83
Braking ................................................ 86
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System ................................................. 87
Cruise Control .................................... 88
*if equipped

| 1
VISUAL INDEX
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
1 Lights/turn signals p. 33, 34
2 Brightness control p. 33
3 Wipers/washers p. 35
4 Cruise control p. 88
5 Horn
6 Voice recognition p. 67
7 Audio controls p. 45
8 Instrument panel p. 23
Multi-information display p. 26
9 INFO buttons p. 26
SEL/RESET button p. 26
10 Power window switches p. 31
Door lock switches p. 30
Door mirror controls p. 40
11 Hood release handle p. 105
12 Fuel fill door handle p. 90
13 Driving Position Memory System
(DPMS) buttons p. 41
14 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) OFF
button p. 87
Power tailgate button* p. 29
15 ENGINE START/STOP button p. 83
VISUAL INDEX
Quickly locate items in the vehicle’s interior.
1
45961012
7283
11
13
1415
*if equipped
Multi-View Rear Camera ................. 89
Refueling ............................................. 90
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED ....91
Keyless Access Remote Battery
Strength ............................................... 91
Jump Starting ...................................... 91
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 92
Overheating ....................................... 93
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 94
Emergency Towing ............................ 94
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) .................................................. 95
Changing a Flat Tire .......................... 96
Fuse Locations ................................... 99
MAINTENANCE ............................ 102
Safety Precautions ........................... 102
Maintenance Minder™ .................... 103
Under the Hood ................................ 105
Engine Oil ......................................... 106
Engine Coolant ................................ 108
Transmission Fluid .......................... 109Window Washer Fluid ....................
109
Checking the Battery ....................... 110
Air Conditioning ............................... 110
Changing Wiper Blades .................... 111
Tire Information ............................... 112
Tire Labeling ...................................... 115
DOT Tire Quality Grading ............... 116
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) - Required Federal
Explanation ....................................... 118
Testing of Readiness Codes ............ 119
SPECIFICATIONS ......................... 120
CLIENT INFORMATION ............... 121
Frequently Asked Questions/
Troubleshooting ............................... 121
Contact Us ......................................... 122
Acura Total Luxury Care Roadside
Assistance .......................................... 123
Warranty Coverages ........................ 123
V OICE COMMAND INDEX ......... 124
INDEX ............................................. 131
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls

2 || 3
SAFETY
VISUAL INDEX
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls
1 Color information display p. 47
2 Hazard warning button
3 Audio/phone/navigation* buttons
p. 47, 63, 72
4 Climate control p. 43
5 Seat heater switches p. 43
6 Accessory power socket
USB adapter cable p. 45
Auxiliary input jack p. 45
7 Moonroof switch p. 32Map lights p. 34
*if equipped
Your safety—and the safety of others—is very important, and operating this vehicle
safely is an important responsibility. While we strive to help you make informed
decisions about safety, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. Therefore, you must
use your own good judgment.
Important Safety Information
This guide explains many of your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them.
Please read this information carefully. Following the instructions below will also
help to keep you and your passengers safe.
Important Safety Precautions•  Always wear your seat belt.
•  Secure all children in the proper restraint system.
•  Be aware of airbag hazards.
•  Don’t drink and drive.
•  Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely.
•  Control your speed.
•  Keep your vehicle in safe condition.
Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying
close attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash.
Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe
to divert some attention away from driving.
Important Handling Information Your vehicle has a higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for
use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-
highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain.
It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.
These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides
higher off the ground, it has a higher center of gravity, making it more susceptible
to tipping or rollover if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted
person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a
reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.
SAFETY INFORMATION
6453
712

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SAFETY
SAFETY
TABLE OF
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VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
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NAVIGATION
Safety Messages
When you see the following messages throughout this guide, pay close attention.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t
followinstructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your
vehicle, other property, or the environment.
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
DANGER
Carbon Monoxide Gas
The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle and
follow the instructions set forth below, you will not accumulate dangerous levels
of carbon monoxide gas in the vehicle 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.
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. 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.
WARNING
Seat Belts
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped
with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts and
wear them properly.
Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts
All five seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with
emergency locking retractors. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move
freely while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop,
the retractor locks to restrain your body. The rear seat belts also have a lockable
retractor for use with child seats.
The front seats are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners to enhance
safety. The tensioners automatically tighten the front seat belts during a
moderate to severe frontal collision, sometimes even if the collision is not severe
enough  to inflate  the front airbags.
Proper Use of Seat Belts
Follow these guidelines for proper use:
•  All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that
position for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduces the
effectiveness of the belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
•  Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or
behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.
•  Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very
seriously injured in a crash.
•  Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve
comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective
capability and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
•  No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt or one that does not
appear to be working correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working properly
may not protect the occupant in a crash. Have a dealer check the belt as soon
as possible.
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of a serious injury or
death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them
properly.
WARNING

