Acura RDX 2013 User Manual

Online Reference Owner's Manual

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Index

2013 RDX

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 model 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 included 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.

Navigation Key

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Quick Reference Guide

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Chapter Table of Contents

Index

Book Table of Contents

2 Safe Driving P. 23

For Safe Driving P. 24 Seat Belts P. 29 Airbags P. 37

2 Instrument Panel P. 67

Indicators P. 68 Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 82

2 Controls P. 95

Setting the Clock P. 96 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 97 Opening and Closing the Moonroof P. 118 Adjusting the Seats P. 136

2 Features P. 157

Audio System P. 158 Audio System Basic Operation P. 161 HomeLink® Universal Transceiver P. 194

2 Driving P. 227

Before Driving P. 228 Towing a Trailer P. 233 Parking Your Vehicle P. 261

2 Maintenance P. 267

Before Performing Maintenance P. 268 Maintenance MinderTM P. 271 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 297 Climate Control System Maintenance P. 312 Cleaning P. 313

2 Handling the Unexpected P. 317

Tools P. 318 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 319 Overheating P. 331 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 333

2 Information P. 343

Specifications P. 344 Identification Numbers P. 346 Emissions Testing P. 349 Warranty Coverages P. 351

Multi-View Rear Camera P. 262

Child Safety P. 52 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 64 Safety Labels P. 65

Contents

2013 RDX

Quick Reference Guide

P. 2

Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 107 Security System P. 113 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 115 Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 119 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 133 Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 143 Climate Control System P. 152

Audio Error Messages P. 187 General Information on the Audio System P. 190 Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® P. 196 Compass

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 238 When Driving P. 240 Braking P. 257 Refueling P. 263 Fuel Economy P. 265 Accessories and Modifications P. 266

Maintenance Under the Hood P. 275 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 287 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 301 Battery P. 310 Remote Transmitter Care P. 311

Engine Does Not Start P. 325 Jump Starting P. 328 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 330 Fuses P. 337 Emergency Towing P. 340

Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 347 Reporting Safety Defects P. 348 Authorized Manuals P. 353 Client Service Information P. 354

P. 225

When You Cannot Open the Tailgate P. 341

Safe Driving

Instrument Panel

Controls

Features

Driving

Maintenance

Handling the Unexpected

Information

Index

P. 23

P. 67

P. 95

P. 157

P. 227

P. 267

P. 317

P. 343

P. 355

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

Quick Reference Guide

❙ Steering Wheel Adjustments

(P 132)

❙ (Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)

System OFF) Button

(P 252)

❙ System Indicators (P 68) ❙ Gauges (P 82) ❙ Multi-Information Display (P 83)

❙ Audio/Information Screen

❙ Hazard Warning Button

❙ Audio System (P 158) ❙ Navigation System

() See Navigation System Manual

❙ Climate Control System (P 152)

❙ Rear Window Defogger (P 129) ❙ Heated Mirror Button (P 129)

❙ ENGINE START/STOP Button (P 119)

Visual Index

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Index

* Not available on all models

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

❙ Headlights/Turn Signals (P 122)

❙ Fog Lights

(P 125)

❙ (SEL/RESET) Knob (P 128) ❙ Brightness Control (P 128)

❙ Wipers/Washers (P 126)

❙ Cruise Control Buttons (P 248)

❙ Navigation System Voice Control Buttons

() See Navigation System Manual

❙ Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® System

Voice Control Buttons

(P 196)

❙ MODE Button (P165)

❙ CH (Channel) Buttons (P165)

❙ VOL (Volume) Buttons (P165)

❙ Horn (Press an area around .)

* Not available on all models

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Index

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

❙ Power Door Lock Master Switch (P 105)

❙ Power Window Switches (P 115)

❙ Rearview Mirror (P 133)

❙ Parking Brake (P 257)

❙ Hood Release Handle (P 276)

❙ Shift Lever Automatic

Transmission

(P 243)

❙ Driver's Front Airbag (P 40)

❙ Door Mirror Controls (P 134)

❙ Passenger's Front Airbag

(P 40)

❙ Fuel Fill Door Release Handle (P 264)

❙ Glove Box (P 145)

❙ Accessory Power Socket

(P 148)

❙ Seat Heater Switches (P 151)

❙ Interior Fuse Box (P 338)

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❙ Cargo Area Light (P 144) ❙ Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor (P 34)

