2016 Acura RDX Owner's Guide

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Blind Spot Information (BSI)*
Alerts you to a detected vehicle in your left or right blind spot while driving 20 mph
(32 km/h) or higher.
When a vehicle is detected in your blind spot, the
blind spot indicator turns on and stays lit until the
area is clear.
When your turn signal is on and a vehicle is detected,
the blind spot indicator blinks and a beep sounds until
the area is clear or the turn signal is off.
Changing Settings
Change the alert type, or turn the system on or off. Use the interface dial to make
selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Vehicle Settings. The vehicle must be in
Park (P).
3. Select Blind Spot Info.
4. Select an alert type, or Off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, BSI has limitations. Overreliance on BSI may result in a
collision. The system is for your convenience only.
Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to change lanes before doing so may
result in a crash and serious injury or death. Do not rely only on the blind spot
information system when changing lanes.
Always look in your mirrors, to either side of your vehicle, and behind you for
other vehicles before changing lanes.
WARNING
*if equipped
Comes on Blinks
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)*
Can assist you when there is a possibility of your vehicle colliding with a vehicle or a
pedestrian detected in front of yours.
The system can alert you when a potential
collision is determined, and reduce your vehicle
speed to help minimize collision severity when a
collision is deemed unavoidable.
The system activates when:
• The speed difference between your vehicle and
a vehicle or pedestrian detected in front of you
is about 3 mph (5 km/h) and over with a chance
of a collision.
•  Your vehicle speed is about 62 mph (100 km/h) or less and there is a chance of a
collision with an oncoming detected vehicle or a pedestrian in front of you.
Alert Stages
The system has three alert stages for a possible collision. Depending on the
circumstances or CMBS settings, CMBS may not go through all of the stages
before initiating the last stage.
Stage 1: Visual warning and audible warning
Stage 2: Visual warning, audible warning, and light brake application
Stage 3: Visual warning, audible warning, and strong brake application
Changing Settings
Determine the warning timing. Use the interface dial to make selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Vehicle Settings. The vehicle must be in Park (P).
3. Select Forward Collision Warning Distance.
4. Select Long, Normal (default), or Short
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Beep
*if equipped

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Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) System
Helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces by
regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
Turning VSA On or Off
VSA is turned on every time you turn on the vehicle, even if you previously turned
it off. If you turn VSA off, your vehicle has normal braking and cornering ability,
but not VSA traction and stability enhancement.
Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you hear
a beep to turn VSA on or off. The VSA OFF indicator
appears when the system is off.
Traction control stops functioning, which may
make it easier when trying to free your vehicle if it
is stuck in mud or snow.
VSA OFF indicator
Turning CMBS On or OffPress and hold the CMBS OFF button. A beep
sounds and a message appears in the MID. The
CMBS indicator appears when the system is off.
Important Safety Reminder
CMBS™ is designed to reduce the severity of an unavoidable collision. It does not
prevent collision nor stop the vehicle automatically. It is still your responsibility to
operate the brake pedal and steering wheel appropriately according to the driving
conditions.
Parking Sensor System*
When the system senses an object when you are parking or backing up, indicators
appear on the upper display and a series of beeps sound. As you get closer to the
object(s), the beep rate increases.
Turning the System On or Off Press the parking sensor button. A green indicator
light appears on the button when the system is on.
Indicators appear when the
sensor device detects an
obstacle.
CMBS
button
*if equipped

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Multi-View Rear Camera
When you shift into Reverse (R), a real-time image of the area behind your vehicle
is shown in the display, along with helpful parking guidelines.
The rear camera  view is restricted.  You cannot see  the corner ends  of the bumper  or what is underneath 
the bumper.  Its unique lens  also makes objects appear closer  or farther than they actually  are.
Visually confirm  that it is safe to drive before backing up.  Certain conditions (such  as weather,  lighting,  
and high  temperatures) may  also restrict the rear view. Do not rely  on the rearview  display, which  does 
not  give  you all information  about conditions  at the rear  of your  vehicle.
Wide view Normal view Top down view
Press the selector
knob or interface
dial to toggle
between views.
Rear Cross Traffic Monitor*
Alerts you if a detected vehicle is approaching from a rear corner when your vehicle
is in Reverse (R) at speeds of 3 mph (5 km/h) or lower, which can be helpful when
backing out of parking spaces.
The system does not detect or provide alerts for a vehicle that is moving away from
your vehicle, and it may not detect pedestrians, bicycles, or stationary objects.
Turning the System On or Off
Use the interface dial to make selections.
1. Press the SETTINGS button.
2. Select Camera Settings.
3. Select Cross Traffic Monitor.
4. Select On or Off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
This system cannot detect all approaching vehicles and may not detect an
approaching vehicle at all.
Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to back up the vehicle before doing so
may result in a collision.
Do not solely rely on the system when reversing; always also use your
mirrors, and look behind and to the sides of your vehicle before reversing.
CAUTION
Arrow icons appear on the
side of an approaching
vehicle, and an audible
beep sounds.
*if equipped
Changing Guidelines
Change the type of guidelines shown, or turn them off. Use the interface dial to
make selections.
1. Press the SETTINGS button.
2. Select Camera Settings.
3. Select Rear Camera.
4. Select one of the options.
Fixed  Guideline: Guidelines appear when you
shift into Reverse. Select On or Off.
Dynamic  Guideline: Guidelines move as you turn
the steering wheel. Select On or Off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.

