Acura RDX 2013 User Manual

Contents

31TX4601A
© 2012 American Honda Motor Co., Inc - All Rights Reserved

Online Reference Owner's Manual

QRG

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

QRG

Quick Reference Guide

TOC

Chapter Table of Contents

Index

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

QRG

Index

2

* 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

QRG

Index

3

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)

QRG

Index

4

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

❙ 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)

❙ Accessory Power Socket (P 148)

QRG

Index

5

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

❙ 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)

QRG

Visual Index

Index

6

(P 297)

(P 287)

(P 291)

(P 319)

(P 289)

(P 291)

(P 299)

* Not available on all models

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

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.

QRG

Index

7

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

QRG

Malfunction

Index

8

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)

QRG

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)

Index

9

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

Steering Wheel (P 132)

Models with the power tailgate

QRG

● 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.

Index

10

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.

QRG

Index

11

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

QRG

● 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.

Index

12

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)

QRG

● 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.

Index

13

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.

QRG

Index

14

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

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.

QRG

Index

15

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

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.

QRG

Index

16

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

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.

QRG

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.

Index

17

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

What to Do If

QRG

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.

Index

18

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.

QRG

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.

Index

19

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

QRG

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.

Index

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.

20

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.

QRG

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.

Index

21

Quick Reference Guide - 2013 RDX

A Few Words About Safety

3DANGER

3WARNING

3CAUTION

QRG

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

Index

22

Safe Driving

2013 RDX

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

QRG

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

Index

23

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

QRG

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

TOC

Index

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.

24

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

QRG

TOC

Index

25

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.

2013 RDX

QRG

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

TOC

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

26

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

e

f

il

j

k

g

hdc

g

j

h

i

2013 RDX

Your Vehicle's Safety Features

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

Continued

QRG

TOC

Index

27

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

2013 RDX

QRG

Safety Checklist

■

TOC

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

28

• 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.

3

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

QRG

TOC

Continued

Index

29

uuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts

Safe Driving

1About Your Seat Belts

If a rear seat passenger moves around and extends
the seat belt, the lockable retractor may activate. If
this happens, release the retractor by unfastening the
seat belt and allow the belt to retract completely.
Then refasten the belt.

1Seat Belt Reminder

The indicator will also come on if a front passenger
does not fasten their seat belt within 6 seconds after
the power mode is set to ON.
When no one is sitting in the front passenger's seat,
or a child or small adult is riding there, the indicator
will not come on.
This is because the weight sensors in the seat cannot
detect their presence.

2013 RDX

QRG

■ Proper use of seat belts

TOC

Index

Follow these guidelines for proper use:

• All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that position

for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduces the effectiveness of
the belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

• Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or

behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.

• Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very

seriously injured in a crash.

• Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve comfort

or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability
and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Seat Belt Reminder

■

Your vehicle monitors front seat belt use. If
the power mode is set to ON before the
driver's seat belt is fastened, a beeper will
sound and the indicator will blink. If the driver
does not fasten the belt before the beeper
stops, the indicator will remain on.

The beeper will also periodically sound and
the indicator will blink while driving until the
driver's and front passenger’s seat belts are
fastened.

30

Safe Driving

■

1Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners

The seat belt tensioners can only operate once.
If a tensioner is activated, the SRS indicator will come
on. Have a dealer replace the tensioner and
thoroughly inspect the seat belt system as it may not
offer protection in a subsequent crash.

During a moderate-to-severe side impact, the
tensioner on that side of the vehicle also activates.

2013 RDX

The front seats are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners to enhance safety.

The tensioners automatically tighten the front seat belts during a moderate-to­severe frontal collision, sometimes even if the collision is not severe enough to
inflate the front airbags.

uuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts

QRG

Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners

TOC

Index

31

uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt

Safe Driving

1Fastening a Seat Belt

No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat
belt or one that does not appear to be working
correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working
properly may not protect the occupant in a crash.
Have a dealer check the belt as soon as possible.

Never insert any foreign objects into the buckle or
retractor mechanism.

Pull out slowly.

Correct
Seated
Posture.

Latch
Plate

Buckle

2013 RDX

QRG

Fastening a Seat Belt

After adjusting a front seat to the proper position, and while sitting upright and well
back in the seat:

TOC

Index

32

2 Adjusting the Seats P. 136

1. Pull the seat belt out slowly.

2. Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then

tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is
secure.

u Make sure that the belt is not twisted or

caught on anything.

Safe Driving

1Fastening a Seat Belt

To release the belt, push the red PRESS button then
guide the belt by hand until it has retracted
completely.
When exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is out of
the way and will not get caught by closing the door.

3

WARNING

Improperly positioning the seat belts can
cause serious injury or death in a crash.

Make sure all seat belts are properly
positioned before driving.

Lap belt
as low as
possible

1Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor

The shoulder anchor height can be adjusted to four
levels. If the belt contacts your neck, lower the height
one level at a time.

After an adjustment, make sure that the shoulder
anchor position is secure.

Push

2013 RDX

Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor

■

The front seats have adjustable shoulder anchors to accommodate taller and shorter
occupants.

3. Position the lap part of the belt as low as
possible across your hips, then pull up on
the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part
fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic
bones take the force of a crash and reduces
the chance of internal injuries.

4. If necessary, pull up on the belt again to
remove any slack, then check that the belt
rests across the center of your chest and
over your shoulder. This spreads the forces
of a crash over the strongest bones in your
upper body.

1. Move the anchor up and down while
holding the release button.

2. Position the anchor so that the belt rests
across the center of your chest and over
your shoulder.

Continued

uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt

QRG

TOC

Index

33

uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt

Safe Driving

1Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor

To unlatch the detachable anchor, insert the latch
plate into the slot on the side of the anchor buckle.

3

WARNING

Using the seat belt with the detachable
anchor unlatched increases the chance of
serious injury or death in a crash.

Before using the seat belt, make sure the
detachable anchor is correctly latched.

Small Latch Plate

Latch Plate

Small Latch Plate

Latch Plate

Small Latch Plate

Anchor Buckle

Latch
Plate

Buckle

2013 RDX

QRG

Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor

■

TOC

1. Pull out the seat belt’s small latch plate and
the latch plate from each holding slot in the
ceiling.

Index

34

2. Line up the triangle marks on the small
latch plate and anchor buckle. Make sure
the seat belt is not twisted. Attach the belt
to the anchor buckle.

3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle.
Properly fasten the seat belt the same way
you fasten the lap/shoulder seat belt.

Safe Driving

Advice for Pregnant Women

1Advice for Pregnant Women

Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it is
okay for you to drive.

To reduce the risk of injuries to both you and your
unborn child that can be caused by an inflating front
airbag:

• When driving, sit upright and adjust the seat as far

back as possible while allowing full control of the
vehicle.

• When sitting in the front passenger's seat, adjust

the seat as far back as possible.

Wear the shoulder belt
across the chest avoiding
the abdomen.

Wear the lap part of the
belt as low as possible
across the hips.

2013 RDX

■

If you are pregnant, the best way to protect yourself and your unborn child when
driving or riding in a vehicle is to always wear a seat belt and keep the lap part of the
belt as low as possible across the hips.

uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt

QRG

TOC

Index

35

uuSeat BeltsuSeat Belt Inspection

Safe Driving

1Seat Belt Inspection

3

WARNING

Not checking or maintaining seat belts can
result in serious injury or death if the seat
belts do not work properly when needed.

Check your seat belts regularly and have
any problem corrected as soon as possible.

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Seat Belt Inspection

Regularly check the condition of your seat belts as follows:

• Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.

