2005 Acura RSX Repair Manual

The 2005 Acura RSX is a sport compact coupe featuring a 2.0L i-VTEC engine, 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, and advanced suspension system. This repair manual covers essential maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and technical specifications for DIY repairs and professional servicing. Below are comprehensive sections for maintenance schedules, engine repair, transmission service, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, and diagnostic procedures.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission Service 5. Electrical Systems 6. Brake System 7. Suspension & Steering 8. Cooling System 9. Fuel System 10. Diagnostic Procedures 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical data: Engine specifications, dimensions, capacities, and performance metrics.

Specification	Description
Engine Type	2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Horsepower	160 hp @ 6500 rpm (Base), 210 hp @ 7800 rpm (Type-S)
Torque	141 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Base), 143 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm (Type-S)
Transmission	5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gallons
Curb Weight	2740 lbs (Base), 2778 lbs (Type-S)
Brake System	Front disc/rear disc with ABS
Suspension	Front MacPherson strut, rear double wishbone
Wheel Size	16-inch alloy wheels
Fuel Economy	24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended service intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

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 belt: Inspect every 60,000 miles, replace at 105,000 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. Disconnect battery before electrical work.

Engine Systems

Comprehensive engine repair procedures and component specifications.

Engine removal: Support engine with hoist, disconnect mounts and connections
Cylinder head service: Torque bolts in sequence to 22 ft-lbs + 90° turn
Valve adjustment: Cold engine, intake 0.20-0.24 mm, exhaust 0.25-0.29 mm
Timing chain: Align marks at TDC, tensioner automatic
Oil system: Capacity 4.5 quarts with filter, use 5W-30 synthetic

CAUTION! Allow engine to cool before servicing. Use torque wrench for all critical fasteners.

Transmission Service

Manual Transmission: Fluid capacity 1.9L, use Honda MTF
Automatic Transmission: Fluid capacity 2.7L, use ATF-Z1
Clutch System: Pedal free play 0.4-0.8 inches
Shift Linkage: Adjust for proper gear engagement
Differential: Integrated with transmission

Electrical Systems

Battery, charging, starting, and accessory systems diagnosis and repair.

Battery: 12V 51R, 410 CCA. Alternator: 80 amp output. Starter: 1.4 kW rating.

Fuse box locations: Under dashboard (main), engine compartment (secondary). Wiring diagrams: Color-coded for circuit identification. ECU: Located under passenger dash, diagnostic port under driver's side.

Brake System

Hydraulic brake system with ABS and electronic brake distribution.

Brake pad replacement: Front 10.9mm minimum, rear 8.0mm minimum
Rotor specifications: Front 28mm thickness, rear 16mm thickness
Bleeding procedure: RR, LR, RF, LF sequence with ABS activator
Fluid specification: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Tip: Always replace brake components in axle sets. Check caliper slide pins for proper lubrication.

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, and steering system.

Strut replacement: Compress spring before disassembly
Ball joints: Check for play with pry bar
Wheel bearings: Pack with high-temperature grease
Alignment specs: Camber -0°30' ± 0°45', Toe 0°00' ± 0°12'
Power steering: Fluid capacity 0.9L, use Honda PSF

WARNING! Use spring compressor for strut service. Never heat suspension components.

Cooling System

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, and cooling fan operation and service.

Fuel System

Fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, and emission control systems.

CAUTION! Relieve fuel pressure before service. No smoking or open flames near fuel system.

Diagnostic Procedures

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes, sensor testing, and system verification.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/ignition/fuel	Check battery voltage; test spark; verify fuel pressure.
Rough idle	Vacuum leaks/plugs	Inspect vacuum hoses; check spark plugs; clean throttle body.
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Measure rotor runout; replace if exceeds 0.003 inches.
Transmission slipping	Fluid level/wear	Check fluid level and condition; inspect clutch (manual).
Electrical issues	Grounds/fuses	Test battery grounds; check all fuses; scan for codes.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to clear adaptive memory.

Service: Contact Acura dealer or certified technician for complex repairs.