Acura RSX 2004 Owner's Manual

If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
2. 1.
Engine Coolant
Maint enance168
RADIATOR CAP
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

CONT INUED
The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill. Clean
up any spills immediately; spilled
coolant could damage components
in the engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap on, and
tighten it fully.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap on
the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely. Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
3.4.
5.
Engine Coolant, Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
Automatic Transmission Fluid
169
DIPSTICK
UPPER
MARKLOWER
MARK

Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If
it’s not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect the shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is
convenient.
To thoroughly f lush the transmission,
the technician should drain and ref ill
it with Honda ATF-Z1, then drive the
vehicle f or a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and ref ill the
transmission a f inal time.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
in the transmission.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule. Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt, and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the f iller bolt, and tighten it securely.If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
6.
A ut omat ic T ransmission Fluid, Manual T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
Manual Transmission Fluid
170
Correct level
FILLER BOLT

Check the f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly. There are up to
two reservoirs, depending on the
model. They are:Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
The brake f luid should be replaced
according to the time recommenda-
tion in the maintenance schedule.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement. However, the use of
any non-Honda brake fluid can cause
corrosion and decrease the lif e of the
system. Have the brake system
f lushed and ref illed with Honda
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as
soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Maint enance
Brake System
171
MAX
MIN

An auto-tensioner adjusts the tension
of the drive belt. The indicator on
the auto-tensioner should be in the
proper range. It should be checked
accordingtothetimeanddistance
recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.If the indicator is not within the
proper range, have the drive belt
replaced by your Acura dealer as
soon as possible.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible. The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Manual Transmission only
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Drive Belts
Maint enance
Drive Belt
Clutch System
172
INDICATOR
Proper range
MAX
MIN

Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts (as shown),
including the pivot. Follow the time
and distance recommendations in
the Maintenance Schedule. If you
are not sure how to clean and grease
the latch, contact your Acura dealer.
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Power Steering Fluid, Hood L atch
Maint enance
Hood L atch
Power Steering Fluid
173
NOTICE:
NOTICE:
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL LATCH ASSEMBLY
PIVOTS
T urning the steering wheel to
f ull lef t or right lock and holding it
there can damage the power steering
pump.
Do not spill the power
steering f luid over the body, auto-
tensioner, drive belt and pulleys.
If spilled accidentally, wipe of f any
f luid completely.

Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustment should be done by an
Acura dealer or other qualif ied
mechanic.Your vehicle has two bulbs on each
side, f our in total. Make sure you are
replacing the bulb that is burned out.
Your vehicle uses halogen headlight
bulbs. Handle a bulb by its plastic
case and protect the glass f rom
contactwithyourskinorhard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
If you need to the change a
headlight bulb on the passenger’s
side, remove the power steering
reservoir f rom the bracket.
NOTE: Halogen headlight bulbs get
very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration,
or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
1.
Lights
Headlight A iming
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Maint enance174
Passenger’s side
POWER STEERING RESERVOIR

Insert the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the tabs are in their
slots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place, and clip the end into
the slot.
Install the rubber seal and make
sure it is right side up; it is marked
‘‘TOP.’’
Push the electrical connector onto
the tabs of the new bulb. Make
sure it locks in place.
(Passenger’s side)
Install the power steering
reservoir on the bracket.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.
Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire f rom its slot. Pivot it out of
the way, and remove the bulb.
If you need to change a headlight
bulb on the driver’s side, remove
the bolt from the battery hold-
down, and caref ully push the
battery toward the windshield to
obtain enough working space.
Pull the battery back to its original
position, then install the bolt in the
hold-down, and tighten it securely. (Driver’s side)
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
2.
Lights
Maint enance175
BULB
WEATHER
SEAL
HOLD
DOWN WIRE CONNECTOR
Driver’s side

If you need to change a f ront turn
signal bulb on the passenger’s side,
remove the power steering
reservoir f rom the bracket.If you need to change a f ront turn
signal bulb on the driver’s side,
remove the bolt f rom the battery
hold-down, and caref ully push the
battery toward the windshield to
obtain enough working space.Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
1.
2.
3.
Lights
Maint enance
Replacing a Front T urn Signal
Bulb
176
Passenger’s side
POWER STEERING RESERVOIR BULB
Driver’s side

Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
The f ront parking bulb is next to
the headlight bulb.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Install the new bulb into the
socket.
(Passenger’s side)
Install the power steering
reservoir on the bracket.
(Driver’s side)
Place the battery in its original
position, then install the bolt in the
hold-down, and tighten it securely.
Install the new bulb into the
socket.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.4.
Replacing a Front Parking Bulb
Lights
Maint enance177
BULB