Acura RDX (2021 year). Manual in english - page 27

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

430

Driving

■

If you want to keep the transmission in 

(

N

 position [car wash mode]

With the engine running:

1.

Press and hold the brake pedal.

2.

Select 

(

N

, then release the button to display 

(

N

 (Neutral) hold mode on the 

multi-information display.

3.

Press and hold 

(

N

 again for two seconds.

u

This puts the vehicle in car wash mode which must be used when your vehicle 
is pulled through a conveyor type automatic car wash where you or an 
attendant do not remain in the vehicle.

If the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button is pressed 

after car wash mode has been activated, the 
power mode will change to ACCESSORY and 
a message will be displayed on the multi-
information display.

u

The gear position remains in 

(

N

 with the 

power mode in ACCESSORY for 15 
minutes, then, it automatically changes 
to 

(

P

 and the power mode changes to 

OFF.

u

Manually press the 

ENGINE START/

STOP

 button cancels ACCESSORY 

mode. The 

(

P

 indicator comes on and 

the power mode changes to OFF. You 
must always press the 

ENGINE START/

STOP

 button when car wash mode is no 

longer needed.

1

If you want to keep the transmission in 

(

N

 position [car wash 

mode]

To keep the vehicle in 

(

N

 position, you can also 

follow this procedure:
While the engine is on, select 

(

N

, and then within 

five seconds, press the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 

button.

The transmission may not stay in 

(

N

 position while 

the following indicators are on or when the message 
below appears:

•

Malfunction indicator lamp

•

Transmission system indicator

•

Charging system indicator

•

The 

Charging System Problem

 message on the 

multi-information display.

431

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Continued

Driving

■

Restrictions on selecting a gear position

You cannot select a gear position under certain circumstances that may lead to a crash.

When the 
transmission is in:

1. Under these 
circumstances:

2. If you try to change to the 
following:

3. The gear position 
remains in/changes to:

How to change the 
gear position

(

P

The brake pedal is not 
depressed.

Other gear position

(

P

Release the accelerator 
pedal and depress the 
brake pedal.

The accelerator pedal is 
depressed.

(

N

The vehicle is moving at low 
speed without the brake pedal 
depressed.

(

N

The vehicle is moving at low 
speed with the accelerator 
pedal depressed.

(

N

, 

(

D

 or 

(

S

The vehicle is moving forward.

(

R

Stop your vehicle in a 
safe place, depress the 
brake pedal, and select 
the appropriate gear 
position.

(

R

 or 

(

N

The vehicle is moving backward.

(

D

, 

(

S

(

R

, 

(

N

, 

(

D

 or 

(

S

The vehicle is moving.

(

P

432

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 10th gears without releasing 
your hands from the steering wheel. The transmission will switch to the sequential 
mode.

■

When the transmission is in 

(

D

:

The vehicle will go into the sequential mode momentarily, and the sequential mode 
gear selection indicator will come on.

When the vehicle goes into the sequential mode by 

(

-

 paddle shifter and the lower 

gear is available, the transmission properly selects single or double gear change.

Once you start traveling at a constant speed, the sequential mode will automatically 
switch off, and the sequential mode gear selection indicator will go off.

Hold the 

(

+

 paddle shifter for two seconds or push the 

 button to return to 

normal drive.

■

When the transmission is in 

(

S

:

The vehicle will go into the sequential mode, and the 

M

 (sequential mode) indicator 

and sequential mode gear selection indicator will come on.
If the vehicle speed increases and the engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s 
red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up to the next gear.
You can cancel this mode by holding the 

(

+

 paddle shifter for two seconds or push 

the 

 button. When the sequential mode is canceled, the sequential mode 

indicator and sequential mode gear selection indicator will turn off.

■

Sequential Mode

D/S

D/S

433

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

■

Sequential Mode Operation

1

Sequential Mode Operation

Each paddle shift operation makes a single gear 
change.
To change gears continuously, release the paddle 
shifter before pulling it again for the next gear.