❙ Seat Belt (Installing a Child Seat) (P 59) ❙ Seat Belt to Secure a Child Seat (P 60)

❙ Side Curtain Airbags (P 47) ❙ Ceiling Light (P 143) ❙ Seat Belts (P 29)

❙ Moonroof Switch (P 118) ❙ Map Lights (P 143) ❙ Sunglasses Holder (P 150)

❙ Sun Visors ❙ Vanity Mirrors

❙ USB Adapter Cable (P 159) ❙ Auxiliary Input Jack (P 159)

❙ Front Seat (P 136) ❙ Side Airbags (P 44)

❙ Coat Hook (P 149) ❙ Grab Handle

❙ Rear Seat (P 141) ❙ LATCH to Secure a Child Seat (P 57)

❙ Accessory Power Socket (P 148)

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❙ Windshield Wipers (P 126)

❙ Door Lock/Unlock Control (P 99)

❙ How to Refuel (P 264) ❙ High-Mount Brake Light (P 296)

❙ Opening/Closing the Tailgate

(P 107)

❙ Rear Wiper (P 127)

❙ Back-Up Lights (P 294)

❙ Brake/Taillights (P 292)

❙ Rear Turn Signal Lights (P 292) ❙ Rear Side Marker Lights (P 292)

❙ Power Door Mirrors (P 134)

❙ Maintenance Under the Hood (P 275)

❙ Fog Lights

(P 125)

❙ Multi-View Rear Camera (P 262)

❙ Front Turn Signal/Parking Lights (P 122) ❙ Side Marker Lights (P 122) ❙ Tires (P 301)

❙ Headlights (P 122)

❙ Tailgate Release Button (P 108)

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Visual Index

Index

(P 297)

(P 287)

(P 291)

(P 319)

(P 289)

(P 291)

(P 299)

* Not available on all models

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Safe Driving (P 23)

Airbags (P 37)

● Your vehicle is fitted with airbags to help protect you and your passengers during a moderate-to-severe collision.

Child Safety (P 52)

● All children 12 and younger should be seated in the rear seat.

● Smaller children should be properly restrained in a forward-facing child seat.

● Infants must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child seat.

Exhaust Gas Hazard (P 64)

● Your vehicle emits dangerous exhaust gases that contain carbon monoxide. Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can accumulate.

Before Driving Checklist (P 28)

● Before driving, check that the front seats, head restraints, steering wheel, and mirrors have been properly adjusted.

Seat Belts (P 29)

● Fasten your seat belt and sit upright well back in the seat.

● Check that your passengers are wearing their seat belts correctly.

Fasten your lap belt as low as possible.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

Instrument Panel (P 67)

System Indicators

Tachometer

Speedometer

Fuel Gauge

Security System Alarm Indicator

Shift Lever Position Indicator

Gauges (P 82)/Multi-Information Display (P 83)/ System Indicators

(P 68)

Temperature Gauge

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Malfunction

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Indicator Lamp

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Charging System Indicator

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) System Indicator

VSA® OFF Indicator

Door and Tailgate Open Indicator

Immobilizer System Indicator

Parking Brake and

U.S.

Brake System Indicator (Red)

Canada

Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS Indicator

Keyless Access System Indicator

Lights Reminders

Lights On Indicator

High Beam Indicator

Fog Light Indicator

System Indicators

AWD (All-Wheel

Drive) with Intelligent Control System Indicator

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator

Side Airbag Off

U.S.

Indicator

Canada

CRUISE MAIN Indicator

CRUISE CONTROL Indicator

System Message Indicator

Brake System

U.S.

Indicator (Amber)

Canada

* Not available on all models

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

Controls (P 95)

Models without navigation system

Models with navigation system

Turn Signal Control Lever

Right

Left

Light Control Switches

Low Beam

High Beam

Flashing

Wiper/Washer Control Lever

Adjustment Ring

: Long Delay : Short Delay

MIST OFF INT: Low speed with intermittent LO: Low speed wipe HI: High speed wipe

Pull toward you to spray washer fluid.

Clock (P 96)

ENGINE START/STOP Button

(P 119)

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Lights (P 122)

a Press and hold the CLOCK (AUX)

button until Adjust Clock appears.

b Press Preset (4 (Hour) or (5 (Minute)

to set the time.

c Press the CLOCK button again to set

the time.

To set the time to the nearest hour: Press and hold the CLOCK button until Adjust Clock appears, then press the button.

