Hello!

I have a 2018 RDX with 29,000 miles on it. Purchased 8/27/2017 (yes, just a few days past the 4yr warranty - grr)

The last few days it has not wanted to start: when I press the on button, all the lights on the dash go crazy. The first time this happened, it didn't start and I had to jump it. No problem starting it with a jump. I drove it on the freeway for about 30 minutes, shut it off and when I tried to start it again, it wouldn't. I let it sit overnight. This morning I was going to jump it and go get the battery tested, but it started for me - with maybe a tiny bit of the lights flashing. The battery tested out fine and it has started for me 3 times now since. Each time, there's a big hesitation and winding - but then it starts. Today, there was a big CLUNK each time I went from a stop to 20mph. It didn't seem like it wanted to go - lagging on the freeway, but it went. Same thing on my way home. Then, when I backed it up to park it in my garage it kept doing a hard stop - like the feature that stops the car when it thinks you're going to hit something. It's a tight fit into my garage, but it's never done that before. I had my husband drive it to see what he thought, and he said it's not going into 1st gear and he couldn't get the paddles to work/shift.
Holiday today, so the dealer is closed. I'll call them tomorrow. I can't imagine that the start and the transmission jerk isn't connected somehow? Is this a typical issue with this car? Did a quick search and didn't find anything here. At this point I'im concerned about driving it 20 miles down to the dealer service center.
Thanks in advance.

 

Even though the battery may be testing fine, it might actually be close to done. Many times a car with this many electronics can act very weird with a bad battery. There's also a chance that you might have a bad ground somewhere.

 

That's exactly what happened. It just surprised me after Autozone tested and said it was fine. Also, the way the car jumped when changing gears, it didn't seem possible that it would be that easy of a fix.

 

The drive train warranty is longer, 70k/6 years.
https://owners.acura.com/Documentum/...v1__FINAL_.pdf

There is also a software update available for the automatic transmission. About due for a fluid change as well. That should show up as code 3 when the oil life reaches 15%
Only the dealer can do the software. Be careful letting just anyone replace the trans fluid. Fluid type and method are critical.

Our Certified pre owned 2016 RDX got a new battery at 3 years as a part of that process. That battery lasted about 28 months. No warning, just one day, warning lights and clicking.

 

I’m having a very similar issue with my 2013 RDX!! Mechanic is stumped but they’re running tests over the next few days. I’ll let you know what I find out!

 

So, finally figured the starting issue out. Battery must have tested good a dozen times. Luckily, the shop kept testing it and on the last test it showed a dead cell. Put a new one and it fires right up every time like it should again!!