2018 Acura RDX Owners Manual - Shifting

Park (P): Used for parking or starting/stopping the engine. Press the brake pedal, then press the release button to shift.

Reverse (R): Used for reversing.

Neutral (N): Used for idling.

Drive (D): Used for normal driving or temporarily driving in sequential mode.

Drive (S): Used for driving in sequential mode. Use the paddle shifters to change gears.

Use the paddle shifters to change gears without removing your hands from the steering wheel.

(-) Paddle shifter: Pull to shift down to a lower gear.

(+) Paddle shifter: Pull to shift up to a higher gear.

Recommended shift points

M indicator/gear position indicator

When the shift lever is in D: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode momentarily, and the gear position indicator comes on. When you start traveling at a constant speed, sequential shift mode automatically switches off, and the gear position indicator goes off. You can also hold the (+) paddle shifter for two seconds to return to normal drive.

When the shift lever is in S: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode, and the M (sequential shift mode) indicator and gear position indicator come on. At speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h) or less, the vehicle automatically shifts down into 1st gear. You can pull away only in 1st or 2nd gear.

When switching out of sequential shift mode, move the shift lever from S to D. When sequential shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and gear position indicator go off.

Second gear lock mode: If you pull the (+) paddle shifter while stopped or driving at 6 mph (10 km/h) or less, the gear position is locked in 2nd gear. This makes it easier to pull away on slippery surfaces such as snow-covered roads. To cancel 2nd gear lock mode, pull the (-) paddle shifter or move the shift lever from S to D.