Depending on the displayed time, the clock sets forward or backward. Example: 1:06 will reset to 1:00 1:53 will reset to 2:00

The navigation system receives signals from GPS satellites, updating the clock automatically.

(6 (Reset)

Press the button to changes the vehicle's power mode.

Turn Signals (P 122)

Wipers and Washers

(P 126)

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Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

Steering Wheel (P 132)

Models with the power tailgate

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● To adjust, pull the adjustment lever towards you, adjust to the desired position, then lock the lever back in place.

Unlocking the Front Doors from the Inside

● Pull either front door inner handle to unlock and open it at the same time.

(P 104)

Tailgate (P 107)

● With all the doors unlocked, press the tailgate release button and lift open the tailgate.

● Touch the tailgate release button to unlock and open the tailgate.

● Press the power tailgate button on the instrument panel or the remote transmitter to open and close the power tailgate.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

Power Door Mirrors (P 134)

Selector Switch

Adjustment Switch

Power Window Lock Button

Window Switch

Indicator

● With the power mode in ON, move the

● Push the appropriate edge of the

● Place the selector switch in the L or R

selector switch to L or R.

adjustment switch to adjust the mirror.

position to use the reverse tilt door mirror feature.

Power Windows (P 115)

● With the power mode in ON, open and close the power windows.

● If the power window lock button is in the off position, each passenger's window can be opened and closed with its own switch.

● If the power window lock button is in the on position (indicator on), each passenger's window switch is disabled.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

Climate Control System (P 152)

Models with navigation system

Driver's Side Temperature Control Dial

/ (Fan Control) Buttons

(Windshield Defroster) Button

A/C (Air Conditioning) Button

Air flows from floor and windshield defroster vents.

Air flows from floor vents.

Air flows from floor and dashboard vents.

Air flows from dashboard vents.

SYNC (Synchronized) Button

(Recirculation) Button

AUTO Button

Passenger's Side Temperature Control Dial

(Rear Window Defogger/Heated Mirror) Button

MODE Control Button

(On/Off) Button

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● Press the AUTO button to activate the climate control system.

● Press the button to turn the system on or off.

● Press the button to defrost the windshield.

The climate control system is voice operable. See the navigation system manual for complete details.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

Features (P 157)

Audio/Information Screen

SCAN Button

CATEGORY Bar

Selector Knob

BACK Button

VOL/ (Power/volume)

Knob

CD Button

AUX Button

CD Slot

(CD Eject)

Button

Preset Buttons (1-6)

SETUP Button

SKIP Bar

PHONE Button

Button

FM/AM Button

A.SEL Button

DISPLAY Button

MODE Button

CH (Channel) Buttons

VOL (Volume) Buttons

Audio System (P 158)

For navigation system operation () See Navigation System Manual

● Audio Remote Controls (P 165)

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● VOL (Volume) Button Press and release to adjust the volume up/ down.

● MODE Button Press and release to change the audio mode: FM1/FM2/AM/CD/XM1/XM2/AUX.

● CH (Channel) Button Radio:Press and release to change the

preset station. Press and hold to select the next or previous strong station.

CD/USB device:

Press and release to skip to the beginning of the next song or return to the beginning of the current song. Press and hold to change a folder.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

Driving (P 227)

Release Button

Shift Lever

Depress the brake pedal and press the release button to move out of

(P.

Move the shift lever without pressing the release button.

Press the release button to move the shift lever.

● Shifting

Park

Turn off or start the engine. Transmission is locked.

Reverse

Neutral

Transmission is not locked.

Drive

Normal driving. D-paddle shift mode can be used.

S Position

Sequential shift mode can be used.

Paddle Shifters (P 246)

M Indicator

Shift Down (-) Paddle Shifter

Shift Up (+) Paddle Shifter

● Paddle shifters allow you to shift gears much like a manual transmission (1st through 6th). This is useful for engine braking.

● D-paddle shift mode: The transmission will shift back to automatic mode once the system detects that the vehicle is cruising.

● Sequential shift mode: Holds the selected gear, and the M indicator comes on.

Selected Gear Number

Automatic Transmission (P 244)

● Shift to

(P and depress the brake pedal when

starting the engine.

Gear Position Indicator

● The selected gear position is shown in the instrument panel.