If the sequential mode gear selection indicator blinks 
when you try to shift up or down, this means your 
vehicle speed is not in its allowable gear range.
Slightly accelerate to shift up and decelerate to shift 
down while the indicator is blinking.

The transmission is in 

(

S

 and 

Sport+

 mode, to 

prioritize the engine performance enhancement, the 
transmission may not allow for shifting up while the 
engine speed is low.

Paddle Shifter 
(Shift down)

Downshifting 
when pulling 
the 

(

-

 paddle 

shifter.
(Changes to a 
lower gear.)

Upshifting 
when pulling 
the 

(

+

 paddle 

shifter. 
(Changes to a 
higher gear.)

(

-

(

+

Paddle Shifter 
(Shift up)

434

uu

When Driving

u

Integrated Dynamics System

Driving

Integrated Dynamics System

Modifies the dynamic character of the vehicle. There are four modes to select from: 

Comfort

, 

Sport

, 

Sport+

, and 

Snow

.

Turn the 

Dynamic Mode

 switch to select a mode. The mode you have selected appears on the audio/information screen.

Dynamic Mode

 Switch

Comfort

 mode

Sport

 mode

Snow

 mode

Sport+

 mode

435

uu

When Driving

u

Integrated Dynamics System

Driving

When the power mode is turned off, the drive mode that the vehicle was in is registered with the vehicle. When the vehicle is driven the 
next time, it detects which remote transmitter is being used and then reactivates or changes the drive mode that the vehicle was in the last 
time the same transmitter was used.

•

If 

Comfort

 mode or 

Sport

 mode was previously registered, 

Comfort

 mode or 

Sport

 mode will be reactivated.

•

If 

Snow

 mode was previously registered, the drive mode will be changed to 

Comfort

 mode.

•

If 

Sport+

 mode was previously registered, the drive mode will be changed to 

Sport

 mode.

Mode

Function

Sport+

Adds to Sport to allow for increased performance by enhancing throttle response and changing the shift map.

Sport

Enhances vehicle response feel through decreased steering assist, heightened throttle response, increased 
SH-AWD

*

 torque bias, and modified active sound control.

Comfort

Maximizes driver comfort through increased steering assist.

Snow

Use when driving on snowy road surfaces.

* Not available on all models

436

uu

When Driving

u

Auto Idle Stop

Driving

Auto Idle Stop

To help maximize fuel economy, the engine automatically stops when the vehicle 
comes to a stop, depending on environmental and vehicle operating conditions. The 
indicator (green) comes on at this time.

The engine then restarts once the vehicle is 
about to move again, and the indicator 
(green) goes off.

2

The Engine Automatically Restarts When:

 

P. 440

The environmental and vehicle conditions that 
impact Auto Idle Stop system operation are 
varied.

2

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

 P. 438, 439

If the driver’s door is opened while the 
indicator (green) comes on, a buzzer sounds 
to notify you that the Auto Idle Stop function 
is in operation.

A message associated with Auto Idle Stop 
appears on the multi-information display.

2

Indicators

 P. 78

2

Customized Features

 P. 341

1

Auto Idle Stop

The 12-volt battery installed in this vehicle is 
specifically designed for a model with Auto Idle Stop. 
Using a 12-volt battery other than this specified type 
may shorten the 12-volt battery life, and prevent 
Auto Idle Stop from activating. If you need to replace 
the 12-volt battery, make sure to select the specified 
type. Ask a dealer for more details.

Auto Idle Stop Indicator 
(Green)

Continued

437

uu

When Driving

u

Auto Idle Stop

Driving

To turn the Auto Idle Stop system off, press 
this button. The Auto Idle Stop system stops.

u

Auto Idle Stop system will stop and the 
indicator (amber) will come on.

The Auto Idle Stop system is turned on every 
time you start the engine, even if you turned it 
off the last time you drove the vehicle.

■

Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF

1

Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF

If you turn off the Auto Idle Stop system while it is 
activated, the engine will restart.

Auto Idle Stop System 
Indicator (Amber)

uu

When Driving

u

Auto Idle Stop

438

Driving

The vehicle stops with the gear position in 

(

D

 and the brake pedal depressed.

