Dorsey

The restrictions on what features are available while driving is a common topic for 2G RDX owners. There are many complaints about the latest features versus previous Acura models. In addition, some owners claim certain things work on their RDX while others say they do not work. I think some of the confusion is due to the fact that the restrictions for the phone difffer between the Tech and Base versions. Acura has published an explanation of why there are restrictions (they blame it on the NHTSA) and a table showing the restrictions. To see it:
1) Go to RL forum on acurazine
2) Open Second Generation RL forum
3) Open the sticky near the top that it titled "2nd Gen RL Service Department"
4) Open the post titled "Acura Service News Bulletins"
5) Follow the instructions on the embeded link exactly. You must first open a catalog of parts, seclect any link from that catalog and then return to the "Acura Service News Bulletins." That process establishes that you are authorized to see the Bulletins.
6) Open the August 2012 Service Bulletin. The first article is "New HFL and Navi System Restrictions"

wizardjjr

From the Service Bulletin:

New HFL and Navi System Restrictions Help Keep Eyes on
the Road

Currently Applies To: Models with driver distraction restrictions


If you’ve been following the news lately, then you’ll know that Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has been focusing a lot of attention on the issue of distracted driving. As a result, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is in the process of drafting some voluntary guidelines on the operation of in-vehicle electronic devices (telematic and navigation systems)..

The NHTSA guidelines are based, in part, on those developed by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers for invehicle devices, which limit the amount of time that drivers’ eyes are off the road. We’ve already agreed to adopt the Alliance’s guidelines and, as a result, we’ve restricted some HFL and navigation system operations that previously could be done while driving.

In the immediate future, as new models are released, they’ll likely come with similar restrictions in place. However, as our in-vehicle telematics and communications systems evolve, our goal is to help maximize the amount of time that drivers’ eyes are on the road, while still letting them use those functions they want and need.

Calvinatir

Call them to complain -- I just got off the phone with Acura Customer Relations and they said that they are getting a constant stream of people calling to complain about this "feature". Keep calling, I call every 2 weeks.

(800) 382-2238 Acura Client Relations