2016 Acura RDX service

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Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.
1. Connect the first jumper cable to your vehicle’s
battery (+) terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the first jumper cable
to the booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt
booster battery only.
3. Connect the second jumper cable to the booster
battery (-) terminal.
4. Connect the other end of the second jumper cable
to the engine hanger as shown. Do not connect
this jumper cable to any other part.
5. If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle,
start the assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its
rpm slightly.
6. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns over slowly, make sure the
jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
Booster battery
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks,  open flames, and smoking materials away  from the battery.
WARNING
After the Engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following
order:
1. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s ground.
2. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’s (-)
terminal.
3. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s (+) terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’s (+)
terminal.
Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly loses power,
or steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is overheating.
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If no steam or spray is present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine
and wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the
temperature gauge needle comes down. If the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator cap with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature
gauge. If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may
damage the engine.
NOTICE
Reserve tank MAX
MIN

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Emergency Engine Stop
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, choose one of
the following operations:
•  Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for
two seconds, OR
•  Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button two
times.
The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to ACCESSORY, unless
the shift lever is in Park (P), in which case the power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF.
Because turning off the engine also disables the power assist the engine provides to
the steering and braking systems, it will require significantly more physical effort
and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Downshift gears and use both feet on the
brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a safe place.
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is
the best way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front
tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an
acceptable way to tow your vehicle.
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary for the
engine to be switched off.
NOTICE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving.
If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes significantly low, the low tire pressure
indicator comes on and a message appears on the multi-information display. Press
the Info button on the steering wheel to view the tire pressure monitor to see
pressure readings for each tire (see page 28).
Driving  on an extremely underinflated  tire can cause it to overheat.  An 
overheated  tire can fail. Always inflate  your tires to the specified pressure.
NOTICE
What to Do
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check the tire pressure and adjust the pressure
to the specified level. The specified tire pressure is on a label on the driver’s
doorjamb.
The specific tire
with low pressure is
displayed.

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Learn about basic maintenance that you can perform on the vehicle yourself, as
well as information about how to best maintain the vehicle.
Safety Precautions
Some of the most important safety precautions are listed below; however,
we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing
maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.
Maintenance Safety
•  To reduce  the possibility  of fire  or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and  flames 
away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
•  Never leave rags,  towels, or other  flammable  objects under  the hood.
•  To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
•  Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
•  Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can
accumulate.
Vehicle Safety
•  The vehicle must be stationary, and parked on level ground with the parking
brake set and the engine off.
•  Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
•  Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
MAINTENANCE
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem before
driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this guide.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can
cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this guide.
WARNING
Maintenance Minder™
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and the
Maintenance Minder appears on the multi-information display every time you
turn the vehicle on. Press the Info (p/q) buttons on the steering wheel to change
displays.
See page 128 to check the indicated maintenance service(s).
•  Independent  of the Maintenance Minder information, replace  the brake fluid 
every 3 years.
•  Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
•  Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
U.S. models
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and systems
may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individuals using parts
that are certified to EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the
maintenance main items marked with # will not void your emissions warranties.
However, all maintenance services should be performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-information display.
System
message
indicator Main
item
Sub item
Maintenance Minder
Main item Sub item
Models with full
color display
Models without
full color display