■

Auto Idle Stop does not activate when:

•

The Auto Idle Stop 

OFF

 button is pressed.

•

The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.

•

The engine coolant temperature is low or high.

•

The transmission fluid temperature is low or high.

•

The vehicle comes to a stop again before the vehicle speed reaches 3 mph (5 
km/h) after the engine starts.

•

Stopped on a steep incline.

•

The transmission is in a position other than 

(

D

.

•

The engine is started with the hood open.

u

Turn off the engine. Close the hood before you restart the engine to activate 
Auto Idle Stop.

•

The battery charge is low.

•

The internal temperature of the battery is 14°F (−10°C). or less.

•

The climate control system is in use, and the outside temperature is below −4°F 
(−20°C) or over 104°F (40°C).

•

The climate control system is in use, and the temperature is set to the 

Hi

 or 

Lo

.

•

 is ON (indicator on).

•

The dynamic mode is changed to 

Snow

 or 

Sport+

 mode.

■

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

1

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop 
function is activated. If the hood is opened, the 
engine will not restart automatically.

In this case, restart the engine with the 

ENGINE 

START/STOP

 button.

2

Starting the Engine

 P. 419

When ACC with Low Speed Follow is in operation, 
the vehicle stops without depressing the brake pedal 
and Auto Idle Stop may activate.

Pressing the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button causes 

the engine to no longer restart automatically. Follow 
the standard procedure to start the engine.

2

Starting the Engine

 P. 419

439

uu

When Driving

u

Auto Idle Stop

Continued

Driving

■

Auto Idle Stop may not activate when:

•

The vehicle is stopped by braking suddenly.

•

The steering wheel is operated.

•

Altitude is high.

•

The climate control system is in use, and there is a significant difference between 
the set temperature and the actual interior temperature.

•

The climate control system is in use, and humidity in the interior is high.

uu

When Driving

u

Auto Idle Stop

440

Driving

•

The brake pedal is released (without the automatic brake hold system activated).

•

The accelerator pedal is depressed (with the automatic brake hold system 
activated).

2

Automatic Brake Hold

 P. 503

■

The engine restarts even if the brake pedal is depressed

*1

 when:

•

The Auto Idle Stop 

OFF

 button is pressed.

•

A steering wheel is operated.

•

The transmission is put into 

(

R

, 

(

S

, and 

(

P

, or taken out of 

(

N

 and put into 

(

D

.

•

The pressure on the brake pedal is reduced and the vehicle starts moving while 
stopped on an incline.

•

The brake pedal is released slightly during a stop.

•

The battery charge becomes low.

•

The accelerator pedal is depressed.

•

The driver’s seat belt is unlatched.

•

 is ON (indicator on).

•

The climate control system is in use, and the difference between the set 
temperature and actual interior temperature becomes significant.

•

The climate control system is being used to dehumidify the interior.

•

The vehicle ahead of you starts again when your vehicle stops automatically with 
ACC with Low Speed Follow.

•

The dynamic mode is changed to 

Snow

 or 

Sport+

 mode.

■

The Engine Automatically Restarts When:

1

The Engine Automatically Restarts When:

If you are using an electronic device during Auto Idle 
Stop, the device may temporarily be turned off when 
the engine restarts.

1

The engine restarts even if the brake pedal is depressed

*1

 when:

*1: With the automatic brake hold system activated, 
you can release the brake pedal during Auto Idle Stop 
is in operation.
If the automatic brake hold system has been turned 
off, or if there is a problem with the system, the 
engine will restart automatically when you release 
the brake pedal.

2

Automatic Brake Hold

 P. 503

441

uu

When Driving

u

Auto Idle Stop

Driving

Briefly keeps the brake applied after releasing the brake pedal to restart the engine. 
This can keep your vehicle from unexpectedly moving while on an incline.

■

Starting Assist Brake Function

442

uu

When Driving

u

Vehicle Stability Assist

TM

 (VSA

®

), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist

TM

 (VSA

®

), aka Electronic 

Stability Control (ESC), System

VSA

®

 helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less 

than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. 
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.

