2015 Acura RDX engine

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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

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SAFETY
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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

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INSTRUMENT P
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SAFETY
TABLE OF
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Reporting Safety Defects
In the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor
Co., Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at (888)
327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov;  or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You
can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.
safercar.gov.
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform Honda Canada, Inc., and you
may also inform Transport Canada.
If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and
if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may lead to a recall
and remedy campaign. However, Transport Canada cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or Honda Canada, Inc.
To contact Transport Canada’s Defect Investigations and Recalls Division, you may
call (800) 333-0510. For more information on reporting safety defects or about
motor vehicle safety, go to http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety. Learn about the indicators, gauges, and displays related to driving the vehicle.
Indicators briefly appear 
with each engine start and  then go out. Red and amber 
indicators are most critical. Blue and green indicators are used for general
information.
Malfunction Indicators
These are the most critical indicators. If they come on and stay lit while driving or
at any other time, there may be a problem. See your dealer if necessary.
Brake system
• Brake  fluid is low.
•  There is a malfunction in the brake system.
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. If normal, check
the brake  fluid level  when you stop. If abnormal,  take immediate action. 
If necessary, downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle using engine
braking. Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
Low oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is low. Stop in a safe place. Open the hood and check
the oil level, and add oil if necessary. If the indicator does not turn off, have
your vehicle repaired immediately.
Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light)
•  The emissions control system may have a problem, or the fuel cap is
missing or loose.
•  (Blinks) A misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected. Stop in a safe place,
and wait for the engine to cool down.
Charging system
The battery is not charging. Turn off all electrical items, but do not turn off
the vehicle to prevent further battery discharge. Have your vehicle repaired
immediately.
Canada U.S.
INSTRUMENT P
ANEL

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Anti-Lock Brake Sysytem (ABS)
There is a problem with the anti-lock brake system. Your vehicle still has
normal braking ability, but no anti-lock function.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
There is a problem with one of the airbag systems or seat belt tensioners.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
There is a problem with the electric power steering system.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
(Blinks and stays on) There is a problem with the tire pressure monitoring
system, or the vehicle is fitted with the spare tire.
Keyless Access system
There is a problem with the keyless access system.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system*
•  There is a problem with the AWD system. Only the front wheels are
powered.
•  (Blinks) The AWD system has overheated and is inactive. Stop in a safe
place, shift to Park (P), and idle the engine until the indicator goes off.
Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®) system
•  There is a problem with the VSA system or the hill start assist system.
•  (Blinks) VSA is active.
Brake system
There is a problem with the hydraulic brake boost system.
Condition Indicators
These indicators may require you to perform an action.
Parking brake
Release the parking brake before driving. You will hear a beep if you drive
with it not fully released.
Seat belt reminder
Make sure seat belts are fastened for you and all passengers. The indicator
blinks and beeps sound continuously if you or your front passenger has not
fastened your seat belts when you begin driving. If the indicator remains on
after seat belts are fastened, see your dealer.
Low fuel
Refuel as soon as possible. If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with
the fuel gauge. See your dealer.
CanadaU.S.
*if equipped
Door/tailgate open
Close any open doors or the tailgate. A beep sounds if any doors or the
tailgate is opened while driving.
Low tire pressure
Stop in a safe place, check 
tire pressures, and inflate tire(s) if necessary.
System message
When a condition or malfunction indicator comes on, a message also
appears on the multi-information display. Check the display for more
information.
Immobilizer
Your remote transmitter cannot be recognized by the vehicle. If the
indicator blinks, you may not be able to start the engine. Turn the vehicle
off and then on again. If it continues to blink, there may be a problem with
the system. See your dealer.
On/Off Indicators
These indicators remind you when an item is on or off.
VSA off
CRUISE MAIN on
CRUISE CONTROL on
Turn signals/hazards on Exterior lights on
Fog lights on*
High beams on
Side airbag off
Canada
U.S.
*if equipped

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Multi-Information Display
Consists of several displays that provide you with useful information.
Main Displays
Lower Displays
Main Display
Customize settings Average/Instant
fuel economy
Engine oil life Range
Tire pressure for each tireElapsed time
Average speed
Odometer,
Outside temperature Trip A,
Outside temperature Trip B,
Outside temperature
Customized Settings
Use the multi-information display to customize certain features of your vehicle. The
customized settings are recalled every time you unlock the driver’s door with the
remote (Driver 1 or Driver 2). Settings are unique to each remote.
Scroll to the
Customized
Settings display.
SEL/RESET button: Enter the
selected option.Info buttons: Scroll through
the customization menus and
options.
Info buttons: Press to
change main displays.
Main display
Lower display
SEL/RESET button:
Press to change lower
displays.
How to Change a Setting
An example of how to change a door setting is shown below. Use the buttons to
scroll through and select various options.
1. Make sure the vehicle is in Park (P) to access the menu.
2. Press the Info buttons to scroll to CUSTOMIZE
SETTINGS. Press SEL/RESET to enter the menu.
3. Select DOOR SETUP.
4. Select AUTO DOOR UNLOCK.
5. Select your preferred option.
6. Exit out of the menus.

