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
24 || 25
INSTRUMENT P
ANEL
INSTRUMENT P ANEL
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
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
88 || 89
DRIVING
DRIVING
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
Cruise Control
Maintain a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator pedal. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can
travel at a constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash.
Use cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.
WARNING
Activating and Setting the Vehicle Speed1. Press CRUISE. The CRUISE MAIN indicator appears.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed (above 25 mph).
Press DECEL/SET and take your foot off the pedal
to set the speed. The CRUISE CONTROL indicator
appears.
Adjusting the Vehicle Speed
Press RES/ACCEL to increase or DECEL/SET to decrease.
Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is
increased or decreased by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
If you keep the button pressed, the vehicle speed
increases or decreases until you release it.
Canceling Cruise ControlPress CANCEL or the brake pedal. The CRUISE
CONTROL indicator goes off.
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still
resume the prior set speed by pressing RES/ACCEL
while driving at a speed of at least 25 mph (40 km/h).
Press CRUISE to turn the system off.
CRUISE button
RES/ACCEL button
DECEL/SET button
CANCEL button
Multi-View Rear Camera
When you shift into Reverse (R), a real-time image of the area behind your vehicle
is shown in the display, along with helpful parking guidelines.
The rear camera view is restricted. You cannot see the corner ends of the bumper or what is underneath
the bumper. Its unique lens also makes objects appear closer or farther than they actually are.
Visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up. Certain conditions (such as weather, lighting,
and high temperatures) may also restrict the rear view. Do not rely on the rearview display, which does
not give you all information about conditions at the rear of your vehicle.
Wide view Normal view Top down view
Press the
selector knob
or interface
dial to toggle
between views.
Models with navigation
Press CANCEL to turn the guidelines on or off.
Rotate the interface dial to adjust screen brightness.
This only changes the brightness of the rear view.
118 || 119
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
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
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal
Explanation
U.S. models only
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute
and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able
to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate
tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Testing of Readiness Codes
Your vehicle has “Readiness Codes” as part of the onboard self-diagnostic system.
Some states refer to these codes as a test to see if your vehicle’s emissions
components are working properly. The codes may not be read if you go through the
testing just after the battery has gone dead or been disconnected.
To check if they are set, turn the vehicle on without starting the engine. The
malfunction indicator lamp will come on for several seconds. If it goes off, the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set.
If you are required to have your vehicle tested before the readiness codes are set,
prepare the vehicle for retesting by doing the following:
1. Fill the gas tank to approximately 3/4 full.
2. Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 6 hours or more.
3. Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40°F and 95°F (4°C and 35°C).
4. Start the engine without touching the accelerator pedal, and let it idle for 20
seconds.
5. Keep the vehicle in Park (P). Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it
there for about 3 minutes.
6. Let the engine idle with your foot off the accelerator for 20 seconds.
7. Select a nearby, lightly traveled major highway where you can maintain a speed
of 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20 minutes. Drive on the highway
with the vehicle in Drive. Do not use cruise control. When traffic allows, drive
for 90 seconds without using the accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary
slightly; this is OK.) If you cannot do this for a continuous 90 seconds because of
traffic conditions, drive for at least 30 seconds, then repeat two more times (for
a total of 90 seconds).
8. Drive in city/suburban traffic for at least 10 minutes. When traffic conditions
allow, let the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the accelerator
pedal or the brake pedal.
9. Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 30 minutes.
The readiness codes are erased when the battery is disconnected, and set again
only after several days of driving under a variety of conditions.
If a testing facility determines that the readiness codes are not set, you may be
requested to return at a later date to complete the test, or see your dealer.=
130 || 131
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND 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
Main Setup Screen Commands
The system accepts these commands on the Main Setup screen.
On-screen CommandsThe system accepts these commands on any screen where applicable. All
available on-screen voice commands are highlighted in blue when you press the
Talk button.
• Next (or Down)
• Previous (or Up)
• Return
• OK (excluding Startup Confirmation screen)
• Delete
•
Brightness up
• Brightness down
• Brightness minimum/min.
