how and where are the frreaking spark plugs? why and whoever desighned this vehicle? seriously, how do you find or get to the spark plugs? thank you.

 

Well, I don't know jack about the 1st Gen RDX or the turbo engine, but after a going to the 1G RDX DIY and FAQ.....



Then searching the forum for the key word "spark" using Google Chrome, I found this little gem:



https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-rdx-...-plugs-792921/

Some of the photos are missing in the beginning but there are some very helpful ones toward the bottom and on the second page. It looks like you have to remove the intercooler, then the plugs are accessible under the small black panel.

And sorry to be a dick, but if you hate the car because you can't find the spark plugs, you may want to sell it. And never buy a car again, Or anything mechanical. Because that's a pretty lame reason to wish you didn't buy a car and you're going to have a lot more frustrations in the future with actual difficult issues that arise.

 

I just had to replace my spark plugs and ignition coils last month. Isn't that bad with the DIY thread mentioned if you are mechanically inclined.

 

All Good!!! Just took SAAB VIGGEN all apart. Replacing Radiator & MAnifold. Thinking i am very mechanically inclined.
Just was really pissed after finding out you have to take the bumper off to replace the Headlights in the RDX.. then i couldn't find the spark plugs. going on 2000 mile trip at the end of the month. wanted good gas mileage. thanks for the help

 

also- there were zero pics for the write up.

 

Considering you just saved yourself $400-$600 doing the headlights and spark plugs yourself instead of going to the dealership sound like a pretty good deal.

I changed out my HIDs and it wasn't as bad as it seemed once you start doing the work. I ordered extra plastic clips from Amazon before I did the HID upgrade because around 1/4 of the the clips were missing or were too worn to use again.

 

I just sold mine after 3 years great car. Others had better success with the mpg, but mine felt like it just loves the petrol, we were getting 14mpg on some tanks.

 

yea i'm only getting lik 15-16 mpg around town IT SUCKS!!

 

MOST modern cars; the bumper has to be removed to change headlight bulbs. UNLESS you can squeeze hands through wheel well.

 

If you are doing primarily city driving and a lot of stop 'n go, coupled with being liberal on accelerating, you will certainly see this type of MPG results. Hopefully this wasn't a surprise to anyone who recently bought one.

 

Did you read the full thread? Pics are there from other contributors (including myself).

 

You could always just sell the RDX if you're so angry with it

 

People are so anal about gas mileage lol I have an RDX and get 19 mpg. I also own a 08 Escalade 6.2 and get 10 mpg . Sometimes you have to pay to play. If you want great mileage get a hybrid

 

I don't know why some people are so surprised about the RDX's poor MPG. Do they not do any research?

 

​​​​​​Me neither I mean it's not that bad on gas if the correct maintenance is done on it and most people who drive in traffic or city driving don't get great mileage at all. I came from a Subaru and the only thing that really helped me get better mileage was my swap and raising the fuel pressure by 4 psi lol

 

I'm actually very surprised by the mpg of my RDX. I consistently get better than the EPA estimates...24.5 over my entire previous oil change interval (6500 miles).

 

Tom- is it the SH-AWD? Turbo?

 

I can easily get that kind of MPG if I'm exclusively freeway driving. But if you factor in 50% city driving with idling, stop and go, 18-19 MPG is my typical tank.

 

2010, turbo but without the SH-AWD, 135k miles. It's rated 19/24, but even so I rarely get under 24 in mixed driving. Obviously there are a lot of factors involved - many outside your control - but keeping the car in top shape makes a difference. Old oil, old spark plugs, dirty engine filter, under-inflated tires, all will take their piece of the gas pie, not to mention your driving style. I actually noticed that the o-ring between my intercooler and bypass valve wasn't even present when I last changed my spark plugs. That means I would have had a slight boost leak - not necessarily enough to throw codes or even notice in normal driving, since the opening is so small. But since adding it back I've averaged 5-10% better fuel economy. That's like getting a free tank of gas every 3 months for me.

 

sweet- i am rebuilding 02 Saab Viggen right now. almost done. then i will retune my RDX thanks

 

My last tank I got 15 MPG. BUT that is because I'm running on E85 now, and I was driving like a bat out of hell on this entire tank (data logged a few times for Vit with lots of WOT for my E85 tune he's working on)

I don't get the best MPG on this car, but I know its mostly because of me. I could get a lot better mileage if I didn't look at the gas pedal like a nail and my foot is the hammer (but this car is so much fun to drive now it's hard not to)

It is nice that I only pay $1.65 per gallon now and don't have to worry about Premium gas prices; that and my car feels much more alive now

 

what does it take to use the E85?

 

Bigger fuel injectors are the first thing. I've got 800cc injectors and they are at 81% duty. So 600cc injectors with my mods would not have been enough.

Bigger fuel pump for the extra amount of ethanol that has to be pumped compared to gasoline. I'm not sure if the stock fuel pump can handle it or not, so I decided to upgrade it.

And then the last thing I did to make the conversion was get Vit Viper to start tuning it for E85.

I always loved my RDX, but now I'm in love with my RDX