Auto User Guide

Warning Symbols: 2021 ACURA RDX Dashboard Lights Meanings

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Warning Symbols: 2021 ACURA RDX Dashboard Lights Meanings

The 2021 Acura RDX is a model of cutting-edge technology and elegant design in the complex field of automotive engineering. Understanding the confusing maze of dashboard lights is like learning a language of alerts and warnings that are essential for the best possible performance of your car. These dashboard lights act as the guardians of the RDX, transmitting vital information about its various systems and functions, much like mysterious symbols embedded within the vehicle’s interface. It becomes crucial for drivers to comprehend the meanings behind these warning symbols to protect themselves from potential problems and guarantee a smooth driving experience. In this investigation, we explore the mysterious realm of the dashboard lights on the 2021 Acura RDX, revealing the meanings behind each symbol and equipping drivers with the information they need to understand the silent language of their cars.

2023 Acura RDX Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

Indicators

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 01 2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 02 2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 03

  1. When you set the power mode to ON, these indicators come on to indicate that system checks are being performed. They go off a few seconds later or after the engine has started. If an indicator does not come on or turn off, there may be a malfunction in the corresponding system. To resolve the issue, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message  
   
  • 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 about 30 seconds when you pull or push the electric parking brake switch when the power mode is in ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF.
  • Stays on for about 30 seconds when you set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF while the electric parking brake is set.
  • Comes on while driving
    • Make sure the parking brake is released. Check the brake fluid level.

What to do when the indicator comes on while driving

  • Comes on along with the brake system indicator (amber) -Immediately stop in a safe place. Contact a dealer for repair. The brake pedal becomes harder to operate. Depress the pedal further than you normally do.
  • Comes on along with the ABS indicator – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

If the Brake System Indicator (Red)

  • Blinks and the brake system indicator (amber) comes on at the same time
    • There is a problem with the electric parking brake system. The parking brake may not be set.

Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On or Blinks at the Same Time When the Brake System Indicator (Amber)

   
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (1)   2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 04  
  Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator (Red)  
   
       
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message  
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (2) Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator (Amber)
  • Comes on if there is a problem with a system related to braking other than the conventional brake system
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the electric brake system.
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the electric parking brake system.
  • Stays on constantly – Avoid high speeds and sudden braking. Take the vehicle to a dealer immediately
  • Comes on while driving
    • Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
The U.S.  
   
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 04  
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the radar sensor.
  • Indicators may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded.
  • Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Maximum Load Limit

  •  Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
 
   
   
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (2) Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator (Amber)
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the automatic brake hold system.
Automatic Brake Hold   
 
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 06
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 08 Automatic Brake Hold System Indicator
  • Comes on when the automatic brake hold system is on.
Automatic Brake Hold  
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 06
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 09 Automatic Brake Hold Indicator
  • Comes on when the automatic brake hold is activated.
Automatic Brake Hold 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (2) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
  • After you have set the power mode to ON, the vehicle performs system checks. However, if the readiness codes have not been set by that time, this indicator will blink five times and then go off.
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the emissions control systems.
  • Blinks when a misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected.
  • Readiness codes are part of the onboard diagnostics for the emissions control systems.

Testing of Readiness Codes

  • Comes on while driving – Have your 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 your vehicle to a dealer.

If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 10
 
 
 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (12) Charging System Indicator
  • Comes on when the battery is not charging.
  • Comes on while driving
  • Turn off the climate control system and rear defogger to reduce electricity consumption.

If the Charging System Indicator

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 13
 
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 11 Gear Position Indicator
  • Indicates the current gear selection.
Shifting
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 12 M (sequential mode) Indicator/Gear Selection Indicator
  • Comes on when the sequential mode is applied.
Sequential Mode
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 16 Transmission System Indicator
  • The current gear selection blinks if the transmission system has a problem.
•  Blinks while driving – Avoid sudden starts and acceleration and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.  
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 14
  • The indicated current gear selection blinks if the transmission system is a problem and the performance of the vehicle is reduced.
  • Avoid sudden starts, sudden acceleration, and high speed, and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 15
 
  • The indicated current gear selection blinks if the transmission system is a problem and the paddle shifters cannot be used.
  • Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 51
 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 16 Transmission System Indicator
  • The current gear position or all the gear positions blink if there is a problem with the transmission and the vehicle is no longer able to run.
  •  Immediately park your car in a safe place.

