2006 Acura RSX Type S Owners Manual

The 2006 Acura RSX Type S is a high-performance front-wheel drive sports coupe featuring a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine producing 210 horsepower, 6-speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, premium audio system, leather-trimmed interior, and advanced safety features including dual-stage front airbags and side curtain airbags. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Instrument Panel 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Driving Your RSX 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Audio System 9. Climate Control 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine, 6-speed manual transmission, sport suspension, limited-slip differential, leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer.

Feature	Description
Engine	2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder, 210 hp @ 7800 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual with short-throw shifter
Suspension	Sport-tuned 4-wheel independent
Brakes	4-wheel disc with ABS
Limited-slip differential	Helps maintain traction during cornering
Audio system	AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer
Interior	Leather-trimmed sport seats, aluminum pedals
Safety	Dual-stage front airbags, side curtain airbags
Wheels	17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires
Exterior	Front fog lights, rear spoiler, Type S badging

Safety Information

Always wear seat belts and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.

Airbag system: Dual-stage front airbags deploy based on crash severity.
Child safety: Use rear seat for child restraints; deactivate passenger airbag when using rear-facing seat.
Seat belts: Adjust properly; lap belt low across hips, shoulder belt across chest.
Anti-lock brakes: Maintain steering control during hard braking; do not pump brakes.

WARNING! Airbags supplement seat belts; always wear seat belts. Never place rear-facing child seat in front passenger seat with active airbag.

Instrument Panel

Familiarize yourself with all gauges, indicators, and controls before driving.

Tachometer: Engine RPM; redline at 8000 rpm.
Speedometer: Vehicle speed in mph and km/h.
Fuel gauge: Monitor fuel level; refuel when low.
Temperature gauge: Engine coolant temperature.
Warning lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, ABS, airbag indicators.

CAUTION! If any warning light illuminates while driving, pull over safely and consult manual.

Specifications

Engine: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder, 210 hp @ 7800 rpm, 143 lb-ft torque @ 7000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive with helical limited-slip differential
Suspension: Front MacPherson strut, rear double wishbone
Brakes: Ventilated front discs, solid rear discs with ABS
Wheels/Tires: 17x7 alloy wheels, 215/45R17 performance tires
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons
Curb Weight: 2,855 lbs
Exterior Dimensions: 172.4" L x 67.9" W x 55.0" H

Controls and Operation

Steering wheel controls: Audio controls, cruise control. Center console: Climate controls, audio system, hazard lights.

Key functions: POWER window controls, door locks, mirror adjustments, cruise control set/resume, audio source selection, climate temperature/fan speed.

Instrument panel: Brightness control, trip meter reset, maintenance minder. Steering: Tilt adjustment lever. Seats: Manual height adjustment, lumbar support. Mirrors: Power adjustment, defroster.

Driving Your RSX

Starting procedure: Depress clutch, turn key to start. Shifting: Smooth clutch engagement, rev-matching for downshifts.

Break-in period: Vary engine speed for first 600 miles; avoid full throttle.
Performance driving: Use VTEC range (6000-8000 rpm) for maximum power.
Cornering: Limited-slip differential provides improved traction.
Braking: Firm pressure for ABS activation; maintain steering control.

Tip: Allow engine to warm up before high-RPM operation for optimal lubrication.

Maintenance Schedule

Follow maintenance minder system for service intervals.

Oil change: Every 7,500 miles or when maintenance minder indicates.
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles for even wear.
Air filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles; replace as needed.
Brake fluid: Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage.
Spark plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles.
Timing chain: Inspection at 105,000 miles (no scheduled replacement).
Coolant: Replace every 10 years or 120,000 miles.

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

Audio System

AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 7 speakers including subwoofer.

Power/Volume: Turn system on/off and adjust volume.
Source selection: Toggle between AM/FM/CD modes.
CD operation: Load up to 6 discs; use track skip buttons.
Bass/Treble: Adjust equalizer settings in audio menu.
Fader/Balance: Adjust speaker balance front/rear and left/right.

CAUTION! Do not adjust audio system while driving; program settings when vehicle is stationary.

Climate Control

Manual climate control system with air conditioning and heater.

Temperature control: Adjust blue/red dial for cool/warm air.
Fan speed: Four-speed blower control.
Mode selection: Face, face/feet, feet, feet/defrost, defrost.
A/C button: Engage air conditioning for dehumidification.
Recirculation: Interior air recirculation for quick cooling.
Defroster: Front and rear window defogging.

Tip: Use A/C periodically in winter to maintain system lubrication.

Warranty Information

Limited warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles. Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles. Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited miles. For warranty claims, contact authorized Acura dealer. Keep maintenance records for warranty validation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Clutch not depressed/dead battery	Fully depress clutch; check battery connections; jump start if needed.
Check engine light	Emissions/system fault	Have system scanned at dealer; check gas cap tightness.
Grinding gears	Clutch not fully engaged	Ensure clutch pedal fully depressed; synchronize shifts.
Poor fuel economy	Driving habits/maintenance	Avoid aggressive acceleration; check tire pressure; replace air filter.
Audio system issues	Disc error/antenna	Clean CDs; check antenna connection; reset system by disconnecting battery.

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-382-2238

Acura Client Service: 1-800-382-2238; www.acura.com