Acura RDX 2013 User Manual

Quick Reference Guide Chapter Table of Contents Index

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2013 RDX

Online Reference Owner's Manual

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.

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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 Multi-View Rear Camera P. 262
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

31TX4601A

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

Child Safety P. 52	Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 64	Safety Labels P. 65
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* P. 225
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	When You Cannot Open the Tailgate P. 341

Contents

2013 RDX

Quick Reference Guide P. 2

Safe Driving P. 23

Instrument Panel P. 67

Controls P. 95

Features P. 157

Driving P. 227

Maintenance P. 267

Handling the Unexpected P. 317

Information P. 343

Index P. 355

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

Visual Index

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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)

Steering Wheel Adjustments

(P 132)

(Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)

System OFF) Button (P 252)

2	* Not available on all models

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)
Horn (Press an area around	.)

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)

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* Not available on all models	3

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Visual Index

Power Window Switches (P 115)

Power Door Lock Master Switch (P 105)

Door Mirror Controls (P 134)

Parking Brake (P 257)

Hood Release Handle (P 276)

Fuel Fill Door Release Handle (P 264)

Interior Fuse Box (P 338)

Rearview Mirror (P 133)

Driver's Front Airbag (P 40)

Passenger's Front Airbag

(P 40)

Shift Lever Automatic Transmission (P 243)

Glove Box (P 145)

Accessory Power Socket

(P 148)

Seat Heater Switches (P 151)

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Cargo Area Light (P 144)

Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor (P 34)

Seat Belt (Installing a Child Seat) (P 59)

Seat Belt to Secure a Child Seat (P 60)

Side Curtain Airbags (P 47)

Ceiling Light (P 143)

Seat Belts (P 29)

Moonroof Switch (P 118)

Map Lights (P 143)

Sunglasses Holder (P 150)

Sun Visors

Vanity Mirrors

Accessory Power Socket (P 148)

USB Adapter Cable (P 159)

Auxiliary Input Jack (P 159)

Accessory Power Socket (P 148)

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)

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Visual Index

Maintenance Under the Hood (P 275)

Windshield Wipers (P 126) (P 297)

Power Door Mirrors (P 134)

Door Lock/Unlock Control (P 99)

Headlights (P 122) (P 287)

Front Turn Signal/Parking Lights (P 122) (P 291)

Side Marker Lights (P 122) (P 291)

Tires (P 301) (P 319)

Fog Lights* (P 125) (P 289)

How to Refuel (P 264)

High-Mount Brake Light (P 296)

Rear Wiper (P 127) (P 299)

Opening/Closing the Tailgate

(P 107)

Tailgate Release Button (P 108)

Multi-View Rear Camera (P 262)

Brake/Taillights (P 292)

Back-Up Lights (P 294)

Rear Turn Signal Lights (P 292)

Rear Side Marker Lights (P 292)

6	* Not available on all models

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.

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.

Before Driving Checklist (P 28)

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

Fasten your lap belt as low as possible.

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Instrument Panel (P 67)

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

System Indicators (P 68)

System Indicators

Malfunction

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

U.S. Parking Brake and

Brake System

Indicator (Red)

Canada

Low Tire Pressure/

TPMS Indicator

Keyless Access System

Indicator

Shift Lever Position Indicator

Temperature Gauge								Speedometer

		Security System Alarm
	Tachometer			Fuel Gauge
		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

U.S. Side Airbag Off

Indicator

Canada

CRUISE MAIN

Indicator

CRUISE CONTROL

Indicator

System Message

Indicator

U.S. Brake System

Indicator (Amber)

Canada

8	* Not available on all models

Controls (P 95)

Clock (P 96)

Models without navigation system

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 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

Models with navigation system

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

ENGINE START/STOP

Button (P 119)

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

Turn Signals (P 122)

Turn Signal Control Lever

Right

Left

Lights (P 122)

Light Control Switches

High Beam

Low Beam

Flashing

Wipers and Washers (P 126)

Wiper/Washer Control Lever

Adjustment Ring

: Long Delay

: Short Delay

Pull toward you to spray washer fluid.

MIST

OFF

INT: Low speed with intermittent LO: Low speed wipe

HI: High speed wipe

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Steering Wheel (P 132)

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

Unlocking the Front Doors Tailgate (P 107) from the Inside (P 104)

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

● 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.

Models with the power tailgate

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

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Power Door Mirrors (P 134)

●With the power mode in ON, move the selector switch to L or R.

●Push the appropriate edge of the adjustment switch to adjust the mirror.

●Place the selector switch in the L or R position to use the reverse tilt door mirror feature.

Selector Switch

Adjustment Switch

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.

Power Window Lock Button						Indicator

Window Switch

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Climate Control System (P 152)

●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.

Models with navigation system

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

/

(Fan Control) Buttons

(Windshield Defroster) Button

(On/Off) Button

SYNC (Synchronized) Button

Driver's Side Temperature

Passenger's Side Temperature

Control Dial

Control Dial

AUTO Button

(Rear Window Defogger/Heated Mirror)

Button

MODE Control Button

(Recirculation) Button

Air flows from dashboard

A/C (Air Conditioning) Button

vents.

Air flows from floor and

dashboard vents.

Air flows from floor vents.

Air flows from floor and

windshield defroster vents.

