2013 Acura RDX Owners Manual

Contents

2013 RDX

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2 Safe Driving P. 23
For Safe Driving P. 24

Seat Belts P. 29

Airbags P. 37

This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.

2 Instrument Panel P. 67
Indicators P. 68

Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 82

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.

2 Controls P. 95
Setting the Clock P. 96
Opening and Closing the Moonroof P. 118
Adjusting the Seats P. 136

Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 97

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 Features P. 157
Audio System P. 158
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver P. 194

Audio System Basic Operation P. 161

2 Driving P. 227
Before Driving P. 228
Parking Your Vehicle P. 261 Multi-View Rear Camera P. 262

Towing a Trailer P. 233

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
Overheating P. 331

If a Tire Goes Flat P. 319
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 333

2 Information P. 343
Specifications P. 344
Emissions Testing P. 349

Identification Numbers P. 346
Warranty Coverages P. 351

Index

31TX4601A © 2012 American Honda Motor Co., Inc - All Rights ReservedOnline Reference Owner's ManualChild Safety P. 52

Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 64

Safety Labels P. 65

Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 107 Security System P. 113
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 119
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 143

Opening and Closing the Windows P. 115
Adjusting the Mirrors P. 133
Climate Control System P. 152

Audio Error Messages P. 187
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® P. 196

General Information on the Audio System P. 190
Compass * P. 225

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 238 When Driving P. 240
Refueling P. 263
Fuel Economy P. 265

Braking P. 257
Accessories and Modifications P. 266

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

Maintenance Under the Hood P. 275
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 301

Replacing Light Bulbs P. 287
Battery P. 310

Remote Transmitter Care P. 311

Handling the Unexpected P. 317

Engine Does Not Start P. 325
Fuses P. 337

Jump Starting P. 328
Emergency Towing P. 340

Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 330
When You Cannot Open the Tailgate P. 341

Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 347
Authorized Manuals P. 353

Reporting Safety Defects P. 348
Client Service Information P. 354

Information P. 343

Index P. 355

Quick Reference Guide Visual Index

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Index

❙ 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)

* Not available on all models

❙ Headlights/Turn Signals (P 122) ❙ Fog Lights * (P 125)

(SEL/RESET) Knob (P 128)

❙ ❙ Brightness Control (P 128)

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❙ 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)

Index

* Not available on all models

Visual Index

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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)

❙ 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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Index

Visual Index

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Index

❙ Maintenance Under the Hood (P 275)

❙ Windshield Wipers (P 126) ❙ Power Door Mirrors (P 134) ❙ Door Lock/Unlock Control (P 99)

(P 297)

(P 287)

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

(P 291)

(P 319)

(P 291)

❙ 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)

* Not available on all models

Safe Driving (P 23)

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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

Before Driving Checklist (P 28) ● Before driving, check that the front seats, head restraints, steering wheel, and mirrors have been properly adjusted.

their seat belts correctly.

Fasten your lap belt as low as possible.

Index

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

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator (Red)

Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS Indicator

Keyless Access System Indicator

U.S.

Canada

Shift Lever Position Indicator

Temperature Gauge

Speedometer

Tachometer

Security System Alarm Indicator

Fuel Gauge

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 Indicator

CRUISE MAIN Indicator CRUISE CONTROL Indicator System Message Indicator

Brake System Indicator (Amber)

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada

* Not available on all models

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Index

Models without navigation system

Controls (P 95) Clock (P 96) a Press and hold the CLOCK (AUX) b Press Preset (4 (Hour) or (5 (Minute) c Press the CLOCK button again to set

button until Adjust Clock appears.

to set the time.

the time.

ENGINE START/STOP Button (P 119)

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

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.

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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Index

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 from the Inside (P 104) ● Pull either front door inner handle to unlock and open it at the same time.

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.

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

Power Windows (P 115) ● With the power mode in ON, open and

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

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

Adjustment Switch

Window Switch

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Index

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Climate Control System (P 152) ● Press the AUTO button to activate the climate control system. ● Press the ● Press the

button to turn the system on or off.

