Acura RLX HYBRID (2020 year). Manual in english — page 4

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Child Safety

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Protecting Child Passengers

Safe Driving

•

Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an
approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the seat
belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.

•

Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the
event of a collision.

•

Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would
likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.

•

Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very
seriously injured in a crash.

•

Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows or seat adjustments.

•

Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when
the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate
vehicle controls causing it to move unexpectedly.

1

Protecting Child Passengers

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

To remind you of the passenger’s front airbag
hazards and child safety, your vehicle has warning
labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the
front visors. Please read and follow the instructions
on these labels.

2

Safety Labels

P. 73

3

WARNING

Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or
wrap one around their neck can result in
serious injury or death.

Instruct children not to play with any seat
belt and make sure any unused seat belt a
child can reach is buckled, fully retracted,
and locked.

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Child Safety

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Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

Safety of Infants and Small Children

An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the
infant reaches the seat manufacturer’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the
infant is at least one year old.

■

Positioning a rear-facing child seat

Child seats must be placed and secured in a
rear seating position.

When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front
passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their seat-back
in the desired position. Make sure that there is no contact between the child seat
and the seat in front of it.

It can also interfere with proper operation of the passenger’s advanced front airbag
system.

2

Airbags

P. 45

If this occurs, we recommend that you install the child seat directly behind the front
passenger’s seat, move the seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied.
Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat.

■

Protecting Infants

1

Protecting Infants

Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat
for a child up to two years old if the child’s height and
weight are appropriate for a rear-facing seat.

Rear-facing child seats should never be installed in a
forward facing position.

Always refer to the child seat manufacturer’s
instructions before installation.

Do not allow a front seat to rest against a child seat
installed in a rear seating position: The weight sensor
in the front seat may not correctly detect the actual
weight of the occupant.

3

WARNING

Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front
seat can result in serious injury or death
during a crash.

Always place a rear-facing child seat in the
rear seat, not the front.

Continued

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Child Safety

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Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

If a child is at least one year old and has exceeded the weight and height limitations
of a rearward facing child seat, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly
secured forward-facing child seat until they exceed the weight and height
limitations for the forward-facing child seat.

■

Forward-facing child seat placement

We strongly recommend placing a forward-
facing child seat in a rear seating position.

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can be hazardous, even with
advanced front airbags that automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag off. A
rear seat is the safest place for a child.

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Protecting Smaller Children

1

Protecting Smaller Children

Educate yourself about the laws and regulations
regarding child seat use where you are driving, and
follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

3

WARNING

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the
front seat can result in serious injury or
death if the front airbag inflates.

If you must place a forward-facing child
seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far
back as possible, and properly restrain the
child.

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Child Safety

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Safety of Infants and Small Children

64

Safe Driving

Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).
Some have a rigid-type connector while others have a flexible-type connector. Both
are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned child seats can only be
installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose, follow the child seat
manufacturer’s use and care instructions including recommended expiration dates
as well as the instructions in this manual. Proper installation is key to maximizing
your child’s safety.

In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH-compatible
child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security.
This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be secured
with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the child seat
manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-compatible seat
once a child reaches a specified weight. Please read the child seat owner’s manual
for proper installation instructions.

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Important consideration when selecting a child seat

Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:

•

The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.

•

The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.

•

The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

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Selecting a Child Seat

1

Selecting a Child Seat

Installation of a LATCH-compatible child seat is
simple.

LATCH-compatible child seats have been developed
to simplify the installation process and reduce the
likelihood of injuries caused by incorrect installation.

Continued

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Child Safety

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Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in either of the two outer rear seats.
A child seat is attached to the lower anchors with either the rigid or flexible type of
connectors.

1.

Locate the lower anchors under the marks.

2.

Place the child seat on the vehicle seat, then
attach the child seat to the lower anchors
according to the instructions that came
with the child seat.

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When installing the child seat, make sure
that the lower anchors are not
obstructed by the seat belt or any other
object.

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Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

1

Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

For your child’s safety, when using a child seat
installed using the LATCH system, make sure that the
child seat is properly secured to the vehicle. A child
seat that is not properly secured will not adequately
protect a child in a crash and may cause injury to the
child or other vehicle occupants.

