2002 Acura RSX Type S Service Manual

The 2002 Acura RSX Type S is a high-performance compact sports coupe featuring a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 200 horsepower, 6-speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension, front-wheel drive, and premium interior features. This service manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting procedures. Below are key sections covering specifications, maintenance schedules, engine systems, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and diagnostic procedures.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedules 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake Systems 7. Electrical Systems 8. Heating & A/C 9. Body & Interior 10. Diagnostic Procedures 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for the 2002 Acura RSX Type S including engine, transmission, dimensions, and performance data.

Specification	Description
Engine Type	2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Horsepower	200 hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque	142 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
Fuel System	Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Brakes Front	Ventilated discs 11.8 inches
Brakes Rear	Solid discs 10.2 inches
Wheelbase	101.2 inches
Curb Weight	2778 lbs

Maintenance Schedules

Recommended maintenance intervals and service procedures.

Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
Spark plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
Timing chain: Inspect every 60,000 miles
Brake fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 10 years or 120,000 miles

WARNING! Use only recommended fluids and genuine Acura parts for optimal performance and warranty compliance.

Engine Systems

Detailed service procedures for engine components and systems.

Engine removal and installation procedures
Cylinder head service and valve adjustment
i-VTEC system diagnosis and repair
Fuel system maintenance and injector service
Ignition system timing and component replacement
Cooling system flushing and thermostat replacement

CAUTION! Always disconnect battery before performing engine service work.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Transmission Type: 6-speed manual with helical limited-slip differential
Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.267, 2nd: 2.130, 3rd: 1.517, 4th: 1.147, 5th: 0.921, 6th: 0.738
Final Drive: 4.388:1
Clutch: Hydraulic single-disc with diaphragm spring
Drive Axles: Equal-length half shafts with tripod joints
Service Procedures: Clutch replacement, transmission removal, shift linkage adjustment

Suspension & Steering

Front: MacPherson strut with coil springs and stabilizer bar. Rear: Double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar.

Steering: Rack-and-pinion with vehicle speed-sensitive electric power steering (EPS).

Service includes: Strut replacement, control arm bushing service, alignment specifications (Camber: -0°30' ± 1°, Caster: +1°45' ± 1°, Toe: 0 ± 2mm), stabilizer bar link replacement, and EPS system diagnosis.

Brake Systems

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).

Brake pad replacement procedures and specifications
Rotor machining and replacement guidelines
ABS modulator service and bleeding procedures
Brake fluid specification: DOT 3 or DOT 4
Parking brake adjustment and cable replacement

Tip: Always bed new brake pads properly according to manufacturer specifications.

Electrical Systems

Complete electrical system schematics and service procedures.

Battery: 12V 60Ah maintenance-free
Alternator: 80A output capacity
Starter motor: 1.4kW reduction type
Fuse box locations and circuit descriptions
Wiring harness routing and connector locations
Lighting system bulb specifications and replacement
Instrument cluster diagnosis and service
Power window and door lock systems

WARNING! Disconnect battery before performing electrical work to prevent short circuits.

Heating & A/C

Climate control system service and repair procedures.

Manual A/C system with R-134a refrigerant. Service includes: Compressor replacement, evaporator core service, heater core replacement, blower motor service, and refrigerant charging procedures (Capacity: 16.9-18.7 oz).

Body & Interior

Body structure repair guidelines and interior component service.

CAUTION! Follow proper safety procedures when working with airbag systems and pyrotechnic seatbelt pretensioners.

Diagnostic Procedures

OBD-II diagnostic trouble code retrieval and system analysis.

Use Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) or equivalent scan tool for advanced diagnostics. Common diagnostic connectors located under driver's side dashboard. Follow systematic troubleshooting procedures for engine, transmission, and chassis systems.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, starter, fuel pump	Check battery voltage; test starter; listen for fuel pump prime
Poor acceleration	Clutch slip, fuel filter, MAF sensor	Inspect clutch wear; replace fuel filter; clean MAF sensor
Transmission grinding	Low fluid, synchro wear	Check transmission fluid level; inspect synchro rings
Brake vibration	Warped rotors, stuck calipers	Machine or replace rotors; service caliper slides
Electrical issues	Ground connections, alternator	Check main ground points; test alternator output

Reset Procedures: ECM reset by disconnecting battery for 10 minutes.

Technical Support: Acura Client Relations 1-800-382-2238