cooling Acura RSX 2006 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.(Odometer/trip meter message)
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 engines cooling system. 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
until it clicks at least once. When you
restart the engine, the message
appears again. To clear the message,
press and hold the select/reset knob
until the message is replaced on the
odometer/trip meter display.
If the system still detects a loose or
missing f uel f ill cap, the malf unction
indicator lamp (MIL) comes on.
Turn the engine of f , and check or
retighten the f uel f ill cap until it
clicks at least once. 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 .
214
217
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.

To use the heating and cooling
system in automatic mode, set the
system as f ollows.Set the f an control dial to AUTO.
Set the mode control dial to AUTO.
Turn the temperature control dial
to the desired temperature.
Select f resh air mode by pressing
the recirculation button. The
indicator in the switch should be
off.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. Pressing the A/C button turns the
air conditioning ON and OFF. The
indicator in the button comes on
when the A/C is ON.
When you turn the A/C of f , the
system cannot regulate the inside
temperature if you set the dial below
the outside air temperature.
With A/C on, use the temperature
control dial to adjust the temperature
of the air f low to a comf ortable
setting.
Air conditioning also removes mois-
ture from the air as it operates. You
can use it to def og the windows
quickly in cool or damp weather.
Used in combination with the heater,
it also makes the interior warm and
dry.
To heat or cool the interior f aster,
select recirculation mode, and set
the temperature control dial to the
upper or lower limit. The system
runs on f ull cooling or heating only.
It does not regulate the interior temperature. When the temperature
is set between the lower and upper
limits, the system regulates the
interior temperature to the set value.
TurningthefancontroldialtoOFF
shuts the heating and cooling system
completely off. Keep the system
completely of f only f or short periods.
To keep stale air and mustiness from
collecting, you should have the f an
running at all times.
You can manually set the system
controls f or ventilation, air
conditioning, heating, airf low
direction, and fan speed in various
combinations.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
CONT INUED
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Automatic Operation
Manual OperationA ir Condit ioning But t on
Features
89

Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don’t,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Askyourtrailersalesorrental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required f or your
towing situation.The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
discussed below.
When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated, and the trailer
tires and spare are inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker. Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure. All weights and loads are within
limits.
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use the D position
when towing a trailer on level roads.
CONT INUED
Towing a Trailer
A ddit ional T owing Equipment
T owing Speeds and GearsDriving Saf ely With a T railer
Pre-T ow Checklist
Driving
163

CONT INUED
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks. 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.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.
Turn of f the engine and let it sit
f or several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil. Always use Acura Precision Craf ted
Long Lif e Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2.
This coolant is pre-mixed with 50
percent antif reeze and 50 percent
water. Never add straight antif reeze
or plain water.
If Acura 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-Acura
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Acura antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
8.
9.
10. A dding Engine Coolant
Changing the Oil and Filter, Engine Coolant
Maint enance
177
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. Pour the coolant slowly and
caref ully so you do not spill any.
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
178
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.

If your seat belts get dirty, use a sof t
brush with a mixture of mild soap
and warm water to clean them. Do
not use bleach, dye, or cleaning
solvents. Let the belts air dry bef ore
you use the vehicle.
Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
belt anchors can cause the belts to
retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean cloth
dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.The floor mats that came with your
vehicle hook over the f loor mat
anchors. This keeps them f rom
sliding f orward and possibly
interf ering with vehicle operation.
If you remove the driver’s f loor mat,
make sure to re-anchor it when you
putitbackinyourvehicle.This f ilter removes the dust and
pollenthatisbroughtinfromthe
outside through the heating and
cooling system.
Have your dealer replace this filter
every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
under normal conditions. It should
be replaced every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) if you drive primarily in
urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air, or if
the airflow from the heating and
cooling system is less than usual. If you use non-Acura f loor mats,
make sure they f it properly and that
theycanbeusedwiththefloormat
anchors. Do not put additional f loor
mats on top of the anchored mats.
Floor Mats
Dust and Pollen Filter
Cleaning the Seat Belts
Cleaning the Seat Belts, Floor Mats, Dust and Pollen Filter
Maint enance
191
LOOP

If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
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. 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 an cycles twice).
Pref erably, do this once a month.
If you store your vehicle f or 12
months or longer, have your 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.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic). 169
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
201

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.
225
137
225
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
215
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.

µ
µ
µ
Î
Î
Î
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Amps. Circuits Protected
No.
30 A
10 A
7.5 A 20 A
10 A
20 A
15 A
20 A
7.5 A 30 A
40 A
40 A
40 A
30 A
20 A
15 A
20 A
100 A 40 A
50 A Condenser fan
Small Light
Interior Light
Cooling Fan
Hazard
FI ECU (ECM/PCM)
Horn, Stop
ABS (F/S)
Back Up
ABS Motor
Rear Demister
Heater Motor
Power Window
Option
Left Headlight
Door Lock
Right Headlight
Not Used
Main Fuse Battery
Main Fuse Ignition
Spare Fuse
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21 25 1:
2: U.S. models
Canadian models
1
2
Fuse Locations
224
UNDER HOOD FUSE BOX

ÎÎ
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 184
................................................
Hatch .68
.................................
Opening the .68
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 62
Headlights ........................................
Aiming .184
.......
Daytime Running Lights . 61
..................
High Beam Indicator . 54
........................
Reminder Beeper .61 ........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 184
...................................
Turning on .61
.....................................
Heater, Seat .74
.......................
Heating and Cooling .88
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 147
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 61
..............
High-mount Brake Light . 189
.......................
Hood, Opening the .135
..................................................
Horn .59
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .181
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 228
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .64
...........................................
Switch .66
............
Timing Control System . 236
........................
Immobilizer System .65
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 8
Indicators .......
ABS (Anti-lock Brake) . 53,159
Brake (Parking and Brake ............................
System) .53, 218
................
Charging System . 53,216
.............................
Cruise Control .54
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 138.........................................
Gasoline .133
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 55
...........................................
Gauge .58
................
Octane Requirement . 133
........................
Tank, Filling the .134
................
Gas Station Procedures . 134
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 58
...............................................
Fuel .58
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 151
5-speed and 6-speed Manual
.......................
Transmissions .148
........................................
Glove Box .84
Fluids
..........................................
Brake .181
.........................................
Clutch .182
..............
Manual Transmission . 181
..........................
Power Steering .183
..................
Windshield Washer . 179
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .123
...........................
Folding Rear Seat .73
..........................
Four-way Flashers .62
............................
Front Airbags .11, 22
Front Seat ......................................
Adjusting .71
.........................................
Heaters .74
...................................
Airbags .11, 22
.................................................
Fuel .133
......................
Fill Door and Cap .134
...........................................
Gauge .58
................
Octane Requirement . 133
........................
Reserve Indicator .54
........................
Tank, Filling the .134
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .220
Index
G H
I
IV