When VSA

®

 activates, you may notice that the 

engine does not respond to the accelerator. 
You may also notice some noise from the 
hydraulic brake system. You will also see the 
indicator blink.

■

VSA

®

 Operation

1

Vehicle Stability Assist

TM

 (VSA

®

), aka Electronic Stability Control 

(ESC), System

The VSA

®

 may not function properly if tire type and 

size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and 
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.

When the VSA

®

 system indicator comes on and stays 

on while driving, there may be a problem with the 
system. While this may not interfere with normal 
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer 
immediately.

VSA

®

 cannot enhance stability in all driving situations 

and does not control the entire braking system. You 
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate 
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient 
margin of safety.

The main function of the VSA

®

 system is generally 

known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The 
system also includes a traction control function.

VSA

®

 System 

Indicator

443

uu

When Driving

u

Vehicle Stability Assist

TM

 (VSA

®

), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

Driving

This button is on the driver side control panel. 
To partially disable VSA

®

 functionality/

features, press and hold it until you hear a 
beep.

Your vehicle will have normal braking and 
cornering ability, but traction control function 
will be less effective.

To restore VSA

®

 functionality/features, press 

the  

(VSA

®

 

OFF

) button until you hear a 

beep.

VSA

®

 is turned on every time you start the 

engine, even if you turned it off the last time 
you drove the vehicle.

■

VSA

®

 On and Off

1

Vehicle Stability Assist

TM

 (VSA

®

), aka Electronic Stability Control 

(ESC), System

In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets 
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier 
to free it with the VSA

®

 temporarily switched off.

When the 

 button is pressed, the traction control 

function becomes less effective. This allows for the 
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should 
only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA

®

 off if 

you are not able to free it when the VSA

®

 is on.

Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to 
switch VSA

®

 on again. We do not recommend driving 

your vehicle with the VSA

®

 systems switched off.

You may hear a motor sound coming from the 
engine compartment while system checks are being 
performed immediately after starting the engine or 
while driving. This is normal.

VSA

®

 

OFF

 Indicator

444

uu

When Driving

u

Agile Handling Assist

Driving

Agile Handling Assist

Lightly brakes each of the front and rear wheels, as needed, when you turn the 
steering wheel, and helps support the vehicle’s stability and performance during 
cornering.

Lightly brakes the front wheels, as needed, when you turn the steering wheel, and 
helps support the vehicle’s stability and performance during cornering.

1

Agile Handling Assist

The agile handling assist cannot enhance stability in 
all driving situations. You still need to drive and 
corner at speeds appropriate for the conditions and 
always leave a sufficient margin of safety.

When the VSA

®

 system indicator comes on and stays 

on while driving, the agile handling assist does not 
activate.

You may hear a sound coming from the engine 
compartment while the agile handling assist is 
activated. This is normal.

AWD models

2WD models

445

uu

When Driving

u

Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

 (SH-AWD

®

)

*

Driving

Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

 (SH-AWD

®

)

*

The system controls and transfers varying amounts of engine torque to each wheel 
in accordance with the driving conditions.

SH-AWD

®

 helps to enhance driving stability, and lets you handle situations like 

slippery surfaces, such as snow, sand, mud, and steep hill, better than when driving 
with two wheel drive. However, the system does not help to enhance braking. Be 
precautious about the following:

•

It is still your responsibility to drive safely when you steer, accelerate, and apply 
brakes.

•

Leave a sufficient margin when braking on slippery surfaces.

1

Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

 (SH-AWD

®

)

*

The SH-AWD

®

 system may not function properly if 

tire type and size are mixed.
Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and 
the air pressures as specified.

2

Tire and Wheel Replacement

 P. 572

Do not continuously spin the front tires of your 
vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can 
cause damage to the transmission and SH-AWD

®

 

unit.

If the Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

 (

SH-AWD

®

) 

indicator blinks while driving, it indicates the 
differential temperature is too high. If this happens, 
pull to the side of the road when it is safe, change the 
gear position to 

(

P

, and idle the engine until the 

indicator goes out.

* Not available on all models