Acura RSX Owners Manual 2004

The Acura RSX 2004 is a sport compact coupe featuring a 2.0L i-VTEC engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, premium audio system, power windows and locks, available Type-S performance package, advanced safety features, and comprehensive maintenance requirements. 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. Maintenance Schedule 7. Driving Your RSX 8. Audio System 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2.0L i-VTEC engine, sport-tuned suspension, premium interior, advanced audio system, comprehensive safety features.

Feature	Description
Engine	2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Transmission	5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic with SportShift
Audio System	AM/FM stereo with CD player and 6 speakers
Power Features	Windows, door locks, mirrors
Climate Control	Manual or available automatic climate control
Safety Features	Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, ABS
Type-S Package	Higher output engine, sport suspension, alloy wheels
Interior	Leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport seats
Exterior	Projector beam headlights, fog lights
Fuel System	Multi-port fuel injection

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines for proper vehicle operation.

Seat belts: Always wear seat belts; ensure proper fit.
Airbags: Sit upright with hands on steering wheel; do not lean against doors.
Child safety: Use appropriate child restraints in rear seats only.
Driving position: Adjust seat and mirrors before driving.

WARNING! Never place rear-facing child seats in front passenger seat with active airbag. Always secure cargo to prevent shifting.

Instrument Panel

Familiarize yourself with all gauges, indicators, and controls.

Tachometer: Engine RPM; redline at 6800 RPM (Type-S: 7800 RPM)
Speedometer: Vehicle speed in mph and km/h
Fuel gauge: Fuel level indicator
Temperature gauge: Engine coolant temperature
Warning lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, ABS, airbag
Odometer/Trip meter: Total and trip distance

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

Specifications

Engine: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 160 hp (Base) / 200 hp (Type-S)
Torque: 141 lb-ft (Base) / 142 lb-ft (Type-S)
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons
Fuel Requirement: Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Tire Size: P205/55R16 (Base) / P215/45R17 (Type-S)
Curb Weight: 2778 lbs (Base) / 2811 lbs (Type-S)
Brakes: Front disc/rear disc with ABS

Controls and Operation

Master all vehicle controls for safe and efficient operation.

Steering Wheel: Tilt adjustment, audio controls, cruise control. Center Console: Climate controls, audio system, gear selector. Doors/Locks: Power door locks with remote entry. Lighting: Headlight control, fog lights, interior lighting.

Climate: Temperature control, fan speed, air distribution, A/C, recirculation. Audio: Power/volume, source selection, tone controls, CD operation. Cruise Control: Set, resume, cancel functions.

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended maintenance for optimal performance and longevity.

Oil change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air filter: Replace every 30,000 miles
Spark plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
Timing belt: Replace every 105,000 miles
Brake fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 10 years or 120,000 miles

Tip: Keep maintenance records for warranty and resale value.

Driving Your RSX

Optimize your driving experience with proper techniques.

Starting: Depress clutch (manual), shift to Park/Neutral, turn ignition
Shifting: Smooth clutch engagement; proper shift points
Braking: Progressive pressure; ABS pulsation is normal during hard braking
Cornering: Smooth steering inputs; proper weight transfer
Fuel economy: Maintain steady speeds; avoid rapid acceleration
Winter driving: Use winter tires; gentle inputs on slippery surfaces

WARNING! Always adjust driving to road conditions. Never exceed speed limits.

Audio System

Premium sound system with multiple source options.

Power: Press POWER button to turn on/off
Volume: Rotate knob or use steering wheel controls
Source selection: AM/FM, CD, optional auxiliary input
CD operation: Load disc, track selection, repeat, random play
Presets: Store up to 6 AM and 12 FM stations
Tone controls: Bass, treble, balance, fader adjustments

Note: System automatically mutes when receiving phone calls (if equipped with hands-free).

Care & Cleaning

Proper care maintains appearance and value.

Exterior: Wash with car shampoo; wax every 3 months. Interior: Vacuum regularly; use appropriate cleaners for surfaces. Windows: Use glass cleaner and soft cloth. Tires: Clean with mild soap; dress with protectant.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners on interior surfaces. Avoid high-pressure washers on seals and sensors.

Warranty Information

Limited warranty coverage for 4 years/50,000 miles. Powertrain limited warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles. Corrosion perforation limited warranty for 5 years/unlimited miles. For warranty claims, contact authorized Acura dealership. Keep all maintenance records for warranty validation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/security system	Check battery connections; ensure key is recognized; try spare key.
Check engine light	Multiple possibilities	Have system scanned for codes at dealership or repair facility.
Poor fuel economy	Maintenance/driving habits	Check tire pressure; replace air filter; adjust driving style.
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Have brake system inspected; resurface or replace rotors.
Audio system issues	Settings/connections	Check fuses; reset system by disconnecting battery for 10 minutes.

Emergency: Keep roadside assistance number in vehicle: 1-800-TO-ACURA

Service: Contact authorized Acura dealership for all repairs and maintenance.