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
80 || 81
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
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the
steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the Owner’s Manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
The maximum load for your vehicle is 870 lbs (395 kg). See the Tire and Loading
Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Label Example
Load limits example
Example 1
Max load
870 lbs
(395 kg ) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo
weight
570 lbs
(259 kg)
Example 2
Max load
870 lbs
(395 kg ) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Ca
rgo weight
120 lbs (55 kg )
Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this guide.
WARNING
The headlight aim on your vehicle was set by the factory, and does not need to be
adjusted. However, if you regularly carry heavy items in the cargo area or pull a
trailer, have the aiming readjusted at your dealer or by a qualified technician.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a
label on the driver’s doorjamb.
82 || 83
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
Pre-tow checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the following:
• Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600 miles (1,000 km).
• The vehicle has been properly serviced, and the suspension and the cooling
system are in good operating condition.
• The trailer has been properly serviced and is in good condition.
• All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
• Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale. If a public scale is not
available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer) and the tongue load.
• The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
• All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift while you
drive.
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the
proper equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. See the Owner’s Manual on
the Owner Information CD or visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or www.myacura.com
(Canada) for more information.
Towing Load Limits
Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo,
and everything in or on it must not exceed 1,500
lbs (680 kg). Towing loads in excess of this can
seriously affect vehicle handling and performance
and can damage the engine and drivetrain.
Total load
Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer
on the hitch should be approximately 10% of the
total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction
and steering control. Too little tongue load can
make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by loading
60% of the load toward the front of the trailer
and 40% toward the rear. Readjust the load as
needed.
Tongue load
Exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer can
cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to
drive.
WARNING
Starting to Drive
The keyless access system allows simple push-button start.
Before Starting the Engine
Check that the shift lever is in Park (P), then
depress the brake pedal. Keep your foot firmly on
the brake pedal when starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and
in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000
feet (2,400 m). When starting the engine in cold
weather, turn off all electrical accessories such
as the lights, climate control system, and rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
Changing the Power Mode
Accessory or On mode: Press ENGINE START/
STOP once without pressing the brake pedal for
Accessory mode. Press it again for On mode.
Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake
pedal, then press ENGINE START/STOP. Keep your
foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting the
engine.
If you press the button and the shift lever is not in
Park (P), the vehicle goes into Accessory mode.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P), then press
ENGINE START/STOP.
Brake pedal
98 || 99
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
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
Replacing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire.
2. Mount the compact spare tire. Replace the wheel
nuts, and lightly tighten them.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten
the wheel nuts in the order indicated in the
image. Go around, tightening the nuts, two to
three times in this order. Do not overtighten the
wheel nuts.
Storing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the center cap and place the flat tire
face up in the spare tire well.
2. Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt for
the spare tire, and insert the wing bolt for the
regular tire back on the bolt. Secure the flat tire
with the wing bolt.
3. Securely store the jack and wheel nut wrench
back in the tool case. Store the case in the cargo
area.
Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
WARNING
Wing
bolt
Spacer
cone For normal
tire
For compact
spare tire
Fuse Locations
If any electrical devices are not working, turn the vehicle off and check to see if any
applicable fuse is blown. Fuse locations are shown on the fuse box cover. Locate the
fuse by the fuse number and box cover number.
Engine Compartment Fuse Box Located near the brake fluid reservoir. Push the tabs to open the box.
