Acura RDX (2021 year). Manual in english — page 36

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Battery

Checking the Battery

The condition of the battery is monitored by a
sensor located on the negative terminal of the
battery. If there is a problem with this sensor,
the multi-information display will display a
warning message. If this happens, have your
vehicle inspected by a dealer.

Check the battery terminals for corrosion
monthly.

If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:

•

The audio system is disabled.

2

Audio System Theft Protection

P. 246

•

The clock resets.

2

Clock

P. 148

•

The immobilizer system needs to be reset.

2

Immobilizer System Indicator

P. 92

1

Battery

WARNING:

Battery post, terminals,

and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.

Wash your hands after handling.

When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean the terminals with a damp towel. Cloth/towel
dry the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.

When replacing the battery, the replacement must be
of the same specifications.
Consult a dealer for more information.

3

WARNING

The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.

A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.

When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.

Battery

Canadian models only

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Battery

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Charging the AGM Battery

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Charging the AGM Battery

AGM labeled batteries like those installed in your vehicle require a compatible
charger to be properly charged. Damage to the battery can result if the battery is
charged improperly or with the wrong equipment. For more information on how to
charge your vehicle’s AGM battery, consult a dealer.

1

Battery

The battery installed in this vehicle is specifically
designed for a model with Auto Idle Stop.
Using a battery other than this specified type may
shorten the battery life, and prevent Auto Idle Stop
from activating. If you need to replace the battery,
make sure to select the specified type. Ask a dealer
for more details.

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Remote Transmitter Care

Replacing the Button Battery

If the indicator does not come on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.

1.

Remove the built-in key.

2.

Remove the upper half of the cover by
carefully prying on the edge with a coin.

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Remove carefully to avoid losing the
buttons.

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Wrap a coin with a cloth to prevent
scratching the transmitter.

3.

Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.

1

Replacing the Button Battery

NOTICE

An improperly disposed of battery can damage the
environment. Always confirm local regulations for
battery disposal.

Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.

3

WARNING

CHEMICAL BURN HAZARD
The battery that powers the remote
transmitter can cause severe internal burns
and can even lead to death if swallowed.
Keep new and used batteries away from
children.
If you suspect that a child has swallowed
the battery, seek medical attention
immediately.

Models without two-way keyless access remote

Battery type: CR2032

Battery

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Remote Transmitter Care

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Replacing the Button Battery

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If the indicator does not come on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.

1.

Remove the built-in key.

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As a convenience, lightly place masking
tape over the remote buttons to hold
them in place.

2.

Remove the upper half of the cover by
carefully prying on the edge with a coin.

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Wrap a coin with a cloth to prevent
scratching the transmitter.

3.

Press down on the center of the assembly
and remove the battery.

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When removing the button battery, be
careful not to touch parts around it.

4.

Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.

Models with two-way keyless access remote

1

Replacing the Button Battery

NOTICE

The Remote transmitter is equipped with two
batteries: A standard replaceable CR2032 coin
button battery and an integral non-replaceable
rechargeable battery. To prevent permanent damage
to the rechargeable battery, replace the CR2032
battery every three to four years.

Models with two-way keyless access remote

Battery type: CR2032

Battery

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Climate Control System Maintenance

Air Conditioning

To ensure proper and safe operation, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE
J2845) recommends that the refrigerant system only be serviced by trained and
certified technicians.

Never repair or replace the air conditioning evaporator (cooling coil) with one
removed from a used or salvaged vehicle.

New replacement mobile air conditioning evaporators must be certified (and
labeled) as meeting SAE Standard J2842.

1

Climate Control System Maintenance

NOTICE

Vented refrigerant is harmful to the environment.
To avoid refrigerant from venting, never replace the
evaporator with one removed from a used or
salvaged vehicle.

Refrigerant in your vehicle’s air conditioning system is
flammable and can be ignited during servicing if
proper procedures are not followed.

The air conditioner label is found under the hood:

2

Safety Labels

P. 76

2

Specifications

P. 640

Canadian models

: Caution

: Flammable
Refrigerant

: Requires Registered
Technician to Service

: Air Conditioning
System

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Climate Control System Maintenance

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Dust and Pollen Filter

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Dust and Pollen Filter

The climate control system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance Minder

TM

messages will let

you know when to replace the filter.

We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.

1

Dust and Pollen Filter

If the airflow from the climate control system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.

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Cleaning

Interior Care

Use a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove dirt.
Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.

Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat belts.
Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of the seat belt anchors using a clean cloth.

■

Cleaning Seat Belts

1

Interior Care

Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle.
Electrical devices and systems may malfunction if
liquids are splashed on them.

Do not use silicone based sprays on electrical devices
such as audio devices and switches. Doing so may
cause the items to malfunction or cause a fire inside
the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on
electrical devices, consult a dealer.

Depending on their composition, chemicals and
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles,
and cracking to resin-based parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such as
benzene or gasoline.

After using chemicals, make sure to gently wipe them
away using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.

Opening

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Interior Care

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Wipe using a glass cleaner.

The front floor mats hook over floor anchors,
which keep them from sliding forward. To
remove a mat for cleaning, turn the anchor
knobs to the unlock position. When
reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn the
knobs to the lock position.

Do not put additional floor mats on top of
the anchored mats.

To properly clean leather:

1.

Use a vacuum or soft dry cloth first to remove any dirt or dust.

2.

Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened with a solution comprised of 90%
water and 10% neutral soap.

3.

Wipe away any soap residue with a clean damp cloth.

4.

Wipe away residual water and allow leather to air dry in the shade.

■

Cleaning the Window

■

Floor Mats

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Cleaning the Window

Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.

Be careful not to spill fluids, such as water or glass
cleaner, on or around the cover of both the front
sensor camera and the rainfall/light sensor

*

.

2

Automatic Operation (automatic lighting
control)

P. 191

2

Automatic Intermittent Wipers

*

P. 198

2

Front Sensor Camera

P. 495

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Floor Mats

If you use any floor mats that were not originally
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are
designed for your specific vehicle, fit correctly, and
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat floor mat properly. If they are
not properly positioned, the floor mat can interfere
with the front seat functions.

Lock

Unlock

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Maintaining Genuine Leather

1

Maintaining Genuine Leather

It is important to clean or wipe away dirt or dust as
soon as possible. Spills can soak into leather resulting
in stains. Dirt or dust can cause abrasions in the
leather. In addition, please note that some dark
colored clothing can rub onto the leather seats
resulting in discoloration or stains.

* Not available on all models

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Cleaning

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Exterior Care

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Exterior Care

Dust off the vehicle body after you drive. Regularly inspect your vehicle for scratches
on painted surfaces. A scratch on a painted surface can result in body rust. If you
find a scratch, promptly repair it.

Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following
conditions:

•

If driving on roads with road salt.

•

If driving in coastal areas.

•

If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.

■

Washing the Vehicle

1

Washing the Vehicle

Do not spray water into the air intake vents. It can
cause a malfunction.

Do not spray water onto the fuel fill door directly. A
high-pressure spray may cause it to open.

Do not spray water onto the capless unit when the
fuel fill door is open. It can cause damage to the fuel
system or engine.

If you need to lift the wiper arms away from the
windshield, first set the wiper arms to the
maintenance position.

2

Changing the Front Wiper Blade Rubber

P. 561

Air Intake Vents

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Cleaning

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Exterior Care

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Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the automated car wash.

•

Fold in the door mirrors.

•

For models equipped with automatic intermittent wipers, turn the wipers off.

•

Do not use an automated car wash.

•

Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body.

•

Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water to
enter the vehicle interior.

•

Do not spray high pressure water directly into the engine compartment. Instead,
use low pressure water and a mild detergent.

■

Using an Automated Car Wash

■

Using High Pressure Cleaners

1

Using an Automated Car Wash

When using an automated car wash that pulls the
vehicle through with a conveyor, make sure vehicle is
in car wash mode.

2

If you want to keep the transmission in

(

N

position [car wash mode]

P. 430

NOTICE

Never run the vehicle through a conveyor-style car
wash or use any type of motorized cleaning device.
Doing so could damage the vehicle and the paint.

Always wash the vehicle by hand with a mild car
wash detergent and plenty of water.

Models with PMC emblem on the console

Models with PMC emblem on the console

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Cleaning

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Exterior Care

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A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.

Your vehicle’s paint requires up to 60 days from the production date to fully cure.
During this time, avoid applying any wax or paint sealant-type products, as they
could inhibit the curing process and affect the paint’s durability.

You may polish the paint during these 60 days if the polish does not contain any wax
or paint sealant ingredients. Use only clean, high-quality microfiber towels or pads,
as they are a softer material with less chance of scratching the finish. It is absolutely
necessary to keep the microfiber towels or pads properly cleaned and maintained
before using on your vehicle.