• Check that the latches work smoothly and the belts retract easily.

u If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem. Only

Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide proper
protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.
A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of
protection in a subsequent crash. Have your seat belts inspected by a dealer after
any collision.

use a mild soap and warm water. Do not use bleach or cleaning solvents. Make
sure the belt is completely dry before allowing it to retract.

Index

36

Safe Driving

Airbags

c

d

b

f

h

h

e

h

a kl ih a gj j b e c

h

h

m

n

2013 RDX

Airbag System Components

QRG

TOC

Index

Continued

37

Safe Driving

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Components

The front, front side, and side curtain
airbags are deployed according to the
direction and severity of impact. Both side
curtain airbags are deployed in a rollover.
The airbag system includes:

a Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)

front airbags. The driver's airbag is stored
in the center of the steering wheel; the
front passenger's airbag is stored in the
dashboard. Both are marked SRS
AIRBAG.

b Two side airbags, one for the driver and

one for a front passenger. The airbags are
stored in the outer edges of the seat­backs. Both are marked SIDE AIRBAG.

c Two side curtain airbags, one for each

side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored
in the ceiling, above the side windows.
The front and rear pillars are marked
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG.

d An electronic control unit that continually

monitors and records information about
the sensors, the airbag activators, the
seat belt tensioners, and driver and front
passenger seat belt use when the power
mode is in ON.

e Automatic front seat belt tensioners. The

driver's and front passenger's seat belts
incorporate sensors that detect whether
or not they are fastened.

f A driver's seat position sensor. If the seat

is too far forward, the airbag will inflate
with less force.

g Weight sensors in the front passenger's

seat. The front passenger's airbag will be
turned off if the weight on the seat is 65
lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of an infant
or small child).

h Impact sensors that can detect a

moderate to severe front or side collision.

i An indicator on the dashboard that alerts

you that the front passenger's front
airbag has been turned off.

j Sensors that can detect if a child or small

statured adult is in the deployment path
of the front passenger's side airbag.

k An indicator on the instrument panel that

alerts you to a possible problem with your
airbag system or seat belt tensioners.

l An indicator on the instrument panel that

alerts you that the front passenger's side
airbag has been turned off.

m Safing Sensor

n A rollover sensor that detects whether

the vehicle is about to roll over.

Index

38

Safe Driving

Important Facts About Your Airbags

1Important Facts About Your Airbags

Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together,
airbags and seat belts provide the best protection.

When driving, keep hands and arms out of the
deployment path of the front airbag by holding each
side of the steering wheel. Do not cross an arm over
the airbag cover.

2013 RDX

■

Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with
tremendous force. So, while airbags help save lives, they can cause minor injuries,
sometimes even fatal ones if occupants are not wearing their seat belts properly and
sitting correctly.

What you should do: Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as
far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the
vehicle. A front passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as
possible.

Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that
can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags
deploy.

Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag.
Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp
object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.

Do not attach or place objects on the front airbag covers. Objects on the
covers marked SRS AIRBAG could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags
or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.

uuAirbags u Airbag System Components

QRG

TOC

Index

39

uuAirbagsuTypes of Airbags

Safe Driving

1Types of Airbags

The airbags can inflate whenever the power mode is
in ON.

1Front Airbags (SRS)

Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags
(SRS)

Your vehicle is equipped with dual-stage, multiple­threshold front airbags (SRS).
During a frontal crash severe enough to cause one or
both front airbags to deploy, the airbags can inflate
at different rates, depending on the severity of the
crash, whether or not the seat belts are latched, and/
or other factors. Frontal airbags are designed to
supplement the seat belts to help reduce the
likelihood of head and chest injuries in frontal
crashes.

2013 RDX

QRG

Types of Airbags

Your vehicle is equipped with three types of airbags:

TOC

• Front airbags: Airbags in front of the driver's and front passenger's seats.

• Side airbags: Airbags in the driver's and front passenger's seat-backs.

• Side curtain airbags: Airbags above the side windows.

Each is discussed in the following pages.

Front Airbags (SRS)

The front SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help protect
the head and chest of the driver and/or front passenger.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant's primary
restraint system.

Housing Locations

■

Index

The front airbags are housed in the center of the steering wheel for the driver, and
in the dashboard for the front passenger. Both airbags are marked SRS AIRBAG.

40

Safe Driving

Operation

1How the Front Airbags Work

After a front airbag inflates in a crash, you may see
what looks like smoke. This is actually powder from
the airbag's surface. Although the powder is not
harmful, people with respiratory problems may
experience some temporary discomfort. If this occurs,
get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

Although the driver's and front passenger's airbags
normally inflate within a split second of each other, it
is possible for only one airbag to deploy. This can
happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin,
or threshold, that determines whether or not the
airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will
provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental
protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.

2013 RDX

■

Front airbags are designed to inflate during moderate-to-severe frontal collisions.
When the vehicle decelerates suddenly, the sensors send information to the control
unit which signals one or both front airbags to inflate.

A frontal collision can be either head-on or angled between two vehicles, or when a
vehicle crashes into a stationary object, such as a concrete wall.

How the Front Airbags Work

■

The total time for inflation and deflation is so fast that most occupants are not
aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in front of them.

uuAirbags u Front Airbags (SRS)

QRG

TOC

While your seat belt restrains your torso, the
front airbag provides supplemental protection
for your head and chest.

The front airbags deflate immediately so that
they won't interfere with the driver's visibility
or the ability to steer or operate other
controls.

Continued

Index

41

uuAirbagsuFront Airbags (SRS)

Safe Driving

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Index

42

■ When front airbags should not deploy

Minor frontal crashes: Front airbags were designed to supplement seat belts and
help save lives, not to prevent minor scrapes, or even broken bones that might occur
during a less than moderate-to-severe frontal crash.

Side impacts: Front airbags can provide protection when a sudden deceleration
causes a driver or front passenger to move towards the front of the vehicle. Side
airbags and side curtain airbags have been specifically designed to help reduce the
severity of injuries that can occur during a moderate-to-severe side impact which
can cause the driver or passenger to move towards the side of the vehicle.

Rear impacts: Head restraints and seat belts are your best protection during a rear
impact. Front airbags cannot provide any significant protection and are not designed
to deploy in such collisions.

Rollovers: Seat belts and, in vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor, side airbags
and side curtain airbags offer the best protection in a rollover. Because front airbags
could provide little if any protection, they are not designed to deploy during a
rollover.

■ When front airbags deploy with little or no visible damage

Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy.
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.

■ When front airbags may not deploy, even though exterior damage

appears severe

Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they
had deployed.

Safe Driving

■

1Advanced Airbags

If there is a problem with the driver's seat position
sensor, the SRS indicator will come on and the airbag
will inflate with full (normal) force, regardless of the
driver's seating position.

For both advanced front airbags to work properly:

• Do not spill any liquid on or under the seats.

• Do not put any object under the passenger’s seat.

• Make sure any objects are positioned properly on

the floor. Improperly positioned objects can
interfere with the advanced airbag sensors.

• All occupants should sit upright and wear their seat

belts properly.

• Do not place any cover over the passenger side

dashboard.

Driver’s
Seat
Position
Sensor

Passenger’s
Seat
Weight
Sensors

2013 RDX

Your front airbags have advanced features to help reduce the likelihood of airbag
related injuries to smaller occupants.

uuAirbags u Front Airbags (SRS)

QRG

Advanced Airbags

TOC

The driver's advanced front airbag system
includes a seat position sensor.

If the seat is too far forward, the airbag
inflates with less force, regardless of the
severity of the impact.

The passenger's advanced front airbag system
has weight sensors.

Although Acura recommends against carrying
an infant or small child in front, if the sensors
detect the weight of a child (up to about 65
lbs or 29 kg), the system will automatically
turn off the passenger's front airbag.

