2018 Acura RDX check transmission fluid

275
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than yo u would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way th at you would raise the center of gravity.
• Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of ca rgo on the roof rack (Acura accessory).
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something un der the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1 Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover. 2 Important Handling Information P. 28
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the transmission.
NOTICE
If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on the
full left or right position for a while, the electric power
steering (EPS) system heats up . The system goes into a
protective mode, and limits its performance. The
steering wheel becomes harder and harder to operate.
Once the system cools down, the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can
eventually damage the system.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY while
driving, the engine will shut down and all steering
and brake power assist functi ons will stop, making it
difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
( N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acce leration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You
should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.

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

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

424
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
• If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate action . If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the Electric Power Steeri ng (EPS) System Indicator
Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with EPS system.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idlin g, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1 If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle re paired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe plac e. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the elec tronic brake distribution
system is not working. Th is can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspecte d by a dealer immediately.U.S.
Canada

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

445
Index
Display Button.......................................... 193
Door Mirrors ............................................. 162
Doors ........................................................ 121
Auto Door Locking.................................. 132
Auto Door Unlocking .............................. 132
Door and Tailgate Open Indicator ............. 74
Door and Tailgate Open Message ............. 89
Keys........................................................ 121
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside...................................... 130
Locking/Unlocking the Doors
from the Outside................................... 125
Lockout Prevention System ..................... 128
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................ 379
Driving ...................................................... 257
Automatic Transmission .......................... 276
Braking ................................................... 320
Cruise Control ........................................ 281
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines .............. 268
Shifting Gear .......................................... 277
Starting the Engine ................................. 270
Driving Position Memory System ............ 158
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 388
E
Elapsed Time............................................ 101
Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator ........................................... 74, 424
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............ 311
Emergency ................................................ 429 Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes)
....... 437
Engine ....................................................... 434
Coolant ................................................... 360
Jump Starting .......................................... 417
Oil ........................................................... 355
Remote Engine Start ................................ 272
Starting ................................................... 270
Engine Coolant ......................................... 360
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 361
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 360
Overheating ............................................ 420
Temperature Gauge .................................. 95
Engine Oil ................................................. 355
Adding .................................................... 357
Checking ................................................. 356
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 349
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 69, 422
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 355
ENGINE START/STOP Button .................... 146
EPS (Electric Power Steering) System ............................................... 74, 424
Exhaust Gas Hazard
(Carbon Monoxide) .................................. 64
Exterior Care (Cleaning) ........................... 391
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 162
F
Features.................................................... 187
Filters Dust and Pollen ....................................... 388
Oil ........................................................... 358
Flat Tire ............................................. 397, 403
Floor Mats ................................................. 390
Fluids
Automatic Transmission .......................... 362
Brake ...................................................... 363
Engine Coolant ....................................... 360
Windshield Washer ................................. 364
Fog Light Indicator ..................................... 76
Folding Down the Rear Seats .................. 169
Foot Brake ................................................ 321
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 42
Front Seats ................................................ 164
Adjusting ................................................ 164
Front Sensor Camera ................................ 284
Fuel ...................................................... 17, 341
Economy ................................................. 343
Gauge ....................................................... 95
Instant Fuel Economy .............................. 100
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 71
Range ..................................................... 101
Recommendation .................................... 341
Refueling................................................. 341
Fuel Economy ........................................... 343
Fuel Fill Cap ........................................ 17, 342
Message.................................................. 423
Fuel Fill Door ...................................... 17, 342