spark plugs Acura RSX 2002 Owner's Manual

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 .
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. This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .194
.
Important Safety Precautions . 195
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 196
...
Required Maintenance Record . 203
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 205
..............................
Fluid Locations .206
......................................
Engine Oil .207
..................................
Adding Oil .207
....................
Recommended Oil .207
..............................
Synthetic Oil .209
....................................
Additives .209
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 209
.............................
Cooling System .212
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 212
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 214
....................
Windshield Washers .216
.......................
Transmission Fluid .217
Automatic .........................
Transmission .217
..............
Manual Transmission . 219
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 219
............................
Brake System .220
...........................
Clutch System .220
..............................
Power Steering .221
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .222
....................................
Hood Latch .224 ....................................
Spark Plugs .224
..............................
Replacement .224
............................
Specif ications .226
...........................................
Battery .226
.................................
Wiper Blades .229
..............
Air Conditioning System . 231
..................
DustandPollenFilter . 232
.....................................
Drive Belts .234
...............................................
Tires .235
......................................
Inf lation .235
..................................
Inspection .236
..............................
Maintenance .237
.............................
Tire Rotation .238
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 239
......................
Wheels and Tires .240
..........................
Winter Driving .240
.............................
Snow Tires .241
............................
Tire Chains .241
.............................................
Lights .242
.....................
Headlight Aiming .244
........................
Replacing Bulbs .244
...........................
Storing Your Car .252
306
Maintenance
Maint enance193

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Maint enance198
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Service the following items at the recommended intervals
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km) or 7 years
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
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
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 fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . See Dust and Pollen Filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then
every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years
24
4872
12 3660
M/T
A/T
1: : 232
197
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance199
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A
B
C
D
E
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/7 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
DoitemsinA,C,D.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, E.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
DoitemsinA,C,D.
Do items in A, B.
Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, E. Inspect idle speed.
Replace transmission fluid (M/T, A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace engine coolant. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
238).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace air cleaner element every 30,000 mi/48,000
km (independent of time).
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent of
mileage).
:
196
1:
1
See Dust and Pollen Filter on page for replacement
information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: 197 236
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance200
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km) or 7 years
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Service the following items at the recommended intervals
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, looks, 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 fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Clean or replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
See Dust and Pollen Filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. 10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192
Every 3 years
24
4872
12 3660
1: : 197
M/T
A/T
232
1
Clean every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), and replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions)
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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Maint enance202
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy. See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information
under special driving conditions.
NOTE: 1:
: 197 232
95,000 mi/152,000 km/5-½ yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
105,000 mi/168,000 km/6 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/7 yrs
115,000 mi/184,000 km/6-½ yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
DoitemsinA,E,F
Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B. Inspect idle speed.
Do items in A. Replace transmission fluid (M/T, A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace engine coolant.
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts (as shown),
including the pivot. Follow the time
and distance recommendations in
the Maintenance Schedule. If you
are not sure how to clean and grease
the latch, contact your Acura dealer.The spark plugs in your car should
be replaced according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule.
Clean up any dirt and oil that have
collected around the ignition coils. Remove the four nuts, then
remove the coil cover.
1.
2.
ReplacementSpark Plugs
Hood L atch
Maint enance
Hood L at ch, Spark Plugs
224
L LA A T
TC
CH H
A
A S
SSSEEM
M B
BLLYY N
NU
UTTS
S
C
CO OI ILL
C
CO OV VE
ER
R
P
P I
IVV O
OT TS
S

Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
af ter it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
Use a wrench to remove the bolt
holding the ignition coil. Pull the
ignition coil up slightly.
Disconnect the wire connector
f rom the ignition coil by pushing
on the lock tab and pulling on the
connector. Pull on the plastic
connector, not the wires.
Put the new spark plug into the
socket; then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it. Remove the spark plug with
a f ive-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket. Remove the ignition coil.
6. 5.
4. 3.
7.8.
CONT INUED
Spark Plugs
Maint enance225
C CO
ON NNNEEC
CT TO
OR R
I
IG GN NIITT I
IOON N
C
CO OI ILL
L
LOOC CKK T
TA
A B
B
13 lbf·ft (18 N·m , 1.8 kgf·m)

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Check the condition of your car’s
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window,
and f or corrosion on the terminals.
Plug Gap:
Plug Gap:
Insert the ignition coil into the
hole.
Connect the wire connector to the
ignition coil.
Push the ignition coil down all the
way. Install the bolt.
Repeat this procedure f or the
other three spark plugs.
Reinstall the coil cover, and
tighten the f our nuts.
9.
(RSX and Premium models)
10.
11. 12. DENSO: NGK:
NGK:
DENSO:
(Type-S) Battery
Specif ications:
Maint enance
Spark Plugs, Battery
226
0.04 in (1.1 mm)
0.04 in (1.1 mm) IZFR6K11
SKJ20DR-M11
IFR7G-11K
SK22PR-M110
0.1mm
0
0.1mm
Tighten the spark plugs caref ully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.

