maintenance Acura RSX 2003 Owner's Guide

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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
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 . 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 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
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, 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 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 24
4872
12 3660
1: : 197
M/T
A/T
232
Clean every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), and replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions)
1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance201
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
5,000 mi/8,000 km/6 mos
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
15,000 mi/24,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1-½ yrs
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
25,000 mi/40,000 km/2 yrs
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
35,000 mi/56,000 km/2-½ yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
3yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
55,000 mi/88,000 km/3-½ yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
65,000 mi/104,000 km/4 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
75,000 mi/120,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/4-½ yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
85,000 mi/136,000 km/5 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Clean air cleaner element (independent of
time).
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time).
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Clean air cleaner element (independent of
time).
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time). Replace transmission fluid (M/T, A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B. Clean air cleaner element (independent of
time).
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time). Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Replace engine oil.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page238).
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
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.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
196
1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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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
6yrs
105,000 mi/168,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/6 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
115,000 mi/184,000 km/6-½ yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
9yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Clean air cleaner element (independent of
time).
Do items in A. Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace air cleaner element (independent of
time). Replace transmission fluid (M/T, A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Replace engine coolant.Inspect idle speed.
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

CONT INUED
Maint enance
Required Maintenance Record (f or Normal and Severe Schedules)
203
5,000 mi
10,000 mi
15,000 mi
20,000 mi
25,000 mi
30,000 mi35,000 mi
40,000 mi
45,000 mi
50,000 mi
55,000 mi
60,000 mi
Signature or dealer stamp
Signature or dealer stamp
8,000 km
16,000 km
24,000 km
32,000 km
(or 1 year)
40,000 km
48,000 km 56,000 km
64,000 km
(or 2 years)
72,000 km
80,000 km
88,000 km
96,000 km
(or 3 years)
You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here, whether you follow the schedule for normal conditions (page ) or severe
conditions (page ). Keep the receipts for all work done on your car.
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km mi/km mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
200
198

Maint enance
Required Maintenance Record (f or Normal and Severe Schedules)
204
65,000 mi
70,000 mi
75,000 mi
80,000 mi
85,000 mi
90,000 mi95,000 mi
100,000 mi
105,000 mi
110,000 mi
115,000 mi
120,000 mi
Signature or dealer stamp
Signature or dealer stamp
104,000 km
112,000 km
120,000 km
128,000 km
(or 4 years)
136,000 km
144,000 km 152,000 km
160,000 km
(or 5 years)
168,000 km
176,000 km
184,000 km
192,000 km
(or 6 years)
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
mi/km
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date Date Date
Date
Date
Date
Date

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Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page . Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. 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 .
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the page given.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page .
159
216
217 219 235
244
160
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance205

Always change the oil and f ilter
accordingtothetimeanddistance
(miles/kilometers) recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and f ilter collect contami-
nants that can damage your engine if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the car. The car should
be raised on a service station-type
hydraulic lif t f or this service. Unless
you have the knowledge and proper
equipment, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certif ication Seal,
and it is the proper weight as shown
on the chart. When using synthetic
oil, you must f ollow the oil and f ilter
change intervals given in the
maintenance schedule.
Your Acura does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect your engine’s or transmission’s
perf ormance and durability.
CONT INUED
Synthetic Oil
Additives Changing the Oil and Filter
Engine Oil
Maint enance209

Openthehood.Makesurethe
engine and radiator are cool to the
touch.
Remove the radiator cap.
Thecoolingsystemshouldbe
completely drained and ref illed with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use
Honda All Season Antif reeze/
Coolant Type 2.
Draining the coolant requires access
to the underside of the car. Unless
you have the tools and knowledge,
you should have this maintenance
done by a skilled mechanic.
Remove the cover under the
radiator.
Turn the ignition ON (II). Turn
the temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Turn the ignition
off.
1.
2.
3. 4.
Cooling Syst em
Maint enance
Replacing Engine Coolant
214
COVER

Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If it
is not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect shift quality. Have the
transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is
convenient.
To thoroughly f lush the transmission,
the technician should drain and ref ill
it with Honda ATF-Z1, then drive the
vehicle a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and ref ill the
transmission a f inal time.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. 5.
6.
4. 3.
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance218
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK

Check the f luid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two
reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are:Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
The brake f luid should be replaced
according to the time recommenda-
tion in the maintenance schedule.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the car sitting on
level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual Transmis-
sion Fluid (MTF) until it starts to
run out of the hole. Reinstall the
f iller bolt and tighten it securely. If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
CONT INUED
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Manual Transmission
Transmission Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid
Maint enance219
Correct level
FILLER BOLT