2015 Acura RDX tailgate

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

4 || 5
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
Safety Messages
When you see the following messages throughout this guide, pay close attention.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t
followinstructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your
vehicle, other property, or the environment.
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
DANGER
Carbon Monoxide Gas
The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle and
follow the instructions set forth below, you will not accumulate dangerous levels
of carbon monoxide gas in the vehicle interior.
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever:
•  The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.
•  The exhaust system may have been damaged.
•  The vehicle is raised for an oil change.
When  you operate a  vehicle with the tailgate  open, airflow can pull exhaust gas 
into the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the
tailgate open, open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown
below.
1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the
mode.
3. Set the fan speed to high.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked
vehicle with the engine running.
An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even when the garage door is
open, drive out of the garage immediately after starting the engine. Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.
WARNING
Seat Belts
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped
with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts and
wear them properly.
Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts
All five seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with
emergency locking retractors. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move
freely while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop,
the retractor locks to restrain your body. The rear seat belts also have a lockable
retractor for use with child seats.
The front seats are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners to enhance
safety. The tensioners automatically tighten the front seat belts during a
moderate to severe frontal collision, sometimes even if the collision is not severe
enough  to inflate  the front airbags.
Proper Use of Seat Belts
Follow these guidelines for proper use:
•  All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that
position for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduces the
effectiveness of the belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
•  Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or
behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.
•  Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very
seriously injured in a crash.
•  Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve
comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective
capability and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
•  No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt or one that does not
appear to be working correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working properly
may not protect the occupant in a crash. Have a dealer check the belt as soon
as possible.
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of a serious injury or
death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them
properly.
WARNING

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

28 || 29
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
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.

30 || 31
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

34 || 35
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
Interior Lights
Located on the ceiling in the front and rear.
One-Touch Turn Signal
Use this quick and convenient method to signal a lane change.
Lightly push the turn signal lever up or
down for a three-blink sequence.
For a continuous signal, push the lever up
or down until it locks into place.
Wiper Operation
The windshield wipers and washers can be used when the vehicle is on.
Front Wipers
Right
Left
Intermittent Wipers
When you move the lever to the INT position, the wipers operate based on the
wiper delay. Adjust the wiper delay using the adjustment ring.
Cargo Lights
Located on the inside of the tailgate.
ON position: Interior
lights remain on.
Door activated position:
Interior lights come on
when any of the doors are
opened, the driver’s door is
unlocked, or the vehicle is
turned off.
OFF position: Interior
lights remain off.
Door activated position
OnOff
Off On
Door activated position
Front
Rear





Pull to use
washer MIST
OFF INT: Low speed with
intermittent wipe
LO: Low speed wipe
HI: High speed wipe
On position: The light
comes on when you open
the tailgate, and goes off
when closed.
Off position: The light
stays off.On Off
Intermittent time
adjusting ring Long delay
Short delay
Headlight-Wiper Integration
When the headlights are in the AUTO position, they automatically turn on when
the front wipers operate for a certain number of intervals. The headlights turn off
shortly after the wipers are turned off, or if there is enough ambient light.

78 || 79
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
Learn about preparation for driving and other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
•  Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
•  Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
•  Make sure the hood is securely closed.
•  Heat  from the engine and exhaust can ignite  flammable materials left under 
the hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a small
animal.  Also check under  the hood for leftover  flammable materials after  you 
or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
•  Make sure the tires are in good condition.
•  Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
DRIVING
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE
Interior Checks
•  Store or secure all items on board properly.
•  Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
•  Do not place anything in  the front seat  footwells. Make sure  to secure the floor 
mats.
•  If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
•  Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
•  Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
•  Be sure items placed  on the  floor behind  the front seats cannot roll under  the 
seats.
•  Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the
vehicle, and go off soon after.
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
•  Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
•  Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
•  Do not modify your vehicle in any way that raises its center of gravity.
•  Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Acura
accessory).
In addition:
•  During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration
or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
•  Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause a crash or
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions and guidelines in this guide.
Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories and
modifications.
WARNING