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How to Refuel
1. The fuel fill door is located at the left rear of the
vehicle. Park next to the service pump that is
most accessible.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Pull the fuel fill door release handle near the
parking brake. The fuel fill door opens.
4. Turn the fuel fill cap slowly to open. Place the
fuel fill cap in the holder.
5. Insert the filler nozzle fully. When the tank is full,
the fuel nozzle clicks off automatically.
6. Replace the fuel fill cap. Tighten it until you hear
at least one click. Close the fuel fill door.
Refueling
Use the proper fuel and refueling procedure to ensure the best performance and
safety of your vehicle.
Fuel Information
Use of unleaded gasoline of 91 octane or higher is recommended.
•  Acura recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline where available.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing methanol.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing MMT.
Gasoline is highly  flammable and explosive.  You can be burned or seriously 
injured when handling fuel.
•  Stop  the engine, and keep heat, sparks, and  flame away.
•  Handle fuel only outdoors.
•  Wipe up spills immediately.
WARNING
Pull
Cap
Holder
We recommend quality gasoline containing detergent additives that help
prevent fuel system and engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain good
performance, fuel economy, and emissions control, we strongly recommend
the use of gasoline that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based fuel
additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is available.
NOTICE Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Keyless Access
Remote Battery Strength
If the battery life in your keyless access remote is weak, a message appears in the
multi-information display (MID) with information on how to start the engine.
1. Touch the back of the keyless access remote to the
ENGINE START/STOP button while the indicator
is flashing.
2. With the brake pedal pressed, press the ENGINE
START/STOP button within 10 seconds.
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HOLD
Shift Lever Does Not Move
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Park (P).
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the built-in key from the keyless access
remote.
3. Wrap a cloth around  the tip of a small  flat-tip 
screwdriver to remove the cover of the shift lock
release slot. Put  the tip of the  flat-tip screwdriver 
into the slot and remove it as shown in the image.
4. Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5. While pushing the key down, press the shift lever
release button and place the shift lever into
Neutral. The lock is now released. Have the shift
lever checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
Slot
Cover
Release button
Shift lock release slot

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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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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal
Explanation
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated  to the inflation pressure recommended by  the 
vehicle manufacturer  on the  vehicle placard  or tire inflation pressure 
label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard  or tire inflation pressure label,  you should determine the 
proper  tire inflation pressure  for those  tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check  your tires as soon as possible, and inflate  them to the 
proper pressure.
Driving  on a significantly under-inflated  tire causes the tire  to overheat 
and can lead  to tire  failure.  Under-inflation also reduces  fuel efficiency 
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct
tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached  the level to trigger 
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When  the system  detects a malfunction,  the telltale  will flash  for 
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.Tire Repair Kit*
If a tire has a small puncture, you can use the tire repair kit to temporarily repair it.
The puncture must be smaller than 3/16-inch (4 mm) and not in the tire sidewall.
Go to a dealer to have the full-size tire permanently repaired or replaced.
Before Repairing the Tire
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, non-slippery surface.
2. Make sure the vehicle is in Park (P), and apply the parking brake.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights, and turn the vehicle off.
Getting Ready to Repair the Tire
1. Open  the cargo area  floor lid.
2. Take the kit out of the tool box.
3. Place  the kit  face up  on flat ground near  the 
punctured tire and away from traffic. Do not
place the kit on its side.
4. Follow the instructions in the kit to repair the
tire.
Do not use an unapproved puncture-repairing agent other than the one provided
in the kit that came with your vehicle. If a different agent is used, you may
permanently damage the tire pressure sensor.
NOTICE
Floor lid
Tire repair kit
*if equipped

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Changing a Flat Tire
If a  tire goes  flat while  driving, grasp  the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually 
to reduce speed.  Stop in a safe place. Replace  the flat  tire with  the compact 
spare tire*. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire repaired or
replaced.
Getting Ready to Change the Tire
Park the vehicle on a firm, level, non-slippery surface. Move the shift lever to Park
(P), and apply the parking brake. Turn the hazard warning lights on and turn the
vehicle off.
1. Open the tailgate. Turn on the cargo lights on
the inside of the tailgate, if necessary (see page
34).  Open  the cargo area  floor lid.
2. Take the wheel nut wrench and jack handle bar
out of the cargo area.
3. Unscrew the wing bolt, and remove the spacer
cone. Then, remove the spare tire.
4. Take the jack out of the spare tire area.
5. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn using the
wheel nut wrench.
Spare tire
*if equipped
Setting Up the Jack
1. Place the jack under the jacking point closest to
the tire to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket (as shown in the image)
clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the
jacking point. Make sure that the jacking point
tab is resting in the jack notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar and
the jack handle, until the tire is off the ground.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
•  Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the vehicle.
•  Use the jack provided in your vehicle. Other jacks may not support the weight
(“load”) or fit the jacking point.
•  Do not use while the engine is running.
•  Use only where the ground is firm and level.
•  Use only at the jacking points.
•  Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.
•  Do not put anything on top of or underneath the jack.
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the
vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
WARNING
Jack
handle
bar
Wheel nut wrench as jack handle