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

(On/Off) Button

(Windshield Defroster) Button

SYNC (Synchronized) Button

Driver's Side Temperature Control Dial

AUTO Button

MODE Control Button

Air flows from dashboard vents. Air flows from floor and dashboard vents. Air flows from floor vents. Air flows from floor and windshield defroster vents.

Passenger's Side Temperature Control Dial

(Rear Window Defogger/Heated Mirror) Button

(Recirculation) Button

A/C (Air Conditioning) Button

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Features (P 157) Audio System (P 158) For navigation system operation () See Navigation System Manual

Audio/Information Screen

● Audio Remote Controls (P 165) VOL (Volume) Buttons

MODE Button

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Button

(CD Eject)

Button

FM/AM Button Preset Buttons (1-6) CATEGORY Bar SCAN Button

PHONE Button

BACK Button

Selector Knob

(Power/volume)

VOL/ Knob

CD Slot CD Button AUX Button

SKIP Bar A.SEL Button

DISPLAY Button

SETUP Button

CH (Channel) Buttons

● 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

Driving (P 227) Automatic Transmission (P 244) ● Shift to (P and depress the brake pedal when

starting the engine.

● Shifting

Release Button

Park Turn off or start the engine. Transmission is locked. Reverse

Shift Lever

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 (-) Paddle Shifter

Shift Up (+) 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

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number 91 or higher recommended

Fuel tank capacity: 16 US gal (60 L)

a Pull the fuel fill door b Turn the fuel fill cap

release handle.

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.

Index

15

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.

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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.

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.

Lights (P 287) ● Inspect all lights regularly.

Handling the Unexpected (P 317) Flat Tire (P 319) ● Park in a safe location and replace the

Engine Won't Start (P 325) ● If the battery is dead, jump start using a

flat tire with the compact spare tire in the cargo area.

booster battery.

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.

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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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17

What to Do If

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

● The steering wheel may be locked. ● Move the steering wheel left and right after pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.

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

The shift lever should be moved to (P.

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

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.

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18

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 after I unlocked the doors using a remote transmitter?

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

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

The beeper sounds when: ● The exterior lights are left on. ● The power mode is in ACCESSORY.

Why does the beeper sound when I start driving?

The beeper sounds when: ● Driver and/or front passenger are not wearing their seat belts. ● The parking brake lever is not fully released.

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

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

The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

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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Index

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.

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 symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.

NOTICE

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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

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

3WARNING You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if

you don't follow instructions.

3CAUTION

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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22

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

Safe Driving

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For Safe Driving

Important Safety Precautions ............. 24
Important Handling Information......... 26
Your Vehicle's Safety Features............ 27

Seat Belts

About Your Seat Belts........................ 29
Fastening a Seat Belt.......................... 32
Seat Belt Inspection............................ 36

Airbags

Airbag System Components............... 37
Types of Airbags ................................ 40
Front Airbags (SRS) ............................ 40

Side Airbags ...................................... 44
Side Curtain Airbags .......................... 47
Airbag System Indicators.................... 48
Airbag Care ....................................... 51

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers ............... 52
Safety of Infants and Small Children .......54
Safety of Larger Children ................... 62

Exhaust Gas Hazard

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

Safety Labels

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

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23

2013 RDX1Important Safety Precautions

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

For Safe Driving

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.

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24

2013 RDXuuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Safety Precautions

■ 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.

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25

2013 RDXuuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Handling Information

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

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.

Index

26

2013 RDXYour Vehicle's Safety Features

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 System (OPDS) Sensor

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

Continued

uuFor Safe DrivinguYour Vehicle's Safety Features

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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27

2013 RDX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

uuFor Safe DrivinguYour Vehicle's Safety Features

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■ 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.

Index

2 Child Safety P. 52

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2013 RDX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

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.

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2013 RDXuuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts

■ Proper use of seat belts 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