coolant level Acura RSX 2005 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.(Odometer/trip meter message)
If your f uel cap is loose or missing, a
‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message
appears as text in the odometer/trip
meter display after you start the
engine. Turn the engine of f and
conf irm the f uel cap is installed. If it
is, loosen the cap, then retighten it at
least 3 clicks. When you restart the
engine, the message appears again.
To clear the message, press and hold
the select/reset button until the
message is replaced the odometer/
trip meter display.
If the system still detects a loose or
missing f uel cap, the Malf unction
Indicator Lamp (MIL) comes on.
Turn the engine of f and check or
retighten the fuel cap at least 3 clicks.
The MIL goes out af ter 3 days of
normal driving once the cap is
tightened or replaced. If it does not
go out, have your dealer inspect the
vehicle. For more inf ormation, see
page .
202
205
Fuel Gauge
T emperature GaugeCheck Fuel Cap Indicator
Gauges
58
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.

Bef ore you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to 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 vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first......................
General Precautions .120
.............................
Break-in Period .121
.................
Fuel Recommendation . 121
.........
Service Station Procedures . 122
.....................................
Ref ueling .122
OpeningandClosingthe ........................................
Hood .123
....................................
Oil Check .125
..............
Engine Coolant Check .125
...............................
Fuel Economy .126
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 127
.............................
Carrying Cargo .129
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
119

Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page . 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
informationonaddingtheproper
coolant.
Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert it all the way back in its tube. 4.
1.
2.
3. 162165
CONT INUED
Oil Check
Engine Coolant Check
A dding Oil A dding
Engine Coolant
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
125
UPPER MARK RESERVE TANK
MAX
MIN
LOWER MARK

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We recommend the use of genuine
Acura parts and fluids whenever you
have maintenance done. Engine oil level Check every
time you f ill the f uel tank. See
page .
Your authorized 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
warranties 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. Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. 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 .
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, all
maintenance services should 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.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.125
125
169
184 167
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
156

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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.
Canadian owners should f ollow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions on the next page.
157
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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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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re
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120
192 130
208140
224150
240
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
Check front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
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 At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then
every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
1: : 156
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. T railer towing, driving with a roof
rack, or driving in mountainous
conditions.
Follow this
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions. Canadian Owners
158
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
( ( O
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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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s f
fi
ir
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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
ar
rs
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)Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
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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y 1
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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 .
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then
every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
186)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gear box and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
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:
: 156 179
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

CONT INUED
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. Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go of f within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine and check your work.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 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,
causingthecoolingsystemto
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
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.
A dding Engine Coolant
Changing the Oil and Filter, Engine Coolant
Maint enance
165
MAX
MIN
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.

If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.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.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.Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap on
the reserve tank. Put the radiator cap on, and
tighten it fully. Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill. Clean
up any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment. The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
2. 1. 3.
4.
5.
Engine Coolant
166
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.

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 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 a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
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.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial 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.
7. 8.9.
6. 5.
10.
11.
213
125
213
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
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.

CONT INUED
..............................
Washer Level .55
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 52
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .32
Inf ant Seats .........................................
LATCH .36
...........................
Lower Anchors .36
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 40
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 183
...................................
Inside Mirror .79
.............................
Inspection, Tire .184
............................
Instrument Panel .51
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 62
..........
Instrument Panel Indicators . 52
.................................
Interior Lights .86
........................................
Introduction .i
..................................................
Keys .64 .......................
Label, Certif ication .216
.................
Lane Change, Signaling . 61
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 15,19
...........
LATCH Anchorage System . 36
Lights ....................
Bulb Replacement .172
.....................................
Load Limit .130
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 66
Locks .......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 66
............................
Fuel Fill Door .122
....................................
Glove Box .84
............................................
Hatch .68
..............
Power Door and Hatch . 67
........................
Low Coolant Level .125
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .54
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 53,204
.................................
Lower Anchor .36
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a . 136
Lubricant Specif ications ..................................
Chart .218, 219
..............
Luggage, .129
.....
Luggage Cover (Cargo Cover) . 75..................................
Maintenance .153
...
Owner Maintenance Checks . 156
........................................
Record .159
......................
Required Indicator .55
..........................................
Saf ety .154
.............................
Schedule .155-158
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 53,205
...................
Manual Transmission . 136
................................
Shif ting the .136
...............................
Meters, Gauges .57
..........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .79
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 127
.........................................
Moonroof .79
......................
Closing Manually .207
.....................................
Operation .79
.................
Jacking up the Vehicle . 194
.......................................
Jack, Tire .194
................................
Jump Starting .200
Storing (Cargo)
Index
J
K LM
INDEX
V