• Brightness maximum/max.
• Contrast up
• Contrast down
• Contrast minimum/min.
• Contrast maximum/max.
• Black level up
• Black level down •
Black level minimum/min.
• Black level maximum/max.
• Volume up
• Volume down
• Volume minimum/min.
• Volume maximum/max.
• Volume off
• Interface dial feedback off
• Interface dial feedback auto
• Interface dial feedback on
INDEX
ABS indicator ................................................... 24
AC button ........................................................ 43
AcuraLink® ....................................................... 71
AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ ....................... 77
Acura Total Luxury Care Roadside Assistance ... 123
Advanced Airbags ............................................. 9
Airbags .............................................................. 9
Advanced Airbags ........................................ 9
Airbag Care ................................................. 14
Airbag System Components ....................13
Airbag System Indicators .......................... 11
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 9
Important Facts About Your Airbags ...... 11
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator ............... 12
Side Airbags ................................................ 10
Side Airbag Off indicator ......................... 25
Side Curtain Airbags ................................. 10
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) indicator ................ 24
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................... 86
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) indicator ..... 24
Audio Operation ............................................ 45
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 46
Audio Commands .................................... 127
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 45
Bluetooth® Audio ..................................... 58
Compact Disc (CD) ................................... 52
FM/AM Radio ............................................ 48
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio ................. 62
iPod® .......................................................... 54
Pandora® ................................................... 60
Song By Voice™ Commands ................. 129
Steering Wheel Controls ......................... 46
USB Adapter Cable ................................... 45
USB Flash Drive ......................................... 56
XM® Radio ................................................. 50
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror ........40
Auxiliary Input Jack ........................................ 45
AWD indicator ................................................. 24
Battery .......................................................... 110
Bluetooth® Audio .......................................... 58
Bluetooth® Audio Commands .................... 128
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® ........................ 63
Cellular Phone Commands .................... 129
Making a Call ....................................... 65, 69
Pairing a Phone .................................. 64, 68
Phonebook .......................................... 65, 69
SMS Text Messaging .......................... 66, 70
Speed Dial .............................. 65, 66, 69, 70
Voice Command Tips ................................ 67
Brake Assist System ....................................... 86
Brake system indicator ........................... 23, 24
Braking ........................................................... 86Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ...............
86
Brake Assist System ................................. 86
Foot Brake .................................................. 86
Parking Brake ............................................ 86
Carbon Monoxide Gas ..................................... 4
Cargo Lights .................................................... 34
Cellular Phone Commands ......................... 129
Changing a Flat Tire ....................................... 96
Changing Fuses ............................................. 101
Changing Wiper Blades ................................. 111
Charging system indicator ............................ 23
Checking the Battery ................................... 110
Childproof Door Locks .................................. 30
Child Safety ..................................................... 15
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 30
Protecting Child Passengers .................... 15
Protecting Infants ..................................... 16
Protecting Larger Children ..................... 20
Protecting Smaller Children .................... 17
Child Seat ......................................................... 17
Adding Security with a Tether ................ 20
Installing with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt .. 19
Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat .. 18
Selecting a Child Seat ............................... 17
Client Information ........................................ 121
Contact Us ................................................ 122
Frequently Asked Questions ................. 121
Roadside Assistance ................................ 123
Warranty Coverages ............................... 123
Climate Control ............................................. 43
Climate Control Commands ....................... 126
Clock ........................................................... 44
Color Information Display ............................ 47
Compact Disc (CD) ......................................... 52
Compact Disc (CD) Commands ................. 127
Contact Us ..................................................... 122
Cruise Control ................................................ 88
Cruise Control indicators .............................. 25
Customized Settings ...................................... 27
Detour ............................................................ 77
Door Operation .............................................. 30
Door/tailgate open indicator ........................ 25
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................... 116
Driving ............................................................ 78
Before Starting the Engine ..................... 83
Braking ....................................................... 86
Changing the Power Mode ..................... 83
Exterior Checks .......................................... 78
Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle ......... 79
Interior Checks ........................................... 78
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 85
Shifting ....................................................... 84