2016 Acura RDX Owner's Guide

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SAFETY
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SAFETY
INFORMATION
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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
Models
without
color display
Models with
color display

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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. Airbag System Components
6
789
11
8
88
88
10
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.
U.S. Canada

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10 An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbag system
or seat belt tensioners.11 A rollover sensor that detects
whether the vehicle is about to roll
over.
Airbag Care
You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace
any airbag system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer in the following situations:
When the airbags have deployed
If an airbag has inflated,  the control unit and other related parts must be 
replaced. Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it
must be replaced.
When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision
Even if  the airbags  did not inflate, have  your dealer inspect  the following:  the 
driver’s seat position sensor, weight sensors in the passenger’s seat, front seat
belt tensioners, and each seat belt that was worn during the crash.
Do not remove or modify a front seat without first consulting a dealer
This would likely disable the driver’s seat position sensor or the weight sensors
in the passenger’s seat. If it is necessary to remove or modify a front seat to
accommodate a person with disabilities, contact an Acura dealer. For U.S.
vehicles, call Acura Client Relations at (800) 382-2238. For Canadian vehicles,
call Acura Client Services at (888) 922-8729.
Child Safety
Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are
either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle collisions are the
number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada
recommend that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear seat.
Some states or provinces/territories have laws restricting where children may ride.
To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province
and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they
ride in a vehicle.
Protecting Child Passengers
•  An inflating  front or side airbag can injure  or kill a child sitting in the front seat.
•  A child in the front seat is more likely to interfere with the driver’s ability to
safely control the vehicle.
•  Statistics show that children of all sizes and ages are safer when they are
properly restrained in a rear seat.
•  Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an
approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the lap
belt portion of the lap/shoulder belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.
•  Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the
event of a collision.
•  Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would
likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.
•  Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very
seriously injured in a crash.
•  Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows, or seat adjustments.
•  Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather
when the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also
activate vehicle controls, causing it to move unexpectedly.
Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously
injured or killed in a crash.
Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child
seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt, using a
booster seat if necessary.
WARNING

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Protecting Infants
An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until
the infant reaches the seat manufacturer’s weight or height limit for the seat, and
the infant is at least one year old. Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing
seat for a child up to two years old if the child’s height and weight are appropriate
for a rear-facing seat.
Child seats must be placed and secured in a rear
seating position. Rear-facing child seats should never
be installed in a forward-facing position.
When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front
passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their seat-
back in the desired position. It can also interfere with proper operation of the
front passenger’s advanced front airbag system. If this occurs, we recommend
that you install the child seat directly behind the front passenger’s seat, move the
seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or, you may wish to get a
smaller rear-facing child seat. Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or wrap one around their neck can
result in serious injury or death.
Instruct children not to play with any seat belt and make sure any unused
seat belt a child can reach is buckled, fully retracted, and locked.
WARNING
Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or
death during a crash.
Always place a rear-facing child seat in the rear seat, not the front.
WARNING
Protecting Smaller Children
If a child is at least one year old and within the weight range indicated by the
child seat manufacturer, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly
secured forward-facing child seat.
We strongly recommend placing a forward-facing
child seat in a rear seating position.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat
can be hazardous, even with advanced front airbags
that automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag
off. A rear seat is the safest place for a child.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious
injury  or death if  the front airbag inflates.
If you must place a forward-facing child seat in front, move the vehicle seat
as far back as possible, and properly restrain the child.
WARNING
Selecting a Child Seat
Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren).  Some have a rigid-type connector,  while others have a  flexible-type 
connector. Both are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned
child seats can only be installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose,
follow the child seat manufacturer’s use and care instructions as well as the
instructions in this manual. Proper installation is key to maximizing your child’s
safety.
In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH-compatible
child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security.
This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be
secured with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the
child seat manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-
compatible seat once a child reaches a specified weight. Please read the child
seat owner’s manual for proper installation instructions.
Important consideration when selecting a child seat
Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:
•  The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.
•  The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.
•  The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

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Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat
A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in either of the two outer rear
seats.  A child seat is attached  to the lower anchors  with either the rigid or flexible 
type of connectors.
1. Locate the lower anchors under the marks.
2. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat, then
attach the child seat to the lower anchors
according to the instructions that came with
the child seat. Make sure that the lower anchors
are not obstructed by the seat belt or any other
object.
3. Raise the head restraint to its highest position,
then route the tether strap between the head
restraint legs, and secure the tether strap hook
onto the anchor.
4. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the
child seat manufacturer.
5. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to side;
little movement should be felt.
6. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor is
activated, and the belt is fully retracted and
locked.
Marks
Lower anchors
Rigid type
Flexible type
Tether
strap
hook
Anchor
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt 1. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.
2. Route the seat belt through the child
seat according to the seat manufacturer’s
instructions, and insert the latch plate into the
buckle. Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.
3. Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the
way out until it stops. This activates the lockable
retractor.
4. Let the seat belt completely wind up into the
retractor, then try to pull it out to make sure
the retractor is locked. If you are able to pull the
shoulder belt out, the lockable retractor is not
activated. Pull the seat belt all the way out, and
repeat steps 3–4.
5. Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near the
buckle, and pull up to remove any slack from the
lap part of the belt. When doing this, place your
weight on the child seat and push it into the
vehicle seat.
6. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to side;
little movement should be felt.
7. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor is
activated, and the belt is fully retracted and
locked.
To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle and allow the seat belt to
wind up all the way.

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Adding Security with a Tether
Since a tether can provide additional security to the lap/shoulder seat belt
installation, we recommend using a tether whenever one is available.
Two tether anchorage points are provided behind
the rear outer seating positions and one in the
ceiling for the rear center. A child seat that is
installed with a seat belt and comes with a tether
can use the tether for additional security.
Using an outer anchor
1. Raise the head restraint to its highest position,
then route the tether strap through the head
restraint legs. Make sure the strap is not twisted.
2. Secure the tether strap hook onto the anchor.
3. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the
child seat manufacturer.
Using the center anchor
1. Lower the head restraint to its lowest position.
2. Open the anchor cover.
3. Route the tether strap over the head restraint.
Make sure the strap is not twisted.
4. Secure the tether strap hook onto the anchor.
5. 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
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
Tether strap
hook Anchor

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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.
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 visor U.S. models Canadian models
Dashboard (U.S. models only)
Radiator cap Sun visor
(U.S. models only)

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INSTRUMENT P
ANEL
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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
ANELAnti-Lock Brake System (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.
Brake system
There is a problem with the hydraulic brake boost system.
Blind spot information (BSI)*
There is a problem with the system, or the sensor is blocked.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*
There is a problem with the system, the temperature is too high, or the
camera is blocked.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
There is a problem with the system.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
There is a problem with the system.
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)*
There is a problem with the system, the temperature is too high, or the
camera or sensor is blocked.
*if equipped