3

WARNING

Never attach two child seats to the same
anchor. In a collision, one anchor may not
be strong enough to hold two child seat
attachments and may break, causing
serious injury or death.

Marks

Rigid Type

Lower Anchors

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Child Safety

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Safety of Infants and Small Children

66

Safe Driving

3.

Open the tether anchor cover behind the
head restraint.

4.

Raise the head restraint to its highest
position, then route the tether strap
between the head restraint legs, and secure
the tether strap hook to the anchor.

5.

Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the
child seat manufacturer.

6.

Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to
side; little movement should be felt.

7.

Make sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted
and locked.

Flexible Type

1

Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

Installing a LATCH-compatible child seat in the
rear center seat

Each outer rear seat is equipped with a pair of lower
anchors which are used to secure a LATCH-
compatible child seat. The rear center seat, however,
is not equipped with anchors of any kind. The inner
and outer anchors are spaced apart at a standard
distance of 11 inches (280 mm). The distance
between the two inner anchors is 16.9 inches (430
mm).
LATCH-compatible restraint systems that are fitted
with rigid-type attachments cannot be installed in the
rear center seat. However, a system fitted with
flexible-type attachments can be installed in the
center seat, provided that the manufacturer’s
instructions for that system permit the use of the
inner anchors with the stated spacing. Before seating
a child, make sure that the system is properly
attached to both the lower anchors and tether
anchors.

3

WARNING

Do not use the lower inner anchors of the
outer rear seats to secure a LATCH-
compatible child seat to the rear center
seat, unless the manufacturer’s instructions
for that system permit the use of inner
anchors with the stated spacing.

Tether
Strap
Hook

Anchor

Continued

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Child Safety

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Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

A child seat can be installed with a lap/shoulder belt in any rear seat or, if absolutely
necessary, the front passenger seat.

1.

Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.

2.

Route the seat belt through the child seat
according to the seat manufacturer’s
instructions, and insert the latch plate into
the buckle.

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Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.

3.

Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all
the way out until it stops. This activates the
lockable retractor.

4.

Let the seat belt retract a few inches and
check that the retractor has switched
modes by pulling on the webbing. It should
not pull out again until it is reset by
removing the latch plate from the buckle.

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If you are able to pull the shoulder belt
out, the lockable retractor is not
activated. Slowly pull the seat belt all the
way out, and repeat steps 3 – 4.

■

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

1

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

A child seat that is not properly secured will not
adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause
injury to the child or other vehicle occupants.

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Child Safety

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Safety of Infants and Small Children

68

Safe Driving

5.

Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near
the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack
from the lap part of the belt.

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When doing this, place your weight on
the child seat and push it into the vehicle
seat.

6.

Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to
side; less than one inch of movement
should occur near the seat belt.

7.

Make sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted
and locked.

1

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

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Child Safety

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Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

A tether anchorage point is provided behind
each rear seating position. If you have a child
restraint system that comes with a tether but
can be installed with a seat belt, the tether
may be used for additional security.

1.

Locate the appropriate tether anchorage
point and lift the cover.

2.

Raise the head restraint to its highest
position, then route the tether strap
through the head restraint legs. Make sure
the strap is not twisted.

3.

Secure the tether strap hook to the anchor.

4.

Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the
child seat manufacturer.

■

Adding Security with a Tether

1

Adding Security with a Tether

Always use a tether for forward-facing child seats
when using the seat belt or lower anchors.

Tether Anchorage Points

Cover

Anchor

Tether
Strap
Hook

Anchor

Outer Position

Center Position

Tether
Strap
Hook

Anchor

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Child Safety

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Safety of Larger Children

Safe Driving

Safety of Larger Children

The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind
of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who
must sit in front.

When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the lap/
shoulder seat belt. Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then answer the
following questions.

■

Checklist

•

Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over
the edge of the seat?

•

Does the shoulder belt cross between the
child’s neck and arm?

•

Is the lap part of the seat belt as low as
possible, touching the child’s thighs?

•

Will the child be able to stay seated like this
for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder
seat belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a
booster seat until the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat.

■

Protecting Larger Children

■

Checking Seat Belt Fit

1

Safety of Larger Children

3

WARNING

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in
front can result in injury or death if the
passenger’s front airbag inflates.