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Features (P 157)	VOL (Volume) Buttons
	● Audio Remote Controls (P 165)
			MODE Button

Audio System (P 158)

For navigation system operation () See Navigation System Manual

Audio/Information Screen

			CH (Channel) Buttons
Button	VOL/	(Power/volume)	● VOL (Volume) Button
			Press and release to adjust the volume up/
(CD Eject)	Knob		down.
		CD Slot	● MODE Button
Button
		CD Button	Press and release to change the audio
FM/AM Button		AUX Button	mode: FM1/FM2/AM/CD/XM1/XM2/AUX.
			● CH (Channel) Button
Preset Buttons
			Radio:Press and release to change the
(1-6)
		SKIP Bar	preset station.
CATEGORY Bar
			Press and hold to select the next or
SCAN Button		A.SEL Button
			previous strong station.
PHONE Button		DISPLAY Button	CD/USB device:
			Press and release to skip to the
BACK Button		SETUP Button	beginning of the next song or
			return to the beginning of the
			current song.
			Press and hold to change a folder.
	Selector Knob

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Driving (P 227)

Automatic Transmission (P 244)

●Shift to (P and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.

● Shifting	Release Button
Park	Shift Lever
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)

●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.

Gear Position Indicator

Selected Gear Number

M Indicator

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

Shift Down (-)	Shift Up (+)
Paddle Shifter	Paddle Shifter

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

Press the release button to move the shift lever.

Move the shift lever without pressing the release button.

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VSA® OFF Button (P 252)

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

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

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

Cruise Control (P 248)

●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).

Tire Pressure Monitoring

System (TPMS) (P 253)

●TPMS monitors tire pressure.

●TPMS is turned on automatically every time you start the engine.

Refueling (P 263)

Fuel recommendation: Unleaded premium gasoline with a pump octane number 91 or higher recommended

Fuel tank capacity: 16 US gal (60 L)

a Pull the fuel fill door release handle.

b Turn the fuel fill cap slowly to remove the cap.

c Place the cap in the holder on the fuel fill door.

d After refueling, screw the cap back on until it clicks at least once.

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Maintenance (P 267)

Under the Hood (P 275)

	● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer	Wiper Blades (P 297)
	fluid. Add when necessary.	● Replace blades if they leave streaks
	● Check brake fluid.
		across the windshield.
	● 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.

Tires (P 301)			Lights (P 287)
● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.			● Inspect all lights regularly.
● Check tire pressures regularly.
● Install snow tires for winter
driving.

c When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly locked in place.

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Handling the Unexpected (P 317)

Flat Tire (P 319)	Engine Won't Start (P 325)						Overheating (P 331)
● Park in a safe location and replace the	● If the battery is dead, jump start using a						● Park in a safe location. If you do not see
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the	booster battery.						steam under the hood, open the hood,
cargo area.							and let the engine cool down.

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Indicators Come On (P 333)

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

Blown Fuse (P 337)

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

Emergency Towing (P 340)

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

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What to Do If

The power mode does not	●	The steering wheel may be locked.
change from VEHICLE OFF	●	Move the steering wheel left and right
(LOCK) to ACCESSORY.		after pressing the ENGINE START/STOP
Why?		button.
The power mode does not	The shift lever should be moved to P.
change from ACCESSORY

to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK). Why?

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

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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.

Why do the doors lock	If you do not open the doors within 30 seconds, the doors are
after I unlocked the doors	relocked automatically for security.
using a remote
transmitter?
Why does the beeper	The beeper sounds when:
sound when I open the	●	The exterior lights are left on.
driver's door?	●	The power mode is in ACCESSORY.
Why does the beeper	The beeper sounds when:
sound when I start driving?	●	Driver and/or front passenger are not wearing their seat belts.
	●	The parking brake lever is not fully released.

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Why do I hear a screeching	The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle
sound when I apply the	inspected by a dealer.
brake pedal?

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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 NOTICE symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid

damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.

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A Few Words About Safety

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

3DANGER

3WARNING

3CAUTION

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.

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Safe Driving

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

For Safe Driving		......................................Side Airbags	44
Important Safety Precautions .............	24	Side Curtain Airbags ..........................	47
Important Handling Information.........	26	Airbag System Indicators....................	48
Your Vehicle's Safety Features............	27	Airbag Care .......................................	51
Seat Belts		Child Safety
About Your Seat Belts........................	29	Protecting Child Passengers ...............	52
Fastening a Seat Belt..........................	32	Safety of Infants and Small Children .......	54
Seat Belt Inspection............................	36	Safety of Larger Children ...................	62
Airbags		Exhaust Gas Hazard	Index
Airbag System Components...............	37	Carbon Monoxide Gas.......................	64
Types of Airbags ................................	40	Safety Labels
Front Airbags (SRS) ............................	40	Label Locations ..................................	65

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For Safe Driving

2013 RDX

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

1Important Safety Precautions

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

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■ Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely

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

■ Control your speed

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

■ Keep your vehicle in safe condition

Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous.

To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.

uuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Safety Precautions

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uuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Handling Information

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 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.

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1Important Handling Information

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

2Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

P. 242

2 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 238

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

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uuFor Safe DrivinguYour Vehicle's Safety Features

Your Vehicle's Safety Features

i h l c

i

f

d

j

g

h

j

								k
						a Safety Cage
						b Crush Zones
		e			g
						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
	b	a			b
						l Occupant Position Detection

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

2013 RDX

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.

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uuFor Safe DrivinguYour Vehicle's Safety Features

■ Safety Checklist

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

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

2 Child Safety P. 52

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1Safety Checklist

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

2 Door and Tailgate Open Indicator P. 73

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Seat Belts

About Your Seat Belts

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

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

-frontal impacts

-side impacts

-rear impacts

-rollovers

■ Lap/shoulder seat belts

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

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

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1About Your Seat Belts

3WARNING

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.

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.

QRG

TOC

Driving Safe

Index

Continued

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