tires Acura RSX 2004 Owner's Manual

This indicator has two f unctions:Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe
ignition switch to ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake not f ully released can
damage the brakes and tires.
If it remains lit af ter you f ully
release the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, there
could be a problem with the brake
system. For more inf ormation, see
page . If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For more inf ormation,
see page .
The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator f lashes or stays on
when the engine is running. For
more inf ormation, see page .
See page .
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned to
START (III). If it comes on at any
other time, there is a problem in the
ABS. If this happens, take your
vehicle to a dealer to have it checked.
With this indicator on, your vehicle
still has normal braking ability but no
anti-lock. For more inf ormation, see
page .
1.
2.
205
204
206
208 147
Only on models equipped with ABS (see
page ) 146
Parking Brake
and Brake
System
Indicator Anti-lock Brake
System (A BS)
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
Instrument Panel Indicators
Inst rument s and Cont rols51
U.S. Canada
U.S. Canada

Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with non-
Acura (aftermarket) components
could seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.
Some examples are:Lowering your vehicle with an
aftermarket suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Raising your vehicle with an
af termarket suspension kit can
af f ect the handling and stability.
Af termarket wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components. Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Do not modif y your steering wheel
or any other part of your
Supplemental Restraint System.
Modif ications could make the
system inef f ective.
If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your Acura dealer. Improperly
replacing or covering f ront seat-
back covers can prevent your side
airbags f rom inf lating during a
collision.
Additional Saf ety Precautions
Modif ying Your Vehicle
Bef ore Driving
A ccessories and Modif ications
Do not cover or replace f ront seat -
back covers wit hout consult ing aHonda dealer.
128

Your vehicle has several convenient
storage areas:Glove box
Door and seat-back pockets
Cargo area
Roof -rack (if installed)
However, carrying too much cargo,
or improperly storing it, can af f ect
your vehicle’s handling, stability,
stopping distance, and tires, making
it unsaf e. Bef ore carrying any type of
cargo, be sure to read the f ollowing
pages.
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving129
DOOR POCKET
CARGO AREA GLOVE BOX
SEAT-BACK POCKET
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.

Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your vehicle.Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice. Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and hatch
are securely closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
1.
2.
3.
9. 8.
7. 6. 5.
4. 10.
72
6214 49
80
Preparing to Drive
Driving134

If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to 2nd
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer.Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or Reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
bottom
Towing a Trailer
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up Parking
Driving154

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .156
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 157
....................
Maintenance Record .161
..............................
Fluid Locations .163
........................
Adding Engine Oil .164
..........
Changing the Oil and Filter .165
....................
Windshield Washers .167
..............................
Engine Coolant .167
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 169
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 170
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 171
.....................................
Drive Belts .172
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 173
....................................
Hood Latch .173
.............................................
Lights .174
.......................................
Seat Belts .180
.....................................
Floor Mats .180
..................
DustandPollenFilter . 180
.................................
Wiper Blades .181
...............................................
Tires .183
...................
Checking the Battery . 188
.............................
Vehicle Storage .190
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.
236
Maintenance
Maint enance155

̵
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Your authorized Acura dealer knows
your vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
skilled person to keep your warranty
in ef f ect. Keep all the receipts as
proof of completion, and have the
person who does the work f ill out the
Maintenance Record. Check your
warranty booklet f or more
inf ormation.
We recommend the use of genuine
Acura parts and fluids whenever you
have maintenance done.
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed at the
recommended time or mileage
period to ensure long-term reliability.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. Engine oil level Check every
time you f ill the f uel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. 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
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page . 125
125
167
169 171
185
174
Servicing Your Vehicle
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance158

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Follow the Normal Maintenance
Schedule if the severe driving
conditions specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance Schedule on
the next page do not apply.
CONT INUED
NOT E: If you only OCCASIONALLY
drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you
should f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Maint enance
159
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
( (
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Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)(
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re
ev
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Check inflation and condition once a month Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 100
160
90
144
( ( O
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120
192 130
208140
224150
240
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) Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) 110
176
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
( ( O
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)
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
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 fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
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: : 158
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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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
( (
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 2
2y
ye
ea
ar
rs
s, , w
w h
hi
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ch h e
ev
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)
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
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rs
s, , w
w h
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(
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)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
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 1
1y
ye
ea
ar
r,
, w
w h
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)
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
To saf ely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inf lated.
The f ollowing pages give more
detailed inf ormation on how to take
care of your tires and what to do
when they need to be replaced.Keeping the tires properly inf lated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread lif e, and riding
comf ort.
Underinf lated tires wear unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to
fail from being overheated.
Overinf lated tires can make your
vehicleridemoreharshly,are
more prone to damage f rom road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
Tires
Maint enance
Inf lation
183
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.