2015 Acura RDX light

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

2 || 3
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
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
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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INSTRUMENT P
ANEL
SAFETY
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
Reporting Safety Defects
In the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor
Co., Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at (888)
327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov;  or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You
can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.
safercar.gov.
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform Honda Canada, Inc., and you
may also inform Transport Canada.
If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and
if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may lead to a recall
and remedy campaign. However, Transport Canada cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or Honda Canada, Inc.
To contact Transport Canada’s Defect Investigations and Recalls Division, you may
call (800) 333-0510. For more information on reporting safety defects or about
motor vehicle safety, go to http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety. Learn about the indicators, gauges, and displays related to driving the vehicle.
Indicators briefly appear 
with each engine start and  then go out. Red and amber 
indicators are most critical. Blue and green indicators are used for general
information.
Malfunction Indicators
These are the most critical indicators. If they come on and stay lit while driving or
at any other time, there may be a problem. See your dealer if necessary.
Brake system
• Brake  fluid is low.
•  There is a malfunction in the brake system.
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. If normal, check
the brake  fluid level  when you stop. If abnormal,  take immediate action. 
If necessary, downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle using engine
braking. Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
Low oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is low. Stop in a safe place. Open the hood and check
the oil level, and add oil if necessary. If the indicator does not turn off, have
your vehicle repaired immediately.
Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light)
•  The emissions control system may have a problem, or the fuel cap is
missing or loose.
•  (Blinks) A misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected. Stop in a safe place,
and wait for the engine to cool down.
Charging system
The battery is not charging. Turn off all electrical items, but do not turn off
the vehicle to prevent further battery discharge. Have your vehicle repaired
immediately.
Canada U.S.
INSTRUMENT P
ANEL

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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

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VEHICLE CONTROLS
VEHICLE CONTROLS
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
Door Operation from Inside the Vehicle
Use several methods to lock or unlock the doors.
Using the Lock Tab
To unlock: When you unlock either front door
using the lock tab, the specific door (driver’s or
passenger’s) unlocks.
To lock: When you lock the door using the lock tab
on the driver’s door, all the other doors and tailgate
lock at the same time. When you lock the door
using the lock tab on the front passenger’s door,
only that door locks.
Using the Master Door Lock Switch
To unlock: Press the unlock side of the switch to
unlock all doors and the tailgate.
To lock: Press the lock side of the switch to lock all
doors and the tailgate.
Using the Front Door Inner Handle Pull the front door inner handle. The door unlocks
and opens in one motion.
Do not pull a front door inner handle while the
vehicle is moving.
Childproof Door Locks
The childproof door locks prevent the rear doors from being opened from the
inside regardless of the position of the lock tab.
Slide the lever in the
rear door to the lock
position, and close the
door.
Open the door using
the outer door handle.Unlock
Lock
Inner
handle
To lock
To unlock Lock tab
To lock
To unlock Master door
lock switch
Power Window Operation
The power windows can be opened and closed when the vehicle is on by using the
switches on the doors. The switches on the driver’s side can be used to open and
close all the windows.
Automatic Operation
To open: Push the switch down firmly.
To close: Pull the switch up firmly.
The window opens or closes completely. To
stop the window at any time, push or pull
the switch again briefly.
Manual OperationTo open: Push the switch down lightly.
To close: Pull the switch up lightly.
Release the switch when the windows reach the desired position.
Power Window LockPush in the power window lock button so
only the driver’s window can be operated.
Closing a power window on someone’s hands or fingers can cause serious
injury.
Make sure your passengers are away from the windows before closing them.
WARNING
Close
Open
ON
OF F
Power window
lock button

32 || 33
VEHICLE CONTROLS
VEHICLE CONTROLS
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
Power Moonroof Operation
The moonroof can be opened and closed when the vehicle is on by using the switch
on the ceiling.
Automatic Operation
To open: Push the switch back firmly, then
release.
To close: Push the switch forward firmly,
then release.
The moonroof opens or closes completely.
To stop the moonroof at any time, push the
switch briefly.
Manual Operation To open: Push and hold the switch back until the desired position is reached.
To close: Push and hold the switch forward until the desired position is reached.
Moonroof TiltTo tilt: Push the center of the switch.
To close: Push the switch forward firmly, then release.
Closing the moonroof on someone’s hands or fingers can cause serious
injury.
Make sure your passengers are away from the moonroof before closing it.
WARNING
Opening the moonroof in below freezing temperature or when it is covered with
snow or ice can damage the moonroof panel or motor.
NOTICE
Open
Close Tilt
Interior and Exterior Lights
Operate interior and exterior lights when the vehicle is on or off.
Exterior Lights
Rotate the switches on the lever to operate the exterior lights. Push the lever
forward to turn on high beams. Return the lever to its original position for low
beams.
OFF All exterior lights are off.
Turn on exterior lights except headlights.
AUTO Turn on the automatic lighting feature.
Headlights turn on or off depending on
ambient brightness when the vehicle is on.
Headlights automatically come on after
the wipers are engaged for a certain time.
Turn on all exterior lights including headlights.
Turn fog lights* on or off.
*if equipped
High
beam Low
beam
Flash high
beam Fog
lights*
Brightness Control
Adjust instrument panel brightness when the vehicle is on.
To brighten: Turn the knob to the right.
To dim: Turn the knob to the left.
A beep sounds when the brightness reaches
minimum or maximum.
Control knob