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Learn about preparation for driving and other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
•  Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
•  Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
•  Make sure the hood is securely closed.
•  Heat  from the engine and exhaust can ignite  flammable materials left under 
the hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a small
animal.  Also check under  the hood for leftover  flammable materials after  you 
or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
•  Make sure the tires are in good condition.
•  Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
DRIVING
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE
Interior Checks
•  Store or secure all items on board properly.
•  Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
•  Do not place anything in  the front seat  footwells. Make sure  to secure the floor 
mats.
•  If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
•  Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
•  Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
•  Be sure items placed  on the  floor behind  the front seats cannot roll under  the 
seats.
•  Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the
vehicle, and go off soon after.
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
•  Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
•  Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
•  Do not modify your vehicle in any way that raises its center of gravity.
•  Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Acura
accessory).
In addition:
•  During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration
or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
•  Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause a crash or
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions and guidelines in this guide.
Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories and
modifications.
WARNING

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Pre-tow checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the following:
•  Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600 miles (1,000 km).
•  The vehicle has been properly serviced, and the suspension and the cooling
system are in good operating condition.
•  The trailer has been properly serviced and is in good condition.
•  All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
•  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.
•  The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
•  All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift while you
drive.
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the
proper equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. See the Owner’s Manual on
the Owner Information CD or visit  owners.acura.com (U.S.) or www.myacura.com 
(Canada) for more information.
Towing Load Limits
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.
Total load
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.
Tongue load
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.
WARNING
Starting to Drive
The keyless access system allows simple push-button start.
Before Starting the Engine
Check that the shift lever is in Park (P), then
depress the brake pedal. Keep your foot firmly on
the brake pedal when starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and
in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000
feet (2,400 m). When starting the engine in cold
weather, turn off all electrical accessories such
as the lights, climate control system, and rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
Changing the Power Mode
Accessory or On mode: Press ENGINE START/
STOP once without pressing the brake pedal for
Accessory mode. Press it again for On mode.
Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake
pedal, then press ENGINE START/STOP. Keep your
foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting the
engine.
If you press the button and the shift lever is not in
Park (P), the vehicle goes into Accessory mode.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P), then press
ENGINE START/STOP.
Brake pedal

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Shifting
Park (P): Used for parking or starting/stopping the
engine. Press the brake pedal, then press the release
button to shift.
Reverse (R): Used for reversing.
Neutral (N): Used for idling.
Drive (D): Used for normal driving or temporarily
driving in sequential mode.
Drive (S): Used for driving in sequential mode.
Press the release button, and use the paddle shifters
to change between 1st and 6th gears (see page 85).
When you change the shift lever from D to R and vice versa, come to a complete
stop and keep the brake pedal depressed. Operating the shift lever before the
vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Release
button
Sequential Shift Mode
Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 6th gears without removing
your hands from the steering wheel.
When the shift lever is in D: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode
momentarily, and the gear position indicator comes on. When you start traveling
at a constant speed, sequential shift mode automatically switches off, and the
gear position indicator goes off.
When the shift lever is in S: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode, and
the M (sequential shift mode) indicator and gear position indicator co\
me on. At
speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h) or less, the vehicle automatically shifts down into 1st
gear. It does not automatically shift up, even if vehicle speed increases. You can
pull away only in 1st or 2nd gear.
When switching out of sequential shift mode, move the shift lever from S to
D. When sequential shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and gear position
indicator go off.
Second gear lock mode: If you pull the (+) paddle shifter while stopped or driving
at 6 mph (10 km/h) or less, the gear position is locked in 2nd gear. This makes it
easier to pull away on slippery surfaces such as snow-covered roads. To cancel
2nd gear lock mode, pull the (-) paddle shifter or move the shift lever from S to D.
(-) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift down
to a lower gear. (+) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift up to a
higher gear.
Recommended shift points
Shift up Acceleration
1st to 2nd 15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th 40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th 45 mph (72 km/h)
5th to 6th 50 mph (80 km/h)
M indicator/gear
position indicator