If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.

Wipe using a glass cleaner.

■

Applying Wax

■

Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts

■

Cleaning the Window

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Applying Wax

NOTICE

Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe
away spills immediately.

Models with PMC emblem on the console

1

Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts

Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts
made of resin.

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Cleaning

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Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. When necessary, as early as possible use a sponge and mild detergent
to wipe away these contaminants. Do not use a stiff brush or harsh chemicals
(including some commercial wheel cleaners). These can damage the protective finish
on aluminum alloy wheels, resulting in corrosion. Depending on the type of finish,
the wheels also may lose their luster or appear burnished. To avoid water stains,
wipe the wheels dry with a cloth while they are still wet.

The inside lenses of exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, etc.) may fog temporarily
if you have driven in the rain, or after the vehicle has been run through a car wash.
Dew condensation also may build up inside the lenses when there is a significant
enough difference between the ambient and inside lens temperatures (similar to
vehicle windows fogging up in rainy conditions). These conditions are natural
processes, not structural design problems in the exterior lights.
Lens design characteristics may result in moisture developing on the light lens frame
surfaces. This also is not a malfunction.
However, if you see large amounts of water accumulation, or large water drops
building up inside the lenses, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

■

Maintaining Aluminum Wheels

■

Fogged Exterior Light Lenses

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Accessories and Modifications

Accessories

When installing accessories, check the following:

•

Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and
delay your reaction to driving conditions.

•

Do not install any accessories over areas marked SRS Airbag, on the sides or backs
of the front seats, on front or side pillars, or near the side windows.
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
vehicle’s airbags or may be propelled into you or another occupant if the airbags
deploy.

•

Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle.

2

Fuses

P. 627

•

Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.

•

It is recommended to use genuine Acura roof bicycle racks for carrying bicycles.
Do not install load-carrying (strap-type) accessory racks to the tailgate, as they
may interfere with normal operation, which may result in damage to the tailgate.

1

Accessories and Modifications

Acura Genuine accessories are recommended to
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.

3

WARNING

Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a crash in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

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Modifications

Do not modify your vehicle in a manner that may affect its handling, stability, or
reliability, or install non-genuine Acura parts or accessories that may have a similar
effect.

Even minor modifications to vehicle systems can affect overall vehicle performance.
Always make sure all equipment is properly installed and maintained, and do not
make any modification to your vehicle or its systems that might cause your vehicle
to no longer meet federal, state, province, territory, and local regulations.

The on-board diagnostic port (OBD-II/SAE J1962 connector) installed on this vehicle
is intended to be used with automobile system diagnostic devices or with other
devices that Acura has approved. Use of any other type of device may adversely
affect the vehicle's electronic systems or allow them to be compromised, possibly
resulting in a system malfunction, drained battery, or other unexpected problems.

Do not modify or attempt to repair any of the electrical components.

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Handling the Unexpected

This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.

Tools

Types of Tools . . . . . . . . .. 590

If a Tire Goes Flat

Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . 591

Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire. ... 599

Engine Does Not Start

Checking the Engine . . . . . . 613
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is

Weak . . . . . . . . . . . . 614

Emergency Engine Stop . . . . ... 615

If the Battery Is Dead

. . . . . ... 616

Vehicles with a compact spare tire

Vehicles with temporary tire repair kit

Overheating

How to Handle Overheating. . . . 618

Indicator, Coming On/Blinking

If the Low Oil Pressure Warning Appears ...620
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On ..621

If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes

On or Blinks . . . . . . . . ... 621

If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes

On or Blinks . . . . . . . . . ... 622

If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System

Indicator Comes On . . . . . . ... 623

If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On

or Blinks at the Same Time When the Brake
System Indicator (Amber) Comes On . .624

If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator

Comes On or Blinks . . . . . ... 625

If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks

along with the Warning Message . 626

Fuses

Fuse Locations . . . . . . . . . 627
Inspecting and Changing Fuses. . 633

Emergency Towing

. . . . . . ... 634

If You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door

.. 635

If You Cannot Open the Tailgate

. 636

Refueling

. . . . . . . . . . ... 637

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Tools

Types of Tools

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Types of Tools

The tools are stored in the cargo area.

Wheel Nut Wrench/

Jack Handle

Jack

Jack Handle Bar

Vehicles with a compact spare tire

Vehicles with temporary tire repair kit

Funnel

Funnel