Acura 2003 RSX User Manual

2003 RSX Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.
Contents
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................ii
Your Car at a Glance ...........................................................................................................................2
Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................5
Proper use and care of your car's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................57
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features ..............................................................................................101
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving..................................................................................................................................153
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new car, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ..............................................................................................................................................167
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................193
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your car to the dealer.
Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................253
Tips on cleaning and protecting your car. Things to look for if your car ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................261
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information.....................................................................................................................287
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................301
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................306
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index...................................................................................................................................................... I
Service Information Summary
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

Acura 2003 RSX Specifications

General

Brand	Acura
Model	2003 RSX
Category	Automobile
Language	English

Summary

Driver and Passenger Safety

Important Safety Precautions

Key recommendations for occupant protection and safe driving practices.

Seat Belts

Information on seat belt usage, effectiveness, and system components.

Airbags

Details on front and side airbags, their operation, and hazards.

Protecting Adults

Instructions for properly protecting the driver and other adult occupants.

Protecting Children

Guidelines for safely restraining infants and children in the vehicle.

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Keys and Locks

Information on car keys, immobilizer system, and door/hatch locks.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

How to operate the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

Audio System (All models except Type-S)

Operating the CD Player

Security System

How the car's security system protects against theft.

Cruise Control

How to use and cancel the cruise control system for highway driving.

Before Driving

Break-in Period

Recommendations for driving during the first 600 miles for reliability.

Gasoline

Oil Check

Driving

Preparing to Drive

Daily checks and adjustments before driving the car.

Starting the Engine

Procedures for starting the engine under various conditions.

5-speed and 6-speed Manual Transmissions

Automatic Transmission

Operation of the automatic transmission, including shift lever positions.

Parking

The Braking System

Information on disc brakes, power assist, and ABS.

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

How ABS prevents wheel lock-up and maintains steering control.

Driving in Bad Weather

Towing a Trailer

Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

Essential safety precautions to follow when performing maintenance.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for normal and severe driving conditions.

Owner Maintenance Checks

Engine Oil

Information on adding, recommended types, and changing engine oil and filter.

Cooling System

Transmission Fluid

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Spark Plugs

Battery

Wiper Blades

Tires

Information on tire inflation, inspection, and replacement.

Lights

Appearance Care

Corrosion Protection

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Compact Spare Tire

Changing a Flat Tire

Step-by-step instructions for safely changing a flat tire.

If Your Engine Won’t Start

Troubleshooting steps for a non-starting engine or slow starter operation.

Jump Starting

Procedures and precautions for jump starting a car with a dead battery.

If Your Engine Overheats

How to diagnose and handle an overheating engine situation safely.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

What the low oil pressure indicator means and immediate actions to take.

Charging System Indicator

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Explanation of the malfunction lamp and potential causes like a loose fuel cap.

Brake System Indicator

What the brake system indicator signifies and actions for low fluid or pedal issues.

Fuses

Checking and Replacing Fuses

Steps for identifying, checking, and replacing blown fuses.

Emergency Towing

Technical Information

Specifications

Emissions Controls

State Emissions Testing

Service Information Summary

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Recommended Engine Oil

Tire Pressure (measured cold)