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T echnical Inf ormation
Specif ications
290
Air Conditioning
Dimensions
Weights
Engine Capacities
173.0 in (4,395 mm)
67.9 in (1,725 mm)
55.1 in (1,400 mm)
HFC-134a (R-134a)
17.6 19.4 oz (500 550 g) SP-10
13.2 US gal (50
, 11.0 Imp gal)
1.35 US gal (5.1
, 1.12 Imp gal)
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
101.2 in (2,570 mm)
58.3 in (1,482 mm)
58.3 in (1,481 mm)
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
Water cooled 4-strokeDOHC VTEC in line,
4-cylinder gasoline engine. 3.19 x 3.50 in (86.0 x 86.0) 121.9 cu-in (1,998 cm
)
9.8 : 1
11.0 : 1
Type
BorexStroke
Displacement
Compression ratio
Spark plugs 1.32 US gal (5.0
, 1.10 Imp gal)
1.69 US gal (6.4
, 1.41 Imp gal)
1.66 US gal (6.3, 1.39 Imp gal)
4.4 US qt (4.2
, 3.7 Imp qt)
5.0 US qt (4.7, 4.1 Imp qt)
4.4 US qt (4.2, 3.7 Imp qt)
5.0 US qt (4.7, 4.1 Imp qt)
5.6 US qt (5.3, 4.7 Imp qt)
6.1 US qt (5.8, 5.1 Imp qt)
Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity:
0.16 US gal (0.6
, 0.13 Imp gal)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
See spark plug maintenance sec-
tion page 224 . Approx.
1:
2:
3:
4:
Front
Rear
ChangeManual
Automatic
Total Manual
Automatic
Change Including filter
Without filter
Total
RSX and Premium models
Type-S
1:
2:
RSX and Premium models
Type-S
12 1
4
2
3
2
3
2
3

Oil........................
Change, How to .209
......................
Change, When to .198
......................
Checking Engine .159
..............
Pressure Indicator . 61,274
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .208
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 78
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .297
..
Operation in Foreign Countries . 287
..............................
Outside Mirrors .94
....................
Overheating, Engine .272
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .294
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 205
..............................
Paint Touch-up .255
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 70
........................
Park Gear Position .174
...........................................
Parking .180
.................................
Parking Brake .95
........................
Parking Lights .69, 247
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 180
.............................
PGM-FI System .297 ..................
Polishing and Waxing . 255
............
Pre-Drive Saf ety Checklist . 12
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 19
............................
Protecting Adults .13
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 19
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 19
........................
Protecting Children .21
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .30
.......
Protecting Larger Children . 37
.........
Protecting Small Children . 34
Using Child Seats with .....................................
Tethers .41
.............................
Using LATCH .42
...................
Radiator Overheating . 272
.............
Radio/CD Sound System . 125
...........................
Readiness Codes .299
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 249
............................
Rear Seat Access .86
..........................
Rear Seat, Folding .87
............................
Rear View Mirror .94
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 73
....................
Rear Window Washer .72
.......................
Rear Window Wiper .72 ...............
Reclining the Seat Backs . 85
.......
Recommended Shif t Speeds . 171
.............................
Reminder Lights .59
Replacement Inf ormation .................
Air Cleaner Element . 222
.......................................
Coolant .214
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 209
..........................................
Fuses .280
................................
Light Bulbs .244
....................................
Schedule .198
................................
Spark Plugs .224
...........................................
Tires .235
.............................
Wiper Blades .229
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .46
...
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant . 212
...............................
Restraint, Child .21
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 174
................................
Rotation, Tire .238
..................................
Saf ety Belts .8, 48
.................................
Saf ety Features .7
.........................................
Airbags .10
..................................
Door Locks .11
Index
P R
S
VI