2015 Acura RDX steering

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VEHICLE CONTROLS
VEHICLE CONTROLS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
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HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
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CLIENT
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Adjusting the Steering Wheel
The steering wheel height and distance from your body can be adjusted so that you
can comfortably grip the steering wheel in an appropriate driving posture.
1. Pull up the steering wheel adjustment
lever.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down, and
in or out.
3. Push down the steering wheel adjustment
lever to lock the steering wheel in position.
Adjusting the Mirrors
Adjust the angle of the mirrors for the best visibility when you are sitting in the
correct driving position.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
When driving after dark, the automatic dimming function reduces the glare from
headlights behind you.
Press the auto button to turn auto dimming
on or off. A green indicator appears when
automatic dimming is on. The function
cancels when the shift lever is in Reverse (R).
Adjusting the steering wheel position while driving may cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and be seriously injured in a crash.
Adjust the steering wheel only when the vehicle is stopped.
WARNING
Indicator
Auto button Sensor
Power Door Mirrors
Adjust the power door mirrors using the switches on the driver’s door when the
vehicle is on.
L/R selector switch: Select the left or right
mirror. After adjusting the mirror, return the
switch to the center position.
Mirror position adjustment switch: Press the
switch left, right, up, or down to move the
mirror.
Reverse Tilt Door MirrorsEither side door mirror can tilt downward when you shift to Reverse (R) to
improve visibility on the selected side of the vehicle when reversing. The mirror
returns to its original position when you shift out of Reverse.
When in Reverse, slide the selector switch on
the driver’s door to the left or right side.
Driving Position Memory System
You can store two driver’s seat and door mirror positions into memory when the
vehicle is on. When you unlock and open the driver’s door with a remote transmitter,
the seat and door mirrors adjust automatically to one of the two preset positions.
1. Adjust the seat and mirrors to your preferred
positions.
2. Press SET.
3. Press and hold memory button 1 or 2. You will
hear two beeps when the memory is set.
4. Press one of the memory buttons to recall
previously stored positions.
Lumbar positions cannot be stored.
To adjust
To lock Lever
Selector
switch
Adjustment
switch
Memory
button 1
Memory
button 2
SET button Selector switch

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AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
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Adjusting the Sound
Models without navigation
Adjust various sound settings using the selector knob.
1. Press SETUP.
2. Select Sound Settings.
3. Select the setting you want, and adjust it to the
desired level.
4. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Models with navigation
Adjust various sound settings using the interface dial.
1. Press AUDIO.
2. Select AUDIO MENU.
3. Select Sound Setup.
4. Select the setting you want, and adjust it to the
desired level.
5. Press CANCEL to exit the menu.
*if equipped
Steering Wheel Controls
Operate certain functions of the audio system using the steering wheel controls.
MODE button: Cycle through available audio
modes.
VOL (p/q) buttons: Adjust audio volume.
CH (+/-) button: Change presets, tracks, albums,
or folders.
FM/AM/XM® Radio
Press (+) or (-) for the next or previous station.
Press and hold (+) or (-) for the next or previous strong station.
CD/HDD*/iPod®/USB/Bluetooth® Audio
Press (+) or (-) for the next or previous track.
Press and hold (+) or (-) for the next or previous folder (CD/USB).
Pandora®
Press (+) for the next song.
Press and hold (+) or (-) for the next or previous station. Color Information Display and Controls
Models without navigation
Display audio or phone information, as well as wallpaper (see the Owner
Information CD or visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or  www.myacura.ca (Canada)
for uploading instructions). Use the buttons on the center panel to control the
display and audio system.
Selector knob: Rotate
to scroll through
options, and press to
enter a selection.
Color information displayDISPLAY button:
Choose the audio,
wallpaper, or
blank display
mode.
SETUP button:
Select various
audio mode
options, sound
settings, and clock
adjustment.
BACK button: Go
back to the previous
display.
button: Change
screen brightness. Use
the selector knob to
make adjustments.

