2002 Acura RSX Owners Manual

The 2002 Acura RSX is a sport compact coupe featuring a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine, available in Base and Type-S trims with manual or automatic transmissions. Key features include power windows/locks, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system, power moonroof, sport-tuned suspension, and comprehensive safety systems. Below are essential sections covering operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Operating Controls 4. Maintenance Schedule 5. Specifications 6. Driving Tips 7. Safety Features 8. Audio System 9. Climate Control 10. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 2.0L i-VTEC engine, 5-speed manual/automatic transmission, power steering, anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags.

Feature	Description
Engine	2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Transmission	5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
Horsepower	160 hp (Base) / 200 hp (Type-S)
Fuel System	Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Brakes	Power-assisted disc brakes with ABS
Suspension	4-wheel independent double-wishbone
Steering	Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gallons
Curb Weight	2,746 lbs (Base) / 2,777 lbs (Type-S)
Seating Capacity	5 passengers

Instrument Panel

Main controls and indicators located on dashboard.

Tachometer: Engine RPM display
Speedometer: Vehicle speed in mph/kmh
Fuel Gauge: Fuel level indicator
Temperature Gauge: Engine coolant temperature
Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, ABS
Odometer/Trip Meter: Distance traveled

WARNING! Never ignore warning lights; stop vehicle if engine temperature or oil pressure lights illuminate.

Operating Controls

Basic vehicle operation procedures.

Starting Engine: Insert key, depress clutch (manual) or brake (auto), turn to START
Shifting: Manual - use clutch pedal; Automatic - select P, R, N, D, 2, 1
Parking Brake: Pull lever up to engage; press button and lower to release
Headlights: Turn knob on steering column
Windshield Wipers: Control stalk on right side of steering column
Cruise Control: SET/DECEL, RES/ACCEL buttons on steering wheel

CAUTION! Always come to complete stop before shifting between P, R, and D in automatic transmission.

Maintenance Schedule

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Filter: Replace with every oil change
Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
Timing Belt: Replace every 105,000 miles
Brake Fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 10 years or 120,000 miles
Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles

Specifications

Engine: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Displacement: 1,998 cc
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1 (Type-S) / 9.8:1 (Base)
Fuel Requirement: Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic with SportShift
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Tires: P195/65R15 (Base) / P205/55R16 (Type-S)
Dimensions: 172.3" L x 67.9" W x 55.1" H
Wheelbase: 101.2 inches

Driving Tips

Optimal driving techniques for performance and fuel economy.

Break-in Period: Vary speed for first 600 miles; avoid hard acceleration
Fuel Economy: Maintain steady speeds; use cruise control on highways
Manual Transmission: Shift smoothly; don't rest hand on shift lever
Braking: Apply steady pressure; ABS will pulsate during hard braking
Cornering: Smooth steering inputs; avoid abrupt maneuvers

Tip: For best performance, allow engine to warm up before hard acceleration.

Safety Features

Comprehensive safety systems and proper usage.

Dual-Stage Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts: 3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners
Anti-lock Brakes: Prevents wheel lockup during hard braking
Side Impact Protection: Reinforced door beams
Child Safety: Rear door child-proof locks
Security System: Theft-deterrent system with remote entry

WARNING! Always wear seat belts. Children under 12 should ride in back seat with proper restraints.

Audio System

AM/FM stereo with CD player operation.

Power: Press POWER button to turn on/off
Source Selection: Use AM/FM or CD buttons
CD Operation: Insert disc; PLAY automatically starts
Seek/Track: Use SEEK or TRACK buttons
Preset Stations: Store 6 AM and 12 FM stations
Volume/Balance: Adjust with VOLUME knob; press for balance control
Clock: Hold CLOCK button to set time

CAUTION! Do not adjust audio system while driving; program presets before driving.

Climate Control

Manual climate control system operation.

Fan Speed: Rotate fan control knob (1-4 speeds)
Temperature: Blue for cool, red for warm
Mode Selection: Face, face/feet, feet, feet/defrost, defrost
A/C: Press button for air conditioning
Recirculation: Press button for interior air recirculation
Defrost: Select defrost mode for windshield clearing

Tip: Use A/C for faster defogging in humid conditions.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/security system	Check battery connections; ensure security light is off; try spare key.
Poor acceleration	Fuel/clogged filter	Use premium fuel; check air filter; inspect fuel filter.
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Have brake rotors inspected and resurfaced or replaced.
Check engine light	Multiple causes	Have diagnostic code read at service center; don't ignore.
CD player error	Dirty/damaged disc	Clean disc; ensure proper insertion; check for scratches.

Emergency: Keep emergency kit in trunk including jumper cables, flashlight, basic tools.

Service: Contact Acura dealer for scheduled maintenance and repairs.