coolant temperature Acura RSX 2004 Owner's Manual

This shows how much f uel you have.
It may show slightly more or less
than the actual amount. The needle
returns to the bottom after you turn
of f the ignition.This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about
the middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to near
the upper white mark. If it reaches
the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.
202
Fuel Gauge
T emperature Gauge
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols57
Avoid driving with an extremely low
f uel level. Running out of f uel could
cause the engine to misf ire, damaging
the catalytic converter.

Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page) when using the A/C in heavy
traf f ic or driving up long hills. If it
moves near the red zone, turn of f the
air conditioning until the gauge
reads normally.
This button controls the source of air
going into the system. When the
indicator in this button is on, the
system is recirculating the interior
air (Recirculation mode). When the
indicator is of f , f resh air is brought
in f rom outside the vehicle (Fresh
Air mode). Push the button to
change between recirculated and
f resh air. Use Recirculation mode to heat or
cool the interior more quickly, or to
keep out smoke and dust. Leaving
the system in the Recirculation mode
with the A/C off can cause the
windows to fog up. Switch to Fresh
Air mode as soon as the interior
reaches a comf ortable temperature
or the outside smoky, dusty condi-
tion clears.
You can manually select the f an
speed by turning the f an speed
control dial. Turning this dial
clockwise increases the f an speed,
which increases air flow.
When the dial is set to AUTO, the
system controls the f an speed
automatically.
Use this dial to select the direction of
airf low coming out of the system.
Some air will come out of the side
vents in all modes.
In AUTO mode, the system controls
the air f low direction automatically
between the dashboard vents and
the f loor vents.
The main air flow comes out
of the dashboard vents.
The main air flow is directed
to the floor vents.
The main air flow is divided
between the floor vents and
defroster vents at the base of the
windshield.
57
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Recirculat ion But t on
Fan SpeedMode Cont rol Dial
90

Î
ÎÌ
µ
ÌÌ
Î
Î
Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per
trip or, in f reezing temperatures,
driving less than 10 miles (16 km)
per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F
(32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a commercial delivery vehicle.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced
roads. Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions. T railer towing, driving with a roof
rack, or driving in mountainous
conditions.
Maint enance Canadian Owners
160
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
( (
O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 2
2y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
10
16 20
3230
4840
6450
80 70
112 80
128 100
160
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop 130
208
140
224
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
( (O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 3
3y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
(
(
O
O t
th
h e
er
rw
w i
is
se e a
ad
d j
ju
u s
stt o
o n
nl
ly
y i
if
f n
n o
oi
is
sy y )
)Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage) 110
176
120
192
60
96 90
144 150
240
Clean every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), and replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
(Use normal schedule except in dusty condition)
( ( O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
ar
r,
, w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
(
( O
O r
re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
ar
r,
, w
w h
hi
ic
ch h e
ev
ve
er
r c
coo m
m e
es
s f
fi
ir
r s
st t)
)
See dust and pollen filter on page for
replacement information under special
driving conditions.
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3
years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000
km) or 2 years.
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, middle column,
page .
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
186)
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 fluids
Exhaust system , Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Clean and replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 1:
2:
: 180
158
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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

Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator. Using gloves or large heavy cloth,
turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise without pushing
down to the first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.Start the engine, and set the
temperature control lever to
maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
7.
8.9.
6. 5.
10.
11.
215
215
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
203
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.

