2016 Acura RDX Owner's Guide

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TABLE OF
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INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
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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
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. 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
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
AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with Intelligent Control System*
When the AWD system senses a loss of front wheel traction, it automatically
transfers some power to the rear wheels. This allows you to utilize all available
traction and may increase mobility.
You still need to exercise the same care when accelerating, steering, and braking
that you would in a two-wheel drive vehicle.
If you excessively spin all four wheels and overheat the system, only the front
wheels receive power. Stop until the system cools down.
Do not continuously spin the front tires of your vehicle. Continuously spinning
the front tires can cause transmission or rear differential damage.
NOTICE
*if equipped

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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.

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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.ca 
(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.
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
T ongue LoadTongue load

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SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
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Remote Engine Start*
Start your vehicle’s engine using the two-way remote transmitter from extended
distances before you enter the vehicle.
*if equipped
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 the ENGINE START/
STOP button 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 the ENGINE START/STOP button.
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 the ENGINE START/STOP
button.
Brake pedal
Lock button
ENGINE button: After
pressing the Lock
button, press and hold
to start the engine.Red indicator: Remote
is out of range or
cannot communicate
with the vehicle, or the
engine is stopped.
Amber indicator: Remote
is communicating with
the vehicle.
Green indicator:
Confirms doors are
locked or engine is
running.
Starting the Engine
Press the Lock button, then press and hold the ENGINE button.
The engine runs for up to 10 minutes. To extend the time for another 10 minutes,
repeat the procedure during the initial 10 minutes.
While the engine is running, the climate control system adjusts the interior
temperature, the security system remains on, and lights and accessories remain
off.
Stopping the EnginePress and hold the ENGINE button.
The engine will also stop if it has been running for more than 10 minutes, or if any
door is opened without using the remote transmitter or keyless access.
Engine exhaust contains toxic carbon monoxide.
Breathing carbon monoxide can kill you or cause unconsciousness.
Never use the remote engine starter when the vehicle is parked in a garage
or other area with limited ventilation.
WARNING
Make sure the vehicle is in a safe location when using remote engine start (i.e., a
well  ventilated area, away  from flammable materials).

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INFORMATION
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INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
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MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
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Shifting
Change your vehicle’s gears to begin driving.
Shift Lever
Park (P): Used for parking or starting/stopping the
engine. Press the brake pedal, then press the release
button to shift.
Reverse (R): Used for reversing.
Neutral (N): Used for idling.
Drive (D): Used for normal driving or temporarily
driving in sequential mode.
Drive (S): Used for driving in sequential mode.
Press the release button, and use the paddle
shifters to change gears (see page 85).
When you change the shift lever from D to R and vice versa, come to a
complete stop and keep the brake pedal depressed. Operating the shift
lever before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the
transmission.
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Sequential Shift Mode
Use the paddle shifters to change gears without removing your hands from the
steering wheel.
When the shift lever is in D: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode
momentarily, and the gear position indicator comes on. When you start traveling
at a constant speed, sequential shift mode automatically switches off, and the
gear position indicator goes off. You can also hold the (+) paddle shifter for two
seconds to return to normal drive.
When the shift lever is in S: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode, and
the M (sequential shift mode) indicator and gear position indicator co\
me on. At
speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h) or less, the vehicle automatically shifts down into 1st
gear. It does not automatically shift up, even if vehicle speed increases. You can
pull away only in 1st or 2nd gear.
When switching out of sequential shift mode, move the shift lever from S to
D. When sequential shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and gear position
indicator go off.
Second gear lock mode: If you pull the (+) paddle shifter while stopped or driving
at 6 mph (10 km/h) or less, the gear position is locked in 2nd gear. This makes it
easier to pull away on slippery surfaces such as snow-covered roads. To cancel
2nd gear lock mode, pull the (-) paddle shifter or move the shift lever from S to D.
Release button(-) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift down to
a lower gear. (+) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift up to a
higher gear. Recommended shift points
M indicator/gear
position indicator
Shift up
Normal acceleratio n1st to 2n d15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h )
3rd to 4th40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th 45 mph (72 km/h)
5th to 6th50 mph (80 km/h)