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Maintenance Minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1:If the message SERVICE DUE NOW does not appear more than 12 months after the display
is reset, change the engine oil every year.
#:See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
*2:If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
COD EMaintenance Main Items
A
Replace engine oil*1
BReplace engine oil*1 and oil lter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake ad justment
Check expiration date for temporary tire repair kit bottle
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Inspect suspension component s
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
Inspect all uid levels and condition of uids
Inspect exhaust system#
Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*3:If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of s\
oot in the air from industryand diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen lter every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).*4:Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towin\
g results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures. This requires transmission and t\
ransfer uid changes more
frequently than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under
these conditions, have the transmission uid changed at 60,000 miles \
(100,000 km), then ever y
30,000 miles (48,000 km).
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F/43 °C), in very low temperatures
(under -20 °F/-29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 mi\
les (100,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Item s
1
Rotate tire s
2Replace air cleaner elemen t*2
Replace dust and pollen lte r*3
Inspect drive belt
3
Replace transmission uid*4
4Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*5
Inspect valve clearance
5
Replace engine coolant
6Replace rear differential uid*
(if equipped )
Under the Hood
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set the
parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the lower left
corner of the dashboard.
3. Slide the hood latch lever in the center of the
hood to release the lock mechanism, and open
the hood.
4. Lift the hood up most of the way. The hydraulic
supports will lift it up the rest of the way and
hold it up.
When closing, lower it to approximately 12
inches (30 cm), then press down firmly with your
hands.
Hood release handle
Pull
Lever
Support rod Grip
Clamp
Engine oil fill cap Brake 
fluid 
(black cap)
Automatic
transmission
fluid  dipstick 
(yellow loop)
Washer 
fluid 
(blue cap) Battery
Engine coolant
reserve tank
Radiator cap
Engine oil dipstick
(orange loop)
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised. The hood will strike the
wipers, and may damage the hood or the wipers.
NOTICE

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Engine Oil
Park the vehicle on level ground, and wait approximately three minutes after
turning the engine off before you check the oil.
Checking the Oil
1. Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper
towel.
3. Insert the dipstick all the way back into its hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the level. It
should be between the upper and lower marks.
Add oil if necessary.
Recommended Engine Oil
•  Genuine Acura Motor Oil
•  Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on the
container
This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving and
that it meets the American Petroleum Institute’s
latest requirements.
Use Genuine Acura Motor Oil or another
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for the
ambient temperature as shown.
You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal
and is of the specified viscosity grade.
Upper mark
Lower mark
Ambient temperature
Adding Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten it
securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the engine
oil dipstick.
Engine oil
fill cap
Resetting the Engine Oil Life
If you change or replace the vehicle’s engine oil yourself, you must reset the
engine oil life. Use the Info (p/q) and SEL/RESET buttons on the steering wheel
to make selections in the multi-information display.
1. Scroll to Vehicle Settings, and select it.
2. Scroll to Maintenance Info, and select it. The oil life
reset mode is displayed.
3. Select Reset. The maintenance items disappear, and
the engine oil life display returns to 100%.
Failure to reset the engine oil life after a maintenance service results in the
system showing incorrect maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious
mechanical problems.
NOTICE
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark. Overfilling the engine oil can
result in leaks and engine damage.
NOTICE

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Tire Service Life
The life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving habits, road
conditions,  vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and 
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition  to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is 
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach
five years old. All tires, including the spare, should be removed from service after
10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of
wear.
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season tires marked “M+S”, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between
vehicles when driving. For winter tires, select the size and load ranges that are the
same as the original tires, and mount them to all four wheels.
Tire Chains
Install tire chains on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, we strongly recommend using the following chains:
Cable type: SCC Radial Chain TC2212MM
Mount chains as tightly as you can, and make sure that they do not touch the
brake lines or suspension.
Using the wrong chains, or not properly installing chains, can damage the
brake lines and cause a crash in which you can be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this guide regarding the selection and use of tire
chains.
WARNING
Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage
your vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you
should be aware of are described below.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The tire identification number (TIN) is a
group of numbers and letters that look like
the example shown. TIN is located on the
sidewall of the tire.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Cold Tire Pressure – The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Load Rating – The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given
inflation pressure.
Maximum Inflation Pressure –  The maximum tire air pressure  that the tire 
can hold.
Maximum Load Rating – The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure  for that  tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure –  The cold tire inflation pressure 
recommended by the manufacturer.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) – The projections within the principal grooves
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.
DOT B97R FW6X 2209
DOT: This indicates that the tire meets all
requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
B97R: Manufacturer’s identication mark .
FW 6X: Tire type code.
22 09: Date of manufacture.
Year
Week
Here is an example of what each marking means:
P235/60R18 102V
• P: vehicle type (passenger)
•  235: tire width in millimeters
•  60: aspect ratio (tire section height as a
percentage of its width)
•  R: tire construction code (radial)
•  18: rim diameter in inches
•  102: load index (code indicating maximum load tire can carry)
•  V: speed symbol (code indicating maximum speed rating)
Example
Tire size
Tire
Identication
Number (TIN)
Ma ximum
ti re load
Maximum
tire pressure
Tire siz e

