weight Acura RSX 2004 User Guide

To achieve a proper tongue load,
start by loading 60 percent of the
load toward the front of the trailer
and 40 percent toward the rear, then
re-adjust the load as needed.The total weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed:
The total weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed:
on the f ront axle
on the rear axle
Towing a Trailer
Driving
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR):
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GA WR):
150
3,660 lbs (1,660 kg)
1,950 lbs (885 kg)
1,775 lbs (805 kg)Exceeding load limits or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously
injured or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
beforestartingtodrive.

The best way to conf irm that vehicle
and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at public
scale.
Using a suitable scale or a special
tongue load gauge, check the tongue
load the f irst time you set up a
towing combination (a f ully-loaded
vehicle and trailer), then recheck the
tongue load whenever the conditions
change.Towing can require a variety of
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, and
how much load you are towing.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and f ollow the
guidelines in the rest of this section.
Also make sure that all equipment is
properly installed and that it meets
f ederal, state, province, and local
regulations.Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody.
Always use saf ety chains. Make sure
they are secured to both the trailer
and hitch, and that they cross under
the tongue so they can catch the
trailer if it becomes unhitched.
Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do
not let chains drag on the ground.
CONT INUED
Towing a Trailer
Checking L oads
T owing Equipment and
A ccessoriesHitches
Saf et y Chains
Driving151

Acura recommends that any trailer
having a total weight of 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) or more be equipped with
its own electric or surge-type brakes.
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electrically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successf ul it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking ef f ectiveness and
create a potential hazard.If you use a converter, you can get
the connector and pins that mate
with the connector in your vehicle
f rom your Acura dealer.
Your vehicle has a trailer lighting
connector located behind the right
side panel in the cargo area. Ref er to
thedrawingaboveforthewiring
color code and purpose of each pin. Since lighting and wiring vary in
trailer type and brand, you should
also have a qualified mechanic install
a suitable connector between the
vehicleandthetrailer.
Towing a Trailer
Driving
Trailer Brakes
Trailer Lights
152
TAILLIGHT
(RED/YELLOW)LEFT TURN SIGNAL
(GREEN/RED)RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
(GREEN/YELLOW)
GROUND
(BLACK)
BACK UP LIGHT
(GREEN)
BRAKE LIGHT
(WHITE/BLACK)

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.
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 D position when
towing a trailer on level roads. D is
the proper shif t lever position to use
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain.
(See ‘‘
’’ in the next
column f or additional gear
inf ormation.) Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance f or braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shifts
f requently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, shif t to
D.
3
3
CONT INUED
Towing a Trailer
Additional Trailer Equipment
T owing Speeds and GearsDriving on Hills Making T urns and Braking
Driving on HillsDriving Saf ely With a T railer
Driving153

Make sure the API Certif ication Seal
says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines’’.
The oil’s viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your Acura, to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
To add oil, unscrew and remove the
engine oil f ill cap on top of the valve
cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Install the engine oil f ill cap and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes and recheck the oil level. Do
not f ill above the upper mark on the
dipstick; you could damage the
engine. Oil is major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle.
RSX and Premium models
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
Recommended Oil
164
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL Ambient Temperature

µ
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is
pref erred f or improved f uel economy
and year-round protection in your
Acura. You may use a 10W-30 oil if
the temperature in your area never
goes below 20°F ( 7°C). Your Acura does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect your engine’s or transmission’s
perf ormance and durability.Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. The oil
and f ilter collect contaminants 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 vehicle. The vehicle
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.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
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. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals given in the maintenance
schedule.
1.
CONT INUED
Type-S
Maint enance
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditivesChanging the Oil and Filter
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter
165
Ambient Temperature

Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall). Mixing radial and
bias-ply tires on your vehicle can
reduce braking ability, traction, and
steering accuracy. Using tires of a
dif f erent size or construction can
cause the ABS to work inconsistently.
It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling.
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires every 10,000 miles (16,000
km). Move the tires to the positions
showninthecharteachtimethey
are rotated. If you purchase
directional tires, rotate only f ront-to-
back.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you f eel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed f rom the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.
(Only on vehicles equipped with
aluminum wheels)
Replacing T ires
Tire Rotation
Tires
Maint enance186
NOTICE:
Front Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) (For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
Improper wheel weights can
damage your vehicle’s aluminum
wheels. Use only genuine Acura wheel
weights f or balancing.

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
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed216
NOTICE:
NOTICE: 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.
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.

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Specif ications
T echnical Inf ormation220
Dimensions
Weights Air Conditioning
Capacities
Engine 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
)
1.35 US gal (5.1
)
101.2 in (2,570 mm)
58.3 in (1,482 mm)
58.3 in (1,481 mm)
3.19 x 3.50 in (81.0 x 88.9 mm) 121.9 cu-in (1,998 cm
)
9.8 : 1
11.0 : 1 1.32 US gal (5.0
)
1.69 US gal (6.4
)
1.66 US gal (6.3)
4.2 US qt (4.0
)
4.8 US qt (4.5)
4.2 US qt (4.0)
4.8 US qt (4.5)
5.6 US qt (5.3)
6.1 US qt (5.8)
0.16 US gal (0.6
)
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity:
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb. Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type
Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Type
BorexStroke
Displacement
Compression ratio
Spark plug Water cooled 4-stroke
DOHC VTEC in line,
4-cylinder gasoline engine.
IZFR6K11
IFR7G-11KS
SKJ20DR-M11
SK22PR-M11S 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
NGK
DENSO
1
21
2
1
2 1
4
2
3
2
3
2
3

Supplemental Restraint................................
System .10, 22
......................................
Servicing .28
.........................
SRS Indicator .26 ,50
...................
System Components . 22
..................................
Synthetic Oil .165
Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................
of the .191
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 222
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .123
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 167
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 130
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .220
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 218
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 178
Taking Care of the ...............................
Unexpected .191
......................................
Tape Player .98
................
Technical Descriptions . 217
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 222
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 225
..........
State Emissions Testing . 228
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .227
.................................
Tire Labeling .224
.......................
Temperature Gauge .57
..........
Temperature, Inside Sensor . 91
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 40
............................
Thef t Protection .112
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 227
..................
Tilt the Steering Wheel . 62..........................
Time, Setting the .113
....................................
Tire Chains .188
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 193
...............................................
Tires .183
..............................
Air Pressure .184
.........................
Checking Wear .185
..........................
Compact Spare .192
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 222
......................................
Inf lation .183
..................................
Inspection .185
..............................
Maintenance .185
...................................
Replacing .186
......................................
Rotating .186
...........................................
Snow .187
............................
Specif ications .221
................................
Tire Chains .188
..........................
Winter Driving .187
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 193
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .149
................................
Emergency .215
....
Equipment and Accessories . 151
.............................
Weight Limit .149
...........................
Traction Devices .188
.............................
Trailer Loading .149
......................
Trailer Towing Tips .149 Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .169
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .170
...........................
Fluid Selection .170
..............
Identif ication Number . 218
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 139
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 136
.....................................
Treadwear .222
.......................................
Trip Meter .56
....................................
Turn Signals .60
Index
T
U
V
VIII