One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Acura is to read
this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Af terwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so
youcanrefertoitatanytime.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual
helps to keep your driving trouble-f ree while it preserves your investment.
When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Acura dealer’s
staf f is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Acura.
Your Acura dealer is dedicated to your satisf action and will be pleased to
answer any questions and concerns. Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.As you read this manual, you will
f ind inf ormation that is preceded by
a
symbol. This
inf ormation is intended to help you
avoid damage to your vehicle, other
property, or the environment.
Calif ornia Proposition 65 Warning
This product contains
or emits chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with one or
more recording devices commonly
ref erred to as event data recorders
or sensing and diagnostic modules.
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2005 Acura RSX was a wise investment.
It will give you years of driving pleasure.
Introduction
WARNING:
i
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Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
vehicle safely is an important
responsibility.
To help you make inf ormed
decisions about saf ety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other inf ormation on labels and in
this manual. This inf ormation alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your vehicle. You must
use your own good judgement.
You will f ind this important saf ety inf ormation in a variety of f orms,
including:
on the vehicle.preceded by a saf ety alert symbol and one of
three signal words: , , or .
These signal words mean:
such as Important Saf ety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions. such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is f illed with important saf ety inf ormation please read it
caref ully.
AFewWordsAboutSafety
Saf ety L abels
Saf ety Messages
Saf ety Headings
Saf ety Section
Instructions DANGER WARNING CAUTION
ii
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
Î
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To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
:
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Your Vehicle at a Glance
5
TILT ADJUSTMENT INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS WINDSHIELD WIPERS/
WASHERS
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
CRUISE CONTROL
MOONROOF
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS HAZARD WARNING BUTTON
(P. 115) (P.
62) (P.62)
(P. 60)
(P. 62)
(P. 63)
(P. 61)
(P.
79)
HORN
You’ll f ind many saf ety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
Therecommendationsonthispage
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.Excessive speed is a major f actor in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed, the greater the
risk, but serious injuries can also
occur at lower speeds. Never drive
f aster than is saf e f or current
conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.
Having a tire blowout or a
mechanical f ailure can be extremely
hazardous. To reduce the possibility
of such problems, check your tire
pressures and condition f requently,
and perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance (see page ).
A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags are
designed to supplement seat belts,
not replace them. So even though
your vehicle is equipped with airbags,
make sure you and your passengers
always wear your seat belts, and
wear them properly (see page ).
Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in a back
seat, not the front seat. Infants and
smallchildrenshouldberestrained
in a child seat. Larger children
should use a booster seat and a lap/
shoulder belt until they can use the
belt properly without a booster seat (see page ).
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Inf ants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to f ollow all instructions and
warnings in this manual (see page
).
Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with
every additional drink. So don’t drink
and drive, and don’t let your f riends
drink and drive, either.
15 42
13 157
Important Saf ety Precautions
Always Wear Your Seat Belt Control Your Speed
K eep Your Vehicle in Saf e
Condition
Restrain All Children Be Aware of Airbag Hazards
Don’t Drink and Drive
8
µ
To remind you of the passenger’s
f ront airbag hazards, and that
children must be properly restrained
in a back seat, your vehicle has
warninglabelsonthedashboardand
on the f ront visors. Please read and
f ollow the instructions on these
labels.Your vehicle has a back seat where
children can be properly restrained.
If you ever have to carry a group of
children, and a child must ride in
front:
Place the largest child in the f ront
seat, provided the child is large
enough to wear the lap/shoulder
belt properly (see page ).
Move the vehicle seat as far to the
rear as possible (see page ).
Have the child sit upright and well
backintheseat(seepage ).
Make sure the seat belt is properly
positioned and secured (see page ). 41
16
13
15Canadian Models
U.S. ModelsIf You Must Drive with Several
Children
Protecting Children General Guidelines
30
This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .50
............................
Instrument Panel .51
..........
Instrument Panel Indicators . 52
.............................................
Gauges .57
.....................................
Odometer .57
...................................
Trip Meter .57
..................................
Fuel Gauge .58
...................
Temperature Gauge . 58
..........
Check Fuel Cap Indicator . 58
Controls Near the Steering ...........................................
Wheel .59
.
Windshield Wipers and Washers . 60
...........
Turn Signal and Headlights . 61
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 62
.................
Hazard Warning Button . 62
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 62
..........
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 63
...............................
Keys and Locks .64
........................
Immobilizer System .65
................................
Ignition Switch .66
......................................
Door Locks .67
.........
Power Door/Hatch Locks . 67
............................................
Hatch .68
.......................
Remote Transmitter .69
.................................................
Seats .71
....................................
Seat Heaters .74 ...........................
Cargo Area Cover .75
..............................
Power Windows .77
.........................................
Moonroof .79
.............................................
Mirrors .79
.................................
Parking Brake .81
...........
Interior Convenience Items . 82
.......................
Beverage Holders .83
..........
Accessory Power Sockets . 83
...............
Console Compartment . 84
....................................
Glove Box .84
..............................
Vanity Mirror .85
....................................
Coat Hook .85
.................................
Interior Lights .86
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols
49
ÎÎ
ÎThe U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
51
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
INDICATOR
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P.
54)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 53)
(P. 54)
(P. 54)
(P. 56)
(P.
55)
(P.53)
(P. 205)
(P. 53, 204)
(P. 53, 204) SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P.
52)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P. 52)
TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD
WARNING INDICATOR (P.
54)
(P. 52)
SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR
(P. 54) SELECT/RESET
BUTTON
DOOR-OPEN INDICATOR
LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P.
54)
Only on models equipped with CruiseControl System
This indicator comes on when you
set the cruise control. See page f or inf ormation on operating the
cruise control.
This indicator comes on if either
door is not closed tightly.
This indicator comes on as a
reminder that you must ref uel soon.
The lef t or right turn signal indicator
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If the indicator does not
blink or blinks rapidly, it usually
means one of the turn signal bulbs is
burned out (see page ). Replace
the bulb as soon as possible, since
other drivers cannot see that you are
signaling.
When you press on the Hazard
Warning button, both turn signal
indicators blink. All turn signals on
the outside of the vehicle should
flash.
This indicator comes on with the
high beam headlights. For more
inf ormation, see page .This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II). It will go of f if you
have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink
and the engine will not start (see
page ).
This indicator also blinks several
times when you turn the ignition
switch f rom ON (II) to ACCESSORY
(I) or LOCK (0).
115
61
174
65
Instrument Panel Indicators
Cruise Control Indicator
Door-open Indicator
Low Fuel Indicator
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
High Beam Indicator Immobilizer System
Indicator
54