2015 Acura RDX dashboard

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

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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
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
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HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
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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

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SAFETY
SAFETY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
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Side Airbags
The side airbags help protect the upper torso and pelvis of the driver or a front
passenger during a moderate-to-severe side impact. They are housed in the
outside edge of the driver’s and front passenger’s seat-backs. Both are marked
SIDE AIRBAG.
Side Curtain Airbags
Side curtain airbags help protect the head and torso of the driver and passengers in
outer seating positions during a moderate-to-severe side impact. The side curtain
airbags equipped in this vehicle are also designed to help reduce the likelihood
of partial and complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in
crashes, particularly rollover crashes.
The side curtain airbags are located in the ceiling
above the side windows on both sides of the
vehicle.
The side curtain airbags are designed to deploy
in a rollover or moderate-to-severe side impact.
If the SRS control unit senses that your vehicle is
about to roll over, it immediately deploys both side
curtain airbags and activates both front seat belt
tensioners. If the impact is on the passenger’s side,
the passenger’s side curtain airbag  will inflate even 
if there are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.
To get the best protection from the side curtain airbags, occupants should wear
their seat belts properly and sit upright and well back in their seats.
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars, as they can interfere
with the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.
When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision
One  or both side curtain airbags may inflate in a moderate-to-severe angled 
frontal collision. In this case, the side curtain airbags will deploy slightly after the
front airbags.
Side curtain airbag storage
Deployed side curtain airbags
Important Facts About Your Airbags
Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the
steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front
passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag.
Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp
object in  your mouth, can result in injuries if  your front airbag inflates.
Do not attach or place objects on the front airbag covers. Objects on the
covers marked SRS AIRBAG could interfere with the proper operation of the
airbags  or be propelled inside  the vehicle and hurt someone if  the airbags inflate.
Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags. They can interfere with
the proper  operation of the airbags,  or hurt someone if an airbag inflates. 
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars. They can
interfere with the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.
Do not cover or replace the front seat-back covers. This can prevent your side
airbags from properly deploying during a side impact.




Airbag System Indicators
If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator will come on and a
message appears on the multi-information display.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Indicator
If the indicator comes on at any other time besides
vehicle start-up, or does not come on at all, have
the system checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
If you don’t, your airbags and seat belt tensioners
may not work properly when they are needed.
Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in serious injury or death if the airbag
systems or tensioners do not work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS indicator
alerts you to a possible problem.
WARNING
An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passenger in a crash, even
if the passenger is wearing the seat belt.
Always keep the glove box closed while driving.
WARNING

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SAFETY
SAFETY
TABLE OF
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SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
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HANDSFREELINK®
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Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
The indicator comes on to alert you that the front
passenger’s front airbag has been turned off. This
occurs when the front passenger’s weight sensors
detect 65 lbs (29 kg) or less, the weight of an infant
or small child, on the seat.
Infants and small children should always ride
properly restrained in a back seat.
Objects placed on the seat can also cause the
indicator to come on.
If the front passenger’s seat is empty, the passenger’s
front airbag will not deploy and the indicator will not
come on.
If the indicator comes on with no occupant or objects in the front passenger’s
seat, something may be interfering with the weight sensors, such as:
•  An object hanging on the seat or in the seat-back pocket.
•  A child seat or other object pressing against the rear of the seat-back.
•  A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of the front passenger’s seat.
•  The  front seat  or seat-back is  forced against an  object on the seat  or floor 
behind it.
•  An object placed under the front passenger’s seat.
If none of these conditions exist, have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as
possible.
The passenger airbag off indicator may go on and off repeatedly if the total
weight on the seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold.
U.S .C anada
Airbag System Components
6
789101211108
88
88
14
13
1 Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) front airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the front
passenger’s airbag is stored in the
dashboard. Both are marked SRS
AIRBAG.
2 Two side airbags, one for the driver and one for the front passenger.
The airbags are stored in the outer
edges of the seat-backs. Both are
marked SIDE AIRBAG.
3 Two side curtain airbags, one for each side of the vehicle. The
airbags are stored in the ceiling,
above the side windows. The front
and rear pillars are marked SIDE
CURTAIN AIRBAG.
4 An electronic control unit that continually monitors and can
record information about the
sensors, the airbag activators, the
seat belt tensioners, and driver
and front passenger seat belt use
when the vehicle is on.
5 Automatic front seat belt tensioners. The driver’s and front
passenger’s seat belts incorporate
sensors that detect whether or not
they are fastened.
6 A driver’s seat position sensor. If the seat is too far forward, the
airbag  will inflate  with less force.
7 Weight sensors in the front
passenger’s seat. The front
passenger’s airbag will be turned
off if the weight on the seat is 65
lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of
an infant or small child).
8 Impact sensors that can detect a moderate-to-severe front or side
impact.
9 An indicator on the dashboard that alerts you that the front
passenger’s front airbag has been
turned off.
10 Sensors that can detect if a child or small-statured adult is in the
deployment path of the front
passenger’s side airbag.

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SAFETY
SAFETY
TABLE OF
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SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
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HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
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Adding Security with a Tether
A tether anchorage point is provided behind each rear seating position.
Regardless of whether it is installed with LATCH or a seat belt, a child seat that
comes with a tether should use the tether for additional security.
1. Locate the appropriate tether anchorage point
and lift the cover.
2. Raise the head restraint to its upper-most
position, then route the tether strap through the
head restraint legs. Make sure the strap is not
twisted.
3. Secure the tether strap hook onto the anchor.
4. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the
child seat manufacturer.
Protecting Larger Children
When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the
lap/shoulder seat belt.
Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then ensure the following:
•  The child’s knees bend comfortably over the edge
of the seat.
•  The shoulder belt crosses between the child’s
neck and arm.
•  The lap part of the seat belt is as low as possible,
touching the child’s thighs.
•  The child can stay seated for the whole trip.
If a lap/shoulder belt cannot be used properly, position the child in a booster seat
in a rear seating position. For the child’s safety, check that the child meets the
booster seat manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces/territories require children to use a
booster seat until they reach a given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or 60 lbs). Be
sure to check current laws in the state or province/territory where you intend to
drive.
Anchor fitting
Tether anchorage points Tether strap
hook
Anchor
Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in the front can result in injury or
death if  the passenger’s  front airbag inflates.
If a larger child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as
possible, have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt properly, using
a booster seat if needed.
WARNING
Safety Label Locations
Safety labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that
can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels carefully.
Sun Viso r
U.S. mode ls
Canadian models
Radiator Ca p U.S. model
s
U.S. models only
Dashboard
Canadian models
Doorjamb
s
U.S. models onl
y
Sun Visor

28 || 29
VEHICLE CONTROLS
VEHICLE CONTROLS
TABLE OF
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SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
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Learn about the various controls necessary for operating and driving the vehicle.
Using the Remote Transmitter
Lock or unlock the doors and tailgate.
Keyless Access System
When you carry the remote transmitter (for example, in a pocket or purse) and it
is outside the vehicle and within range (about 32 inches or 80 cm), you can lock or
unlock the doors and tailgate without handling the transmitter.
Unlocking/Locking the Doors
To unlock: Grab either front door handle when the
vehicle is off.
To lock: Press the door lock button on either front
door handle when the vehicle is off. If the remote
transmitter is inside the vehicle, the doors will not
lock.
VEHICLE CONTROLS
Leaving the keyless access remote in the vehicle can result in theft or accidental
movement of the vehicle. Always take the key with you whenever you leave the
vehicle unattended.
NOTICE
Door lock
button
Unlocking/Locking the Tailgate
To unlock: Press and hold the tailgate release
button under the tailgate handle to unlock the
tailgate and all doors. The vehicle can be on or off.
To lock: Press the tailgate lock button to lock the
tailgate and all doors. If the remote transmitter is
inside the vehicle, the tailgate and doors will not
lock.
Power Tailgate Operation*
Use these methods to operate the power tailgate.
Power Tailgate Release Button The vehicle must be in Park (P) with all doors unlocked.
Press and hold the power tailgate button on the
dashboard to the left of the steering column to open
the tailgate. Press it again at any time to close it.
Lock
Button
Lock
Button
Tailgate release button
Lock
button
Power tailgate
button
Power tailgate
close button
Power Tailgate Close Button Press the power tailgate close button to
automatically close the tailgate. Press it again
to stop the tailgate operation and reverse its
direction.
Closing the power tailgate while anyone is in the path of the tailgate can
cause serious injury.
Make sure everyone is clear before closing the tailgate.
WARNING
*if equipped
HOLD
Unlock button: Press once
to unlock the driver’s door.
Press again to unlock all
doors and the tailgate.
Release button: Press to
release the built-in key for
valet use.
Power tailgate button:
Press to unlock and open
the power tailgate. Press
again to close it. Lock button: Press to lock the
doors and tailgate. Press again
for audible verification.
Panic button: Press to sound
the alarm for 30 seconds.
Press again to cancel.

36 || 37
VEHICLE CONTROLS
VEHICLE CONTROLS
TABLE OF
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INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
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AUDIO AND
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HANDSFREELINK®
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Adjusting the Seats
Make seat adjustments before driving to ensure the best comfort and safety.
Adjusting the Front Seats
Adjust the driver’s seat as far back as possible
while allowing you to maintain full control of
the vehicle. You should be able to sit upright and
well back in the seat, adequately press the pedals
without leaning forward, and grip the steering
wheel comfortably. The passenger’s seat should
be adjusted so that it is as far back from the front
airbag in the dashboard as possible.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada
recommend that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of
the steering wheel and the chest.
Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or death if the
front airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible while maintaining
control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Allow sufficient
space. Move
back.
Do not use the wipers when the windshield is dry. The windshield will get scratched,
or the rubber blades will get damaged.
In cold weather, the blades may freeze to the windshield, becoming stuck.
Operating the wipers in this condition may damage the wipers. Use the defroster to
warm the windshield, then turn the wipers on.
NOTICE
Rear WiperWhen you shift to Reverse (R) and the front wipers are activated, the rear wiper
activates even if the switch is off.
1 INT: Intermittent
2 ON: Continuous wipe
3 OFF
4 Washer
Horizontal
position
adjustment
Height
adjustment
(driver’s seat only) Seat-back angle
adjustment
Lumbar support
adjustment
(driver’s seat only)
Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an upright position, and sit well back in the seat.
WARNING