Index

43

uuAirbagsuSide Airbags

Safe Driving

1Side Airbags

Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags.
They can interfere with the proper operation of the
airbags, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.

If the impact is on the passenger's side, the airbag
may not deploy when there is no passenger in the
front passenger seat.

Do not cover or replace the front seat-back covers
without consulting a dealer.
Improperly replacing or covering front seat-back
covers can prevent your side airbags from properly
deploying during a side impact.

Housing
Location

When
inflated

Side
Airbag

2013 RDX

QRG

Side Airbags

The side airbags help protect the upper torso of the driver or a front passenger
during a moderate-to-severe side impact.

TOC

Index

44

Housing Locations

■

Operation

■

The side airbags are housed in the outside
edge of the driver's and passenger's seat­backs.

Both are marked SIDE AIRBAG.

When the sensors detect a moderate-to­severe side impact, the control unit signals the
side airbag on the impact side to immediately
inflate.

Safe Driving

■ When a side airbag deploys with little or no visible damage

2013 RDX

Because the airbag system senses sudden acceleration, a strong impact to the side
of the vehicle's framework can cause a side airbag to deploy. In such cases, there
may be little or no damage, but the side impact sensors detected a severe enough
impact to deploy the airbag.

■ When a side airbag may not deploy, even though visible damage appears

It is possible for a side airbag to not deploy during an impact that results in
apparently severe damage. This can occur when the point of impact was towards
the far front or rear of the vehicle, or when the vehicle's crushable body parts
absorbed most of the crash energy. In either case, the side airbag would not have
been needed nor provided protection even if it had deployed.

uuAirbags u Side Airbags

QRG

TOC

severe

Continued

Index

45

uuAirbagsuSide Airbags

Safe Driving

1Side Airbag Cutoff System

The sensors that monitor the front passenger's height
and body position may not work if:

• The seat-back is wet

• The passenger is touching a metal or other

electrical conductive object

• A seat cushion is on the seat

• The passenger is wearing excessively thick clothing

Sensor that
monitor the
passenger’s height.

Sensor that monitor
the passenger’s position.

2013 RDX

QRG

Side Airbag Cutoff System

■

TOC

To reduce the likelihood that a front passenger may be injured by an inflating side
airbag, the passenger side airbag is automatically turned off when:

• The height sensors detect a child or short-statured adult is seated in the front
passenger seat.

• The position sensor detects that the front passenger is leaning into the
deployment path of the side airbag.

When the side airbag cutoff system is activated, the side airbag off indicator comes
on.

2 Side Airbag Off Indicator P. 50

Side Airbag Off Indicator

■

If the side airbag off indicator comes on, have the passenger sit upright. A few
seconds after the passenger is sitting properly, the side airbag will automatically be
turned on, and the indicator will go off.

If the front passenger is a child, stop when it is safe to do so, and have the child sit
properly restrained in a rear seat.

Index

46

uuAirbagsu Side Curtain Airbags

Safe Driving

1Side Curtain Airbags

If the SRS control unit senses that your vehicle is
about to rollover, it immediately deploys both side
curtain airbags and activates both front seat belt
tensioners.

The airbag on the passenger's side will deploy, and
the seat belt tensioner will activate, even if there are
no passengers on that side of the vehicle.

To get the best protection from the side curtain
airbags, occupants should wear their seat belts
properly and sit upright and well back in their seats.

Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof
pillars as they can interfere with the proper operation
of the side curtain airbags.

Side Curtain Airbag Storage

Deployed Side Curtain Airbag

2013 RDX

Side Curtain Airbags

Side curtain airbags help protect the heads of the driver and passengers in outer
seating positions during a moderate-to-severe side impact. The side curtain airbags
equipped in this vehicle are also designed to help reduce the likelihood of partial and
complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in crashes, particularly
rollover crashes.

Housing Locations

■

Operation

■

QRG

TOC

The side curtain airbags are located in the
ceiling above the side windows on both sides
of the vehicle.

The side curtain airbag is designed to deploy
in a rollover or a moderate-to-severe side
impact.

Continued

Index

47

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators

Safe Driving

1SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Indicator

3

WARNING

Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in
serious injury or death if the airbag systems
or tensioners do not work properly.

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as
soon as possible if the SRS indicator alerts
you to a possible problem.

2013 RDX

QRG

■ When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision

TOC

One or both side curtain airbags may inflate in a moderate to severe angled frontal
collision.
In this case, the side curtain airbags will deploy slightly after the front airbags.

Airbag System Indicators

If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator will come on and a
message appears on the multi-information display.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Indicator

■

If the indicator comes on at any other time, or does not come on at all, have the
system checked by a dealer as soon as possible. If you don't, your airbags and seat
belt tensioners may not work properly when they are needed.

Index

■ When the power mode is set to ON

The indicator comes on for a few seconds,
then goes off. This tells you the system is
working properly.

48

Safe Driving

Passenger Airbag Off Indicator

1Passenger Airbag Off Indicator

If the indicator comes on with no front passenger and
no objects on the passenger’s seat, or with an adult
riding there, something may be interfering with the
weight sensors. Such as:

• An object hanging on the seat or in the seat-back

pocket.

• A child seat or other object pressing against the

rear of the seat-back.

• A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of

the front passenger's seat.

• The front seat or seat-back is forced back against

an object on the seat or floor behind it.

• An object placed under the front passenger's seat.

If none of these conditions exist, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The passenger airbag off indicator may come on and
goes off repeatedly if the total weight on the seat is
near the airbag cutoff threshold.

U.S. Canada

2013 RDX

■

Infants and small children should always ride properly restrained in a back seat.

2 Child Safety P. 52

Objects placed on the seat can also cause the indicator to come on.

If the front passenger seat is empty, the passenger's front airbag will not deploy and
the indicator will not come on.

■ When the passenger airbag off

indicator comes on

The indicator comes on to alert you that the
passenger's front airbag has been turned off.
This occurs when the front passenger’s weight
sensors detect 65 lbs (29 kg) or less, the
weight of an infant or small child, on the seat.

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators

QRG

TOC

Index

Continued

49

Safe Driving

1Side Airbag Off Indicator

When you set the power mode to ON, the indicator
should come on for a few seconds and then go out.
If it doesn't come on, stays on, or comes on while
driving without a passenger in the front seat, have
the system checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators

Side Airbag Off Indicator

■

■ When the side airbag off indicator comes on

This indicator comes on if the passenger's side airbag has been turned off because
the passenger is too small to be sitting in the front seat, is slouching or not sitting
upright, or has leaned into the airbag's deployment path.

Unless the passenger is a smaller statured adult or a child, the indicator should go
off when the passenger returns to a proper upright sitting position.

Index

50

uuAirbags u Airbag Care

Safe Driving

1Airbag Care

We recommend against the use of salvaged airbag
system components, including the airbag, tensioners,
sensors, and control unit.

2013 RDX

Airbag Care

You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace any
airbag system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer in the following situations:

■ When the airbags have deployed

If an airbag has inflated, the control unit and other related parts must be replaced.
Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it must be
replaced.

■ When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision

Even if the airbags did not inflate, have your dealer inspect the following: the driver’s
seat position sensor, weight sensors in the passenger’s seat, front seat belt
tensioners, and each seat belt that was worn during the crash.

■ Do not remove or modify a front seat without consulting a dealer

This would likely disable the driver's seat position sensor or the weight sensors in the
passenger's seat. If it is necessary to remove or modify a front seat to accommodate
a person with disabilities, contact an Acura dealer. For U.S. vehicles, Acura Client
Service at 800-382-2238 and for Canadian vehicles, Acura Client Service at
888-9-ACURA-9.