*1: Models with halogen low beam
headlight bulb s
*2: Models with high voltage discharge tube
bulb s
9
10
11Oil Leve l7.5A
12 Fog Lights*(20A )
13Power Tailgate Closer*(20A )
14 Hazar
d10A
15IGP215A
16 IG Coil 15A
17Stop10A
18 Horn 10A
19ACM10A
20 Right Headlight Low Beam 10
A*1
15A*2
21MG Clutch7.5A
22 DB
W15A
23Left Headlight Low Beam10A*1
15A*2
24 ACC10A
25FI Main(15A )
26 Trailer (20A )
27Small20A
28 Interior Lights 7.5A
29Back Up10 A
Circuit ProtectedAmps
Circuit Protecte dAmps
1
EPS70A
Power Tailgate Motor*(40A )
ABS/VSA FS R20A
ABS/VSA Motor40A
E-DPS30A
Main Fuse120A
2
ST CUT50 A
Fuse Box Main 160A
Fuse Box Main 260A
IG Main 50A
Headlight Washer(30A )
Sub Fan Moto r30A
Rear Defogger 40A
Main Fan Motor 30A
Headlight Main 30A
Blowe r4 0A
3
Driver's Power Seat Sliding 20A
Driver's Power Seat Reclinin g20A
Passenger's Power Seat Sliding20 A
Passenger' s Power Seat Recl ining20 A
4
5STR Diagnosis Fuse7.5A
6
7
8
132 || 133
INDEX
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
Driving Position Memory System ................ 41
Electric Power Steering indicator .................24
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)................ 87
Emergency Engine Stop ................................ 94
Emergency Towing ......................................... 94
Engine Compartment Fuse Box ................... 99
Engine Coolant ............................................. 108
Engine Oil ...................................................... 106
Engine Specifications ................................... 120
Engine Start/Stop button ............................. 83
Entering a Destination ................................... 75
EPS indicator .................................................... 24
ESC ............................................................ 87
Fan speed ......................................................... 43
FAQs .......................................................... 121
Find Nearest Place .......................................... 76
Flat Tire ........................................................... 96
Floor Mats ....................................................... 39
Fluids .......................................................... 120
Engine Coolant ....................................... 108
Engine Oil ................................................ 106
Transmission Fluid ................................. 109
Window Washer Fluid ........................... 109
FM/AM Radio .................................................. 48
FM/AM Radio Commands ........................... 127
Foot Brake ....................................................... 86
Frequently Asked Questions ....................... 121
Front Airbags ..................................................... 9
Front Wipers .................................................... 35
Fuel Information ............................................ 90
Fuel Specifications ........................................ 120
Fuse Locations ................................................ 99
Engine Compartment Fuse Box ............. 99
Inspecting and Changing Fuses .............101
Interior Fuse Box .................................... 100
Gararge Opener ............................................. 42
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio ....................... 62
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio Commands .. 127
Hazard indicator .............................................. 25
Hazard Warning button ................................... 2
Headlight-Wiper Integration ........................ 35
Head Restraints .............................................. 38
Home Address ................................................. 75
HomeLink® ..................................................... 42
Immobilizer indicator ..................................... 25
Instrument Panel ............................................ 23
Condition Indicators ................................. 24
Malfunction Indicators ............................. 23
On/Off Indicators ..................................... 25
Interface Dial Feedback ................................. 74
Interior Fuse Box .......................................... 100
iPod® ........................................................... 54
iPod® Commands ......................................... 128
Jump Starting .................................................. 91
Keyless Access Remote Battery ................... 91Keyless Access System ..................................
28
Keyless Access System indicator ..................24
Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts .................................. 5
LATCH-compatible child seat ....................... 18
Light Bulbs ...................................................... 120
Lights ........................................................... 33
Brightness Control ................................... 33
Cargo Lights .............................................. 34
Exterior Lights ........................................... 33
Interior Lights ............................................ 34
Lights indicators .............................................. 25
Lock Tab ........................................................... 30
Low fuel indicator ........................................... 24
Low oil pressure indicator ............................. 23
Low tire pressure indicator ............................25
Maintenance .................................................. 102
Air Conditioning ...................................... 110
Changing Wiper Blades ........................... 111
Checking the Battery .............................. 110
Engine Coolant ....................................... 108
Engine Oil ................................................ 106
Fluids ......................................................... 120
Maintenance Minder™ .......................... 103
Opening the Hood .................................. 105
Resetting the Engine Oil Life ................. 107
Safety Precautions .................................. 102
Service Codes .......................................... 103
Transmission Fluid ................................. 109
Under the Hood ....................................... 105
Window Washer Fluid ........................... 109
Maintenance Minder™ ............................... 103
Making a Call ............................................ 65, 69
Malfunction indicator lamp .......................... 23
Map Legend ............................................... 73, 76
Master Door Lock Switch ............................. 30
Maximum Load Limit .................................... 80
Mirrors ........................................................... 40
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror .. 40
Power Door Mirrors .................................. 41
Reverse Tilt Door Mirrors ......................... 41
Moonroof ......................................................... 32
Multi-Information Display ............................ 26
Multi-View Rear Camera .............................. 89
Navigation ....................................................... 72
AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ ................. 77
Detour ......................................................... 77
Entering a Destination ............................. 75
Find Nearest Place .................................... 76
Home Address ............................................ 75
Interface Dial Feedback ........................... 74
Map Legend ......................................... 73, 76
Navigation Commands .......................... 124
Place Category ........................................... 76
Routing ........................................................ 76
Steering Wheel Controls .......................... 72Street Address ............................................
