2016 Acura RDX Door

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your
2016 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, 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 (U.S.) or
myacura.ca (Canada) 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, or Vehicle
Warranty within the first six months of vehicle purchase. 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 145).
Call (800) 382-2238 (U.S.) or (888) 922-8729 (Canada)
INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS
*if equipped
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 .................. 22
Reporting Safety Defects .............. 23
INSTRUMENT P ANEL .................... 24
Malfunction Indicators .................. 24
Condition Indicators ...................... 26
On/Off Indicators .......................... 27
Multi-Information Display ........... 28
VEHICLE CONTROLS ..................... 30
Using the Remote Transmitter ..... 30
Keyless Access System ................... 31
Power Tailgate Operation ............. 32
Door Operation from Inside the
Vehicle ............................................. 33
Power Window Operation ............ 34
Power Moonroof Operation ........35
Interior and Exterior Lights ...........36
One-Touch Turn Signal .................. 37
Wiper Operation ............................ 38
Adjusting the Seats ........................ 40
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ...... 43
Driving Position Memory System ... 43
Adjusting the Mirrors .....................44
HomeLink® Garage Opener .......... 45
Climate Control System ................46
Seat Heaters or Ventilation* ........ 47Customized Settings*
....................48
Setting the Clock ............................ 49
AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY ...... 50
Basic Audio Operation ................... 50
Models  without navigation
Color Information Display ............ 52
FM/AM Radio .................................. 53
SiriusXM® Radio ............................. 54
Compact Disc (CD) ........................ 55
iPod® ................................................ 56
USB Flash Drive .............................. 57
Bluetooth® Audio ........................... 58
Pandora® ......................................... 59
Models  with navigation
On-Demand Multi-Use Display™
(ODMD™) ....................................... 60
FM/AM Radio ................................... 61
SiriusXM® Radio ............................. 62
Compact Disc (CD) or USB Flash
Drive ................................................. 63
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio....... 64
iPod® ................................................ 65
Bluetooth® Audio ........................... 66
Pandora® ......................................... 67
AcuraLink featuring Aha™ ............ 68
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK ® ... 69
Basic HFL Operation ...................... 69
Models  without navigation
Pairing a Phone ............................... 70
Making a Call ................................... 71
SMS Text Messaging ...................... 72
Models  with navigation
Pairing a Phone ............................... 75
Making a Call .................................. 76

2 || 3
SAFETY
VISUAL INDEX
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls
1 Color information display p. 52
2 On-Demand Multi-Use Display™
(ODMD™)* p. 60
3 Hazard warning button
4 Climate control p. 46
5 Accessory power socket p. 50
USB port p. 50
Auxiliary input jack p. 50
6 Moonroof switch p. 35Interior lights p. 34
7 Hood release handle p. 129
8 Fuel fill door handle p. 112
9 Power window switches p. 34
Door lock switches p. 33
Door mirror controls p. 44
Driving Position Memory System
buttons p. 43
Parking brake p. 100 Your safety—and the safety of others—is very important, and operating this vehicle
safely is an important responsibility. While we strive to help you make informed
decisions about safety, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. Therefore, you must
use your own good judgment.
Important Safety Information
This guide explains many of your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them.
Please read this information carefully. Following the instructions below will also
help to keep you and your passengers safe.
Important Safety Precautions
•  Always wear your seat belt.
•  Secure all children in the proper restraint system.
•  Be aware of airbag hazards.
•  Don’t drink and drive.
•  Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely.
•  Control your speed.
•  Keep your vehicle in safe condition.
Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying
close attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash.
Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe
to divert some attention away from driving.
Important Handling Information Your vehicle has a higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for
use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-
highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain.
It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.
These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides
higher off the ground, it has a higher center of gravity, making it more susceptible
to tipping or rollover if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted
person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a
reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.
SAFETY INFORMATION
*if equipped
11
10
54
613
87911
10
Model with
navigation shown
2

