How to turn off accessory mode on acura rdx?

Accessory mode powers the radio and some electronics without starting the engine. To return to a full shutdown, switch the ignition to OFF using the Start/Stop button on your push-button start system. This guide explains how to do it safely and correctly for Acura RDX models with a push-button ignition.

What accessory mode means in the Acura RDX

Accessory mode (ACC) is a low-power state that lets you use certain electrical features—like the audio system and USB charging—without running the engine. In most push-button RDX setups, ACC is entered by pressing the Start/Stop button once without touching the brake pedal. Turning off ACC typically involves cycling the ignition states back to OFF. The exact behavior can vary slightly by generation, but the goal is to prevent battery drain while still enabling basic electronics.

Steps to turn off accessory mode

Follow these steps to exit accessory mode and shut down the car’s electrical system completely.

1. Park the vehicle and ensure the transmission is in Park (P).


2. With the brake pedal not pressed, press the Start/Stop button once to cycle from Accessory (ACC) to OFF. The dash should go dark and most electronics will power down.


3. If the vehicle remains in ACC or if you still hear systems active, press the Start/Stop button again (still without pressing the brake) to advance to OFF.


4. If needed, press and hold the Start/Stop button for about 2–3 seconds to force the system to shut down, then release. The car should be completely off and the electronics powered down.


5. Close the doors and, if you plan to leave the vehicle, remove the key fob or ensure it is in a secure position per your owner’s manual guidance.

Note: Some model years or configurations may require cycling through the ignition states a bit differently. If you’re unsure about your specific generation, refer to your owner’s manual or contact an Acura dealer for guidance.

Tips and troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble exiting accessory mode, try these quick checks.

• Make sure the vehicle is in Park (P) before attempting to exit ACC.


• Check that you’re not pressing the brake when you intend to cycle through ignition states, as it can affect the sequence.


• If the car won’t turn off after several attempts, consult the owner's manual or contact a dealer, as a software update or system fault could be involved.

In most cases, switching from ACC to OFF is a simple matter of cycling the Start/Stop button. If you’re unsure about your specific model year, refer to the Acura RDX owner’s manual for your generation or contact an Acura dealer for guidance.

Summary

Accessory mode on the Acura RDX provides power to certain systems without starting the engine. To turn it off, cycle the Start/Stop button to OFF—usually by pressing once without the brake, and repeating if needed—ensuring the vehicle is in Park and all electronics power down. For model-specific nuances, consult your manual or a dealer.

What is the lawsuit against the Acura RDX?

In the case, plaintiffs alleged that America Honda Motor Co., Inc. (“AHM”) knowingly sold its 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles with defective infotainment systems that behaved erratically, malfunctioned, and repeatedly froze, thereby distracting the driver and posing a safety hazard.

How do I turn off accessory mode on my Acura?

Inability to start the vehicle and/or decreased performance is expected if the vehicle is operated at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C). Accessory or On mode: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once without pressing the accelerator pedal for Accessory mode. Press it again for On mode.
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How do I turn my car off accessory mode?

To exit accessory mode, press the engine start/stop button again without your foot on the brake pedal. If the car won't turn off, ensure the vehicle is in park, try starting the engine and then immediately turning it off, or check your key fob battery. 
Step-by-step guide to exit accessory mode
This video demonstrates how to turn off accessory mode: 1mTechnical EvolutionYouTube · May 31, 2025

1. Press the start button again: With the car in accessory mode, simply press the engine start/stop button one more time. Your foot should not be on the brake pedal. 
2. Check the sequence: In many cars, accessory mode is the first "on" position. Pressing the button again cycles to "ON" (second press), and then a third press cycles to "OFF". 

Troubleshooting if the car won't turn off

• Ensure the vehicle is in Park: The car will not turn off if it is not in park. Shift to park and try again. 
• Start the engine and then turn it off: If a direct shutdown doesn't work, try pressing the brake pedal and starting the engine. Once the engine is running, press the start/stop button to turn it off completely. 
• Check the key fob: A weak or dead key fob battery can sometimes prevent the car from shutting off. Replace the battery if it's low. 
• Restart the system: A temporary software glitch might be causing the issue. Try disconnecting the 12V battery for a few minutes to reset the car's computer. 
• Inspect the ignition switch: If the problem persists, there may be a hardware issue with the ignition switch. This would require professional diagnosis. 

How do I turn off ACC on my Acura?

To turn off ACC on an Acura, you can press the CANCEL button on the steering wheel, press the MAIN button to turn the system off completely, or tap the brake pedal. To switch from ACC to standard cruise control, you can often press and hold the button used to set the following distance on the steering wheel until the mode changes, note the Reddit discussion.
 
To cancel ACC completely

• Press the CANCEL button: This will disengage the ACC system for the current driving segment. 
• Press the brake pedal: Depressing the brake pedal will also cancel ACC and is the most common immediate way to disengage the system. 
• Press the MAIN button: This will turn the entire cruise control system off, and you will need to press it again to reactivate cruise control in either mode. 

This video demonstrates how to cancel ACC by pressing the brake or ACC button: 55sDilawriYouTube · May 23, 2023
To switch to standard cruise control

• Hold the distance control button: On some models, if ACC is active, you can press and hold the button you use to adjust the following distance (often a car icon with arrows) for a second or two.
• The system will switch to standard cruise control, which will not automatically adjust your speed for traffic ahead.
• You can confirm the change by looking for a visual cue on your dashboard, such as the car icon disappearing.