2015 Acura RDX Owner's Guide

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How to Refuel
1. The fuel fill door is located at the left rear of the
vehicle. Park next to the service pump that is
most accessible.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Pull the fuel fill door release handle near the
parking brake. The fuel fill door opens.
4. Turn the fuel fill cap slowly to open. Place the
fuel fill cap in the holder.
5. Insert the filler nozzle fully. When the tank is full,
the fuel nozzle clicks off automatically.
6. Replace the fuel fill cap. Tighten it until you hear
at least one click. Close the fuel fill door.
Refueling
Use the proper fuel and refueling procedure to ensure the best performance and
safety of your vehicle.
Fuel Information
Use of unleaded gasoline of 91 octane or higher is recommended.
•  Acura recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline where available.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing methanol.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing MMT.
We recommend quality gasoline containing detergent additives that help
prevent fuel system and engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain good
performance, fuel economy, and emissions control, we strongly recommend the
use of gasoline that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based fuel additives
such as MMT, if such gasoline is available.
NOTICE
Gasoline is highly  flammable and explosive.  You can be burned or seriously injured 
when handling fuel.
•  Stop  the engine, and keep heat, sparks, and  flame away.
•  Handle fuel only outdoors.
•  Wipe up spills immediately.
WARNING
Pull
Cap
Cap
Holder
Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Keyless Access Remote Battery Strength
If the battery life in your keyless access remote is weak, a message appears in the
multi-information display (MID) with information on how to start the engine.
1. Touch the back of the keyless access remote to the
ENGINE START/STOP button while the indicator
is flashing.
2. With the brake pedal pressed, press the ENGINE
START/STOP button within 10 seconds.
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.
1. Connect the first jumper cable to your vehicle’s
battery (+) terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the first jumper cable
to the booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt
booster battery only.
3. Connect the second jumper cable to the booster
battery (-) terminal.
4. Connect the other end of the second jumper cable
to the engine hanger as shown. Do not connect
this jumper cable to any other part.
5. If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle,
start the assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its
rpm slightly.
6. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns over slowly, make sure the
jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Booster battery
HOLD
Engine hanger
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring
anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away  from the battery.
WARNING

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After the Engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following
order:
1. Disconnect the jumper cable from your engine hanger.
2. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’s (-)
terminal.
3. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s (+) terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’s (+)
terminal.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
Shift Lever Does Not Move
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Park (P).
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the built-in key from the keyless access
remote.
3. Wrap a cloth around  the tip of a small  flat-tip 
screwdriver to remove the cover of the shift lock
release slot. Put  the tip of the  flat-tip screwdriver 
into the slot and remove it as shown in the image.
4. Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5. While pushing the key down, press the shift lever
release button and place the shift lever into
Neutral. The lock is now released. Have the shift
lever checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
Slot
Cover
Release button
Shift lock release slot
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly loses power,
or steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is oveheating.
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If no steam or spray is present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine
and wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop
the engine once the temperature gauge needle
comes down. If the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator cap with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature
gauge. If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.
WARNING
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may damage
the engine.
NOTICE
MAX MIN
Reserve tank

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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.

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Changing a Flat Tire
If a  tire goes  flat while  driving, grasp  the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually 
to reduce speed.  Stop in a safe place. Replace  the flat  tire with  the compact spare 
tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire repaired or replaced.
Getting Ready to Change the Tire
Park the vehicle on a firm, level, non-slippery surface. Move the shift lever to Park
(P), and apply the parking brake. Turn the hazard warning lights on and turn the
vehicle off.
1. Open the tailgate. Turn on the cargo lights on
the inside of the tailgate, if necessary (see page
34).  Open  the cargo area  floor lid.
2. Take the wheel nut wrench and jack handle bar
out of the cargo area.
3. Unscrew the wing bolt, and remove the spacer
cone. Then, remove the spare tire.
4. Take the jack out of the spare tire area.
5. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn using the
wheel nut wrench.
Spare Tire
Tool Case
Wheel
Blocks
The tire to be replaced.Spare tire
Setting Up the Jack
1. Place the jack under the jacking point closest to
the tire to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket (as shown in the image)
clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the
jacking point. Make sure that the jacking point
tab is resting in the jack notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar and
the jack handle, until the tire is off the ground.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
•  Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the vehicle.
•  Use the jack provided in your vehicle. Other jacks may not support the weight
(“load”) or fit the jacking point.
•  Do not use while the engine is running.
•  Use only where the ground is firm and level.
•  Use only at the jacking points.
•  Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.
•  Do not put anything on top of or underneath the jack.
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the
vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
WARNING
Jack
handle bar
Wheel nut wrench as
jack handle

