check transmission fluid Acura RSX 2005 Owner's Manual

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
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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
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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)
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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

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

Check the f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
Replace the brake f luid according to
the time recommendation in the
maintenance schedule.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.
Manual Transmission only
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Brake System
Clutch System
Maint enance
169
MAX
MIN MAX
MIN

CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .127
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .66
..............
Accessory Power Sockets . 83
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 163
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .11, 22
...
Airbags, Additional Information . 22
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 27
.............................
Airbag Service .27
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .27
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 26
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .23
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 25
........................
SRS Components .22
................
Air Conditioning System . 88
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .182
......................................
Antif reeze .165
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .53, 147
...................................
Operation .147
Anti-thef t Steering Column ..............................................
Lock .66 ..................................
Audio System .92
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 20
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 115
..............
Automatic Transmission . 139
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .219
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 167
.......................................
Shif ting .139
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 139
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 139
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 144
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .53, 204
............................
Jump Starting .200
..............................
Maintenance .188
............................
Specif ications .219
..............................
Bef ore Driving .119
..................................
Belts, Seat .10, 19
...........................
Beverage Holders .83
..................................
Booster Seats .42
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 147
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 121....................
Bulb Replacement .177
...........................................
Fluid .169
.................
System Indicator . 53,206
........................
Wear Indicators .146
.............................
Braking System .146
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 121
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 62
........................
Brights, Headlights .61
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .177
..............................
Brake Lights .177
................
Front Parking Lights . 175
....................
Front Side Marker . 176
.........
Front Turn Signal Lights . 174
.................................
Headlights .172
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 177
.........
Rear Side Marker Lights . 178
............................
Specif ications .219
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .172
Index
A
B
INDEX
I

CONT INUED
Dipstick..........
Automatic Transmission . 167
..................................
Engine Oil .125
..........................
Directional Signals .61
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 146
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .165
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 67
......................
Power Door Locks .67
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 220
Downshif ting, 5-speed and6-speed
.............
Manual Transmissions . 136
.....................................
Drive Belts .170
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................
Driving .133
....................................
Economy .126
..............................
Economy, Fuel .126
Emergencies ............................
Jump Starting .200
.......................................
Towing .213
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 62
............
Emergencies on the Road . 191
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 200 ...........
Brake System Indicator . 206
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 193
.....
Charging System Indicator . 204
..................
Checking the Fuses . 208
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 204
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 205
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 207
..................
Overheated Engine . 202
......................
Emergency Flashers .62
......................
Emergency Towing .213
.......................
Emissions Controls .223
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 226
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 58
.................................
Drive Belts .170
......
Engine Speed Limiter . 137,143
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .53, 205
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 53,204
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 162
...............................
Overheating .202
............................
Specif ications .218
.......................................
Starting .135
...................
Engine, .198
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 223
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .45 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .17
.....................................
Fan, Interior .88
...........................................
Features .87
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 122
Filters ...............................................
Oil .163
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 62
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 193
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 167
..........................................
Brake .169
.........................................
Clutch .169
..........................
Power Steering .171
..................
Windshield Washer . 167
FM Stereo Radio .....................................
Reception .96
...........................
Folding Rear Seat .73
..........................
Four-way Flashers .62
............................
Front Airbags .11, 22
if it won’t start
Index
F
E
INDEX
III

....................
Storing Your Vehicle .189
Supplemental Restraint ................................
System .11, 22
......................................
Servicing .27
.........................
SRS Indicator .26 ,52
...................
System Components . 22
..................................
Synthetic Oil .163
Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................
of the .191
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 220
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .121
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 165
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 130
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .218
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 216
.............................
Vehicle Storage .189
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 177
Taking Care of the ...............................
Unexpected .191
......................................
Tape Player .98
................
Technical Descriptions . 215
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 220
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 223
..........
State Emissions Testing . 226
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .225
.................................
Tire Labeling .222
.......................
Temperature Gauge .58
..........
Temperature, Inside Sensor . 91
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 40
............................
Thef t Protection .112
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 225..................
Tilt the Steering Wheel . 63
..........................
Time, Setting the .113
....................................
Tire Chains .187
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 193
...............................................
Tires .182
..............................
Air Pressure .183
.........................
Checking Wear .184
..........................
Compact Spare .192
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 220
......................................
Inf lation .182
..................................
Inspection .184
..............................
Maintenance .185
...................................
Replacing .186
......................................
Rotating .185
...........................................
Snow .187
....................
Specif ications .186, 219
................................
Tire Chains .187
..........................
Winter Driving .187
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 193
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .148
................................
Emergency .213
....
Equipment and Accessories . 149
.............................
Weight Limit .148
...........................
Traction Devices .187
.............................
Trailer Loading .148 ......................
Trailer Towing Tips .149
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .167
...........................
Fluid Selection .168
..............
Identif ication Number . 216
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 139
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 136
.....................................
Treadwear .220
.......................................
Trip Meter .57
....................................
Turn Signals .61
Index
T
U
V
VIII