QRG

TOC

Index

51

Safe Driving

Child Safety

1Protecting Child Passengers

The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport Canada recommend
that all children age 12 and under be properly
restrained in a rear seat. Some states or provinces/
territories have laws restricting where children may
ride.

3

WARNING

Children who are unrestrained or
improperly restrained can be seriously
injured or killed in a crash.

Any child too small for a seat belt should be
properly restrained in a child seat. A larger
child should be properly restrained with a
seat belt, using a booster seat if necessary.

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Protecting Child Passengers

Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are
either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle accidents are the
number one cause of death of children age 12 and under.

To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province
and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride
in a vehicle.

Children should sit properly restrained in a rear seat. This is because:

• An inflating front or side airbag can injure
or kill a child sitting in the front seat.

• A child in the front seat is more likely to
interfere with the driver's ability to safely
control the vehicle.

• Statistics show that children of all sizes and
ages are safer when they are properly
restrained in a rear seat.

Index

52

Safe Driving

• Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an

1Protecting Child Passengers

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

To remind you of the passenger's front airbag
hazards and child safety, your vehicle warning came
with a label on the dashboard (U.S. models) and has
labels on the front visors. Please read and follow the
instructions on these labels.

2 Safety Labels P. 65

3

WARNING

Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or
wrap one around their neck can result in
serious injury or death.

Instruct children not to play with any seat
belt and make sure any unused seat belt a
child can reach is buckled, fully retracted,
and locked.

2013 RDX

approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the lap belt
portion of the lap/shoulder belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.

• Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the
event of a collision.

• Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would
likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.

• Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very
seriously injured in a crash.

• Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows or seat adjustments.

• Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when

the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate
vehicle controls causing it to move unexpectedly.

uuChild SafetyuProtecting Child Passengers

QRG

TOC

Index

53

uuChild Safety u Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

1Protecting Infants

Rear-facing child seats should never be installed in a
forward facing position.

Always refer to the child seat manufacturer’s
instructions before installation.

3

WARNING

Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front
seat can result in serious injury or death
during a crash.

Always place a rear-facing child seat in the
rear seat, not the front.

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Index

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Protecting Infants

■

An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the
infant reaches the seat maker's weight or height limit for the seat, and the infant is
at least one year old.

When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front
passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their seat-back
in the desired position.

It can also interfere with proper operation of the passenger's advanced front airbag
system.

2 Airbags P. 37

If this occurs, we recommend that you install the child seat directly behind the front
passenger's seat, move the seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied.
Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat.

■ Positioning a rear-facing child seat

Child seats must be placed and secured in a
rear seating position.

54

Safe Driving

Protecting Smaller Children

1Protecting Smaller Children

Educate yourself about the laws and regulations
regarding child seat use where you are driving, and
follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat
up to age two, if the child’s height and weight are
appropriate for a rear-facing seat.

3

WARNING

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the
front seat can result in serious injury or
death if the front airbag inflates.

If you must place a forward-facing child
seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far
back as possible, and properly restrain the
child.

2013 RDX

■

If a child is at least one year old and within the weight range indicated by the child
seat manufacturer, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly secured
forward-facing child seat.

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can be hazardous, even with
advanced front airbags that automatically turn the passenger's front airbag off. A
rear seat is the safest place for a child.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

QRG

TOC

■ Forward-facing child seat placement

We strongly recommend placing a forward­facing child seat in a rear seating position.

Continued

Index

55

uuChild Safety u Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

1Selecting a Child Seat

Installation of a LATCH-compatible child seat is
simple.

LATCH-compatible child seats have been developed
to simplify the installation process and reduce the
likelihood of injuries caused by incorrect installation.

2013 RDX

QRG

Selecting a Child Seat

■

TOC

Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).
Some have a rigid-type connector, while others have a flexible-type connector. Both
are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned child seats can only be
installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose, follow the child seat
manufacturer's use and care instructions as well as the instructions in this manual.
Proper installation is key to maximizing your child's safety.

In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH compatible
child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security.
This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be secured
with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the child seat
manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-compatible seat
once a child reaches a specified weight. Please read the child seat owner’s manual
for proper installation instructions.

■ Important consideration when selecting a child seat

Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:

• The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.

• The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.

• The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or

Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

Index

56

Safe Driving

■

Marks

Rigid Type

Lower Anchors

2013 RDX

A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in either of the two outer rear seats.
A child seat is attached to the lower anchors with either the rigid or flexible type of
connectors.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

QRG

Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

TOC

1. Locate the lower anchors under the marks.

2. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat then

attach the child seat to the lower anchors
according to the instructions that came
with the child seat.

u When installing the child seat, make sure

that the lower anchors are not
obstructed by the seat belt or any other
object.

Continued

Index

57

uuChild Safety u Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

Flexible Type

1Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

For your child's safety, when using a child seat
installed using the LATCH system, make sure that the
seat is properly secured to the vehicle. A child seat
that is not properly secured will not adequately
protect a child in a crash and may cause injury to the
child or other vehicle occupants.

Tether
Strap
Hook

Anchor

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Index

3. Put the head restraint to its upper-most
position, then route the tether strap
between the head restraint legs, and secure
the tether strap hook onto the anchor.

4. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the
child seat maker.

5. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to
side; little movement should be felt.

6. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted
and locked.

2 Protecting Child Passengers P. 52

58

Safe Driving

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

1Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

A child seat that is not properly secured will not
adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause
injury to the child or other vehicle occupants.

2013 RDX

■

1. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.

2. Route the seat belt through the child seat

according to the seat maker's instructions,
and insert the latch plate into the buckle.

u Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.

3. Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all
the way out until it stops. This activates the
lockable retractor.

4. Let the seat belt completely wind up into
the retractor, then try to pull it out to make
sure the retractor is locked.

u If you are able to pull the shoulder belt

out, the lockable retractor is not
activated. Pull the seat belt all the way
out, and repeat steps 3 – 4.

5. Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near
the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack
from the lap part of the belt.

u When doing this, place your weight on

the child seat and push it into the vehicle
seat.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

QRG

TOC

Index

Continued

59

uuChild Safety u Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

1Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

Tether Anchorage Points

Anchor Fitting

1Adding Security with a Tether

Since a tether can provide additional security to the
lap/shoulder seat belt installation, we recommend
using a tether whenever one is available.

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Adding Security with a Tether

■

6. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to
side; little movement should be felt.

7. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted
and locked.

2 Protecting Child Passengers P. 52

Two tether anchorage points are provided
behind the rear outer seating positions and
one in the ceiling for the rear center. A child
seat that is installed with a seat belt and
comes with a tether can use the tether for
additional security.

Index

60

Safe Driving

Tether
Strap
Hook

Anchor

Tether Strap
Hook

Anchor

2013 RDX

■ Using an outer anchor

1. Put the head restraint to its upper-most
position, then route the tether strap
through the head restraint legs. Make sure
the strap is not twisted.

2. Secure the tether strap hook onto the
anchor.

3. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the
child seat manufacturer.

■ Using the center anchor

1. Lower the head restraint to its lowest
position.

2. Open the anchor cover.

3. Route the tether strap over the head

restraint. Make sure the strap is not twisted.

4. Secure the tether strap hook onto the
anchor.

5. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the
child seat manufacturer.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

QRG

TOC

Index

61

uuChild Safety u Safety of Larger Children

Safe Driving

1Safety of Larger Children

3

WARNING

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in
front can result in injury or death if the
passenger's front airbag inflates.

If a larger child must ride in front, move the
vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible,
have the child sit up properly and wear the
seat belt properly, using a booster seat if
needed.

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Index

Safety of Larger Children

Protecting Larger Children

■

The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind
of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who
must sit in front.

Checking Seat Belt Fit

■

When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the lap/
shoulder seat belt. Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then answer the
following questions.