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Replacing the Flat Tire
1. Remove  the wheel nuts and  flat tire.
2. Mount the compact spare tire. Replace the wheel
nuts, and lightly tighten them.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten
the wheel nuts in the order indicated in the
image. Go around, tightening the nuts, two to
three times in this order. Do not overtighten the
wheel nuts.
Storing the Flat Tire
1. Remove  the center cap and place  the flat  tire 
face up in the spare tire well.
2. Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt for
the spare tire, and insert the wing bolt for the
regular  tire back  on the bolt.  Secure the flat  tire 
with the wing bolt.
3. Securely store the jack and wheel nut wrench
back in the tool case. Store the case in the cargo
area.
Loose items can  fly around the interior in a crash and can seriously injure  the 
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
WARNING
Wing
bolt
Spacer
cone For normal
tire
For compact
spare tire
Fuse Locations
If any electrical devices are not working, turn the vehicle off and check to see if any
applicable fuse is blown. Fuse locations are shown on the fuse box cover. Locate the
fuse by the fuse number and box cover number.
Engine Compartment Fuse Box Located near  the brake fluid reservoir. Push  the tabs  to open  the box.
*1: Models with halogen low beam
headlight bulb s
*2: Models with high voltage discharge tube
bulb s
9
10

11Oil Leve l7.5A
12 Fog Lights*(20A )
13Power Tailgate Closer*(20A )
14 Hazar
d10A
15IGP215A
16 IG Coil 15A
17Stop10A
18 Horn 10A
19ACM10A
20 Right Headlight Low Beam 10
A*1
15A*2
21MG Clutch7.5A
22 DB
W15A
23Left Headlight Low Beam10A*1
15A*2
24 ACC10A
25FI Main(15A )
26 Trailer (20A )
27Small20A
28 Interior Lights 7.5A
29Back Up10 A
Circuit ProtectedAmps
Circuit Protecte dAmps
1
EPS70A
Power Tailgate Motor*(40A )
ABS/VSA FS R20A
ABS/VSA Motor40A
E-DPS30A
Main Fuse120A
2
ST CUT50 A
Fuse Box Main 160A
Fuse Box Main 260A
IG Main 50A
Headlight Washer(30A )
Sub Fan Moto r30A
Rear Defogger 40A
Main Fan Motor 30A
Headlight Main 30A
Blowe r4 0A
3
Driver's Power Seat Sliding 20A
Driver's Power Seat Reclinin g20A
Passenger's Power Seat Sliding20 A
Passenger' s Power Seat Recl ining20 A
4
5STR Diagnosis Fuse7.5A
6
7
8

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Interior Fuse Box
Located under the dashboard.
Circuit Protecte dAmps
1
2ACG15 A
3SRS10A
4Fuel Pump15A
5Meter7.5A
6Option7.5A
7VB SOL10 A
8Front Right Side
Door Lock Motor (Unlock)15 A
9Rear Left Side
Door Lock Motor (Unlock)15 A
10 Power Lumba r7.5A
11Moonroof20 A
12 Accessory Power Socket

(Center Console )15
A
13Washer Main15A
14 Seat Heaters 15A
15Driver’s Door Lock Motor
(Unlock)10A
16
17
18
19ACC7.5A
20 ACC Key Lock 7.5A
21Daytime Running Lights7.5A
22 A/
C7.5A
23Rear Wipe r10A
24 ABS/VS
A7.5A
25
26 Audio Am
p20A
27Accessory Power Socket
(Front)15 A
28

29ODS7. 5A
30 Driver’s Door Lock Motor
(Lock) 10
A
Circuit Protecte dAmps
31Smart10A
32 Front Right Side
Door Lock Motor (Lock )15
A
33Rear Left Side
Door Lock Motor (Lock )15A
34 Small Lights 7.5A
35Illumination7.5A
36 Rear Wiper Main 10A
37
38 Left Headlight High Beam 10A
39Right Headlight High Beam10 A
40 TPMS 7.5A
41Door Lock20 A
42 Driver’s Power Window 20A
43Rear Right Side Power
Window20A
44 Front Right Side Power
Window 20
A
45Rear Left Side Power
Window20A
46 Wiper 30A
Fuse box
Fuse label
Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1. Turn the vehicle off, including the headlights and
accessories.
2. Remove the fuse box cover.
3. Check the large fuse in the engine compartment.
If the fuse is blown, use a Phillips-head
screwdriver to remove the screws and replace
the fuse with a new one. Reinstall the screws.
4. Inspect the small fuses in the engine
compartment and the vehicle interior.
If there is a burned out fuse, remove it with the
fuse puller and replace it with a new one.
Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of
damaging the electrical system.
NOTICE
Blown fuse
Combined
fuse Fuse puller

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Learn about basic maintenance that you can perform on the vehicle yourself, as
well as information about how to best maintain the vehicle.
Safety Precautions
Some of the most important safety precautions are listed below; however,
we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing
maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.
Maintenance Safety
•  To reduce  the possibility  of fire  or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and  flames 
away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
•  Never leave rags,  towels, or other  flammable  objects under  the hood.
•  To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
•  Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
•  Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can
accumulate.
Vehicle Safety
•  The vehicle must be stationary, and parked on level ground with the parking
brake set and the engine off.
•  Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
•  Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
MAINTENANCE
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem before
driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations according to
the schedules in this guide.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause
you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this guide.
WARNING
Maintenance Minder™
Reminds you when indicated maintenance service is due.
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and the
Maintenance Minder appears on the multi-information display every time you turn
the vehicle on. Press the info button to change displays.
Maintenance Minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1: If the message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is\
reset, change the
engine oil every year .
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.*2:If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of i\
ndustrial soot and pollution from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen lter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A•Replace engine oi l*1
B•Replace engine oil*1 and oil lter•Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessary•Check parking brake adjustment•Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boot s•Inspect suspension components•Inspect driveshaft boots•Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)•Inspect all uid levels and condition of uid s•Inspect exhaust system#
•Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4:If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C), \
in very low temperatures (under -
20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a tra iler, repl ace ever y 60,000 mi les/100,000 km .
CODE Maintenance Sub Items
1
•Rotate tires
2
•Replace air cleaner element*2
•Replace dust and pollen lte r*3
•Inspect drive belt
3
•Replace transmission and transfer uid*
4•Replace spark plugs•Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*4
•Inspect valve clearance
5
•Replace engine coolant
6
•Replace rear differential uid*
System
message
indicator
Main
itemSub item
Maintenance Minder

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*1: If the message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is\
reset, change the
engine oil every year .
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.*2:If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of i\
ndustrial soot and pollution from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen lter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODE Maintenance Main Items
A
•Replace engine oi l*1
B•Replace engine oil*1 and oil lter•Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessary•Check parking brake adjustment•Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boot s•Inspect suspension components•Inspect driveshaft boots•Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)•Inspect all uid levels and condition of uid s•Inspect exhaust system#
•Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4:If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C), \
in very low temperatures (under -
20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a tra iler, repl ace ever y 60,000 mi les/100,000 km .
CODEMaintenance Sub Item s
1
•Rotate tires
2•Replace air cleaner element*2
•Replace dust and pollen lte r*3
•Inspect drive belt
3
•Replace transmission and transfer uid*
4•Replace spark plugs•Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*4
•Inspect valve clearance
5
•Replace engine coolant
6•Replace rear differential uid*
•  Independent  of the Maintenance Minder information, replace  the brake fluid 
every 3 years.
•  Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
•  Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
U.S. models
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and systems
may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individuals using
parts that are certified to EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the
maintenance main items marked with # will not void your emissions warranties.
However, all maintenance services should be performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-information display.
Under the Hood
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set the
parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the lower left
corner of the dashboard.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center of the
hood to release the lock mechanism, and open
the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp using
the grip. Mount the support rod in the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and stow
it in the clamp, then gently lower the hood.
Remove your hand at a height of approximately
12 inches (30 cm) and let the hood close.
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised. The hood will strike the
wipers, and may damage the hood or the wipers.
NOTICE
Hood release handle
Pull
Lever
Support rod Grip
Clamp
Engine oil
fill cap Brake 
fluid 
(black cap)
Automatic
transmission
fluid  dipstick 
(yellow loop)
Washer 
fluid 
(blue cap) Battery
Engine coolant
reservoir
Radiator cap
Engine oil
dipstick (orange
loop)