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
| 1
VISUAL INDEX
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
1 Lights/turn signals p. 36, p. 37
2 Wipers/washers p. 38
3 Cruise control*/Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)* buttons
p. 101, p. 102
4 Horn
5 Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®/voice
recognition buttons
p. 69, p. 73, p. 83
6 Audio controls p. 51
7 Paddle shifters p. 99
8 Instrument panel p. 24
Multi-information display p. 28
9 ENGINE START/STOP button
p. 97
10 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) OFF
button p. 109
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
button* p. 104
Collision Mitigation Braking
System™ (CMBS™) OFF button*
p. 107
Parking sensor system button*
p. 109
Power tailgate button p. 32
11 INFO (p/q) buttons p. 28
SEL/RESET button p. 28
Distance (ACC) button* p. 102
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
button* p. 105
VISUAL INDEX
Quickly locate items in the vehicle’s interior.
*if equipped
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls
*if equipped
1
3495
782
11106
SMS Text Messaging and E-Mail ... 79
Siri™ Eyes Free ............................... 80
A CURALINK
®* ................................. 81
AcuraLink Messages ....................... 81
Subscription Features .................... 82
NAVIGATION* ............................... 83
Basic Navigation Operation ......... 83
Entering a Destination .................. 86
Routing ............................................ 88
DRIVING .......................................... 90
Before Driving ................................. 90
Maximum Load Limit ..................... 92
Towing a Trailer .............................. 94
Remote Engine Start* .................... 96
Starting to Drive ............................. 97
Shifting ............................................ 98
Braking ........................................... 100
Cruise Control* ............................. 101
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)* ... 102
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)* ... 104
Lane Keeping Assist System
(LKAS)* .......................................... 105
Blind Spot Information (BSI)* .... 106
Collision Mitigation Braking
System™ (CMBS™)* ................... 107
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System ........................................... 109
Parking Sensor System* .............. 109
Multi-View Rear Camera .............. 110
Rear Cross Traffic Monitor* ......... 111
Refueling ........................................ 112
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED ...113
Keyless Access Remote Battery
Strength .......................................... 113Shift Lever Does Not Move .........
113
Jump Starting ................................. 114
Overheating ................................... 115
Emergency Engine Stop ................ 116
Emergency Towing ........................ 116
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ............................................ 117
Tire Repair Kit* .............................. 119
Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 120
Fuse Locations .............................. 123
MAINTENANCE ............................ 126
Safety Precautions ....................... 126
Maintenance Minder™ ................. 127
Under the Hood ............................ 129
Engine Oil ...................................... 130
Engine Coolant ............................. 132
Window Washer Fluid ................. 133
Brake Fluid ..................................... 133
Checking the Battery ................... 133
Changing Wiper Blades ............... 134
Tire Information ........................... 136
Tire Labeling .................................. 139
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........... 140
Testing of Readiness Codes ........ 142
SPECIFICATIONS ......................... 143
CLIENT INFORMATION .............. 144
Frequently Asked Questions/
Troubleshooting ........................... 144
Contact Us .................................... 145
Acura Total Luxury Care Roadside
Assistance ..................................... 146
Warranty Coverages .................... 146
V OICE COMMAND INDEX ......... 147
INDEX ............................................ 153
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
10 || 11
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
Side Airbags
The side airbags help protect the upper torso and pelvis of the driver or a front
passenger during a moderate-to-severe side impact. They are housed in the
outside edge of the driver’s and front passenger’s seat-backs. Both are marked
SIDE AIRBAG.
Side Curtain Airbags
Side curtain airbags help protect the head and torso of the driver and passengers in
outer seating positions during a moderate-to-severe side impact. The side curtain
airbags equipped in this vehicle are also designed to help reduce the likelihood
of partial and complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in
crashes, particularly rollover crashes.
The side curtain airbags are located in the ceiling
above the side windows on both sides of the
vehicle.
The side curtain airbags are designed to deploy
in a rollover or moderate-to-severe side impact.
If the SRS control unit senses that your vehicle is
about to roll over, it immediately deploys both side
curtain airbags and activates both front seat belt
tensioners. If the impact is on the passenger’s side,
the passenger’s side curtain airbag will inflate even
if there are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.
To get the best protection from the side curtain airbags, occupants should wear
their seat belts properly and sit upright and well back in their seats.
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars, as they can interfere
with the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.
When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision
One or both side curtain airbags may inflate in a moderate-to-severe angled
frontal collision. In this case, the side curtain airbags will deploy slightly after the
front airbags.
Side curtain airbag storage
Deployed side curtain airbags
Important Facts About Your Airbags
Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the
steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front
passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag.
Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp
object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.
Do not attach or place objects on the front airbag covers. Objects on the
covers marked SRS AIRBAG could interfere with the proper operation of the
airbags or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.
Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags. They can interfere with
the proper operation of the airbags, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars. They can
interfere with the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.
Do not cover or replace the front seat-back covers. This can prevent your side
airbags from properly deploying during a side impact.
Airbag System Indicators
If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator will come on and a
message appears on the multi-information display.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Indicator
If the indicator comes on at any other time besides
vehicle start-up, or does not come on at all, have
the system checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
If you don’t, your airbags and seat belt tensioners
may not work properly when they are needed.
Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in serious injury or death if the airbag
systems or tensioners do not work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS indicator
alerts you to a possible problem.
WARNING
An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passenger in a crash, even
if the passenger is wearing the seat belt.
Always keep the glove box closed while driving.
WARNING
Models
without
color display
Models with
color display
24 || 25
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
Learn about the indicators, gauges, and displays related to driving the vehicle.
Indicators briefly appear with each engine start and then go out. Red and amber
indicators are most critical. Blue and green indicators are used for general
information.
Malfunction Indicators
These are the most critical indicators. If they come on and stay lit while driving or
at any other time, there may be a problem. See your dealer if necessary.
Brake system
• Brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. If normal, check
the brake fluid level when you stop. If abnormal, take immediate action.
If necessary, downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle using engine
braking. Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
Low oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is low. Stop in a safe place. Open the hood and check
the oil level, and add oil if necessary. If the indicator does not turn off, have
your vehicle repaired immediately.
Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light)
• The emissions control system may have a problem, or the fuel cap is
missing or loose.
• (Blinks) A misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected. Stop in a safe place,
and wait for the engine to cool down.
Charging system
The battery is not charging. Turn off all electrical items, but do not turn off
the vehicle to prevent further battery discharge. Have your vehicle repaired
immediately.
Canada U.S.
INSTRUMENT P
ANELAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
There is a problem with the anti-lock brake system. Your vehicle still has
normal braking ability, but no anti-lock function.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
There is a problem with one of the airbag systems or seat belt tensioners.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
There is a problem with the electric power steering system.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
(Blinks and stays on) There is a problem with the tire pressure monitoring
system, or the vehicle is fitted with the spare tire.
Keyless Access system
There is a problem with the keyless access system.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system*
• There is a problem with the AWD system. Only the front wheels are
powered.
• (Blinks) The AWD system has overheated and is inactive. Stop in a safe
place, shift to Park (P), and idle the engine until the indicator goes off.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) system
There is a problem with the VSA system or the hill start assist system.
Brake system
There is a problem with the hydraulic brake boost system.
Blind spot information (BSI)*
There is a problem with the system, or the sensor is blocked.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*
There is a problem with the system, the temperature is too high, or the
camera is blocked.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
There is a problem with the system.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
There is a problem with the system.
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)*
There is a problem with the system, the temperature is too high, or the
camera or sensor is blocked.
*if equipped
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*
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
36 || 37
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
Interior and Exterior Lights
Operate interior and exterior lights when the vehicle is on or off.
Exterior Lights
Rotate the switches on the lever to operate the exterior lights. Push the lever
forward to turn on high beams. Return the lever to its original position for low
beams.
OFF All exterior lights are off.
Turn on exterior lights except headlights.
AUTO Turn on the automatic lighting feature.
Headlights turn on or off depending on
ambient brightness when the vehicle is on.
Headlights automatically come on after
the wipers are engaged for a certain time.
Turn on all exterior lights including headlights.
Turn fog lights* on or off.
High
beams Low
beams
Flash high
beams Fog
lights*
Brightness Control
Adjust instrument panel brightness when the vehicle is on.
To brighten: Turn the knob to the right.
To dim: Turn the knob to the left.
A beep sounds when the brightness reaches
minimum or maximum.
*if equipped
Interior LightsLocated on the ceiling in the front and rear.
ON position: Interior lights remain on.
Door activated position: Interior lights come on
when any of the doors are opened, the driver’s door
is unlocked, or the vehicle is turned off.
OFF position: Interior lights remain off.
Door-activated
position
On OffFront
Control knob
One-Touch
Turn Signal
Use this quick and convenient method to signal a lane change.
Lightly push the turn signal lever up or down for a
three-blink sequence.
For a continuous signal, push the lever up or down
until it locks into place.
Right
Left
Cargo Lights
Located on the inside of the tailgate.
On position: The light comes on when you open
the tailgate, and goes off when closed.
Off position: The light stays off.
On Off
Map Lights
Press the map lights in the ceiling to turn them on
or off.