75
System Volume.......................................... 74
Voice Command Tips ................................ 72
Voice Recognition Tutor .......................... 74
One-Touch Turn Signal ................................. 34
Opening the Hood ........................................ 105
Overheating .................................................... 93
Pairing a Phone ........................................ 64, 68
Pandora® ......................................................... 60
Pandora® Commands .................................. 128
Parking Brake .................................................. 86
Parking brake indicator .................................. 24
Passenger Airbag Off indicator .....................12
Phone Commands ........................................ 129
Phone Operation ...................................... 63, 67
Phonebook ................................................ 65, 69
Place Category ................................................ 76
Power Door Mirrors ........................................ 41
Power Moonroof ............................................. 32
Power Tailgate ................................................. 29
Power Windows .............................................. 31
Radiator ........................................................... 93
Radio ........................................................... 45
Readiness Codes
............................................ 119
Rear Camera ................................................... 89
Rear Seats ........................................................ 39
Rear Window Defogger ................................ 43
Rear Wiper ....................................................... 36
Rearview Mirror .............................................. 40
Refueling .......................................................... 90
Fuel Information ....................................... 90
How to Refuel ........................................... 90
Remote Transmitter ...................................... 28
Remote Transmitter Battery ......................... 91
Reporting Safety Defects .............................. 22
Reverse Tilt Door Mirrors .............................. 41
Roadside Assistance ..................................... 123
Routing ............................................................ 76
Safety Information ........................................... 3
Carbon Monoxide Gas ................................ 4
Important Handling Information ............. 3
Important Safety Information .................. 3
Important Safety Precautions .................. 3
Reporting Safety Defects ......................... 22
Safety Messages .......................................... 4
Safety Label Locations ................................... 21
Seat Belts ........................................................... 5
Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor .................7
Fastening a Seat Belt .................................. 7
Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts .............................5
Proper Use of Seat Belts ............................ 5
Seat Belt Inspection .................................... 6
Seat belt reminder .................................... 24
Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor ........... 8
Seat Heaters ................................................... 43Seats
............................................................ 37
Adjusting the Front Seat .......................... 37
Adjusting the Head Restraints ............... 38
Rear Seats .................................................. 39
Sequential Shift Mode .................................. 85
Setting the Clock ........................................... 44
Shifting ........................................................... 84
Shift Lever Does Not Move ........................... 92
Side Airbag Off indicator ............................... 25
Side Airbags ..................................................... 10
Side Curtain Airbags ....................................... 10
SMS Text Messaging ................................ 66, 70
Song By Voice™ Commands ....................... 129
Sound ........................................................... 46
Specifications ................................................ 120
Speed Dial ................................... 65, 66, 69, 70
SRS indicator ................................................... 24
Steering Wheel ............................................... 40
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ................ 40
Steering Wheel Controls ................... 46, 72
Street Address ................................................. 75
Supplemental Restraint System indicator ..... 24
SYNC button .................................................. 43
System message indicator ............................ 25
System Volume ............................................... 74
Text Messaging ......................................... 66, 70
Tire Information ............................................ 112
DOT Tire Quality Grading ...................... 116
Inflation Guidelines ................................ 112
Inspection Guidelines ............................. 112
Tire and Loading Information Label ..... 113
Tire and Wheel Replacement ................ 113
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 115
Tire Labeling ............................................. 115
Tire Service Life ........................................ 114
Tire Specifications ................................... 120
Tire Terminology ...................................... 115
Wear Indicators ....................................... 113
Winter Tires .............................................. 114
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ................................................... 95, 118
Total Luxury Care .......................................... 123
Towing ........................................................... 94
Towing a Trailer .............................................. 82
Pre-tow Checklist ..................................... 82
Tongue Load .............................................. 82
Towing Load Limits .................................. 82
TPMS indicator ................................................ 24
Traffic ............................................................ 77
Transmission Fluid ....................................... 109
Troubleshooting ............................................ 121
Turn Signal ...................................................... 34
Turn Signal indicator ...................................... 25
Under the Hood ............................................ 105
Unlocking/Locking the Doors ................ 28, 30