2005 Acura RSX check engine

Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your vehicle.Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice. Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and the
hatch are securely closed and
locked.When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Check that the hood is f ully closed. Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
Check that the hatch is f ully
closed.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely. Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
1.
2.
3.
9. 8. 7. 6.
5. 4. 10. 11.
71
79 63
15 51
Preparing to Drive
134

With the clutch pedal pressed,
move the shift lever to the first/
second gear side of the Neutral
gate, then shif t to Reverse.If you are still unable to shif t to
Reverse, apply the parking brake,
andturntheignitionkeyto
ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Press the clutch pedal, and shif t to
Reverse.
With the clutch pedal still pressed,
start the engine.
The 6-speed manual transmission
has an electric lockout so you cannot
accidentally shif t f rom Fif th to
Reverse instead of Sixth while the
vehicle is moving. If you cannot shif t
to Reverse when the vehicle is
stopped:
If you need to use this procedure to
shif t to Reverse, your vehicle may be
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by your dealer.
1. 2.
3.
4.
Reverse Lockout
Manual T ransmissions
138

Do this if pushing on the brake pedal
does not shif t the transmission out of
Park:Set the Parking brake.
Make sure the ignition switch is in
the LOCK (0) position.
Put a cloth on the edge of the Shif t
Lock Release slot cover next to
the shif t lever. Using a small f lat-
tipped screwdriver or a metal
f ingernail f ile, caref ully pry on the
edge of the cover. Insert the key in the Shift Lock
Release slot.
Push down on the key while you
move the shift lever out of Park to
Neutral.Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot. Press the brake
pedal and restart the engine.
If you need to use the Shif t Lock
Release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer.
5. 4.
3.
2. 1.
6.
Automatic Transmission
Shif t L ock Release
144
SHIFT LOCK
RELEASE SLOT

Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Braking System
Braking System Design
Brake Wear Indicators
146

Your vehicle has been designed to
primarily carry passengers and their
cargo. You can also use it to tow a
trailer if you caref ully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,
and f ollow the guidelines in this
section.The
maximum allowable weight of the
trailerandeverthinginoronit
must not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg).
Towing a load that is too heavy
can seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and perf ormance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain. The weight that
the tongue of a f ully-loaded trailer
puts on the hitch should be
approximately 10 percent of the
total trailer weight. Too much
tongue load reduces f ront-tire
traction and steering control. Too
little tongue load can make the
trailer unstable and cause it to
sway.
Load Limits
T otal T railer Weight: T ongue L oad:
Towing a Trailer
148
Exceeding any load limit or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
beforestartingtodrive.

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