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder
seat belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a
booster seat until the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat.

62

■ Checklist

• Do the child's knees bend comfortably over
the edge of the seat?

• Does the shoulder belt cross between the
child's neck and arm?

• Is the lap part of the seat belt as low as
possible, touching the child's thighs?

• Will the child be able to stay seated like this
for the whole trip?

Safe Driving

Booster Seats

1Booster Seats

When installing a booster seat, make sure to read the
instructions that came with it, and install the seat
accordingly.
There are high- and low-type booster seats. Choose a
booster seat that allows the child to wear the seat
belt correctly.

Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces and
territories require children to use a booster seat until
they reach a given age or weight (e.g. 6 years or 60
lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the state or
province, or territory where you intend to drive.

2013 RDX

■

Protecting Larger Children-Final Checks

■

Your vehicle has a rear seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever
have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:

• Make sure you read and fully understand the instructions and safety information
in this manual.

• Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.

• Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat.

• Check that the seat belt is properly positioned so that the child is secure in the

seat.

■ Monitoring child passengers

We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on child passengers. Even older, more
mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts and sit up
properly.

If a lap/shoulder seat belt cannot be used
properly, position the child in a booster seat in
a rear seating position. For the child's safety,
check that the child meets the booster seat
manufacturer's recommendations.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Larger Children

QRG

TOC

Index

63

Safe Driving

Exhaust Gas Hazard

1Carbon Monoxide Gas

An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up
with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not run the engine with the garage door closed.
Even when the garage door is open, drive out of the
garage immediately after starting the engine.

3

WARNING

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that
expose you to carbon monoxide.

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Carbon Monoxide Gas

The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle, carbon
monoxide gas will not get into the interior.

■ Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever

• The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.

• The exhaust system may have been damaged.

• The vehicle is raised for an oil change.

When you operate a vehicle with the tailgate open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into
the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the tailgate
open, open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown below.

1. Select the fresh air mode.

Index

2. Select the mode.

3. Set the fan speed to high.

4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked
vehicle with the engine running.

64

Safe Driving

Safety Labels

Sun Visor

U.S. models

Canadian models

Radiator Cap

U.S. models

U.S. models only

Dashboard

Canadian models

Doorjambs

U.S. models only

Sun Visor

2013 RDX

Label Locations

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels
carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact a dealer
for a replacement.

QRG

TOC

Index

65

2013 RDX

QRG

Index

66

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

This chapter describes the buttons, indicators, and gauges that are used while driving.

Indicators ............................................ 68

Multi-Information Display Warning and

Information Messages...................... 78

Gauges and Multi-Information Display

Gauges.............................................. 82

Multi-Information Display .................. 83

QRG

Index

67

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

(Red)

(Amber)

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Indicators

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

U.S.

Canada

Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator
(Red)

Brake System
Indicator
(Amber)

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and goes off when it is
released.

●

Comes on when the brake fluid
level is low.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with
the brake system.

●

The beeper sounds and the
indicator comes on if you drive with
the parking brake not fully released.

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with
hydraulic brake boost system.

●

Comes on while driving - Make sure the
parking brake is released. Check the brake
fluid level.

2 What to do when the indicator comes

●

on while driving P. 335

Comes on along with the ABS indicator

- Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.

2 If the Brake System Indicator (Red)

Comes On P. 335

●

Stays on constantly - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer.

U.S.

Canada

Index

68

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off when
the engine starts.

●

Comes on when the engine oil

●

Comes on while driving - Immediately
stop in a safe place.

2 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Comes On P. 333

pressure is low.

Malfunction
Indicator Lamp

Charging System
Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off either
when the engine starts or after
several seconds if the engine does
not start. If “readiness codes” have
not been set, it blinks five times
before it goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with
the emissions control system.

●

Blinks when a misfire in the
engine's cylinders is detected.

●

Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off when
the engine starts.

●

Comes on when the battery is not
charging.

●

Readiness codes are part of the on board
diagnostics for the emissions control
systems.

2 Testing of Readiness Codes P. 349

●

Comes on while driving - Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer.

●

Blinks while driving - Stop in a safe place
where there are no flammable objects.
Stop the engine for 10 minutes or more,
and wait for it to cool down. Then, take the
vehicle to a dealer.

2 If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Comes On or Blinks P. 334

●

Comes on while driving - Turn off the
climate control system and rear defogger in
order to reduce electricity consumption.

2 If the Charging System Indicator

Comes On P. 333

QRG

TOC

Index

Continued

69

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

QRG

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

TOC

Index

Shift Lever
Position
Indicator

Transmission
Indicator

M (sequential
shift mode)
Indicator/Gear
Position
Indicator

●

Indicates current shift lever
position.

●

Blinks if the transmission system has
a problem.

●

Comes on when the manual
sequential shift mode is applied.

2 Shifting P. 244

●

Blinks while driving - Avoid sudden
starts and acceleration and have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.

2 Sequential Shift Mode P. 246

—

—

70

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Seat Belt
Reminder
Indicator

●

Comes on and the beeper sounds if
you are not wearing a seat belt
when you set the power mode to
ON.

●

If the front passenger is not
wearing a seat belt, the indicator
comes on about a few seconds
later.

●

Blinks while driving if either you or

●

The beeper stops and the indicator goes off
when you and the front passenger fasten
their seat belts.

●

Stays on after you or the front
passenger has fastened the seat belt -

A detection error may have occurred in the
sensor. Have the vehicle checked by a
dealer.

2 Seat Belt Reminder P. 30

the front passenger has not
fastened a seat belt. The beeper
sounds and the indicator blinks at
regular intervals.

Low Fuel
Indicator

●

Comes on when the fuel reserve is
running low (approximately 2.5
U.S. gal./9.2 Liter left).

●

Blinks if there is a problem with the

●

Comes on - Refuel your vehicle as soon as
possible.

●

Blinks - Have the vehicle checked by a
dealer.

fuel gauge.

ABS (Anti-lock
Brake System)
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

If it comes on at any other time,
there is a problem with the ABS.

●

Stays on constantly - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer. With this indicator on,
your vehicle still has normal braking ability
but no anti-lock function.

2 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 259

QRG

TOC

Index

Continued

71

Instrument Panel

* Not available on all models

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on if a problem with any of
the following is detected:

- Supplemental restraint system

●

Stays on constantly or does not come
on at all - Have the vehicle checked by a

dealer.

- Side airbag system

- Side curtain airbag system

- Seat belt tensioner

AWD (All-Wheel
Drive) with
Intelligent
Control System
Indicator

*

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with
the AWD with intelligent control
system.

●

Blinks when the AWD with
intelligent control system is
overheated. The system is inactive.

●

Stays on constantly - the engine drives
only the front wheels in this state. Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer.

●

Blinks while driving - the engine drives
only the front wheels in this state. Stop in a
safe place, shift to (P, and idle the engine
until the indicator goes off. If the indicator
does not stop blinking, take your vehicle to
a dealer.

2 AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with

Intelligent Control System

*

P. 253

Index

72

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

VSA® (Vehicle
Stability Assist)
System Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Blinks when VSA® is active.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with

●

Stays on constantly - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer.

2 VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka

ESC (Electronic Stability Control),
System P. 251

the VSA® system or hill start assist
system.

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
VSA® (Vehicle
Stability Assist)
OFF Indicator

you set the power mode to ON,

then goes off.

●

Comes on when you deactivate

2 VSA® On and Off P. 252

—

VSA®.

Door and
Tailgate Open
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds if you

set the power mode to ON, then

goes off.

●

Comes on if any door or the tailgate

is not completely closed.

●

The beeper sounds and the

●

Goes off when all doors and the tailgate
are closed.

indicator comes on if any door or

the tailgate is opened while driving.

