2004 Acura RSX Service Manual

The 2004 Acura RSX is a sport compact coupe featuring a 2.0L i-VTEC engine, 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, and premium features. This service manual covers maintenance procedures, specifications, troubleshooting, and repair guidelines for the RSX Type-S and base models. Below are key sections for maintenance schedules, engine service, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, and troubleshooting.

1. Maintenance Schedule 2. Engine Specifications 3. Fluid Capacities 4. Engine Service Procedures 5. Transmission Service 6. Brake System 7. Suspension & Steering 8. Electrical System 9. Troubleshooting 10. Technical Specifications

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

Service Interval	Required Maintenance
Every 7,500 miles	Oil and filter change, tire rotation
Every 15,000 miles	Air filter replacement, brake inspection
Every 30,000 miles	Spark plugs replacement, coolant flush
Every 60,000 miles	Timing belt inspection/replacement
Every 100,000 miles	Transmission fluid change, brake fluid flush

Engine Specifications

Detailed engine specifications for both base and Type-S models.

Engine Type: 2.0L inline-4 i-VTEC
Displacement: 1998 cc
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1 (Type-S), 9.8:1 (Base)
Horsepower: 201 hp @ 7800 rpm (Type-S), 160 hp @ 6500 rpm (Base)
Torque: 142 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm (Type-S), 141 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Base)
Fuel System: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Recommended Fuel: Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)

Fluid Capacities

Recommended fluid types and capacities for all systems.

Fluid Type	Capacity	Specification
Engine Oil	4.4 quarts	5W-20 or 5W-30
Coolant	6.3 quarts	Honda Type 2 coolant
Manual Transmission	2.2 quarts	Honda MTF
Automatic Transmission	2.9 quarts	Honda ATF-Z1
Brake Fluid	As needed	DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine Service Procedures

Step-by-step instructions for common engine maintenance tasks.

Oil Change: Drain plug location: front of oil pan. Filter location: front of engine block.
Spark Plug Replacement: Gap: 0.039-0.043 inches. Torque: 13 lb-ft.
Timing Belt: Replacement interval: 105,000 miles or 7 years.
Valve Adjustment: Cold engine only. Intake: 0.007-0.009 in, Exhaust: 0.009-0.011 in.

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before performing electrical work. Use jack stands when lifting vehicle.

Transmission Service

Manual and automatic transmission maintenance procedures.

Manual Transmission: 5-speed with helical-type limited-slip differential (Type-S)
Automatic Transmission: 5-speed Sequential SportShift
Clutch Replacement: Pedal free play: 0.4-0.8 inches
Shift Linkage Adjustment: Ensure smooth gear engagement

CAUTION! Use only specified transmission fluids to prevent damage.

Brake System

Brake system specifications and service procedures.

Component	Specification	Service Interval
Front Brakes	Ventilated discs, 11.8 inch	Inspect every 15,000 miles
Rear Brakes	Solid discs, 10.2 inch	Inspect every 15,000 miles
Brake Pads	Replace when 3mm or less	Check every 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 or DOT 4	Replace every 3 years

Suspension & Steering

Suspension components and steering system maintenance.

Front Suspension: MacPherson strut with lower L-arms
Rear Suspension: Reactive-link double-wishbone
Wheel Alignment: Toe: 0° ± 0.08°, Camber: -0°30' ± 0°45'
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist

Tip: Check for worn bushings and ball joints during tire rotation.

Electrical System

Electrical system specifications and troubleshooting.

Battery: 12V, 51AH, CCA: 410A
Alternator: 80A output
Starter: 1.4 kW
Fuse Box Locations: Underhood, under dashboard
Bulb Specifications: Headlight: 9006/9005, Brake: 7443

Troubleshooting

Common issues and diagnostic procedures.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, starter, fuel pump	Check battery voltage, listen for fuel pump prime
Rough idle	Spark plugs, vacuum leaks	Inspect plugs, check for vacuum leaks
Transmission grinding	Low fluid, synchros	Check fluid level, inspect synchronizers
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace brake rotors
Electrical issues	Ground connections, fuses	Check ground points, inspect fuses

Technical Specifications

Complete vehicle specifications and dimensions.

Wheelbase: 101.2 inches
Length: 172.4 inches
Width: 67.9 inches
Height: 55.1 inches
Curb Weight: 2,777 lbs (Type-S), 2,699 lbs (Base)
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons
Tire Size: 205/55R16 (Type-S), 195/65R15 (Base)

Service Support: Contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238 or visit acura.com