Î
.................
DANGER, Explanation of .ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 48
................
Daytime Running Lights . 60
Daytime Running Lights .......................................
Indicator .53
.................................
Dead Battery .200
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 234
..........................
Def og and Def rost .91
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 61
....................................
Dimensions .220
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 60
...................
Capacities Chart . 220,221
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 45
...........................
Cargo Area Cover .76
........................
Cargo, .129
Cassette Player ............................................
Care .100
.....................................
Operation .98
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
.........................................
CD Care .108
...................................
CD Changer .101
............................................
Care .108
...................................
Operation .101
CD Changer Error .............................
Message .110, 111
.......................
CD Error Message .109
........................
Certif ication Label .218
...................................
Chains, .188
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .193
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .165
......................................
When to .159
...
Charging System Indicator . 51,205
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 134.....................................
Child Saf ety .29
..............................
Booster Seats .42
...................................
Child Seats .34
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders . 29
..........................................
Inf ants .33
..........................
Larger Children .41
.........................................
LATCH .37
......................
Risks with Airbags .30
.............................
Small Children .34
.........................................
Tethers .40
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 30
Child Seats .........................................
LATCH .37
...........................
Lower Anchors .37
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 40
..............................................
Clock .113
.........................
Clock, Setting the .113
...................................
Clutch Fluid .172
.....................
Code, Audio System .112
........................
CO in the Exhaust .225
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 135
.......................
Compact Spare .192
...................
Console Compartment . 86
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 232
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 47Coolant
........................................
Adding .167
....................................
Checking .125
.........................
Proper Solution .167
...................
Temperature Gauge . 57
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .225
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 52
............
Cruise Control Operation . 115
.....................................
Cup Holders .85
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 232
how to carry
tires tire
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
Dipstick..........
Automatic Transmission . 169
..................................
Engine Oil .125
..........................
Directional Signals .60
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 146
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .167
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 67
......................
Power Door Locks .67
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 222
Downshif ting, 5-speed and6-speed
.............
Manual Transmissions . 136
.....................................
Drive Belts .172
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .133
....................................
Economy .126 .....................................
Fan, Interior .90
Features, Comfort and ................................
Convenience .87
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 122
Filters ...............................................
Oil .165
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 61
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 193
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 169
..........................................
Brake .171
.........................................
Clutch .172
..............
Manual Transmission . 170
..........................
Power Steering .173
..................
Windshield Washer . 167
FM Stereo Radio .....................................
Reception .93
...........................
Folding Rear Seat .74
..........................
Four-way Flashers .61
..............................
Economy, Fuel .126
Emergencies ............................
Jump Starting .200
.......................................
Towing .215
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 61
............
Emergencies on the Road . 191
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 200 ...........
Brake System Indicator . 208
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 193
.....
Charging System Indicator . 205
..................
Checking the Fuses . 211
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 204
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 206
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 209
..................
Overheated Engine . 202
......................
Emergency Flashers .61
......................
Emergency Towing .215
.......................
Emissions Controls .225
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 228
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 57
.................................
Drive Belts .172
......
Engine Speed Limiter . 137,143
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .51, 206
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 51,204
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 164
...............................
Overheating .202
............................
Specif ications .220
.......................................
Starting .135
...................
Engine, .135
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 225
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .45 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .17
if it won’t start
Index
F
E
III

............................
Front Airbags .10, 22
Front Seat ......................................
Adjusting .72
.........................................
Heaters .75
...................................
Airbags .10, 22
.................................................
Fuel .121
......................
Fill Door and Cap .122
...........................................
Gauge .57
................
Octane Requirement . 121
........................
Reserve Indicator .52
........................
Tank, Filling the .122
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .211
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 126
.........................................
Gasoline .121
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 52
...........................................
Gauge .57
................
Octane Requirement . 121
........................
Tank, Filling the .122
................
Gas Station Procedures . 122
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 57
...............................................
Fuel .57 Gearshif t Lever Positions
..........
Automatic Transmission . 139
5-speed and 6-speed Manual
.......................
Transmissions .136
........................................
Glove Box .71
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 174
................................................
Hatch .68
.................................
Opening the .68
............................
Open Indicator .52
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 61
Headlights ........................................
Aiming .174
............
Daytime Running Lights . 60
..................
High Beam Indicator . 52
........................
Reminder Beeper .60
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 174
...................................
Turning on .60
.....................................
Heater, Seat .75
.......................
Heating and Cooling .88
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 135
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 60
..............
High-mount Brake Light . 178
....................................
Hood Latch .173 .......................
Hood, Opening the .123
..................................................
Horn .58
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .172
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 218
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .63
...........................................
Switch .65
............
Timing Control System . 226
........................
Immobilizer System .64
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
Indicators ...............
ABS (Anti-lock Brake) . 51
Brake (Parking and Brake ....................................
System) .51
................
Charging System . 51,205
.............................
Cruise Control .52
....................................
Door-open .52
DRL (Daytime Running ......................................
Lights) .53
...................................
High Beam .52
........
Key (Immobilizer System) . 53
......................................
Low Fuel .52
................
Low Oil Pressure . 51,204
Index
G H
I
IV