2002 Acura RSX Type S Owners Manual

The 2002 Acura RSX Type S is a high-performance compact sports coupe featuring a 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 200 horsepower, 6-speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension, front-wheel drive, leather-trimmed interior, premium audio system, and advanced safety features. Below are key sections for vehicle overview, operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

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

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 2.0L K20A2 i-VTEC engine, 6-speed manual transmission, sport suspension, power windows/locks, keyless entry, anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags.

Feature	Description
Engine	2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder, 200 hp @ 7400 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual with helical limited-slip differential
Suspension	Front MacPherson strut, rear double wishbone
Brakes	4-wheel disc with ABS
Wheels	16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55R16 tires
Exterior	Projector beam headlights, rear spoiler
Interior	Leather-trimmed seats, aluminum pedals, moonroof
Audio	AM/FM/CD with 6 speakers
Security	Keyless entry system with alarm
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gallons (regular unleaded)

Instrument Panel

Main gauges: Tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights.

Tachometer: Engine RPM with 8000 rpm redline
Speedometer: MPH and km/h readings
Fuel Gauge: Monitor fuel level
Temperature Gauge: Engine coolant temperature
Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, ABS, airbag
Odometer/Trip Meter: Digital display with two trip meters

WARNING! If any warning light illuminates while driving, stop safely and investigate cause.

Operating Controls

Steering wheel controls, shift lever, pedals, parking brake.

Ignition: Insert key and turn to start position
Clutch: Fully depress before starting engine
Shift Pattern: 6-speed H-pattern with reverse lockout
Parking Brake: Pull up to engage, press button to release
Cruise Control: Set/resume/accelerate buttons on steering wheel
Audio Controls: Volume and station controls on steering wheel

CAUTION! Always depress clutch fully when starting; never shift to reverse while moving forward.

Driving Your RSX

Starting Procedure: Depress clutch, turn key to start, release parking brake.
Shifting: Smooth clutch engagement, proper rev-matching for downshifts.
VTEC Engagement: Engine performance increases above 5800 rpm.
Braking: Firm, progressive pedal pressure with ABS pulsation during hard stops.
Handling: Responsive steering with sport-tuned suspension for cornering.
Fuel Economy: City 24 mpg, Highway 31 mpg (EPA estimates).

Maintenance Schedule

Follow scheduled maintenance for optimal performance and warranty coverage.

Every 7,500 miles: Oil and filter change, tire rotation, fluid checks.

Every 15,000 miles: Air filter replacement, brake inspection, suspension check.

Every 30,000 miles: Spark plug replacement, coolant replacement, transmission fluid.

Every 60,000 miles: Timing chain inspection, brake fluid flush, fuel filter.

Specifications

Engine: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 200 hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque: 142 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds
Top Speed: 140 mph (electronically limited)
Curb Weight: 2778 lbs
Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection
Redline: 8000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Safety Features

Dual-stage front airbags, side impact beams, ABS, security system.

Airbags: Driver and front passenger dual-stage deployment
Seat Belts: 3-point front belts with pretensioners
ABS: Prevents wheel lockup during hard braking
Security: Keyless entry with anti-theft system
Child Safety: Rear door child-proof locks
Crash Protection: Reinforced passenger cabin with crumple zones

Tip: Always wear seat belts; children under 12 should ride in back seat.

Audio System

AM/FM stereo with CD player, 6 speakers, steering wheel controls.

Power: Press POWER button to turn on/off
Source: Select AM/FM/CD with SOURCE button
Volume: Rotate knob or use steering wheel controls
Seek: Press seek buttons for station search
Presets: Store 6 AM and 12 FM stations
CD Operation: Insert CD, automatic play begins
Bass/Treble: Adjust in audio settings menu
Fader/Balance: Control speaker sound distribution

WARNING! Adjust audio settings only when vehicle is stopped; avoid distractions while driving.

Climate Control

Manual climate control system with air conditioning.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, clutch not depressed	Check battery connections; fully depress clutch pedal
Check engine light on	Emissions system issue	Have system scanned for diagnostic codes
Hard shifting	Low transmission fluid	Check fluid level; have transmission serviced
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Have brake rotors resurfaced or replaced
Poor fuel economy	Dirty air filter, tire pressure	Replace air filter; check tire inflation

Service: Contact Acura dealer for warranty service and repairs.

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-TO-ACURA