Acura RDX (2019 year). Instruction — part 26

Continued

405

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Towing a Trailer

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Towing Preparation

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 brakes: 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 will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.

■

Additional towing equipment

Many states and provinces/territories require 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 Accessories

1

Towing Equipment and Accessories

Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.

Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

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406

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Towing a Trailer

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Towing Preparation

Driving

■

Trailer light

Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.

Your trailer lighting connector is located behind the left side panel in the cargo area.
Each pin’s purpose and wiring color code are shown in the image.

When using a non-Acura trailer lighting harness and converter, get the connector
and pins for your vehicle from a dealer.

Stop Light
(Light Green)

Small Light +B
(Red)

Left Turn Signal
(Gray)

Right Turn Signal
(Light Green)

Small Light
(Sky Blue)

Trailer Hazard +B
(Pink)

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407

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Towing a Trailer

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Driving 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.

2 Towing Load Limits P. 403

• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer 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 trailer 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.

• Put the transmission into

(

S 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

1

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).

Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.

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408

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Towing a Trailer

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Towing Your Vehicle

Driving

Towing Your Vehicle

Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.

2 Emergency Towing P. 622

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409

Driving

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

General Information

Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It is not
designed for trail-blazing, or other challenging off-highway activities.

If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it requires somewhat
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat differently than it
does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this section, and get
acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.

Important Safety Precautions

To avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all precautions and
recommendations:
• Be sure to store cargo properly and do not exceed your cargo load limits.

2 Maximum Load Limit P. 401

• Whenever you drive, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.
• Keep your speed low, and never go faster than the conditions allow.
• It’s up to you to continually assess the situation and drive within the limits.

1

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover.

2 Important Handling Information P. 32
2 Precautions While Driving P. 416

Spinning the tires can also damage the SH-AWD®
system.

3

WARNING

Improperly operating this vehicle on or off-
pavement can cause a crash or rollover in
which you and your passengers could be
seriously injured or killed.

• Follow all instructions and guidelines in

this owner’s instruction.

• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive

faster than conditions permit.

Models with SH-AWD®

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410

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Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

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Avoiding 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 limits (too steep or bumpy), you have

limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle 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. Going straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all conditions 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 puddle, 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 depth 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 differential, 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 hooks are provided for this purpose.

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411

Continued

Driving

When Driving

Starting the Engine

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

u

The Parking Brake and Brake System
indicator (red) comes on for 30 seconds
when you press the electric parking
brake switch.

u

The parking brake must be applied to
start the engine.

2. Depress the brake pedal.

u

Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in

(

N with the parking brake is applied, it

is safer to start it in

(

P.

3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button

without depressing the accelerator pedal.

1

Starting the Engine

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.

The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner
air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).

When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.

If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. Consult a dealer for details.

If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.

Bring the keyless access remote close to the ENGINE
START/STOP button if the battery in the keyless
access remote is weak.

2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is

Weak P. 602

The engine may not start if the keyless access remote
is subjected to strong radio waves.

Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, set the power mode to
OFF and wait at least 30 seconds before trying again.

Electric Parking
Brake Switch

Brake Pedal

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When Driving

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Starting the Engine

412

Driving

You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.
1. Put the transmission into

(

P.

2. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

■

Stopping the Engine

1

Starting the Engine

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft. If an improperly coded device is used, the
engine’s fuel system is disabled.

2 Immobilizer System P. 173

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Continued

413

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When Driving

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Starting the Engine

Driving

You can remotely start the engine using the two-way keyless access remote from
extended distances.

■

To start the engine

The engine runs for up to 10 minutes without you starting the vehicle.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the

button, then press and hold the

button.

u

The amber LED blinks, then the green LED comes back on if a 10-minute
extension request was transmitted successfully.

After pressing the (lock) button, wait for the green LED to blink. This indicates that
the all the doors and the tailgate are locked.

■

Remote Engine Start

*

1

Remote Engine Start

*

The remote engine start may violate local laws.
Before using the remote engine start, check your
local laws.

If there are buildings and obstacles between your
vehicle and the remote, the range will be reduced.
This distance may vary by external electrical
interference.
The engine may not start by the remote engine start if:

•

You have disabled a remote engine start setting
using the multi-information display.

•

The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).

•

The transmission is in a position other than

(

P.

•

The hood is open, or any door or the tailgate is
unlocked.

•

You have already used the remote twice to start
the engine.

3

WARNING

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic and can
rapidly accumulate in closed or even partly
enclosed areas.

Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.

Never use the remote engine starter with
the vehicle parked in a garage or other
areas with limited ventilation.

Press the

button, then press and hold

the

button.

Amber LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.

Continues to blink
during a vehicle
self check until the
engine starts.

Go within the range,
and try again.

Green LED: Comes on while
the engine is running.

Red LED: Blinks when the
remote is out of the keyless
access system range.

* Not available on all models

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When Driving

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Starting the Engine

414

Driving

■

To stop the engine

Press and hold the

button

for one second.

Go within the range,
and try again.

Amber LED: Blinks when any
button is pressed.

Red LED:

●

Comes on for one second to let you
know that the engine has stopped.

●

Blinks when the remote is out of
the keyless access system range.
The engine will not stop.

1

Remote Engine Start

*

•

Another registered keyless access remote is in the
vehicle.