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INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
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MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
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Braking
Slow down or stop your vehicle, and keep it from moving when parked.
Foot Brake
Press the brake pedal to slow down or stop your
vehicle from moving.
Parking BrakeKeep the vehicle from moving when it is parked.
To apply: Press the parking brake with your foot.
To release: Press the brake pedal, then press the
parking brake until it releases.
Brake Assist SystemDuring hard or emergency braking, the system increases braking force. The brake
pedal may move slightly or make a noise; this is normal. Continue to hold the
brake pedal firmly down.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
During hard or emergency braking, the system rapidly pumps the brakes to
prevent wheel lockup and help you maintain steering control. The brake pedal
may pulsate slightly during ABS operation; this is normal. Do not pump the brake
pedal, and continue to hold it firmly down.
Parking brake
Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle can be
damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied.
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and size.
NOTICE
Brake pedal
Cruise Control*
Maintain a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator pedal. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can
travel at a constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash.
Use cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.
WARNING
Activating and Setting the Vehicle Speed1. Press the CRUISE button.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed (above 25 mph). Press
the DECEL/SET button and take your foot off the pedal
to set the speed.
Adjusting the Vehicle Speed
Press the RES/ACCELbutton to increase speed or the
DECEL/SET button to decrease speed.
Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is
increased or decreased by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h). If you
keep the button pressed, the vehicle speed increases or
decreases until you release it.
Canceling Cruise ControlPress the CANCEL button or the brake pedal.
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still
resume the prior set speed by pressing RES/ACCEL while
driving at a speed of at least 25 mph (40 km/h).
Press the CRUISE button to turn the system off.
CRUISE button
RES/ACCEL button
DECEL/SET button
CANCEL button
*if equipped

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INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
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MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
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Activating and Setting the Vehicle Speed
1. Press the MAIN button.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed above 25 mph (40
km/h). Press the DECEL/SET button and take your
foot off the pedal to set the speed.

Adjusting the Vehicle Speed Press the RES/ACCEL button to increase speed or the
DECEL/SET button to decrease speed.
Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is
increased or decreased by about 1 mph (1 km/h). If you
keep the button pressed, the vehicle speed increases or
decreases by 5 mph (5 km/h) until you release it.
Adjusting the Vehicle Distance Press the Distance button to change the following
distance. Each time you press the button, the
following distance setting cycles through short,
middle, long, and extra long.
Switching to Standard Cruise ControlPress and hold the Distance button. Cruise Mode appears in the multi-
information display. Press and hold the button again to switch back to ACC.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
Helps maintain a constant vehicle speed and a set following interval behind a
vehicle detected ahead of yours.
*if equipped
MAIN button
RES/ACCEL button
DECEL/SET button
CANCEL button
Canceling ACCYou can press CANCEL or MAIN, or press the brake
pedal. The ACC indicator goes off.
Certain conditions may cause ACC to cancel
automatically. When this happens, the amber ACC
indicator appears on the multi-information display
(see page 24).
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still resume the prior set speed by
pressing RES/ACCEL when your vehicle speed is over 25 mph (40 km/h).
When in Operation
If a vehicle is detected ahead of you when ACC is
turned on and your vehicle is traveling at or below
the set speed, the system maintains, accelerates,
or decelerates your vehicle’s set speed to keep your
vehicle’s set following distance from the vehicle
ahead.
If a vehicle detected ahead of you slows down abruptly, or if another vehicle
cuts in front of you, a beep sounds and BRAKE appears on the multi-information
display to alert you.
Improper use of ACC can lead to a crash.
Use ACC only when traveling on open highways in good weather.
WARNING
ACC has limited braking capability.
When your vehicle speed drops below 22 mph (35 km/h), ACC will
automatically cancel and no longer will apply your vehicle’s brakes.
Always be prepared to apply the brake pedal when conditions require.
WARNING
Beep

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Turning LKAS On or Off
1. Press MAIN. LKAS appears in the MID.
2. Press the LKAS button. Lane outlines appear
in the MID. Dotted lane lines turn solid when
the system operates.
3. Press MAIN or the LKAS button to turn the
system off.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
Alerts you and provides steering input if the system detects a possibility of your
vehicle unintentionally crossing over detected lane markings while driving between
45–90 mph (72–145 km/h).
If you begin to cross a detected lane marking
without a turn signal activated, the system
provides visual and audible alerts.
A Lane Departure message appears on the MID,
and a beep sounds. The system also applies
steering assistance to keep your vehicle in the
center of the lane. Take appropriate action to stay
within your driving lane.
Important Safety Reminder
The LKAS is for your convenience only. It is not a substitute for your vehicle control.
The system does not work if you take your hands off the steering wheel or fail to
steer the vehicle.
*if equipped
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*
Alerts you if the system detects a possibility of your vehicle unintentionally
crossing over detected lane markings while driving between 45–90 mph (72–145
km/h).
If your vehicle is getting too close to detected left
or right side lane markings without a turn signal
activated, the system provides audible and visual
alerts.
A Lane Departure message appears on the MID,
and a beep sounds. Take appropriate action to
stay within your driving lane.
Turning LDW On or Off
Press the LDW button to turn the system on or off.
A green indicator light appears on the button when
the system is on.
Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, LDW has limitations. Over-reliance on LDW may result
in a collision. It is always your responsibility to keep the vehicle within your lane.
*if equipped
Beep
Indicator
LDW button
Beep
Steering assistance