QRG

TOC

Continued

Index

73

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Index

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

EPS (Electric
Power Steering)
System Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off when
the engine starts.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with
the EPS (Electric Power Steering)

●

Stays on constantly or does not come
on at all - Have the vehicle checked by a

dealer.

2 If the EPS System Indicator Comes On

P. 335

System.

Low Tire
Pressure/TPMS
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON.

●

Comes on if the tire pressure of any
of the tires becomes significantly
low.

●

Blinks for about one minute, and
then stays on if there is a problem
with the TPMS, or when a compact

●

Comes on while driving - Stop in a safe
place, check tire pressures, and inflate the
tire(s) if necessary.

●

Blinks and remains on - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer. If the vehicle is fitted
with a compact spare, get your regular tire
repaired or replaced and put back on your
vehicle as soon as you can.

spare tire is temporarily installed.

Turn Signal
Indicators

●

The turn signal indicators blink
when you operate the turn signal
lever.

●

If you press the hazard warning
button, both indicators and all turn

●

Does not blink or blinks rapidly - A turn
signal light bulb has blown. Change the
bulb immediately.

2 Front Turn Signal/Parking Light and

Front Side Marker Light Bulbs P. 291

—

signals blink at the same time.

●

High Beam
Indicator

Comes on when the high beam
headlights are on.

— —

74

Instrument Panel

* Not available on all models

2013 RDX

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Lights On
Indicator

●

Comes on whenever the light

switch is on, or in AUTO when the

exterior lights are on.

●

If you set the power mode to ACCESSORY
or VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) while the lights are
on, a chime sounds when the driver's door

—

is opened.

●

Fog Light
Indicator

*

Comes on when the fog lights are

on.

— —

QRG

TOC

U.S.

Side Airbag Off
Indicator

Canada

Immobilizer
System Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when

you set the power mode to ON,

then goes off.

●

Comes on when the passenger side

airbag system is automatically shut

off.

●

Comes on briefly when you set the

power mode to ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on if the immobilizer system

cannot recognize the key

information.

●

It does not mean there is a problem with
your side airbags.

●

Comes on when nobody is sitting in
the passenger seat - Have the vehicle

checked by a dealer.

●

Comes on when someone is sitting in
the seat - Have the passenger sit properly.

●

Blinks - You cannot start the engine. Set
the power mode to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK),
then select the ON mode again.

●

Repeatedly blinks - The system may be
malfunctioning. Have the vehicle checked
by a dealer.

●

Do not attempt to alter this system or add
other devices to it. Electrical problems can
occur.

U.S.

Canada

—

Continued

Index

75

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Security System
Alarm Indicator

System Message
Indicator

Blinks when the security system
alarm has been set.

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on along with a beep when
a problem is detected. A system
message on the multi-information
display appears at the same time.

2 Security System Alarm P. 113

●

While the indicator is on, press the /
(information) button to see the message
again.

●

Refer to the Indicators information in this
chapter when a system message appears
on the multi-information display. Take the
appropriate action for the message.

●

The multi-information display does not return to

—

—

the normal screen unless the warning is
canceled, or the / button is pressed.

●

CRUISE MAIN
Indicator

Comes on when you press the
CRUISE button.

2 Cruise Control P. 248

—

Index

76

CRUISE
CONTROL

Indicator

●

Comes on if you have set a speed
for cruise control.

2 Cruise Control P. 248

—

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Comes on for a few seconds when

●

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

you change the power mode to ON.

●

Comes on as soon as a problem is

Keyless Access
System Indicator

detected in the keyless access

system or keyless starting system.

QRG

TOC

Index

77

uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Canadian models

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Multi-Information Display Warning and Information Messages

The following messages appear only on the multi-information display. Press the / (information) button to see the message again
with the system message indicator on.

Message Condition Explanation

●

Appears when the fuel fill cap is loose or is not
installed.

●

Appears when the washer fluid is low.

●

Appears while you are customizing the settings and
the shift lever is moved out of (P.

2 Tighten Fuel Cap Message P. 334

●

Refill washer fluid.

2 Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 286

2 Customized Features P. 87

Index

78

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

2013 RDX

uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages

Message Condition Explanation

●

Appears when the scheduled maintenance is due soon.

●

Consequently, SERVICE DUE NOW and SERVICE
PAST DUE follow.

●

Appears when the engine coolant temperature gets
abnormally high.

2 Maintenance Minder Messages on the

Multi-Information Display

2 Overheating P. 331

QRG

P. 272

TOC

●

Appears when there is a problem with the power
tailgate system.

●

Manually open or close the power tailgate.

●

Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.

Continued

Index

79

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages

Message Condition Explanation

●

Appears if there is a problem with the starting system.●As a temporary measure, press and hold the ENGINE

START/STOP button for 15 seconds while depressing

the brake pedal and manually start the engine.
Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.

●

Appears after you unlock and open the driver’s door.

2 Starting the Engine P. 240

●

Appears three seconds after the TO START ENGINE
message appears.

2 Starting the Engine P. 240

Index

80

●

Appears when the steering wheel is locked.

●

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

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages

Message Condition Explanation

●

Appears if you press the ENGINE START/STOP button
to turn the engine off without the shift lever in (P.

●

Appears when the power mode is in ACCESSORY.

●

Press the ENGINE START/STOP button twice after
moving the shift lever to (P .

—

QRG

TOC

●

Appears after the driver’s door is opened when the
power mode is in ACCESSORY.

●

Appears when you close the door with the power mode
in ON without the keyless access remote inside the
vehicle.

●

Appears when the keyless access remote battery
becomes weak.

●

Appears if the keyless access remote's battery is too
weak to start the engine or the key is not with you
when starting the engine. A beeper sounds six times.

●

Press the ENGINE START/STOP button twice with your
foot off the brake pedal to change the power mode to
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).

●

The message goes off when you bring the keyless
access remote back inside the vehicle, and close the
door.

2 Keyless Access Remote Reminder P. 121

●

Replace the battery as soon as possible.

2 Replacing the Button Battery P. 311

2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak

P. 326

Index

81

Instrument Panel

Gauges and Multi-Information Display

1Fuel Gauge

NOTICE

You should refuel when the reading approaches .
Running out of fuel can cause the engine to misfire,
damaging the catalytic converter.

The actual amount of remaining fuel may differ from
the fuel gauge reading.

E

1Temperature Gauge

NOTICE

Driving with the temperature gauge pointer in the
upper zone can cause serious engine damage. Pull
safely to the side of the road and allow engine
temperature to return to normal.

2 Overheating P. 331

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

Gauges

Gauges include the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and related indicators.
They are displayed when the power mode is in ON.

Speedometer

■

Displays your driving speed in mph (U.S.) or km/h (Canada).

Tachometer

■

Shows the number of engine revolutions per minute.

Fuel Gauge

■

Displays the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.

Temperature Gauge

■

Displays the temperature of the engine coolant.

Index

82

uuGauges and Multi-Information Display u Multi-Information Display

Instrument Panel

Tire Pressure for Each Tire

Black Screen

Engine Oil Life

Customize Settings

Average Speed

Range

Elapsed Time

Average Fuel Economy/

Instant Fuel Economy

/ Button

SEL/RESET Button

2013 RDX

Multi-Information Display

The multi-information display shows the odometer, trip meter, outside temperature
indicator, and other gauges. It also displays important messages such as warnings
and other helpful information.

Switching the Display

■

Press the / (information) button or the SEL/RESET button to change the
display.

QRG

TOC

Continued

Index

83

Instrument Panel

SEL/RESET Button

Outside Temperature

Trip A

Trip B

Odometer

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

uuGauges and Multi-Information DisplayuMulti-Information Display

Odometer

■

Shows the total number of miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada) that your vehicle has
accumulated.