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VSA® OFF Button (P 252)

● The vehicle stability assist (VSA®) system helps stabilize the vehicle during cornering, and helps maintain traction while accelerating on loose or slippery road surfaces.

● VSA® comes on automatically every time you start the engine.

● To turn VSA® on or off, press and hold the button until you hear a beep.

Cruise Control

● Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.

● To use cruise control, press the CRUISE button, then press the DECEL/SET button once you have achieved the desired speed (above 25 mph or 40 km/h).

(P 248)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

● TPMS monitors tire pressure.

● TPMS is turned on automatically every

time you start the engine.

(P 253)

Refueling (P 263)

Fuel recommendation: Unleaded premium gasoline with a pump octane

number 91 or higher recommended

Fuel tank capacity: 16 US gal (60 L)

a Pull the fuel fill door

release handle.

b Turn the fuel fill cap

slowly to remove the cap.

c Place the cap in the

holder on the fuel fill door.

d After refueling, screw

the cap back on until it clicks at least once.

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Maintenance (P 267)

Under the Hood (P 275)

● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Add when necessary.

● Check brake fluid.

● Check the battery condition monthly.

a Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the

dashboard.

b Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up

the hood.

c When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly

locked in place.

Lights (P 287)

● Inspect all lights regularly.

Wiper Blades (P 297)

● Replace blades if they leave streaks across the windshield.

Tires (P 301)

● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.

● Check tire pressures regularly.

● Install snow tires for winter

driving.

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Handling the Unexpected (P 317)

Flat Tire (P 319)

● Park in a safe location and replace the flat tire with the compact spare tire in the cargo area.

Engine Won't Start (P 325)

● If the battery is dead, jump start using a booster battery.

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Overheating (P 331)

● Park in a safe location. If you do not see steam under the hood, open the hood, and let the engine cool down.

Indicators Come On (P 333)

● Identify the indicator and consult the owner's manual.

Blown Fuse (P 337)

● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical device does not operate.

Emergency Towing (P 340)

● Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

What to Do If

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The power mode does not change from VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) to ACCESSORY. Why?

●

The steering wheel may be locked.

●

Move the steering wheel left and right after pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.

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The power mode does not change from ACCESSORY to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK). Why?

Why does the brake pedal pulsate slightly when applying the brakes?

The shift lever should be moved to (P.

This can occur when the ABS activates, and does not indicate a problem. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Never pump the brake pedal.

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

The rear door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle. Why?

Check if the childproof lock is in the lock position. If so, open the rear door with the outside door handle. To cancel this function, push the lever to the unlock position.

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Why do the doors lock after I unlocked the doors using a remote transmitter?

Why does the beeper sound when I open the driver's door?

Why does the beeper sound when I start driving?

If you do not open the doors within 30 seconds, the doors are relocked automatically for security.

The beeper sounds when:

●

The exterior lights are left on.

●

The power mode is in ACCESSORY.

The beeper sounds when:

●

Driver and/or front passenger are not wearing their seat belts.

●

The parking brake lever is not fully released.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

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Why do I hear a screeching sound when I apply the brake pedal?

The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle

inspected by a dealer.

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Is it possible to use unleaded gasoline with a Pump Octane Number (PON) of 87 or higher on this vehicle?

Unleaded gasoline with a Pump Octane Number (PON) of 91 or

higher is recommended. Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic

knocking noise in the engine and will result in decreased engine

performance. Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.

California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: This product contains or emits

chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

NOTICE

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

Event Data Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR).

The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related

to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were

buckled/fastened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,

• How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

The data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.

Service Diagnostic Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.

California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act

The airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR type batteries in this vehicle may contain perchlorate materials - special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/

As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by a symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

A Few Words About Safety

3DANGER

3WARNING

3CAUTION

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Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.

You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:

● Safety Labels - on the vehicle.

● Safety Messages - preceded by a safety alert symbol

one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.

● Safety Headings - such as Important Safety Precautions.

● Safety Section - such as Safe Driving.

● Instructions - how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information - please read it carefully.

3 and

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Safe Driving

2013 RDX

You can find many safety recommendations throughout this chapter, and throughout this manual.