6 || 7
SAFETY
SAFETY
TABLE OF
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VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
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Seat Belt Inspection
1. Regularly check the condition of your seat belts as follows:
•  Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.
•  Check that the latches work smoothly and the belts retract easily. If a belt does
not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem. Only use a mild
soap and warm water. Do not use bleach or cleaning solvents. Make sure the
belt is completely dry before allowing it to retract.
Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide proper
protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.
A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of
protection in a subsequent crash. Have your seat belts inspected by a dealer after
any collision.
Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if
the seat belts do not work properly when needed.
Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as
possible.
WARNING
Fastening a Seat BeltAdjust your seat to the proper position (see page 37), and then follow the
below steps.
1. Pull the seat belt out slowly.
2. Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug
on the belt to make sure the buckle is secure.
Make sure that the belt is not twisted or caught
on anything.
3. Position the lap part of the belt as low as
possible across your hips, then pull up on the
shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits
snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take
the force of a crash and reduces the chance of
internal injuries.
4. If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove
any slack, then make sure that the belt rests
across the center of your chest and over your
shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over
the strongest bones in your upper body.
To release the belt, push the red PRESS button
then guide the belt by hand until it has retracted
completely.
Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor
The front seats have adjustable shoulder anchors to accommodate taller and
shorter occupants.
1. Move the anchor up and down while holding the
release button.
2. Position the anchor so that the belt rests across
the center of your chest and over your shoulder.
Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a
crash.
Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.
WARNING
Pull out
slowly.
Latch plate Buckle
Lap belt
as low as
possible
Push

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SAFETY
SAFETY
TABLE OF
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SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
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BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
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Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor
The seat belt for the second-row center seat is located in the ceiling.
1. Pull out the seat belt’s small latch plate and the
latch plate from each holding slot in the ceiling.
2. Line up the triangle marks on the small latch
plate and anchor buckle. Make sure the seat
belt is not twisted. Attach the belt to the anchor
buckle.
3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle. Properly
fasten the seat belt the same way you fasten the
lap/shoulder seat belt.
To unlatch the detachable anchor, insert the
latch plate into the slot on the side of the
anchor buckle.
Using the seat belt with the detachable anchor unlatched increases the
chance of serious injury or death in a crash.
Before using the seat belt, make sure the detachable anchor is correctly
latched.
WARNING
Small latch plate
Latch plate
Small latch plate
Anchor buckle
Latch
plate
Buckle Latch plate
Small latch plate
Airbags
Your vehicle is equipped with three types of airbags: front airbags, side airbags, and
side curtain airbags.
Front Airbags (SRS) The  front  SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to-severe  frontal collision to help 
protect the head and chest of the driver and/or front passenger. They are housed
in the center of the steering wheel for the driver, and in the dashboard for the
front passenger. Both airbags are marked SRS AIRBAG.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant’s primary
restraint system.
Advanced Airbags
Your front airbags have advanced features to help reduce the likelihood of airbag-
related injuries to smaller occupants.
The driver’s advanced front airbag system includes
a seat position sensor. If the seat is too far forward,
the airbag inflates  with less force, regardless  of the 
severity of the impact.
If there is a problem with the driver’s seat position
sensor, the SRS indicator will come on and
the airbag  will inflate  with full (normal)  force, 
regardless of the driver’s seating position.
The passenger’s advanced front airbag system
has weight sensors. Although Acura recommends
against carrying an infant or small child in front, if
the sensors detect the weight of a child (up to 65
lbs or 29 kg), the system will automatically turn
off the passenger’s front airbag.
For both advanced front airbags to work properly:
•  Do not spill any liquid on or under the seats.
•  Do not put any object under the passenger’s seat.
•  Make sure any  objects are positioned properly  on the  floor. Improperly 
positioned objects can interfere with the advanced airbag sensors.
•  All occupants should sit upright and wear their seat belts properly.
•  Do not place any cover over any part of the passenger side dashboard.
Driver’s
seat
position
sensor
Passenger’s
seat weight
sensors