Index

84

uuGauges and Multi-Information Display u Multi-Information Display

Instrument Panel

1Trip Meter

Switch between trip meter A and trip meter B by
pressing the SEL/RESET button.

1Outside Temperature

The temperature sensor is in the front bumper.
Road heat and exhaust from another vehicle can
affect the temperature reading when your vehicle
speed is less than 19 mph (30 km/h).

It may take several minutes for the display to be
updated after the temperature reading has stabilized.

Use the multi-information display’s customized
features to correct the temperature.

2 Customized Features P. 87

1Average Fuel Economy

You can change the way the average fuel economy is
reset.

2 Customized Features P. 87

2013 RDX

Trip Meter

■

Shows the total number of miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada) driven since the last
reset. Meters A and B can be used to measure two separate trips.

QRG

■ Resetting a trip meter

To reset a trip meter, display it, then press and hold the SEL/RESET button. The trip
meter is reset to 0.0.

Outside Temperature

■

Shows the outside temperature in Fahrenheit (U.S.) or Celsius (Canada).

■ Adjusting the outside temperature display

Adjust the temperature reading up to ±5°F or ±3°C if the temperature reading
seems incorrect.

Average Fuel Economy

■

Shows the estimated average fuel economy of each trip meter in mpg (U.S.) or l/100
km (Canada). The display is updated at set intervals. When a trip meter is reset, the
average fuel economy is also reset.

Instant Fuel Economy

■

Shows the instant fuel economy as a bar graph in mpg (U.S.) or l/100 km (Canada).

Continued

TOC

Index

85

Instrument Panel

1Elapsed Time

You can change the way the elapsed time is reset.

2 Customized Features P. 87

1Average Speed

You can change the way the average speed is reset.

2 Customized Features P. 87

2013 RDX

QRG

uuGauges and Multi-Information DisplayuMulti-Information Display

Range

■

Shows the estimated distance you can travel on the remaining fuel. This distance is
estimated from the fuel economy of your trips in the past.

TOC

Index

86

Elapsed Time

■

Shows the time elapsed since the last time Trip A or Trip B was reset.

Average Speed

■

Shows the average speed in mph (U.S.) or km/h (Canada) since the last time Trip A
or Trip B was reset.

Tire Pressure Monitor

■

Shows each tire's pressure.

2 TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) P. 253

Engine Oil Life

■

Shows the remaining oil life and Maintenance MinderTM.

2 Maintenance MinderTM P. 271

Instrument Panel

Customized Features

1Customized Features

To customize other features, press the /
button.

2 List of customizable options P. 90

2 Example of customization settings P. 93

Customization is possible when you see the driver’s
ID (DRIVER 1 or DRIVER 2) on the screen.
The driver’s ID indicates which remote transmitter
you have used to unlock the driver’s door. The
customized settings are recalled every time you
unlock the driver’s door with that remote.

When you customize settings: Shift to

(P

/ Button:

Changes the customize menus
and items.

Multi-Information Display:
Goes to customize settings.

SEL/RESET button: Enters
the selected item

2013 RDX

■

Use the multi-information display to customize certain features.

■ How to customize

Select the CUSTOMIZE SETTINGS screen by pressing the / button while
the power mode is in ON, and the vehicle is at a complete stop.
Press the SEL/RESET button.

uuGauges and Multi-Information Display u Multi-Information Display

QRG

TOC

Continued

Index

87

Instrument Panel

SEL/RESET

CUSTOMIZE SETTINGS

SECURITY RELOCK TIMER

“TRIP A” RESET TIMING

LANGUAGE SELECTION

ADJUST OUTSIDE TEMP. DISPLAY

MEMORY POSITION LINK

DOOR UNLOCK MODE

KEYLESS ACCESS LIGHT FLASH

KEYLESS ACCESS BEEP

INTERIOR LIGHT DIMMING TIME

HEADLIGHT AUTO OFF TIMER

AUTO LIGHT SENSITIVITY

AUTO DOOR LOCK

AUTO DOOR UNLOCK

DOOR LOCK MODE

KEYLESS LOCK ACKNOWLEDGMENT

3

434

3

4

343

4

METER SETUP

DRIVING POSITION SETUP

KEYLESS ACCESS SETUP

LIGHTING SETUP

DOOR SETUP

SEL/RESET

SEL/RESET

SEL/RESET

SEL/RESET

SEL/RESET

“TRIP B” RESET TIMING

KEYLESS START GUIDANCE SCREENS

3

4

2013 RDX

QRG

uuGauges and Multi-Information DisplayuMulti-Information Display

■ Customization flow

Press the / button.

TOC

Index

88

Instrument Panel

EXIT

POWER TAILGATE KEYLESS OPEN MODE

3

4

34343

4

POWER TAILGATE SETUP

*

MAINTENANCE INFO.

DEFAULT ALL

SEL/RESET

3

4

SEL/RESET

* Not available on all models

2013 RDX

uuGauges and Multi-Information Display u Multi-Information Display

QRG

TOC

Continued

Index

89

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

uuGauges and Multi-Information DisplayuMulti-Information Display

■ List of customizable options

Setup Group Customizable Features Description Selectable Settings

LANGUAGE SELECTION Changes the displayed language. ENGLISH*/FRENCH/SPANISH

ADJUST OUTSIDE TEMP.
DISPLAY

Adjusts the temperature reading by a few degrees.

-5°F ~ ±0°F* ~ +5°F (U.S.)

-3°C ~ ±0°C* ~ +3°C (Canada)

Index

90

METER
SETUP

DRIVING
POSITION
SETUP

*: Default Setting

“TRIP A” RESET TIMING

“TRIP B” RESET TIMING

KEYLESS START
GUIDANCE SCREENS

MEMORY POSITION LINK

Changes the setting of how to reset trip meter A,
average fuel economy A, average speed A, and
elapsed time A.

Changes the setting of how to reset trip meter B,
average fuel economy B, average speed B, and
elapsed time B.

Displays the keyless start guidance when conditions
are met to change power mode.

Changes the driver's seat position to a stored
setting.

WITH REFUEL/IGN OFF/
MANUALLY RESET

*

WITH REFUEL/IGN OFF/
MANUALLY RESET

*

ON*/OFF

*

/OFF

ON

uuGauges and Multi-Information Display u Multi-Information Display

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

Setup Group Customizable Features Description Selectable Settings

QRG

KEYLESS
ACCESS
SETUP

LIGHTING
SETUP

*: Default Setting

DOOR UNLOCK MODE

KEYLESS ACCESS LIGHT
FLASH

KEYLESS ACCESS BEEP

INTERIOR LIGHT
DIMMING TIME

HEADLIGHT AUTO OFF
TIMER

Changes which doors unlock when you grab the
driver’s door handle.

Causes some exterior lights to blink when you
unlock/lock the doors.

Sets the beeper sound or not when you grab the
either front door handle.

Changes the length of time the interior lights stay on
after you close the doors.

Changes the length of time the exterior lights stay
on after you close the driver's door.

DRIVER DOOR ONLY*/ALL
DOORS

ON*/

OFF

ON*/OFF

*

60 sec/30 sec

/15 sec

60 sec/30 sec/15 sec*/0 sec

AUTO LIGHT SENSITIVITY Changes the timing for the headlights to come on. MAX/HIGH/MID

*

/LOW/MIN

TOC

Index

Continued

91

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

QRG

uuGauges and Multi-Information DisplayuMulti-Information Display

Setup Group Customizable Features Description Selectable Settings

*2

AUTO DOOR LOCK

Changes the setting for the automatic locking
feature.

