2018 Acura RDX Transmission service

266
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 263
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the tr ailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the traile r tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the
climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool
down the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the
(S position if the transmission shifts frequently.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Operating speed when towing a trailer is restricted
up to 100km/h.
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.

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

429
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
■Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
■Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoti ng arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1 Emergency Towing
NOTICE
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle’s weight.
NOTICE
Improper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.
All models
2WD models

431
Information
This chapter includes your vehicle’s specifications, locations of identification numbers, and other
information required by regulation.
Specifications .................................... 432
Identification Numbers Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Engine Number and Transmission
Number ......................................... 434
Devices that Emit Radio Waves ....... 435
Reporting Safety Defects ................. 436Emissions Testing
Testing of Readiness Codes.............. 437
Warranty Coverages ........................ 439
Authorized Manuals ......................... 441
Client Service Information ............... 442

442
Information
Client Service Information
Acura dealership personnel are trained professionals who should be able to deal
with any problems you may encounter with your vehicle. If, however, you are faced
with a problem that they cannot resolve to your satisfaction, contact Acura Client
Relations/Services.
U.S. Owners
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Client Relations
Mail Stop 100-5E-8F
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Tel: 1 (800) 382-2238 Canadian Owners
Honda Canada Inc.
Acura Client Services
180 Honda Boulevard
Markham, ON
L6C 0H9
Tel: 1-888-9-ACURA-9
Fax: 1-877-939-0909
E-Mail: [email protected]
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Tel: 1 (787) 620-75461 Client Service Information
When you call or write, please give us the following
information:
•Vehicle Identification Number
2Vehicle Identification Number (VIN),
Engine Number and Transmission
Number P. 434
•Date of purchase•Odometer reading of your vehicle
•Your name, address, and telephone number
•A detailed description of the problem•Name of the dealer who sold the vehicle to you

444
Index
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink ®..................... 226
Booster Seats (For Children) ....................... 63
Brake System ............................................. 320
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ................... 322
Brake Assist System ................................. 323
Fluid ........................................................ 363
Foot Brake ............................................... 321
Indicator ............................................ 68, 424
Parking Brake .......................................... 320
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel) .... 156
BSI (Blind spot information) System ........ 313
Bulb Replacement ..................................... 365
Back-Up Light and Taillight ...................... 370
Brake Light/Taillight/Rear Side Marker Light and
Rear Turn Signal Light Bulbs ................... 368
Fog Lights ................................................ 365
Front Turn Signal Light /Parking Light/Daytime
Running Light and Front Side Marker Light
Bulbs ..................................................... 367
Headlights ............................................... 365
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 371
Rear License Plate Light............................ 371
Side Turn Signal Light /Emergency Indicator
Light ...................................................... 366
Bulb Specifications .................................... 432
C
Carbon Monoxide Gas ................................ 64
Cargo Hook ............................................... 177
Carrying Cargo .................................. 259, 261 CD Player
................................................... 204
Certification Label .................................... 434
Changing Bulbs ........................................ 365
Charging System Indicator ................. 70, 422
Child Safety ................................................. 52
Childproof Door Locks............................. 131
Child Seat .................................................... 52
Booster Seats ............................................ 63
Child Seat for Infants................................. 54
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 55
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat
Belt ......................................................... 59
Larger Children ......................................... 62
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 54
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 56
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 131
Cleaning the Exterior ............................... 391
Cleaning the Interior ................................ 389
Client Service Information ....................... 442
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
Clock .......................................................... 120
CMBSTM (Collision Mitigation Braking
SystemTM) ................................................. 324 Coat Hook
................................................ 177
Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM
(CMBSTM) ................................................. 324
Compact Spare Tire .......................... 397, 433
Compass .................................................... 255
Console Compartment ............................. 174
Controls .................................................... 119
Coolant (Engine) ...................................... 360
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 361
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 360
Overheating ............................................ 420
Creeping (Automatic Transmission) ........ 276
Cross Traffic Monitor ............................... 337
Cruise Control .......................................... 281
Indicator ................................................... 78
Cup Holders .............................................. 175
Customized Features ....................... 102, 108
D
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 152
Dead Battery ............................................ 417
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows ................................................. 183
Detachable Anchor .................................... 36
Devices that Emit Radio Waves ............... 435
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 149
Rearview Mirror ...................................... 161
Dipstick (Engine Oil) ................................ 356
Directional Signals (Turn Signal) ............. 149