oil Acura RSX 2004 User Guide

Make sure the API Certif ication Seal
says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines’’.
The oil’s viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your Acura, to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
To add oil, unscrew and remove the
engine oil f ill cap on top of the valve
cover.
Pour in 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.
Install the engine oil f ill cap and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes and recheck the oil level. Do
not f ill above the upper mark on the
dipstick; you could damage the
engine. 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 vehicle.
RSX and Premium models
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
Recommended Oil
164
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL Ambient Temperature

µ
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is
pref erred f or improved f uel economy
and year-round protection in your
Acura. You may use a 10W-30 oil if
the temperature in your area never
goes below 20°F ( 7°C). Your Acura does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect your engine’s or transmission’s
perf ormance and durability.Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. The oil
and f ilter collect contaminants that
can damage your engine if they are
not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certif ication Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals given in the maintenance
schedule.
1.
CONT INUED
Type-S
Maint enance
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditivesChanging the Oil and Filter
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter
165
Ambient Temperature

Open the hood and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.Remove the oil f ilter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available f rom your Acura
dealer) is required.
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:
Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
4. 3.
2. (Type-S) (RSX and Premium models)
5.
6.
Type-S RSX and Premium models
Changing the Oil and Filter
Maint enance166
WASHER OIL DRAIN BOLT OIL FILTER
33 lbf·ft (44 N·m , 4.5 kgf·m)
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
4.8 US qt (4.5
)
4.2 US qt (4.0
)

CONT INUED
Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine, let it sit f or
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
Always use Honda All Season
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water.
Never add straight antifreeze or
plain water. If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks.
7.
8.
9.
Changing the Oil and Filter, Windshield Washers, Engine Coolant
Maint enance
A dding Engine Coolant
Windshield Washers
167
NOTICE:
NOTICE:
MAX
MIN
Do not use engine antif reeze
or vinegar/water solution in the
windshield reservoir. Antif reeze can
damage your vehicle’s paint, while a
vinegar/water solution can damage the
windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially available windshield
washer f luid.
Improper disposal of engine
oil can be harmf ul to the environment.
If you change your own oil, please
dispose of the used oil properly. Put it
in a sealed container and take it to a
recycling center. Do not discard it in a
trash bin or dump it on the ground.

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

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

If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic). Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and hatch seals. Also, apply a body
wax to the painted surf aces that
mate with the door and hatch seals.Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
If you store your vehicle f or 12
months or longer, have your Acura
dealer perf orm the inspections called
f or in the 24 months/30,000 miles
(48,000 km) maintenance schedule
(Normal Conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page ).
The replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle has
actually reached that time or mileage. 159
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance190

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .192
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .193
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start . 198
................................
Jump Starting .200
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 202
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 204
..........
Charging System Indicator . 205
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 206
...............
Brake System Indicator . 208
..................
Closing the Moonroof . 209
..............................................
Fuses .210
..........................
Fuse Locations .213
......................
Emergency Towing .215
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed191

Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon page
).
Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible and you should
take immediate action. 1.
2.
3. 4.
125 164 215
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Emergency T owing
204
NOTICE:
Running the engine with low
oil pressure can cause serious
mechanical damage almost immediately.
Turn of f the engine as soon as you can
saf ely get the vehicle stopped.

Î
ÎÎ
ÎÎ
Î
CONT INUED
No. Circuits Protected No.
Circuits Protected
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 Ignition Coil
Laf Heater
Daytime Running Lights
ACG (IG)
Not Used
Power Window Relay
Moonroof
Radio
Rear Wiper
Gauge panel
ABS
Daytime Running Lights 13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
SRS
Power Mirror
Bass Speaker
Heated Seats
Fuel Pump
Accessory Power Socket
Turn Signal
Front Wiper
Not Used
Front Passenger’s Power Window
Driver’s Power Window
Not Used
Not Used
Canadian models only
Type-S only
1:
2:
1
1 2
1
Fuse Locations
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed213
INTERIOR FUSE BOX