Emergency Towing

  • Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 14
 
  • The current gear position or all the gear positions blink if there is a problem with the transmission and it is not possible to select (P.
  • Depending on the circumstances, you can set the power mode to be on as an emergency measure.

If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along with the Warning Message

  • While the vehicle is stopped, apply the parking brake.
  • Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 51
 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (40) Auto Idle Stop Indicator (Green)
  • Comes on when Auto Idle Stop is in operation. The engine automatically shuts off.
Auto Idle Stop 
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (40) Auto Idle Stop System Indicator (Amber)
  • Comes on when the Auto Idle Stop system has been turned off by the Auto Idle Stop system OFF button.
Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF 2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 17
  • Blinks if there is a problem with the Auto Idle Stop system.
  • Blinks – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 18
 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators50 Seat Belt Reminder Indicator
  •  Blinks and the beeper sounds for a few seconds if you are not wearing a seat belt when you set the power mode to ON, then the indicator comes on.
  • If the front passenger is not wearing a seat belt, the indicator comes on a few seconds later.
  • Blinks while driving if either you and/or the front passenger has not fastened a seat belt. The beeper sounds and the indicator blinks at regular intervals.
  • The beeper stops and the indicator goes off when you and the front passenger fasten their seat belts.
  • Stays on after you and/or the front passenger have fastened the seat belt(s) – A detection error may have occurred in the sensor. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Seat Belt Reminder
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 19
 
 
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (13) Low Fuel Indicator
  • Comes on when the fuel reserve is running low (approximately 2.4 U.S. gal./9.1 Liter left).
  • Blinks if there is a problem with the fuel gauge.
  • Comes on – Refuel your vehicle as soon as possible.
  • Blinks
    • Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 52
 
 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (1) Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the ABS.
  • Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability but no anti-lock function.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 20
 
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (2) Supplemental Restraint System Indicator
  • Comes on if a problem with any of the following is detected:
  • Supplemental restraint system
  • Side airbag system
  • Side curtain airbag system
  • Seat belt tensioner
  • Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 21
 
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (8) Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the EPS system.
  • Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator Comes On 

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 22
 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (1) Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®) System Indicator
  • Blinks when VSA®, or trailer stability assist is active.
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the brake assist system, VSA® system or hill start assist system.
  • Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC),

 
 
 
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (1) Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®) OFF Indicator
  • Comes on when you partially disable VSA®.
VSA® On and Off   
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (10) Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
  • 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 spare tire* is temporarily installed.
  • Comes on while driving – Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and inflate the tire(s) if necessary.
  • Blinks and remains on – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. If the vehicle is fitted with a compact spare tire, get your regular tire repaired or replaced and put back on your vehicle as soon as you can.
 
 
 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (2) Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators
  • Blinks when you operate the turn signal lever.
  • Blink along with all turn signals when you press the hazard warning button.
  • Does not blink or blink rapidly

2 Replacing Light Bulbs

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (1) High Beam Indicator
  • Comes on when the high-beam headlights are on.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (15) Lights On Indicator
  •  Comes on when the light switch is in a position other than OFF or when the switch is set to AUTO and the exterior lights come on.
•  If you set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF while the lights are on, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (16) Fog Light Indicator*
  • Comes on when the fog lights are on.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators Auto High-Beam Indicator
  • Comes on when all the operating conditions of the auto high-beam are met.
Auto High-Beam 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message*1
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 26 2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 27 Immobilizer System Indicator
  • Comes on briefly when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off.
  • Blinks if the immobilizer system cannot recognize the key information.
  • Blinks – You cannot start the engine. Set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF*1, then select the ON mode again.
  • Repeatedly blinks – The system may be malfunctioning. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
  • Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems can occur.
22021 ACURA RDX Indicators 29021 ACURA RDX Indicators 28
 
 
Indicator Security System Alarm Indicator
  • Comes on briefly when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off.
  • Blinks when the security system alarm has been set.
Security System Alarm 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators (9) System Message Indicator
  • Comes on along with a beep when a problem is detected. A system message on the multi-information display appears at the same time.
  • While the indicator is on, roll the right selector wheel to see the message again.