4 || 5
SAFETY
SAFETY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Safety Messages
When you see the following messages throughout this guide, pay close attention.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your
vehicle, other property, or the environment.
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
DANGER
Carbon Monoxide Gas
The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle and
follow the instructions set forth below, you will not accumulate dangerous levels
of carbon monoxide gas in the vehicle interior.
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever:
•  The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.
•  The exhaust system may have been damaged.
•  The vehicle is raised for an oil change.
When  you operate a  vehicle with the tailgate  open, airflow can pull exhaust gas 
into the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the
tailgate open, open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown
below.
1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the
mode.
3. Set the fan speed to high.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked
vehicle with the engine running.
An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even when the garage door is
open, drive out of the garage immediately after starting the engine. Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.
WARNING
Seat Belts
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped
with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts and
wear them properly.
Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts
All five seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with
emergency locking retractors. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move
freely while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop,
the retractor locks to restrain your body. The front passenger’s and rear seat belts
also have a lockable retractor for use with child seats.
The front seats are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners to enhance
safety. The tensioners automatically tighten the front seat belts during a
moderate to severe frontal collision, sometimes even if the collision is not severe
enough  to inflate  the front airbags.
Proper Use of Seat Belts
Follow these guidelines for proper use:
•  All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that
position for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduces the
effectiveness of the belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
•  Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or
behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.
•  Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very
seriously injured in a crash.
•  Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve
comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective
capability and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
•  No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt or one that does not
appear to be working correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working properly
may not protect the occupant in a crash. Have a dealer check the belt as soon
as possible.
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of a serious injury or
death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them
properly.
WARNING

14 || 15
SAFETY
SAFETY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
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

26 || 27
INSTRUMENT P
ANEL
INSTRUMENT P ANEL
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Condition Indicators
These indicators may require you to perform an action.
Parking brake
Release the parking brake before driving. You will hear a beep if you drive
with it not fully released.
Seat belt reminder
Make sure seat belts are fastened for you and all passengers. The indicator
blinks and beeps sound continuously if you or your front passenger has not
fastened your seat belts when you begin driving. If the indicator remains on
after seat belts are fastened, see your dealer.
Low fuel
Refuel as soon as possible. If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with
the fuel gauge. See your dealer.
Door/tailgate open*
Close any open doors or the tailgate. A beep sounds if any doors or the
tailgate is opened while driving.
Low tire pressure
Stop in a safe place, check  tire pressures, and inflate tire(s) if necessary.
System message
When a condition or malfunction indicator comes on, a message also
appears on the multi-information display. Check the display for more
information.
Immobilizer
Your remote transmitter cannot be recognized by the vehicle. If the
indicator blinks, you may not be able to start the engine. Turn the vehicle
off and then on again. If it continues to blink, there may be a problem with
the system. See your dealer.
Canada U.S.
*if equipped
*if equipped
On/Off Indicators
These indicators remind you when an item is on or off.
VSA off
VSA engaged (blinks)
CRUISE MAIN on*
CRUISE CONTROL on*
Turn signals/hazards on
Exterior lights on Fog lights on*
High beams on
BSI off*
ACC on*
LKAS on*
CMBS™ off*

30 || 31
VEHICLE CONTROLS
VEHICLE CONTROLS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Learn about the various controls necessary for operating and driving the vehicle.
Using the Remote Transmitter
Lock or unlock the doors and tailgate.
VEHICLE CONTROLS
Leaving the keyless access remote in the vehicle can result in theft or accidental
movement of the vehicle. Always take the key with you whenever you leave the
vehicle unattended.
NOTICE
HOLD
Unlock button: Press once
to unlock the driver’s door.
Press again to unlock all
doors and the tailgate.
Release button (front or
back of key): Slide to release
the built-in key for valet use.
Power tailgate button:
Press to unlock and open the
power tailgate. Press again
to close it. Lock button: Press to lock
the doors and tailgate. Press
again for audible verification.
Panic button: Press to sound
the alarm for 30 seconds.
Press again to cancel.
ENGINE HOLD button*:
After pressing the Lock
button once, press and
hold to remotely start the
engine (see page 96). LED indicators*: Check
door lock or engine status
(see page 96).
Keyless Access System
When you carry the remote transmitter (for example, in a pocket or purse) and it
is outside the vehicle and within range (about 32 inches or 80 cm), you can lock or
unlock the doors and tailgate without handling the transmitter.
Unlocking/Locking the
Doors
To unlock: Grab either front door handle when the
vehicle is off.
To lock: Press the door lock button on either front
door handle when the vehicle is off. If the remote
transmitter is inside the vehicle, the doors will not
lock.
Unlocking/Locking the Tailgate
To unlock: Press and hold the tailgate release
button under the tailgate handle to unlock the
tailgate and all doors. The vehicle can be on or off.
To lock: Press the tailgate lock button to lock the
tailgate and all doors. If the remote transmitter is
inside the vehicle, the tailgate and doors will not
lock.
Tailgate release
button
Lock button
Door lock
button

