2018 Acura RDX towing

Contents
This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular mo del may not have some of these
features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.
The information and specifications in cluded in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.2 Safe Driving P. 25
For Safe Driving P. 26 Seat Belts P. 31 Airbags P. 39
2Instrument Panel P. 67
Indicators P. 68 Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 95
2Controls P. 119
Setting the Clock P. 120 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 121
Opening and Closing the Moonroof P. 145
Adjusting the Seats P. 164
2Features P. 187
Audio System* P. 188 Audio System Basic Operation* P. 192
HomeLink ® Universal Transceiver P. 224
2 Driving P. 257
Before Driving P. 258 Towing a Trailer P. 263
Parking Your Vehicle P. 332Multi-View Rear Camera P. 340
2Maintenance P. 345
Before Performing Maintenance P. 346 Maintenance MinderTM P. 349
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 372
Climate Control System Main tenance P. 388 Cleaning P. 389
2Handling the Unexpected P. 395
Tools P. 396 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 397
Overheating P. 420 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 422
2Information P. 431
Specifications P. 432 Identification Numbers P. 434
Emissions Testing P. 437 Warranty Coverages P. 439

Contents
Child Safety P. 52Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 64Safety Labels P. 65
Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 133 Security System P. 139 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 142
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 146 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 161
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience It ems P. 171 Climate Control System P. 182
Audio Error Messages* P. 217General Information on the Audio System* P. 220
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink ® P. 226 Compass* P. 255
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 268 When Driving P. 270 Braking P. 320
Refueling P. 341 Fuel Economy and CO
2 Emissions P. 343
Maintenance Under the Hood P. 353 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 365
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 376 Battery P. 385 Remote Transmitter Care P. 386
Accessories and Modifications P. 394
Engine Does Not Start P. 414Jump Starting P. 417 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 419
Fuses P. 426 Emergency Towing P. 429When You Cannot Open the Tailgate P. 430
Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 435 Reporting Safety Defects P. 436
Authorized Manuals P. 441 Client Service Information P. 442
Quick Reference GuideP. 4
Safe DrivingP. 25
Instrument PanelP. 67
ControlsP. 119
FeaturesP. 187
DrivingP. 257
MaintenanceP. 345
Handling the UnexpectedP. 395
InformationP. 431
IndexP. 443

20
Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected (P 395)
Flat Tire (P 397)
● Park in a safe location and repair the flat
tire using the tire repair kit.
● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the
cargo area.
Indicators Come On (P 422)
● Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.
Vehicles with tire repair kit
Vehicles with a compact spare tire
Engine Won’t Start (P 414)
● If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse (P 426)
● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating (P 420)
● Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P 429)
● Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

257
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving................................... 258
Towing a Trailer ................................ 263
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ..... 268
When Driving Starting the Engine .......................... 270
Precautions While Driving................. 275
Automatic Transmission ................... 276
Shifting ............................................ 277
Cruise Control
*................................ 281
Front Sensor Camera*...................... 284
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*....... 286
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*...... 299Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*..... 303 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System ........... 311
Blind spot information (BSI) System
*.... 313All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System*..................................................... 316Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ... 316Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation ......... 318
Braking Brake System ................................... 320
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 322
Brake Assist System.......................... 323 Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM
(CMBSTM)*..................................... 324
Parking Your Vehicle When Stopped ................................ 332
Parking Sensor System
*................... 333
Cross Traffic Monitor*..................... 337
Multi-View Rear Camera .................. 340
Refueling Fuel Information .............................. 341
How to Refuel ................................. 342
Fuel Economy and CO
2 Emissions .... 343
* Not available on all models

261
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load Limit
The maximum load for your ve hicle is 870 lbs (395 kg).
See the Tire and Loading Informatio n label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weig ht of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement “The comb ined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the am ount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)1 Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all a ccessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load. 2 Specifications P. 432
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications P. 432
3WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example

262
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That we ight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a tra iler, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicl e. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces th e available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVW R) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 870 lbs
(395 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
570 lbs (259 kg)
Example2 Max Load 870 lbs
(395 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
120 lbs (55 kg)

263Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelin es. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the lo ad as needed.
■Towing Load Limits1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by th e manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer duri ng your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Vehicle Specifications P. 432
3WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Tongue LoadTongue Load

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
264
Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.
■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brake s: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it w ill lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories requi re special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qua lified technician.