Switching the Display

  • 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 right selector wheel is pressed.
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 61 Super Handling-All Wheel DriveTM (SH-AWD®) Indicator*
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the SH-AWD® system.
  • Blinks when the differential temperature is too high.
  • Stays on constantly
  • The engine drives the front wheels only in this state. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 30
 
  • Blinks while driving – Stop in a safe place, put the transmission into (P, and idle the engine until the indicator goes off. If the indicator does not stop blinking, take your vehicle to a dealer.

Super Handling-All Wheel DriveTM (SH-AWD®)*

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 31
 
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 62 Maintenance Minder Indicator
  • Comes on when the scheduled maintenance is due soon.
  • Consequently, Maintenance Due Now and Maintenance Past Due follow.
2 Maintenance MinderTM  2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 32
 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message  
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 29  
  • Comes on if there is a problem with ACC with Low-Speed Follow.
  • Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 30  
   
  • Indicators may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded.
  • ACC with Low-Speed Follow has been automatically canceled.
  • Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Maximum Load Limit

  • Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
 
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 29 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow Indicator (Green)
  • Comes on when you press the

MAIN button.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow  
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 29 Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Indicator (Amber)
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the LKAS.
  • Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 35  
   
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 33 Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Indicator (Green)
  • Comes on when you press the

MAIN button.

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)  
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message  
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 63 Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) Indicator
  • Comes on if there is a problem with RDM.
  • Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
   
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 36  
  • Indicators may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded.
  • Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Maximum Load Limit

  • Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
 
  • Comes on when RDM shuts itself off.
  • Indicators may come on temporarily when passing through an enclosed space, such as a tunnel.
  • The area around the radar sensor is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place and wipe the debris off with a soft cloth. The indicator may take some time to go off after the radar sensor is cleaned.
  • Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator does not go off even after you have cleaned the radar sensor.

Radar Sensor

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 37  
   
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 63 Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) Indicator
  • Comes on when RDM shuts itself off.
  • Stays on – The temperature inside the camera is too high.

Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. The system activates when the temperature inside the camera cools down. Front Sensor Camera

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 38
 
  • Stays on – The area around the camera is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place and wipe the debris off with a soft cloth.
  • Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator and message are still displayed even after you have cleaned the area around the camera.

Front Sensor Camera

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 39
 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 64 Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM (CMBSTM) Indicator
  • Comes on when you deactivate the CMBSTM. A multi-information display message appears for five seconds.
  • Comes on if there is a problem with CMBSTM.
  • Stays on constantly without the CMBSTM OFF
    • Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 67
  • Indicators may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded.
  • Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Maximum Load Limit

  • Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
 
  • Comes on when CMBSTM shuts itself off.
  • Indicators may come on temporarily when passing through an enclosed space, such as a tunnel.
  • The area around the radar sensor is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place and wipe the debris off with a soft cloth. The indicator may take some time to go off after the radar sensor is cleaned.
  • Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator does not go off even after you have cleaned the radar sensor.

Radar Sensor

 
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 37
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 64 Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM (CMBSTM) Indicator
  • Comes on when CMBSTM shuts itself off.
  • Stays on – The temperature inside the camera is too high.

Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. The system activates when the temperature inside the camera cools down. Front Sensor Camera 

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 38
 
  • Stays on – The area around the camera is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place and wipe the debris off with a soft cloth.
  • Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator and message are still displayed even after you have cleaned the area around the camera.

