2011 Acura RDX Repair Manual

The 2011 Acura RDX Repair Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintaining and repairing the 2011 Acura RDX luxury compact SUV. This manual covers the 2.3L turbocharged engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and interior components. Below are key sections for maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, specifications, and repair instructions.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Repair 4. Transmission Service 5. Brake System 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Electrical Systems 8. Heating & AC 9. Body & Interior 10. Diagnostic Procedures 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for the 2011 Acura RDX including engine, transmission, dimensions, and capacities.

SpecificationDescription
Engine2.3L K23A1 turbocharged inline-4
Horsepower240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque260 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Transmission5-speed automatic with SportShift
DrivetrainSuper Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
Fuel Capacity17.8 gallons
Curb Weight3,924 lbs
Wheelbase104.3 inches
Overall Length179.3 inches
Brakes4-wheel disc with ABS

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals and service procedures for optimal vehicle performance.

  1. Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
  2. Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
  3. Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
  4. Spark plug replacement: Every 105,000 miles
  5. Transmission fluid: Every 30,000 miles
  6. Brake fluid: Every 3 years regardless of mileage
  7. Coolant replacement: Every 120,000 miles or 10 years

WARNING! Always use premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher). Use only Honda/Acura-approved fluids and parts.

Engine Repair

Procedures for diagnosing and repairing the 2.3L turbocharged engine.

  1. Engine removal and installation procedures
  2. Turbocharger service and replacement
  3. Timing chain replacement (interference engine)
  4. Valve adjustment specifications
  5. Fuel system service and injector replacement
  6. Ignition system diagnosis and coil replacement
  7. Oil consumption diagnosis and piston ring service

CAUTION! The K23A1 is an interference engine - improper timing chain installation can cause severe engine damage.

Transmission Service

Brake System

Service procedures for the 4-wheel disc brake system with ABS and electronic brake distribution.

Front Brakes: 12.6-inch ventilated discs, single-piston calipers. Rear Brakes: 13.1-inch solid discs, single-piston calipers.

Pad Replacement: Standard procedure with caliper piston retraction. Rotor Service: Minimum thickness specifications and resurfacing limits. ABS Diagnosis: Using Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) scanner for trouble codes. Brake Bleeding: Manual and pressure bleeding procedures, including ABS modulator.

Suspension & Steering

Front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension service procedures.

  1. Strut replacement and alignment specifications
  2. Control arm and bushing replacement
  3. Stabilizer bar and link service
  4. Wheel bearing replacement procedures
  5. Electric power steering system diagnosis
  6. SH-AWD rear torque vectoring system service

Tip: Always perform wheel alignment after any suspension component replacement.

Electrical Systems

Diagnosis and repair of electrical components and systems.

  1. Battery: Location in trunk, testing and replacement
  2. Alternator: 130-amp output, testing procedures
  3. Starter: Removal requires intake manifold removal
  4. Lighting Systems: Headlight, taillight, and interior light replacement
  5. Power Accessories: Window, lock, and seat motor service
  6. Fuse Box Locations: Under-hood, driver's side kick panel, trunk
  7. CAN Bus System: Network communication diagnosis

WARNING! Disconnect battery before performing electrical work to prevent short circuits and module damage.

Heating & AC

Climate control system service and repair procedures.

AC System: R-134a refrigerant, capacity 1.21-1.34 lbs. Compressor: Variable displacement type, magnetic clutch. Heater Core: Replacement requires dashboard removal. Blower Motor: Located under passenger side dashboard. Control Head: Dual-zone automatic climate control diagnosis.

Body & Interior

Repair procedures for exterior body panels and interior components.

  1. Bumper cover removal and installation
  2. Door panel removal and window regulator service
  3. Seat removal and track mechanism repair
  4. Dashboard components and center console service
  5. Headliner replacement procedures
  6. Exterior trim and moldings

CAUTION! Use proper trim removal tools to avoid damaging plastic clips and fasteners.

Diagnostic Procedures

Using Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) for system diagnosis and module programming.

SystemDiagnostic AccessCommon Codes
EngineOBD-II connector under dashboardP0300-P0304 (misfire), P0420 (catalyst)
TransmissionHDS required for TCM codesP0700, P0715, P0730 (shift issues)
ABS/VSAHDS required for module codesC1200-C1299 (wheel sensors)
SH-AWDHDS required for rear differentialDTCs related to torque distribution
ClimateHDS or manual self-diagnosisBlower motor, sensor failures

Troubleshooting Guide

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine misfireSpark plugs, coils, fuel injectorsCheck compression, replace plugs/coils, test injectors
Transmission slippingLow fluid, worn clutchesCheck fluid level and condition, pressure test
SH-AWD warning lightRear differential, wheel sensorsScan for codes, check rear diff fluid, test sensors
Brake vibrationWarped rotors, worn padsResurface or replace rotors, install new pads
Electrical issuesBattery, alternator, groundsLoad test battery and alternator, check ground connections

Reset Procedures: Maintenance minder reset, electronic parking brake calibration, power window initialization.

Technical Support: Acura Technical Information System (TIS), 1-800-382-2238 for dealer technical assistance

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