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DOT Tire Quality Grading
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are
also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to
Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades
represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.
TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not  overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation,  or 
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.

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Learn about information specific to you as an Acura client and how to get help.
Frequently Asked Questions/Troubleshooting
Below are some frequently asked questions and troubleshooting items that you
may have about the vehicle.
Q: How  do I set the vehicle clock?
A: For vehicles without navigation, see page 49. For vehicles with navigation, the
time is automatically set using GPS signals.
Q: Why  doesn’t the vehicle start  when I press the ENGINE START/STOP button?
A: The brake pedal must be pressed to start the engine.
Q: What is  the AUTO setting  on my headlight lever? 
A: When in the AUTO position, the vehicle’s exterior lights will automatically turn
on or off depending on the ambient lighting.
Q: Only  the driver’s  door unlocks  when I shift to Park (P). Can  all doors unlock? 
A: You can change door lock or unlock settings in the multi-information display
using the Vehicle Settings menu (see page 29), or using the SETTINGS button
(see page 48).
Q: Why  won’t the driver’s  door unlock  when I grab the door handle,  even though  the 
keyless  access remote is  within range?
A: If you pull the handle too quickly, the system may not have time to confirm the
door is unlocked. Wait to hear a beep to confirm the door is unlocked. If you are
wearing gloves, the system may be slow to respond.
Q: After my battery  was disconnected  or went  dead,  the  audio system is  asking for a 
code.  Where  do I find  this?
A: In most cases, you do not need to enter a code. Turn on the vehicle and the audio
system, and press and hold the power button until the system reactivates.
Q: Why can’t I  operate Pandora  through the audio system?
A: Audio may be streaming through Bluetooth® Audio. Make sure Pandora mode
is selected and the phone cable is properly connected to the USB port. Some
phones may prompt you to “Allow” a connection.
Q: Is my phone compatible  with Bluetooth features?
A: Visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink (U.S) or www.handsfreelink.ca (Canada) to
check phone compatibility for Bluetooth® Audio, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®,
and SMS text messaging.
CLIENT INFORMATION
Contact Us
Acura dealer personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer
all your questions. If you encounter a problem that your dealership does not solve
to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership’s service manager or
general manager. If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership’s
management, contact Acura Client Relations/Services.
U.S. owners:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Client Relations
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Mail Stop 500-2N-7E
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 382-2238
In Puerto Rico and
the U.S. Virgin Islands:
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Tel: (787) 620-7546 Canadian owners:
Honda Canada, Inc.
Acura Client Services
180 Honda Blvd.
Markham, ON
L6C 0H9
Tel: (888) 922-8729
Fax: (877) 939-0909
e-mail: [email protected]
When you call or write, please give us the following information:
•  Vehicle Identification Number
• Date  of purchase
•  Odometer reading  of your  vehicle
•  Your name, address, and  telephone number
•  A  detailed  description  of the problem
• Name  of the  dealer  who sold  the vehicle  to you
Q: Every 
time I press  the Talk button,  the system  gives me voice prompts.  Can I  turn 
these  off?*
A: Press the SETTINGS button. Use the interface dial to select System Settings, and
then Voice Prompt. Select Off.
Q: Why can’t I select  an item using the interface dial?*
A: To prevent driver distraction, certain items are limited or inoperable while the
vehicle is moving. Use voice commands or pull over to select the items.
Q: Where can I find  the vehicle identification number (VIN)?
A: Check the label on the driver’s doorjamb.
*if equipped