Front Sensor Camera 

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 39
 
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 65 Blind spot information System Indicator*
  • Stays on while the blind spot information system is turned off.
Customized Features 2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 40.
  • Comes on when mud, snow, or ice accumulates in the vicinity of the sensor.
  • Comes on while driving – Remove the obstacle in the vicinity of the sensor.

Blind Spot Information System*

2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 41
 
  • Comes on if there is a problem with the system.
  • Comes on while driving – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2021 ACURA RDX Indicators 42
 

FAQs

What does the exclamation point inside a triangle mean on the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning is indicated on the dashboard of the 2021 Acura RDX by an exclamation point enclosed in a triangle.

Why is the engine-shaped light illuminated on my 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), sometimes known as the Check Engine Light, is the engine-shaped light on the dashboard of the 2021 Acura RDX. It may indicate a problem with the car’s emissions control system. It might need to be attended to right away, and getting the car diagnosed is advised.

What can the oil symbol on the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard indicate?

The Low Oil Pressure Warning Light is represented by an oil can on the dashboard of the Acura RDX 2021. It indicates that there is insufficient engine oil pressure, so you should pull over and check the oil level. Low oil pressure driving for an extended period can harm engines.

Why is the battery icon lit up on my 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

The Charging System Warning Light is displayed as a battery icon on the dashboard of the Acura RDX 2021. It suggests a charging system issue, potentially caused by a broken alternator.

What does the key symbol with an exclamation mark mean on the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

The Security System Indicator is the primary symbol on the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard denoted by an exclamation point. It indicates that there is an issue with the car’s security system.

Why is the ABS light illuminated on my 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

The 2021 Acura RDX dashboard’s ABS light denotes a problem with the anti-lock braking system. Even though the vehicle can still brake normally, it is advised to have the ABS checked and fixed to guarantee maximum safety.

What does the steering wheel with an exclamation mark mean on the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

The Electric Power Steering (EPS) Warning Light is located on the steering wheel of the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard, and it has an exclamation point. It indicates a potential power steering system issue and prompt attention is recommended to avoid steering issues.

Why is the windshield-shaped symbol illuminated on my 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

The Washer Fluid Reminder is represented by the windshield-shaped symbol on the dashboard of the 2021 Acura RDX. It serves as a reminder for you to top off the windshield washer fluid reservoir so that you can see clearly while driving.

What does the yellow car with wavy lines underneath represent on the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) indicator on the dashboard of the 2021 Acura RDX is represented by the yellow car with wavy lines underneath. It demonstrates that the LKAS is operational and assisting you in staying in your lane.

Why is the thermometer symbol illuminated on my 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

The Coolant Temperature Warning Light on the dashboard of the 2021 Acura RDX is represented by a thermometer. It tells you that the engine is overheating and that you should stop, turn it off, and let it cool down before driving on.

What does the green “A” symbol on the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard mean?

The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) indicator on the dashboard of the 2021 Acura RDX is represented by the green “A” symbol. It demonstrates that the ACC system is in use and keeps a predetermined following distance from the car in front of you.

Why is the airbag icon illuminated on my 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

On the dashboard of the 2021 Acura RDX, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Warning Light is represented by the airbag icon. It suggests that there might be a problem with the airbag system, and it is advised that a trained technician check it out right away.

What does the green “P” symbol on the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard mean?

The Park Assist Indicator on the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard is represented by the green “P” symbol. It indicates that the parking assistance feature is engaged and helps you park the car.

Why is the all-wheel-drive (AWD) warning light illuminated on my 2021 Acura RDX dashboard?

The 2021 Acura RDX dashboard’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) warning light denotes a problem with the AWD system. For the AWD system to operate at its best, it is recommended that it be inspected.

What does the green “AUTO” symbol on the 2021 Acura RDX dashboard mean?

The Automatic Brake Hold (ABH) indicator is represented by the green “AUTO” symbol on the dashboard of the 2021 Acura RDX. It indicates that the anti-lock braking (ABH) feature is engaged, which lets you step off the brake pedal when necessary.

View Full PDF: ACURA RDX 2021 User Manual| Auto User Guide

2023 Acura RDX Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

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