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NAVIGATION
NAVIGATION
TABLE OF
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Learn how to enter a destination and operate the navigation system.
Basic Navigation Operation
A real-time navigation system uses GPS and a map database to show your current
location and help guide you to a desired destination. You can operate the system
using voice commands or the system controls.
To reduce the potential for driver distraction, certain manual functions may
be inoperable or grayed out while the vehicle is moving. Voice commands are
always available.
Steering Wheel Controls
Use the steering wheel controls to give voice commands.
TALK button: Press to give navigation commands.
BACK button: Press to cancel a command or operation.
Voice Command Tips
•  When using the Talk button, wait for a beep before saying a command.
•  To bypass the system prompts, simply press the Talk button again to say your
command.
•  When the Talk button is pressed, all available voice commands are highlighted
in yellow.
•  Speak in a clear, natural voice.
•  Reduce all background noise.
•  Adjust the dashboard and side vents away from the microphone in the ceiling.
•  Close the windows and moonroof.
Using the navigation system while driving can take your attention away from
the road, causing a crash in which you could be seriously injured or killed.
Only operate system controls when the conditions permit you to safely do so.
WARNING
NAVIGATION*
*if equipped
Talk button
Back button
Navigation Display and ControlsUse the controls to enter information and make selections.
MAP/GUIDE
button: Display
the map screen or
directions when en
route. INFO button:
Select items such
as calendar, traffic
incidents, and
system setup.
CANCEL button: Go
back to the previous
display or cancel an
operation. DEST/ROUTE
button: Enter
destination
information.
button: Change
screen brightness. Use
the interface dial to
make adjustments. Interface Dial:
Rotate to scroll the
map or menus. Move
up, down, left, or
right. Press ENTER to
make a selection.
GPS signal
strength
Traffic
status*
Current
map scale Current vehicle
position
AcuraLink®
message Weather
warning*Map
orientation
Current
streetLandmark
icon
*subscription feature
Traffic icon examples*
Weather icon examples*
Congestion
Incident
Weather
Construction
Road closed Clear
Cloudy
Fog
Rain
Snow

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DRIVING
DRIVING
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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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DRIVING
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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

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Braking
Slow down or stop your vehicle, and keep it from moving when parked.
Foot Brake
Press the brake pedal to slow down or stop
your vehicle from moving.
Parking BrakeKeep the vehicle from moving when it is parked.
To apply: Press the parking brake with your
foot.
To release: Press the brake pedal, then press
the parking brake until it releases. Brake Assist System
During hard or emergency braking, the system increases braking force. The brake
pedal may move slightly or make a noise; this is normal. Continue to hold the
brake pedal firmly down.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
During hard or emergency braking, the system rapidly pumps the brakes to
prevent wheel lockup and help you maintain steering control. The brake pedal
may pulsate slightly during ABS operation; this is normal. Do not pump the brake
pedal, and continue to hold it firmly down.
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and size.
Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle can be
damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied.
NOTICE
NOTICE
Parking brake

Foot brake
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) System
Helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces by
regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
Turning VSA On or Off VSA is turned on every time you turn on the vehicle, even if you previously turned
it off. If you turn VSA off, your vehicle has normal braking and cornering ability,
but not VSA traction and stability enhancement.
Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you
hear a beep to turn VSA on or off. The VSA OFF
indicator appears when the system is off.
Traction control stops functioning, which may
make it easier when trying to free your vehicle
if it is stuck in mud or snow.
VSA OFF indicator
VSA OFF
button

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HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
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Emergency Engine Stop
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, choose one of
the following operations:
•  Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP
button for three seconds, OR
•  Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button
three times.
The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to ACCESSORY, unless
the shift lever is in Park (P), in which case the power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF.
Because turning off the engine also disables the power assist the engine provides to
the steering and braking systems, it will require significantly more physical effort
and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Downshift gears and use both feet on the
brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a safe place.
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.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
NOTICE
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is
the best way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting 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. Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary for the
engine to be switched off.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving.
If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes significantly low, the low tire pressure
indicator comes on and a message appears on the multi-information display.
What to Do
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Adjust the tire pressure to the specified level on
a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Driving  on an extremely underinflated  tire can cause it to overheat.  An overheated 
tire can  fail. Always inflate  your tires to the specified pressure.
NOTICE
Press the INFO button to
scroll to the tire pressure
monitor to see which
tire(s) have low pressure.
Tire
pressure
monitor
The
specific
tire is
displayed.