If a larger child must ride in front, move the
vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible,
have the child sit up properly and wear the
seat belt properly, using a booster seat if
needed.

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Child Safety

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Safety of Larger Children

Safe Driving

If a lap/shoulder seat belt cannot be used
properly, position the child in a booster seat in
the rear seat. For the child’s safety, check that
the child meets the booster seat
manufacturer’s recommendations.

Your vehicle has a rear seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever
have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:

•

Make sure you read and fully understand the instructions and safety information
in this manual.

•

Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.

•

Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat.

•

Check that the seat belt is properly positioned so that the child is secure in the
seat.

■

Monitoring child passengers

We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on child passengers. Even older, more
mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts and sit up
properly.

■

Booster Seats

1

Booster Seats

When installing a booster seat, make sure to read the
instructions that came with it, and install the seat
accordingly.
There are high- and low-type booster seats. Choose a
booster seat that allows the child to wear the seat
belt correctly.

Some U.S. states, and Canadian provinces and
territories require children to use a booster seat until
they reach a given age or weight (e.g. six years or 60
lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the state or
province, or territory where you intend to drive.

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Protecting Larger Children-Final Checks

72

Safe Driving

Exhaust Gas Hazard

Carbon Monoxide Gas

The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle, carbon
monoxide gas will not get into the interior.

■

Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever

•

The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.

•

The exhaust system may have been damaged.

•

The vehicle is raised for an oil change.

When you operate a vehicle with the trunk open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into
the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the trunk open,
open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown below.

1.

Select the fresh air mode.

2.

Select the

mode.

3.

Set the fan speed to high.

4.

Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked
vehicle with the engine running.

1

Carbon Monoxide Gas

An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up
with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not turn the power system on with the garage
door closed. Even when the garage door is open,
drive out of the garage immediately after turning the
power system on.

3

WARNING

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.

Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that
expose you to carbon monoxide.

73

Safe Driving

Safety Labels

Label Locations

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels
carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact a dealer
for a replacement.

Radiator Cap

Dashboard

Sun Visors

U.S. models

Canadian models

U.S. models only

Radiator Cap

High Voltage System Components

U.S. models

Canadian models

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Indicators

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Brake System
Indicator (Red)

•

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON, then
goes off.

•

Comes on when the brake fluid level
is low.

•

Comes on if there is a problem with
the brake system.

•

Comes on while driving

- Check the

brake fluid level.

2

What to do when the indicator comes
on while driving

P. 568

•

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.

2

If the Brake System Indicator (Red)
Comes On

P. 568

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator

•

Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off when the
power system starts.

•

Comes on when the engine oil
pressure is low.

•

Comes on while driving

- Immediately

stop in a safe place.

2

If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Comes On

P. 567

U.S.

Canada

(Red)

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Indicators

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Continued

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Electric Parking
Brake Indicator

•

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON, then
goes off if the parking brake has
been released.

•

Comes on when the parking brake is
applied, and goes off when it is
released.

•

Comes on for about 15 seconds then
goes off when you pull the electric
parking brake switch with the power
mode in OFF.

•

Comes on for about 15 seconds then
goes off when you set the power
mode to OFF with the parking brake
applied.

•

Blinks and the electric parking brake
system indicator comes on at the same
time

- There is a problem with the electric

parking brake system. The parking brake
may not be set.

•

Comes on when you press the
electric parking brake switch without
depressing the brake pedal.

•

Depress the brake pedal to release the
parking brake.

2

Parking Brake

P. 450

Electric Parking
Brake System
Indicator

•

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON, then
goes off.

•

Comes on if there is a problem with
the electric parking brake system.

•

Comes on while driving

- Avoid using the

parking brake and have your vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.

2

If the Electric Parking Brake System
Indicator Comes On

P. 569

U.S.

Canada

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Indicators

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Automatic Brake
Hold System
Indicator

•

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON, then
goes off.

•

Comes on when the automatic
brake hold system is on.

2

Automatic Brake Hold

P. 454

Automatic Brake
Hold Indicator

•

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON, then
goes off.

•

Comes on when the automatic
brake hold is activated.

2

Automatic Brake Hold

P. 454

—

U.S.

Canada