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For Safe Driving

Important Safety Precautions ............. 24

Important Handling Information......... 26

Your Vehicle's Safety Features............ 27

Seat Belts

About Your Seat Belts........................ 29

Fastening a Seat Belt.......................... 32

Seat Belt Inspection............................ 36

Airbags

Airbag System Components............... 37

Types of Airbags ................................ 40

Front Airbags (SRS) ............................ 40

Side Airbags ...................................... 44

Side Curtain Airbags .......................... 47

Airbag System Indicators.................... 48

Airbag Care ....................................... 51

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers ............... 52

Safety of Infants and Small Children.......54

Safety of Larger Children ................... 62

Exhaust Gas Hazard

Carbon Monoxide Gas....................... 64

Safety Labels

Label Locations .................................. 65

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Safe Driving

For Safe Driving

1Important Safety Precautions

Some states, provinces and territories prohibit the use of cell phones other than hands-free devices by the driver while driving.

2013 RDX

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The following pages explain your vehicle's safety features and how to use them

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properly. The safety precautions below are ones that we consider to be among the most important.

Important Safety Precautions

■ Always wear your seat belt

A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly.

■ Restrain all children

Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster seat and a lap/shoulder seat belt until they can use the belt properly without a booster seat.

■ Be aware of airbag hazards

While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.

■ Don't drink and drive

Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either.

Safe Driving

■ Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely

2013 RDX

Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying close attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash. Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to divert some attention away from driving.

■ Control your speed

Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.

■ Keep your vehicle in safe condition

Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.

uuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Safety Precautions

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uuFor Safe Driving u Important Handling Information

Safe Driving

1Important Handling Information

For information on how to reduce the risk of rollover, read:

2 Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

P. 242

2 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 238

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

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Important Handling Information

Your vehicle has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway

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driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.

These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a higher center gravity making it more susceptible to tripping or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.

Index

uuFor Safe DrivinguYour Vehicle's Safety Features

Safe Driving

1Your Vehicle's Safety Features

Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to help protect you and your passengers during a crash.

Some features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment, front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column, and tensioners that tighten the front seat belts in a sufficient crash.

However, you and your passengers cannot take full advantage of these features unless you remain seated in the correct position and always wear your seat belts. In fact, some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly.

a Safety Cage b Crush Zones c Seats and Seat-Backs d Head Restraints e Collapsible Steering Column f Seat Belts g Front Airbags h Side Airbags i Side Curtain Airbags j Door Locks k Seat Belt Tensioners l Occupant Position Detection

abb

hdc

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Your Vehicle's Safety Features

The following checklist will help you take an active role in protecting yourself and your passengers.

Continued

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uuFor Safe Driving u Your Vehicle's Safety Features

Safe Driving

1Safety Checklist

If the door and/or the tailgate open indicator is on, a door and/or the tailgate is not completely closed. Close all doors and the tailgate tightly until the indicator goes off.

2 Door and Tailgate Open Indicator P. 73

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Safety Checklist

■

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For the safety of you and your passengers, make a habit of checking these items each time before you drive.

• After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure all doors and the tailgate are closed and locked. Locking the doors and the tailgate helps prevent an occupant from being ejected and an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door or the tailgate.

2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 104

• Adjust your seat to a position suitable for driving. Be sure the front seats are adjusted as far to the rear as possible while allowing the driver to control the vehicle. Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious or fatal injury in a crash.

2 Adjusting the Seats P. 136

• Adjust head restraints to the proper position. Head restraints are most effective when the center of the head restraint aligns with the center of your head. Taller persons should adjust their head restraint to the highest position.

2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 138

• Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Confirm that any passengers are properly belted as well.

2 Fastening a Seat Belt P. 32

Index

• Protect children by using seat belts or child seats according to a child's age, height and weight.

2 Child Safety P. 52

Safe Driving

Seat Belts

1About Your Seat Belts

Seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury.

Most states and all Canadian provinces and territories require you to wear seat belts.

WARNING

Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.

Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly.

2013 RDX

About Your Seat Belts

Seat belts are the single most effective safety device because they keep you connected to the vehicle so that you can take advantage of many built-in safety features. They also help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle, against other passengers, or out of the vehicle. When worn properly, seat belts also keep your body properly positioned in a crash so that you can take full advantage of the additional protection provided by the airbags.

In addition, seat belts help protect you in almost every type of crash, including:

- frontal impacts

- side impacts

- rear impacts

- rollovers

■ Lap/shoulder seat belts

All five seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with emergency locking retractors. In normal driving the retractor lets you move freely while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop the retractor locks to restrain your body. The rear seat belts also have a lockable retractor for use with child seats.

2 Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt P. 59

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Index

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