emergency towing Acura RSX 2005 Owner's Manual

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 . 204
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 205
...............
Brake System Indicator . 206
..................
Closing the Moonroof . 207
..............................................
Fuses .208
..........................
Fuse Locations .211
......................
Emergency Towing .213
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
191

Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the f uses. If
thefusesareOK,thereis
probably something wrong with
the electrical circuit f or the
ignition switch or starter motor.
You will need a qualif ied
technician to determine the
problem (see
on page ).In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working. There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal
connections (see page ). You
canthentryjumpstartingthe
vehicle from a booster battery
(see page ). 200 188 135
213
65208
213
If theEngineWon’tStart
Emergency T owing T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
199

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.

However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when
you turn the ignition switch to ON
(II), and as a reminder to check the
parking brake. It will stay on if you
do not f ully release the parking
brake.
If the f luid level is low, take the
vehicle to your dealer and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low in the reservoir.
Press lightly on the brake pedal to
see if it f eels normal. If it does,
check the brake f luid level the next
time you stop at a service station
(see page ). 213
169
Brake System Indicator
Emergency
Towing
206
Canada
U.S.

µµ
CONT INUED
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
an organization. Never tow your
vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is
very dangerous. The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (f ront or rear) and lif t
them of f the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
Release the parking brake. Turn of f the engine.
ShifttoD,thentoN.
Start the engine. Shif t the transmission to Neutral. Release the parking brake.
If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do the f ollowing:
Automatic Transmission:
Manual Transmission:
Emergency T owing
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t Equipment
This is the best way to trans-
port your vehicle.
T his is
an acceptable way to tow your
vehicle.
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
213
Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), your
vehicle must be transported with the
f ront wheels of f the ground.

If you decide to tow your vehicle
with all f our wheels on the ground,
make sure you use a properly-
designed and attached tow bar.
Prepare the vehicle for towing as
described above, and leave the
ignition switch in the Accessory (I)
position so the steering wheel does
not lock. Make sure the radio and
any electrical accessories are turned
of f so they do not run down the
battery.
Emergency T owing
214
NOTICE:T he steering system can be
damaged if the steering wheel is locked.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position, and make
sure the steering wheel turns f reely
bef ore you begin towing.

CONT INUED
Dipstick..........
Automatic Transmission . 167
..................................
Engine Oil .125
..........................
Directional Signals .61
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 146
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .165
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 67
......................
Power Door Locks .67
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 220
Downshif ting, 5-speed and6-speed
.............
Manual Transmissions . 136
.....................................
Drive Belts .170
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................
Driving .133
....................................
Economy .126
..............................
Economy, Fuel .126
Emergencies ............................
Jump Starting .200
.......................................
Towing .213
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 62
............
Emergencies on the Road . 191
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 200 ...........
Brake System Indicator . 206
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 193
.....
Charging System Indicator . 204
..................
Checking the Fuses . 208
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 204
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 205
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 207
..................
Overheated Engine . 202
......................
Emergency Flashers .62
......................
Emergency Towing .213
.......................
Emissions Controls .223
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 226
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 58
.................................
Drive Belts .170
......
Engine Speed Limiter . 137,143
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .53, 205
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 53,204
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 162
...............................
Overheating .202
............................
Specif ications .218
.......................................
Starting .135
...................
Engine, .198
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 223
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .45 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .17
.....................................
Fan, Interior .88
...........................................
Features .87
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 122
Filters ...............................................
Oil .163
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 62
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 193
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 167
..........................................
Brake .169
.........................................
Clutch .169
..........................
Power Steering .171
..................
Windshield Washer . 167
FM Stereo Radio .....................................
Reception .96
...........................
Folding Rear Seat .73
..........................
Four-way Flashers .62
............................
Front Airbags .11, 22
if it won’t start
Index
F
E
INDEX
III

....................
Storing Your Vehicle .189
Supplemental Restraint ................................
System .11, 22
......................................
Servicing .27
.........................
SRS Indicator .26 ,52
...................
System Components . 22
..................................
Synthetic Oil .163
Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................
of the .191
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 220
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .121
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 165
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 130
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .218
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 216
.............................
Vehicle Storage .189
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 177
Taking Care of the ...............................
Unexpected .191
......................................
Tape Player .98
................
Technical Descriptions . 215
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 220
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 223
..........
State Emissions Testing . 226
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .225
.................................
Tire Labeling .222
.......................
Temperature Gauge .58
..........
Temperature, Inside Sensor . 91
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 40
............................
Thef t Protection .112
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 225..................
Tilt the Steering Wheel . 63
..........................
Time, Setting the .113
....................................
Tire Chains .187
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 193
...............................................
Tires .182
..............................
Air Pressure .183
.........................
Checking Wear .184
..........................
Compact Spare .192
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 220
......................................
Inf lation .182
..................................
Inspection .184
..............................
Maintenance .185
...................................
Replacing .186
......................................
Rotating .185
...........................................
Snow .187
....................
Specif ications .186, 219
................................
Tire Chains .187
..........................
Winter Driving .187
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 193
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .148
................................
Emergency .213
....
Equipment and Accessories . 149
.............................
Weight Limit .148
...........................
Traction Devices .187
.............................
Trailer Loading .148 ......................
Trailer Towing Tips .149
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .167
...........................
Fluid Selection .168
..............
Identif ication Number . 216
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 139
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 136
.....................................
Treadwear .220
.......................................
Trip Meter .57
....................................
Turn Signals .61
Index
T
U
V
VIII

Î
.................................................
VIN .216
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .162
.............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 46
..................
Warranty Coverages .229
Washer, Windshield ........
Checking the Fluid Level . 167
.......................................
Indicator .55
.....................................
Operation .60
Wheels ...............
Adjusting the Steering . 63
............
Alignment and Balance . 185
..........................
Compact Spare .192
......................................
Wrench .195
Windows ..................
Operating the Power . 77
...........................
Rear, Def ogger .62
Windshield .......................................
Cleaning .60
.....................................
Def roster .90
.......................................
Washers .60
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .180 .....................................
Operation .60
....................................
Worn Tires .184
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 213
: U.S. and Canada only
Index
W
INDEX
IX