2003 Acura RSX dashboard

Your Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) includes:Two f ront airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the f ront
passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG.’’ A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records inf ormation about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, and driver and
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition is ON (II).
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal
collision. Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page ). An indicator light on the
instrument panel that alerts you to
a possible problem with the
system (see page ).
Emergency backup power in case
your car’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
If you ever have a moderate to
severe f rontal collision, the sensors
will detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration. If the rate of
deceleration is high enough, the
control unit will instantly inf late the
f ront airbags. Your vehicle is equipped with dual-
stage, dual-threshold airbags to help
reduce the chance of airbag-caused
injuries.
45
51
SRS Components
How Your Front A irbags Work
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
Driver and Passenger Saf ety48

These labels are in the locations
shown. They warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious
injury. Read these labels caref ully.
If a label comes of f or becomes hard
to read, contact your Acura dealer
f or a replacement.
CONT INUED
U.S. modelsCanadian models
U.S. models only
Saf ety L abels
Driver and Passenger Saf ety55
RADIATOR CAP SUN VISOR
DASHBOARD
HOOD

Thetwoleversonthesteering
column contain controls f or driving
f eatures you use most of ten. The lef t
lever controls the turn signals,
headlights, and high beams. The
right lever controls the windshield
washers and wipers.
The controls on the dashboard to the
right of the steering column are f or
the instrument panel brightness,
hazard warning lights and rear
window def ogger.
The moonroof switch and cruise
control switch are to the left of the
steering column.
The tilt adjustment lever on the
underside of the steering column
allows you to tilt the steering wheel.
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Inst rument s and Cont rols68
WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERSHAZARD WARNING LIGHTS REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
HORN
TILT ADJUSTMENT
HEADLIGHTS/
TURN SIGNALS
MOONROOF CRUISE
CONTROL

Usetheswitchonthedashboardto
open and close the moonroof . The
ignition switch must be ON (II).
Pushandholdthe switchto
open the moonroof . Release the
switch when the moonroof reaches
the desired position. To close the
moonroof , press and hold theswitch.
U.S.:
Canada: All models
Premium and Type-S modelsonly
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Moonroof
93
Closing the moonroof on
someone’s hands or fingers can
cause serious injury.
Make sure passengers are
clear of the moonroof before
closing it. If you try to open the moonroof in
below-f reezing temperatures, or when
it is covered with snow or ice, you can
damage the moonroof panel or motor.

Keeptheinsideandoutsidemirrors
clean and adjusted f or best visibility.
Be sure to adjust the mirrors bef ore
you start driving.
The inside mirror has day and night
positions. The night position reduces
glare f rom headlights behind you.
Flip the tab on the bottom edge of
the mirror to select the day or night
position.Adjust the outside mirrors with the
adjustment switch on the lef t side of
the dashboard:
Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Move the selector switch to L
(driver’s side) or R (passenger’s
side). Push the appropriate edge of the
adjustment switch to move the
mirrorright,left,up,ordown.
When you f inish, move the
selector switch to the center (off)
position. This turns of f the
adjustment switch so you can’t
move a mirror out of position by
accidentally bumping the switch.
1.
2. 3.
4.
Adjusting the Power Mirrors
Mirrors
Inst rument s and Cont rols94
TAB
SELECTOR SWITCH ADJUSTMENT SWITCH

The engine must be running f or the
heater and air conditioning to
generate hot and cold air. The heater
uses engine coolant to warm the air.
If the engine is cold, it will be several
minutes bef ore you f eel warm air
coming from the system.
The heating and cooling system
draws air through the exterior vents
at the bottom of the windshield.
Keep these vents clear of leaves and
other debris.
The direction of air f low f rom the
vents in the center and each side of
the dashboard is adjustable.
Open each vent by pushing on the
recess. Adjust the direction of air
flow by rotating the vent. The heating and cooling system in
your Acura has f ull heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning
capabilities. In combination with the
air conditioning, the system
maintains the interior temperature
you select. The system also adjusts
the fan speed and air flow direction
automatically depending on the set
temperature.
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Heating and Cooling
102
SIDE VENTS
CENTER VENTS

CONT INUED
The main air flow comes out
of the dashboard vents.
The main air f low is directed
to the floor vents. In AUTO mode, the system controls
the air f low direction automatically
between the dashboard vents and
the f loor vents. The main air f low is divided
between the f loor vents and
defroster vents at the base of the
windshield.
The main air f low is directed
to the windshield for faster defrost-
ing or def ogging. To def rost or def og
more quickly, turn the temperature
control dial to maximum. Select and set the f an speed to high.
If there is actual frost on the win-
dows, f irst select the Recirculation
mode. If the windows are f ogged,
select the Fresh Air mode. Warmed
air will then flow from the wind-
shield and side def roster vents. When you select or ,
the A/C turns on automatically to
help dehumidif y the air and def og
the windshield. When you select
another mode, the A/C stays on. If
you do not want to use the A/C in
that mode, press the button to turn it
of f .
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Heating and Cooling
107

Theheatingandcoolingsystemhas
temperature sensors located next to
the steering column and in the top of
the dashboard. Do not cover the
sensors or spill any liquid on them. T emperature Sensors
Heating and Cooling
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures108