automatic transmission Acura RSX 2005 User Guide

Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area, or take them
with you.
Lock the doors.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle f rom
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission.
If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the f ront wheels away f rom the
curb. If you have a manual
transmission, put it in f irst gear.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If you have a manual
transmission, put it in reverse gear.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Parking T ips
Parking
Driving
145

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, take time to practice driving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
discussed below.
Driveslowerthannormalinall
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.
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 weights and loads are within
limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
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.
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
151

If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to 2nd
gear (manual) or D (automatic). Do
not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and remember
it will take longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer.
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 shif ts
f requently while going up a hill, shif t
to D .
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the left,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or Reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
3
3
bottom
Towing a Trailer
Making T urns and Braking Driving on Hills Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ingBacking Up
Parking
152

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
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 vehicle, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .154
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 155
....................
Maintenance Record .159
..............................
Fluid Locations .161
........................
Adding Engine Oil .162
..........
Changing the Oil and Filter .163
..............................
Engine Coolant .165
....................
Windshield Washers .167
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 167
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 169
.....................................
Drive Belts .170
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 171
.............................................
Lights .172
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 179
.....................................
Floor Mats .179
..................
DustandPollenFilter . 179
.................................
Wiper Blades .180
...............................................
Tires .182
...................
Checking the Battery . 188
.............................
Vehicle Storage .189
231
Maintenance
Maint enance
153

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We recommend the use of genuine
Acura parts and fluids whenever you
have maintenance done. Engine oil level Check every
time you f ill the f uel tank. See
page .
Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
skilled person to keep your
warranties in ef f ect. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation. Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed at the recommended time
or mileage period to ensure long-
term reliability.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.125
125
169
184 167
Servicing Your Vehicle
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA standards.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Schedule
156

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Follow the Normal Maintenance
Schedule if the severe driving
conditions specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance Schedule on
the next page do not apply.
CONT INUED
NOT E: If you only OCCASIONALLY
drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you
should f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Canadian owners should f ollow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions on the next page.
157
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
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Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)(
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Check inflation and condition once a month Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 100
160
90
144
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)
120
192 130
208140
224150
240
Every 3 years (independent of mileage) Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) 110
176
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
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)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
186)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
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 fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then
every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
1: : 156
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per
trip or, in f reezing temperatures,
driving less than 10 miles (16 km)
per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F
(32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a commercial delivery vehicle.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced
roads. T railer towing, driving with a roof
rack, or driving in mountainous
conditions.
Follow this
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions. Canadian Owners
158
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
( ( O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 2
2y
ye
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rs
s, , w
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fi
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)
10
16 20
3230
4840
6450
80 70
112 80
128 100
160
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop 130
208
140
224
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
( (O
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re
ev
ve
er
ry
y 3
3y
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rs
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)Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
Every 3 years (independent of mileage) 110
176
120
192
60
96 90
144 150
240
Clean every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), and replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
(Use normal schedule except in dusty condition)
( ( O
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)
See dust and pollen filter on page for
replacement information under special
driving conditions.
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3
years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000
km) or 2 years.
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, middle column,
page .
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
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
186)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gear box and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system , Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Clean and replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 1:
2:
: 156 179
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

Fluid Locations
Maint enance
161
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
(Black cap)POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
RADIATOR CAP BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
(Manual Transmission only)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Gray cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)

CONT INUED
Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at
least monthly during normal use.Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
The low
washer level indicator will light
when the level is low.
Fill the reservoir with a good-
quality windshield washer f luid.
This increases the cleaning
capability and prevents f reezing in
cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir,
clean the edges of the windshield
wiper blades with windshield
washerfluidonacleancloth.This
will help to condition them. 1.
2.
On Canadian models:
Windshield Washers, A ut omat ic T ransmission Fluid
Windshield Washers
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
167
DIPSTICKDo not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.

To thoroughly f lush the transmission,
the technician should drain and ref ill
it with Honda ATF-Z1, then drive the
vehicle f or a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and ref ill the
transmission a f inal time.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 youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer.
If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug and add
f luid to bring it to the upper mark.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If
it’s not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect the shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is
convenient.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. 6.
5.
3.
4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
168
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK