towing Acura RSX 2006 User Guide

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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
170
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 page197)
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:
: 191
168
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .204
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .205
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .210
................................
Jump Starting .212
..............
If the Engine Overheats .214
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .216
..........
Charging System Indicator .216
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .217
...............
Brake System Indicator .218
..................
Closing the Moonroof .219
..............................................
Fuses .220
..........................
Fuse Locations .223
......................
Emergency Towing .225
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
203

CONT INUED
If you have a f lat tire while driving,
stop in a saf e place to change it.
Drive slowly along the shoulder until
you get to an exit or an area to stop
that is far away from the traffic lanes.Park the vehicle on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park (automatic)
or reverse (manual). Apply the
parking brake. If you are towing a
trailer, unhitch the trailer.Open the hatch. Pull up the f loor
mat and remove the spare tire
cover.
Unscrew the wing bolt. Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
1. 2.
3.
4.
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
205
TOOL KIT
JACK
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.

Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem (seeon page ).In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working. There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal
connections (see page ). You
canthentryjumpstartingthe
vehicle from a booster battery
(see page ). 65
225
200
212 147220
225
If theEngineWon’tStart
Emergency T owing T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
211

Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
7. 8.9.
6. 5.
10.
11.
225
137
225
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
215
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the f luid level is low, take the
vehicle to your dealer and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low in the reservoir.
Press lightly on the brake pedal to
see if it f eels normal. If it does,
check the brake f luid level the next
time you stop at a service station
(see page ). The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position, and as a reminder
to check the parking brake. It will
stay on if you do not f ully release the
parking brake. 225
181
Brake System Indicator
Emergency
Towing
218
Canada
U.S.

µµ
CONT INUED
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
an organization. Never tow your
vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is
very dangerous. With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
Release the parking brake. Turn of f the engine.
ShifttoD,thentoN.
Start the engine. Shif t the transmission to neutral. Release the parking brake.
If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle: The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (f ront or rear) and lif t
them of f the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground.
Automatic Transmission:
Manual Transmission:
Emergency Towing
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t Equipment
This is the best way to trans-
port your vehicle.
T his is
an acceptable way to tow your
vehicle.
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
225
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.
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), your
vehicle must be transported with the
f ront wheels of f the ground.

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 Towing
226
The 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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CONT INUED
Dipstick..........
Automatic Transmission .179
..................................
Engine Oil .137
..........................
Directional Signals .61
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .158
.......................................
Disc Care .121
..........................
Disc Changer .99,115
............................................
Care .121
.............................
Operation .99,115
Disc Changer Error .............................
Message .101,119
.........
Disc Player Error Message .100
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .177
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking .67
.........
Power Door/Hatch Locks .67
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .232
Downshif ting, 5-speed and 6-speed
.............
Manual Transmissions .148
.....................................
Drive Belts .182
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .7
...........................................
Driving .145
....................................
Economy .138..............................
Economy, Fuel .138
Emergencies ............................
Jump Starting .212
.......................................
Towing .225
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers .62
............
Emergencies on the Road .203
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .212
...........
Brake System Indicator .218
................
Changing a Flat Tire .205
.....
Charging System Indicator .216
..................
Checking the Fuses .220
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .216
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .217
...
Manually Closing Moonroof .219
..................
Overheated Engine .214
......................
Emergency Flashers .62
......................
Emergency Towing .225
.......................
Emissions Controls .235
.............
Emissions Testing, State .238
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .58
.................................
Drive Belts .182
......
Engine Speed Limiter .149,155 Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .53,217
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .53,216
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .174
...............................
Overheating .214
............................
Specif ications .230
.......................................
Starting .147
...................
Engine, .210
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .235
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .45
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .17
.....................................
Fan, Interior .88
...........................................
Features .87
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .134
Filters
...............................................
Oil .175
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .62
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .205
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .179
if it won’t start
Index
F
E
INDEX
III

ÎÎ
.......................
Starting the Engine .147
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .147
................
With a Dead Battery .212
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine .214
Steering Wheel
..................................
Adjustment .63
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock .66
.......................................
Buttons .128
.....................
Stereo Sound System .92
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .201
Supplemental Restraint ................................
System .11,22
......................................
Servicing .27
.........................
SRS Indicator .26,52
...................
System Components .22
..................................
Synthetic Oil .175
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in .189
Taking Care of the
...............................
Unexpected .203
...........................
Tape Player .102,110
................
Technical Descriptions .227
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading .232 .....
Emissions Control Systems .235
..........
State Emissions Testing .238
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter .237
.................................
Tire Labeling .234
.......................
Temperature Gauge .58
..........
Temperature, Inside Sensor .91
..............
Tether Anchorage Points .40
............................
Thef t Protection .125
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter .237
..................
Tilt the Steering Wheel .63
..................
Time, Setting the .105,120
....................................
Tire Chains .199
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat .205
...............................................
Tires .194
..............................
Air Pressure .195
.........................
Checking Wear .196
..........................
Compact Spare .204
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading .232
......................................
Inf lation .194
..................................
Inspection .196
..............................
Maintenance .197
...................................
Replacing .198
......................................
Rotating .197
...........................................
Snow .199
....................
Specif ications .198,231 ................................
Tire Chains .199
..........................
Winter Driving .199
...................
Tools, Tire Changing .205
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer .160
................................
Emergency .225
....
Equipment and Accessories .161
.............................
Weight Limit .160
...........................
Traction Devices .199
.............................
Trailer Loading .160
......................
Trailer Towing Tips .161
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .179
...........................
Fluid Selection .180
..............
Identif ication Number .228
.............
Shif ting the Automatic .151
..................
Shif ting the Manual .148
.....................................
Treadwear .232
.......................................
Trip Meter .57
....................................
Turn Signals .61
Index
T
VIII