32 || 33
VEHICLE CONTROLS
VEHICLE CONTROLS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Power Tailgate Operation
Use these methods to operate the power tailgate.
Power Tailgate Button (interior)
The vehicle must be in Park (P).
Press and hold the power tailgate button on the
dashboard to the left of the steering column to
open the tailgate. Press it again at any time to close
it.
Power Tailgate Button (exterior)Automatic operation
Press the tailgate release button. You will hear one
beep, and the tailgate opens automatically.
Manual operation
If there is not enough clearance for the tailgate
to fully open, press and hold the tailgate release
button until you hear two beeps. The tailgate
unlatches, and you can open it manually.
To automatically close the tailgate once it is open,
press the power tailgate button located at the
bottom of the hatch. Press it again to stop the
tailgate operation and reverse its direction.
Closing the power tailgate while anyone is in the path of the tailgate can
cause serious injury.
Make sure everyone is clear before closing the tailgate.
WARNING
Power tailgate button
Power tailgate
button
Door Operation from Inside the Vehicle
Use several methods to lock or unlock the doors.
Using the Lock Tab
To unlock: Pull the lock tab rearward. When you
unlock either front door using the lock tab, the
specific door (driver’s or passenger’s) unlocks.
To lock: Push the lock tab forward. When you lock
the door using the lock tab on the driver’s door, all
the other doors and tailgate lock at the same time.
When you lock the door using the lock tab on the
front passenger’s door, only that door locks.
Using the Master Door Lock Switch
To unlock: Press the unlock side of the switch to
unlock all doors and the tailgate.
To lock: Press the lock side of the switch to lock all
doors and the tailgate.
Using the Front Door Inner Handle
Pull the front door inner handle. The door unlocks
and opens in one motion.
Do not pull a front door inner handle while the
vehicle is moving.
Childproof Door Locks
The childproof door locks prevent the rear doors
from being opened from the inside regardless of the
position of the lock tab.
Slide the lever in the rear door to the lock position,
and close the door.
Open the door using the outer door handle.
Unlock
Lock
Inner
handle
To lock
To unlock Lock tab
To lock
To unlock Master door
lock switch
Do not push or pull on the power tailgate when it is being automatically opened
or closed. Forcibly opening or closing the power tailgate while in operation can
deform the tailgate frame.
NOTICE
Tailgate release
button

34 || 35
VEHICLE CONTROLS
VEHICLE CONTROLS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Power Window Operation
The power windows can be opened and closed when the vehicle is on by using the
switches on the doors. The switches on the driver’s side can be used to open and
close all the windows.
Automatic Operation
To open: Push the switch down firmly.
To close: Pull the switch up firmly.
The window opens or closes completely. To stop
the window at any time, push or pull the switch
again briefly.
Manual OperationTo open: Push the switch down lightly.
To close: Pull the switch up lightly.
Release the switch when the windows reach the desired position.
Power Window LockPush in the power window lock button so only the driver’s window can be
operated.
Closing a power window on someone’s hands or fingers can cause serious
injury.
Make sure your passengers are away from the windows before closing them.
WARNING
Power window
lock button
Front passenger
window switch
Driver’s
window
switch On
Off
Power Moonroof Operation
The moonroof can be opened and closed when the vehicle is on by using the switch
on the ceiling.
Automatic Operation
To open: Push the switch back firmly, then release.
To close: Push the switch forward firmly, then
release.
The moonroof opens or closes completely. To stop
the moonroof at any  time, push the switch briefly.
Manual Operation
To open: Push and hold the switch back until the desired position is reached.
To close: Push and hold the switch forward until the desired position is reached.
Moonroof TiltTo tilt: Push the center of the switch.
To close: Push the switch forward firmly, then release.
Opening or closing the moonroof on someone’s hands or fingers can cause
serious injury.
Make sure your passengers are away from the moonroof before closing it.
WARNING
Open
Close Tilt
Opening the moonroof in below freezing temperature or when it is covered
with snow or ice can damage the moonroof panel or motor.
NOTICE