•

There is any antenna failure.

•

The door is unlocked with the built-in key.

•

The engine oil pressure is low.

•

The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.

•

The telematics unit malfunctions.

•

The security system alarm is not set.

Before starting the engine, make sure to check the
door lock status using the remote. When you press
the

button, wait for the green LED to blink. If

the red LED turns on, the doors and tailgate did not
lock, and the engine does not start.

While the engine is running, the vehicle will
automatically precondition inside the vehicle.
When it is warm outside:

•

The climate control system is activated in
recirculation mode.

•

The seat ventilation is activated

*

.

When it is cold outside:

•

The defroster is activated at a moderately warm
temperature.

•

The rear defogger and door mirror heaters are
activated.

•

The seat heaters and heated steering wheel

*

are

activated.

2 Heated Steering Wheel

*

P. 227

2 Front Seat Heaters and Ventilation

*

P. 228

* Not available on all models

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415

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When Driving

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Starting the Engine

Driving

1. Depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button

simultaneously.

2. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, put the transmission into

(

D. Select

(

R when reversing.

3. With the parking brake applied, release the brake pedal and gently depress the

accelerator pedal.

u

Make sure the Parking Brake and Brake System indicator (red) goes off.

2 Parking Brake P. 486
2 If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along with the Warning

Message P. 614

■

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from
rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

Put the transmission into

(

D or

(

S when facing uphill, or

(

R when facing downhill,

then release the brake pedal.

■

Starting to Drive

1

Starting to Drive

You can also release the parking brake by pulling the
electric parking brake switch while depressing the
brake pedal. When facing downhill, you can start
your vehicle more smoothly by instructionly releasing it
with the electric parking brake switch than by
releasing it with the accelerator pedal.

The engine stops when the transmission position is
changed from

(

P before the ENGINE START/STOP

button is pressed. Follow step 1 when starting to
drive.

When the engine was started using the two-way keyless
access remote

*

When the engine was started using the two-way keyless access remote

*

When the engine was started in any case

1

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and
will not operate on small inclines.

Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking
brake.

Hill start assist will operate even when VSA® is
switched off.

* Not available on all models

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416

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When Driving

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Precautions 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 you would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.

Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Acura accessory).

Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.

If there is a strong impact with something under 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

Precautions While Driving

NOTICE

Do not change the transmission 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 in 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 functions will stop, making it
difficult to control the vehicle.

Do not put the transmission into

(

N, as you will lose

engine braking (and acceleration) 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.

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. 32

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417

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When Driving

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Automatic Transmission

Driving

Automatic Transmission

The engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.

Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.

■

Creeping

■

Kickdown

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418

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When Driving

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Shifting

Driving

Shifting

Change the gear position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift button positions

1

Shifting

To prevent malfunction and unintended
engagement:

•

Do not spill any liquids on or around shift buttons.

•

Do not place or drop any objects on or around shift
buttons.

•

Do not let passengers or children operate the shift
buttons.

The beeper sounds and the message appears on the
multi-information display when you depress the
accelerator pedal with the gear position in

(

N.

Change the gear position to

(

D or

(

R with the brake

pedal depressed.

When shifting gears in extremely low temperatures
(−22°F/−30°C), there may be a short delay before the
shift is indicated in the display. Always confirm you
are in the correct gear before driving.

3

WARNING

The vehicle can roll away if left unattended
without confirming that Park is engaged.

A vehicle that rolls away could cause a crash
resulting in serious injury or death.

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal
until you have confirmed that

(

P

is shown

on the gear position Indicator.

Reverse
Used when reversing

Park
Used when parking, before turning off or
starting the engine

Neutral
Transmission is not locked

Drive/S Position
Each time you press the

button, the

mode switches between Drive and S Position
mode.
Used for:

●

Normal driving (gears change between
1st and 10th automatically)

●

Temporarily driving in the sequential
mode

●

Automatically changing gears between
1st and 8th (8th gear is used only at high
speed)

●

Driving in the sequential mode

D/S

Drive

S Position

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419

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When Driving

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Shifting

Continued

Driving

■

(

P (parking) button

The gear position changes to

(

P when you

press the

(

P button while the vehicle is

parked with the power mode in ON.
The indicators on the sides of the

(

P button

come on.

(

P Button

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When Driving

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Shifting

420

Driving

■

Shift Operation

1

Shift Operation

NOTICE

When you change

(

D to

(

R and vice versa, come to

a complete stop and keep the brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift button before the vehicle has
come to a complete standstill can damage the
transmission.

Use the gear position indicator and the shift button
indicator to check the gear position before selecting
a shift button.

If the indicator of the currently selected gear position,
or all the gear position indicators are blinking
simultaneously, there is a problem with the
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tachometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a
slight jolt.

When the engine speed is increased while the
transmission is in

(

N,

(

P or

(

R, the fuel supply may

be cut off even without the engine speed entering
the tachometer’s red zone.

The beeper sounds once when you change to

(

R.

Gear Position Indicator

Tachometer’s red zone

Press the

(

P button.

Pull back the

(

R button.

Press the

(

N button.

Shift Button
Indicator

M (sequential mode)
Indicator

Sequential Mode Gear
Selection Indicator

Press the

button.

Each time you press the button,
the mode switches between
Drive and S Position mode.

D/S

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