oil level Acura RSX 2003 Owner's Manual

Push the button.
Select the mode.
Turn the f an on high speed.
Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.
High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage.
Your car’s exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas. You should have no
problem with carbon monoxide
entering the car in normal driving if
you maintain your car properly.
Have the exhaust system inspected
f or leaks whenever:
The car is raised f or an oil change.
You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.
Thecarwasinanaccidentthat
may have damaged the underside. If you must sit in your parked car,
even in an unconf ined area, with the
engine running, adjust the heating
and cooling system as f ollows: With the hatch open, air flow can
pull exhaust gas into your car’s
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
hatch open, open all the windows
and set the heating and cooling
system as shown below.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Driver and Passenger Saf ety54
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.

Bef ore you begin driving your Acura,
youshouldknowwhatgasolineto
use, and how to check the levels of
important f luids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage
or packages. The inf ormation in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the inf ormation in this
section f irst......................
General Precautions .154
.............................
Break-in Period .155
.........................................
Gasoline .155
.........
Service Station Procedures . 156
................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 156
....................
Opening the Hood .157
...............................
Oil Check .159
.........
Engine Coolant Check . 160
...............................
Fuel Economy .161
.....................
Vehicle Condition .161
...........................
Driving Habits .161
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 162
.............................
Carrying Cargo .164
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving153

Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.Insert it all the way back in its tube.
Remove the dipstick (orange
handle).
Check the engine oil level every time
you f ill the car with f uel. Wait a f ew
minutes af ter turning the engine of f
bef ore you check the oil.
2.
3.
1.
CONT INUED
Oil Check
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving159

Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant. Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Acura.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .
4.
207 205
212
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant Owner Maintenance
Checks
A dding Oil
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving160
UPPER MARK LOWER MARK RESERVE TANK
MAX
MIN

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Maint enance198
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then
every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years
Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots, suspension components
Driveshaft boots, brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, fuel lines and connections
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 24
4872
12 3660
M/T
A/T
1: : 197
232
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance199
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A, B, C
A
B
C
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
3yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
6yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
9yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
238).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time).
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B. Replace brake fluid (independent of
mileage).
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time).
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B. Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time).
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B. Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace brake fluid (independent of
mileage).
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time). Replace transmission fluid (M/T, A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace brake fluid (independent of
mileage). Replace engine coolant.Inspect idle speed.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
196
1
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information
under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: 1:
: 236
197
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance200
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. 10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192
Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots, suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Clean or replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 24
4872
12 3660
1: : 197
M/T
A/T
232
Clean every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), and replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions)
1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance201
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
5,000 mi/8,000 km/6 mos
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
15,000 mi/24,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1-½ yrs
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
25,000 mi/40,000 km/2 yrs
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
35,000 mi/56,000 km/2-½ yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
3yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
55,000 mi/88,000 km/3-½ yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
65,000 mi/104,000 km/4 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
75,000 mi/120,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/4-½ yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
85,000 mi/136,000 km/5 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Clean air cleaner element (independent of
time).
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time).
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Clean air cleaner element (independent of
time).
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time). Replace transmission fluid (M/T, A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B. Clean air cleaner element (independent of
time).
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time). Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Replace engine oil.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page238).
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
196
1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page . Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Windshield washer f luid Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers f requently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
f or f uel. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the page given.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page .
159
216
217 219 235
244
160
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance205

CONT INUED
To add oil, unscrew and remove the
engine oil f ill cap on top of the valve
cover. Pour in the oil, and install the
engine oil f ill cap. Tighten it securely.
Wait a f ew minutes and recheck the
oil level. Do not f ill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine.Make sure the API Certif ication Seal
says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
Oil is major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your car f or as
long as you own it.
Pour the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. A dding Oil Recommended Oil
Engine Oil
Maint enance207
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL