2018 Acura RDX Owner's Manual

360
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Maintenance
Engine Coolant
This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Specified coolant: Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
■Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICE
Genuine Acura engine cool ant is a 50/50 mixture of
antifreeze and water that can withstand freezing at
temperatures as low as a bout -31°F (-35°C). If your
vehicle is consistently subjected to temperatures
below this, the concentration of antifreeze in the
coolant should be increased. Consult a dealer for
details.
If Acura antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non- silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Acur a coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction
or fail. Have the cooling system flushed and refilled
with Acura antifreeze/cool ant as soon as possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
Reserve
TankMAX
MIN

361
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Maintenance
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are
cool.
2. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system.
Do not push the cap down when turning.
3. Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
4. The coolant level should be up to the base
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it
fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
■Radiator1 Radiator
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and ca refully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
3WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.Radiator Cap

362
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1. Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
u Perform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the
image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level.
u It should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick ho le to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Acura Automa tic Transmission Fluid ATF DW-1
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Acura Automatic Transmission Fluid
ATF DW-1 with other transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid ot her than Acura ATF DW-
1 may adversely affect the operation and durability of
your vehicle’s transmission, and damage the
transmission.
Any damage caused by usi ng a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Acur a ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Acura’s new vehicle warranty.
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and ca refully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark
HOT

Range

363
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uBrake Fluid
Maintenance
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
Specified fluid: Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
■Checking the Brake Fluid
1Brake Fluid
NOTICE
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle’s braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Acura brake fl uid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and re filled with Acura Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect for l eaks or worn brake pads as
soon as possible.
Brake Reservoir
MIN
MAX

364
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uRefilling Window Washer Fluid
Maintenance
Refilling Window Washer Fluid
Check the amount of window washer fluid using the 1/2 mark on the reservoir.
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
If the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the multi-information display.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.1Refilling Window Washer Fluid
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage y our vehicle’s paint. A
vinegar/water solution ca n damage the windshield
washer pump.
1/2 Mark
Models with washer level sensor

365Continued
Maintenance
Replacing Light Bulbs
Headlight Bulbs
Headlight bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace
the light assembly.
Fog Light Bulbs*
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Turn the steering wheel all the way to the
opposite side from the fog light being
replaced.
Passenger side: Turn the steering wheel to
the left.
Driver side: Turn the steering wheel to the
right.
2. Remove the holding clip and screw, and
pull the inner fender back.
Fog Light: 55 W (H11)
1Headlight Bulbs
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. Howeve r, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
1 Fog Light Bulbs*
NOTICE
Halogen bulbs get very hot wh en lit. Oil, perspiration,
or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
The fog lights ar e halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handl e it by its plastic case,
and protect the glass from c ontact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Clip
Screw
* Not available on all models

uuReplacing Light Bulbs uSide Turn Signal Light/Emergency Indicator Light Bulbs
366
Maintenance
3. Push the tab to remove the coupler.
4. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
5. Insert new bulb.
Side Turn Signal Light/Emergency Indicator Light
Bulbs
Door mirror side turn light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer
inspect and replace the light assembly.
1Fog Light Bulbs*
Insert a flat-tip screwdriver, lift and remove the
central pin to remove the clip.
Insert the clip with the central pin raised, and push
until it is flat.
Central pin
Push until the
pin is flat.
BulbCoupler Tab
* Not available on all models

367
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uFront Turn Signal Light/Parking Light/Daytime Running Light and Front Side Marker Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Front Turn Signal Light/Parking Light/Daytime
Running Light and Front Side Marker Light Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Turn the steering wheel all the way to the
opposite side from the light being replaced.
Passenger side: Turn the steering wheel to
the left.
Driver side:Turn the steering wheel to the
right.
2. Remove the holding clips and screw, and
pull the inner fender back.
2 Fog Light Bulbs* P. 365
3.Turn the socket to the left and remove it.
4. Remove the old bulb and insert a new bulb.
Front Turn Signal Light/Parking Li ght/Daytime Running Light: LED type
Front Side Marker Light: 3CP
1 Front Turn Signal Light/Parking Light/Daytime Running Light and
Front Side Marker Light Bulbs
Front turn signal light/parking light/daytime running
light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura
dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.
Bulb
Socket
* Not available on all models