2016 Acura RDX guide

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
owners.acura.com (U.S.)
myacura.ca (Canada)
BOG01980 3
1TX4G10
00X3

1-TX4-G100
2016 Acura RDX Owner’s Guide (Ver 2)
©2015 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. — All Rights Reserved Printed in
U.S.A.2016
OWNER’S GUIDE

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

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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

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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

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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
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HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
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NAVIGATION
Seat Belt Inspection
Regularly check the condition of your seat belts as follows:
•  Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.
•  Check that the latches work smoothly and the belts retract easily. If a belt does
not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem. Only use a mild
soap and warm water. Do not use bleach or cleaning solvents. Make sure the
belt is completely dry before allowing it to retract.
Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide proper
protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.
A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of
protection in a subsequent crash. Have your seat belts inspected by a dealer after
any collision.
Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if
the seat belts do not work properly when needed.
Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as
possible.
WARNING
Fastening a Seat BeltAdjust your seat to the proper position (see page 40), and then follow the
below steps.
1. Pull the seat belt out slowly.
2. Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug
on the belt to make sure the buckle is secure.
Make sure that the belt is not twisted or caught
on anything.
3. Position the lap part of the belt as low as
possible across your hips, then pull up on the
shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits
snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take
the force of a crash and reduces the chance of
internal injuries.
4. If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove
any slack, then make sure that the belt rests
across the center of your chest and over your
shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over
the strongest bones in your upper body.
To release the belt, push the red PRESS button
then guide the belt by hand until it has retracted
completely.
Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor
The front seats have adjustable shoulder anchors to accommodate taller and
shorter occupants.
1. Move the anchor up and down while holding the
release button.
2. Position the anchor so that the belt rests across
the center of your chest and over your shoulder.
Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a
crash.
Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.
WARNING
Pull out
slowly.
Latch
plate
Buckle
Lap belt
as low as
possible.
Push

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NAVIGATION
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
82 |
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
Learn how to enter a destination and operate the navigation system.
Basic Navigation Operation
A real-time navigation system uses GPS and a map database to show your current
location and help guide you to a desired destination. You can operate the system
using voice commands or the system controls.
To reduce the potential for driver distraction, certain manual functions may
be inoperable or grayed out while the vehicle is moving. Voice commands are
always available.
Steering Wheel Controls
Use the steering wheel controls to give voice commands.
Talk button: Press to give navigation commands.
Back button: Press to cancel a command or
operation.
Talk Button Tips
For a full list of navigation voice commands, see page 147.
•  When using the Talk button, wait for a beep before saying a command.
•  To bypass the system prompts, simply press the Talk button again to say your
command.
•  When the Talk button is pressed, all available voice commands are highlighted
in yellow.
•  Speak in a clear, natural voice.
•  Reduce all background noise.
•  Adjust the dashboard and side vents away from the microphone in the ceiling.
•  Close the windows and moonroof.
Using the navigation system while driving can take your attention away from
the road, causing a crash in which you could be seriously injured or killed.
Only operate system controls when the conditions permit you to safely do so.
WARNING
NAVIGATION*
Talk
button
Back
button
*if equipped
Subscription Features
A subscription-based service that provides convenient features, such as collision
notification, emergency assistance, online security, and important messages about
your vehicle.
To subscribe or get more information, contact a dealer or visit owners.acura.com 
(U.S.) or www.myacura.ca (Canada). Requires enrollment and privacy agreement.
Emergency Assistance
If your vehicle’s airbags deploy or if the unit
detects that the vehicle is severely impacted, your
vehicle automatically attempts to connect to the
AcuraLink operator if there is sufficient cellular
coverage. Once connected, information about
your vehicle, its positioning, and its condition will
be sent to the operator. You can also speak to the
operator when connected.
To manually connect to the operator, open the cover on the ceiling console and
press ASSIST when the vehicle is on.
Security Features
To use security features, you need your user ID and personal identification
number (PIN). Some of these features are also available with the AcuraLink
smartphone app. Visit owners.acura.com/apps to download the app.
•  Stolen  vehicle  tracking: Searches and tracks down your vehicle position.
•  Remote  door lock/unlock: Remotely lock or unlock doors.
•  Vehicle finder:  Locate your vehicle in large areas, such as a parking lot.
•  Security  alarm notification:  If your vehicle’s security system detects tampering,
the provider notifies you.
Operator Assistance
Connect to the AcuraLink operator when trying to
find a destination or for roadside assistance.
Press LINK to connect to an operator.
ASSIST button
LINK button
ACURALINK®

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DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
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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 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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VOICE COMMAND INDEX
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CLIENT
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VEHICLE
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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.