2018 Acura RDX Transmission maintenance

269
uuOff-Highway Driving Guidelines uAvoiding Trouble
Driving
Avoiding Trouble
• Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all
scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.
• Remember the route you choose presents limi ts (too steep or bumpy), you have
limits (driving skill and comfort), and your ve hicle has limits (traction, stability, and
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in
a hazardous situation.
• Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start
or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.
• Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover
or damage to your suspension or other components.
• Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to
drive across a slope that is too steep. Goin g straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all cond itions or obstacles on a slope, walk it
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it.
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around.
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.
• Crossing a Stream - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water
in your route (a small stream or large pu ddle, for example), evaluate it carefully
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the de pth or the ground, turn around and find
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and di fferential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.
• If You Get Stuck , carefully go in the direction that you think will get you
unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front and rear tow ho oks are provided for this purpose.

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

351
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
•Inspect idle speed every 16 0,000 miles (256,000 km).
•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message
System
Message
Indicator Sub Items
Main
Item
*1: If message,
SERVICE DUE NOW does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset,
change the engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Check expiration date for Temporary Tire Repair Kit bottle (If
equipped)
●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lin es (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission and transfer temperatures. This requires transmission and transfer fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have
the transmission fluid changed at 60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C), in very low temperatures (under -
20 °F, -29 °C), replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3
●Replace transmission and transfer* fluid*4
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*5
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*
Models with full
color displayModels without
full color display
Sub
Items
Main Item
* Not available on all models

353
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reserve Tank
Radiator Cap
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Loop)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)Battery

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

Index
443
Index
Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 322
Accessories and Modifications ................ 394
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 176
AcuraWatch
TM............................................ 18
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) .......... 81, 286
Additives Coolant .................................................. 360
Engine Oil ............................................... 355
Washer ................................................... 364
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 355
Adjusting Armrest .................................................. 170
Front Seats.............................................. 164
Head Restraints ....................................... 166
Mirrors.................................................... 161
Rear Seats ............................................... 169
Steering Wheel ....................................... 160
Temperature ........................................... 100
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control System) ....................... 182
Changing the Mode................................ 182
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 183
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 388
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 182
Sensors ................................................... 185
Synchronized Mode ................................ 184
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 182
Air Pressure ...................................... 377, 433 Airbags
........................................................ 39
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 45
After a Collision ......................................... 42
Airbag Care ............................................... 51
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 42
Indicator .............................................. 49, 72
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 50
Sensors ...................................................... 39
Side Airbags .............................................. 46
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 48
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent
Control System ........................................ 316
AM/FM Radio ............................................ 200
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 322
Indicator .................................................... 71
Armrest ..................................................... 170
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 191
Audio System ............................................ 188
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 199
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 189
Error Messages ........................................ 217
General Information ................................ 220
iPod ®....................................................... 207
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 212
Pandora ®................................................. 210
Reactivating ............................................. 190
Recommended CDs ................................. 221
Recommended Devices ............................ 223
Remote Controls ..................................... 191
Security Code .......................................... 190
Theft Protection ....................................... 190 USB Flash Drives ...................................... 223
USB Port.................................................. 189
Audio/Information Screen ....................... 193
Authorized Manuals ................................ 441
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 132
Customize ....................................... 107, 114
Automatic Intermittent Wipers ............... 154
Automatic Lighting .................................. 150
Automatic Transmission ........................... 276
Creeping ................................................. 276
Fluid ........................................................ 362
Kickdown ................................................ 276
Operating the Shift Lever................... 16, 278
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 279
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 419
Shifting ................................................... 277
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 189
Average Fuel Economy ............................ 100
Average Speed ......................................... 101
AWD .......................................................... 316
B
Battery ...................................................... 385
Charging System Indicator................. 70, 422
Jump Starting .......................................... 417
Maintenance (Checki ng the Battery) ........ 385
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 31
Beverage Holders ..................................... 175
Blind spot information (BSI) System ........ 313
Bluetooth ® Audio ..................................... 215

447
Index
System Message ....................................... 77
Transmission ............................................. 70
Turn Signal ............................................... 75
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
System ............................................ 73, 311
VSA ® OFF.......................................... 73, 312
Information .............................................. 431
Instrument Panel ........................................ 67
Brightness Control .................................. 156
Interior Lights ........................................... 171
Interior Rearview Mirror ......................... 161
iPod ®......................................................... 207
J
Jack (Wheel Nut Wrench) ........................ 400
Jump Starting ........................................... 417
K
Key Number Tag ...................................... 123
Keyless Access System .............................. 125
Keyless Lockout Prevention ..................... 128
Keys ........................................................... 121
Lockout Prevention ................................. 128
Number Tag............................................ 123
Rear Door Won’t Open ........................... 131
Remote Transmitter ................................ 127
Two-way Keyless Access
Remote ................................. 121, 129, 272
Types and Functions................................ 121 Kickdown (Automatic Transmission)
....... 276
L
Lane Departure Warning (LDW).............. 299
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) ......... 303
Language (HFL) ......................................... 227
LATCH (Child Seats) .............................. 57, 60
LDW (Lane Departure Warning) .............. 299
Lights ................................................. 149, 365
Automatic ............................................... 150
Bulb Replacement .................................... 365
Daytime Running Lights ........................... 152
Fog Lights ................................................ 152
High Beam Indicator .................................. 75
Interior .................................................... 171
Light Switches ......................................... 149
Lights On Indicator .................................... 76
Turn Signals and Hazard Warning ............ 149
Load Limits ................................................ 261
Locking/Unlocking .................................... 121
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .................. 132
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 131
From Inside .............................................. 130
From Outside ........................................... 125
Keys ........................................................ 121
Using a Key ............................................. 128
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 128
Low Battery Charge .................................. 422
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 71
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 69, 422Lower Anchors
...................................... 57, 60
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit) ............. 261
Lumbar Support ....................................... 164M
Maintenance............................................. 345
Battery .................................................... 385
Brake Fluid .............................................. 363
Cleaning ................................................. 389
Climate Control System ........................... 388
Coolant ................................................... 360
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 349
Oil ........................................................... 356
Precautions ............................................. 346
Radiator .................................................. 361
Remote Transmitter ......................... 386, 387
Replacing Light Bulbs .............................. 365
Safety...................................................... 347
Service Items ........................................... 351
Tires ........................................................ 376
Transmission Fluid ................................... 362
Under the Hood ...................................... 353
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 69, 423
Map Lights ................................................ 171
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 261
Meters, Gauges ........................................... 95