WITH VEH SPD

(P/OFF

/SHIFT FROM

TOC

Index

92

AUTO DOOR UNLOCK

DOOR
SETUP

DOOR LOCK MODE

KEYLESS LOCK
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

SECURITY RELOCK TIMER

POWER
TAILGATE

*1

SETUP

POWER TAILGATE
KEYLESS OPEN MODE

MAINTENA
NCE INFO.

DEFAULT
ALL

*1:Not available on all models
*2: Default Setting

Changes the setting for when the doors unlock
automatically.

Sets up either the driver's door or all doors to unlock
on the first push of the remote.

LOCK/UNLOCK- The exterior lights flash. LOCK (2nd
push)- The beeper sounds.

Changes the time it takes for the doors to relock and
the security system to set after you unlock the
vehicle without opening any door.

Changes the keyless setting for when the power
tailgate opens.

Resets/Cancels the engine oil life display when you
have performed the maintenance service.

Cancels/Resets all the customized settings as
default.

DRIVER DOOR with SHIFT to

*2

(P

/ALL DOORS with SHIFT

to (P /DRIVER DOOR with
IGN OFF/ALL DOORS with
IGN OFF/OFF

DRIVER DOOR*2/ALL DOOR

*2

/OFF

ON

90 sec/60 sec/30 sec

*2

ANYTIME*2 / WHEN
UNLOCKED

RESET/CANCEL

CANCEL/SET

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

uuGauges and Multi-Information Display u Multi-Information Display

■ Example of customization settings

The steps for changing the “TRIP A” RESET TIMING setting to WITH REFUEL are
shown below. The default setting for “TRIP A” RESET TIMING is MANUALLY

RESET.

1. Press / button to select
CUSTOMIZE SETTINGS, then press the
SEL/RESET button.

2. Press the / button until METER
SETUP appears on the display.

3. Press the SEL/RESET button.

u LANGUAGE SELECTION appears first in

the display.

QRG

TOC

Continued

Index

93

Instrument Panel

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

uuGauges and Multi-Information DisplayuMulti-Information Display

4. Press the / button until “TRIP A”
RESET TIMING appears on the display,
then press the SEL/RESET button.

u The display switches to the

customization setup screen, where you
can select WITH REFUEL, IGN OFF,

MANUALLY RESET, or EXIT.

5. Press the / button and select WITH

REFUEL, then press the SEL/RESET button.

u The WITH REFUEL setup screen appears,

then the display returns to the
customization menu screen.

6. Press the / button until EXIT

appears on the display, then press the SEL/

RESET button.

7. Repeat Step 6 until you return to the

normal screen.

Index

94

Controls

* Not available on all models

2013 RDX

This chapter explains how to operate the various controls necessary for driving.

QRG

Setting the Clock ................................ 96

Locking and Unlocking the Doors

Key Types and Functions .................... 97

Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the

Outside ............................................ 99

Low Keyless Access Remote Signal Strength..... 103

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

Childproof Door Locks .....................105

Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ..........106

Opening and Closing the Tailgate... 107

Security System ................................ 113

Immobilizer System .......................... 113

Security System Alarm...................... 113

Opening and Closing the Windows .... 115

Opening and Closing the Moonroof

Operating the Switches Around the

Steering Wheel

ENGINE START/STOP Button............. 119

Turn Signals..................................... 122

Light Switches.................................. 122

Fog Lights

Daytime Running Lights ................... 125

Wipers and Washers ........................ 126

Brightness Control ........................... 128

Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror Button ...129

Driving Position Memory System ...... 130

*

...................................... 125

....... 118

Adjusting the Steering Wheel .......... 132

Adjusting the Mirrors....................... 133

Interior Rearview Mirror ................... 133

Power Door Mirrors ......................... 134

Adjusting the Seats .......................... 136

Adjusting the Seat Positions............. 136

Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items

Interior Lights .................................. 143

Interior Convenience Items .............. 145

Climate Control System ................... 152

Using Automatic Climate Control .... 152

Synchronized Mode ......................... 154

...... 143

Automatic Climate Control Sensors.....155

Index

95

Controls

Setting the Clock

1Clock

These indications are used to show how to operate
the selector knob.
Rotate to select.
Press to enter.

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

(6 (Reset) 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 clock is automatically updated through the
navigation system, so the time does not need to be
adjusted.

Models with navigation system

2013 RDX

QRG

Clock

You can adjust the time in the clock display with the power mode in ON.

■ Using the SETUP button

1. Press the SETUP button.

TOC

2. Rotate to select Adjust Clock, then press .

3. Rotate to select the item you want to

change (12/24 hour mode, hour, minute).
Then press .

4. Rotate to make the adjustment.

5. Press to enter your selection. The display

returns to Adjust Clock. Repeat steps 4 to
6 to adjust other items.

6. To enter the selection, Rotate and select

Set, then press .

7. Press the SETUP button to go back to the

normal display.

Index

96

Controls

Locking and Unlocking the Doors

1Key Types and Functions

All of the keys have an immobilizer system. The
immobilizer system helps to protect against vehicle
theft.

2 Immobilizer System P. 113

The keys contain precision electronics.
Adhere to the following advice to prevent damage to
the electronics:

• Do not leave the keys in direct sunlight, or in

locations with high temperature or high humidity.

• Do not drop the keys or set heavy objects on them.

• Keep the keys away from liquids.

• Do not take the keys apart except for replacing the

battery.
If the circuits in the keys are damaged, the engine
may not start, and the keyless access system may not
work.
If the keys do not work properly, have them
inspected by a dealer.

Built-in Key

Release Button

2013 RDX

Key Types and Functions

This vehicle comes with the following keys:

Keys

■

HOLD

■ Keyless access remote

Use the keyless access remote to start and
stop the engine, and to lock and unlock all the
doors and tailgate. You can also use the
keyless access system to lock and unlock the
doors and tailgate.

The built-in key can be used to lock/unlock the
doors and the tailgate when the keyless access
remote battery becomes weak and the power
door lock/unlock operation is disabled.

To remove the built-in key, pull it out while
pressing the release button. To reinstall the
built-in key, push the built-in key into the
keyless access remote until it clicks.

QRG

TOC

Index

Continued

97

Controls

1Key Number Tag

Keep the key number tag separate from the key in a
safe place outside of your vehicle.
If you wish to purchase an additional key, contact a
dealer.

If you lose your key and you cannot start the engine,
contact a dealer.

2013 RDX

QRG

TOC

uuLocking and Unlocking the Doors u Key Types and Functions

Key Number Tag

■

Contains a number that you will need if you
purchase a replacement key.

Index

98

uuLocking and Unlocking the Doors u Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside

Controls

1Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside

You can lock or unlock doors using the remote
transmitter or keyless access system only when the
power mode is in VEHICLE OFF.

1Using the Remote Transmitter

If you do not open a door within 30 seconds of
unlocking the vehicle with the remote transmitter,
the doors will automatically relock.
You can change the relock timer setting.

2 Customized Features P. 87

If the interior light switch is in the door activated
position, the interior lights come on when you press
the unlock button.
No doors opened: The lights fade out after 30
seconds.
Doors relocked with the remote: The lights go off
immediately.

2 Interior Lights P. 143

LED

Unlock
Button

Lock
Button

2013 RDX

Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside

Using the Remote Transmitter

■

HOLD

■ Locking the doors

Press the lock button.

Once:

uSome exterior lights flash, all the doors

and tailgate lock, and the security system
sets.

Twice (within five seconds after the first
push):

uA beeper sounds and verifies the security

system is set.

■ Unlocking the doors

Press the unlock button.

Once:

uSome exterior lights flash twice, and the

driver's door unlocks.

Twice:

uThe remaining doors and tailgate unlock.

QRG

TOC

Continued

Index

99