2018 Acura RDX Control

311
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Continued
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System
VSA ® helps to stabilize the vehicle during corn ering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine ou tput and selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA ® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.
■VSA ® Operation
1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
The VSA ® may not function properl y if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehi cle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and alwa ys leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA® System
Indicator

uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist (VSA® ), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
312
Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To turn the VSA® system on and off, press and
hold it until you hear a beep.
VSA® will stop and the indicator will come on.
To turn it on again, press the (VSA ® OFF )
button until you hear a beep.
VSA ® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■VSA ® On and Off1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
Without VSA ®, your vehicle will have normal braking
and cornering ability, bu t it will not have VSA®
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fr esh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA ® temporarily switched off.
When the VSA ® system is off, the traction control
system is also off. You should only atte mpt to free
your vehicle with the VSA ® off if you ar e not able to
free it when the VSA ® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA ® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA ® and traction control
systems switched off.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA ® OFF Indicator

316
uuWhen Driving uAll-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System*
Driving
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System*
Your vehicle is equipped with the AWD wi th intelligent control system. When the
system senses a loss of front wheel tracti on, it automatically transfers some power
to the rear wheels. This allows you to ut ilize 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 AWD with intelligent control
system, only the front wheels receive power. Stop until the system cools down.
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/TPMS
indicator comes on and a message appears on
the multi-information display.
1 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System*
NOTICE
Do not continuously spin the front tires of your
vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can
cause transmission or re ar differential damage.
The AWD with intelligent control system may not
function properly if tire ty pe and size are mixed.
Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and
the air pressures as specified.
2 Tire and Wheel Replacement P. 382
1Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Conditions such as low ambient temperature and
altitude change directly affect tire pressure and can
trigger the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come
on.
2 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks P. 425
Tire pressure checked and inflated in:
•Warm weather can beco me under-inflated in
colder weather.
•Cold weather can become over-inflated in warmer
weather.
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator will not come
on as a result of over inflation.
The TPMS audibly and visually informs you of
changes in tire pressure of the individual ti re that you
are adjusting using audibl e and visual indications.
2 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks P. 425
* Not available on all models

321
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
2 Brake Assist System P. 323
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 322
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous me tallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, this is caused by the brake wear
indicator rubbing on the brake rotor and indicates
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the
vehicle checked by a deal er. If you hear only an
occasional squeak or squeal when you initially apply
the brake pedal, this may be normal and caused by
high frequency vibr ation of the brake pads against
the rotating brake disc.
Constantly using the brak e pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pe dal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also conf use drivers behind you.
Your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic brake
booster that, under certain conditions, such as
braking at high altitudes, supplements the vacuum
power assist. When the hydraulic brake booster
activates, you may hear a motor sound and a slight
vibration in the pedal. This is normal.

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uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distri bution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pe dal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you w ill need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
ABS may activate when you depress the brake pedal when driving on:
• Wet or snow covered roads.
• Roads paved with stone.
• Roads with uneven surfaces, such as potholes, cracks, manholes, etc.
When the vehicle speed goes unde r 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the ti me or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:
•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow.
•When tire chains are installed.
The following may be observed with the ABS system:
•Motor sounds coming from the engine
compartment when the brakes are applied, or
when system checks are being performed after the
engine has been started and while vehicle is
accelerates.
•Brake pedal and/or the ve hicle body vibration when
ABS activates.
These vibrations and sounds are normal to ABS
systems and are no cause for concern.

341
Driving
Refueling
Fuel Information
■Fuel recommendation
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.
■Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additi ves in gasoline vary in the market, Acura
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of de tergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent ad ditives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.
For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information on
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit Acura Owners at owners.acura.com In
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional informati on on gasoline. For more
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
■Fuel tank capacity: 16 US gal (60.5 liters)
Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel Information
NOTICE
We recommend quality ga soline 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 reco mmend the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is
available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, a nd cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your inst rument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service. Some
gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as
ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol
by volume. Do not use gaso line containing methanol.
If you notice any undesira ble operating symptoms, try
another service station or sw itch to another brand of
gasoline.

345
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 346
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 347Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 348
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 349
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 353Opening the Hood ........................... 354
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 355
Oil Check ......................................... 356
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 357
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 358
Engine Coolant ................................ 360
Transmission Fluid ............................ 362
Brake Fluid ....................................... 363
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 364
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 365
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades.... 372Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 376
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 377Tire Labeling .................................... 377DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 379Wear Indicators................................ 381
Tire Service Life ................................ 381 Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 382
Tire Rotation .................................... 383
Winter Tires ..................................... 384
Battery ............................................... 385
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 386
Climate Control System Maintenance..... 388Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 389
Exterior Care.................................... 391
Accessories and Modifications ........ 394

346
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintena nce booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 362
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 363
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 376
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 365
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 372
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and fede ral regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordan ce with the intervals
indicated by the mult i-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 351
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills a nd tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 441
If you want to perform ma intenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing ma intenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models