Acura RSX 2005 Owner's Manual
2005 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.
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................ii
Your Vehicle at a Glance.....................................................................................................................4
Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................7
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................49
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Features ..............................................................................................................................................87
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving..................................................................................................................................119
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ..............................................................................................................................................133
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................153
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................191
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information.....................................................................................................................215
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................227
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................231
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.
Contents
Owner’s Identification
Main Menu
OWNER
ADDRESS
STREET
CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
V. I. N.
DELIVERY DATE
(Date sold to original retail purchaser)
DEALER NAME DEALER NO.
ADDRESS
STREET
CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
OWNER’S SIGNATURE
DEALER’S SIGNATURE
This Owner’s Manual should be considered a
permanent part of the vehicle and should
remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This Owner’s Manual covers all models of
the Acura RSX. You may find descriptions of
equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
The inf ormation and specifications included
in this publication were in effect at the time
of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co.,
Ltd. reserves the right, however, to
discontinue or change specif ications or
design at any time without notice and without
incurring any obligation whatsoever.
POUR CLIENTS CANADIEN
AVIS IMPORTANT: Si vous avez
besoin d’un Manuel du Conducteur
en f rançais, veuillez demander à
votreconcessionnairede
commander le numéro de pièce
33S6MC30
Introduction
Main Menu
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2005 Acura RSX was a wise investment.
It will give you years of driving pleasure.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Acura is to read
this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so
youcanrefertoitatanytime.
Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual
helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment.
When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Acura dealer’s
staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Acura.
Your Acura dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to
answer any questions and concerns.
As you read this manual, you will
find information that is preceded by
a symbol. This
information is intended to help you
avoid damage to your vehicle, other
property, or the environment.
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:
or emits chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with one or
more recording devices commonly
referred to as event data recorders
or sensing and diagnostic modules.
This product contains
i
AFewWordsAboutSafety
Main Menu
Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
vehicle safely is an important
responsibility.
To help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in
this manual. This information alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your vehicle. You must
use your own good judgement.
You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms,
including:
Safety Labels
Safety Messages
three signal words: , , or .
These signal words mean:
Safety Headings
Safety Precautions.
Safety Section
Instructions
This entire book is f illed with important saf ety information please read it
carefully.
−
on the vehicle.
−
preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
DANGER WARNING CAUTION
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
−
such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
−
such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
−
how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
−
ii
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Main Menu
DOOR AND
HATCH LOCK SWITCH
(P. 67)
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P. 77)
FUEL FILL
DOOR RELEASE
(P. 122)
MIRROR CONTROLS
(P. 80) (P. 57)
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
(P. 123)
INDICATORS
GAUGES
(P. 51)
HEATING/COOLING
CONTROLS
(P. 88)
AUDIO SYSTEM
(P. 92)
SHIFT LEVER
(P. 136, 139)
PARKING BRAKE
(P. 81)
4
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Main Menu
CRUISE CONTROL
(P. 115)
MOONROOF
(P. 79)
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
(P. 62) (P. 62)
HORN
TILT ADJUSTMENT
(P. 63)(P. 61)
HAZARD WARNING BUTTON
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/
WASHERS
(P. 60)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
(P. 62)
Your Vehicle at a Glance
＊＊To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.:
5
6
Main Menu
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Main Menu
This section gives you important
information about how to protect
yourself and your passengers. It
shows you how to use seat belts. It
explains how your airbags work. And
it tells you how to properly restrain
infants and children in your vehicle.
.........Important Safety Precautions . 8
.......Your Vehicle’s Safety Features . 9
.........Protecting Adults and Teens . 13
.....1. Close and Lock the Doors . 13
...........2. Adjust the Front Seats . 13
............3. Adjust the Seat-Backs . 14
4. Fasten and Position the
...Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts . 15
5. Maintain a Proper Sitting
................................Position . 16
Additional Information About
.......................Your Seat Belts . 19
......................Lap/Shoulder Belt . 19
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................Tensioners . 20
...............Seat Belt Maintenance . 21
Additional Information About
...........................Your Airbags . 22
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................Work . 23
How the Side Airbag Off
......................Indicator Works . 27
.............................Airbag Service . 27
Protecting Children General
All Children Must Be
All Children Should Sit in a
−
................................Guidelines . 28
...............................Restrained . 28
.................................Back Seat . 29
.....Advice for Pregnant Women . 17
...Additional Safety Precautions . 18
..Seat Belt System Components . 19
......Airbag System Components . 22
...How Your Side Airbags Work . 25
..How the SRS Indicator Works . 26
...Additional Safety Precautions . 27
The Passenger’s Front Airbag
................Poses Serious Risks . 29
If You Must Drive with
.....................Several Children . 30
If a Child Requires Close
..................................Attention . 31
Protecting Infants and Small
...................................Children . 32
.......................Protecting Infants . 32
.....................Selecting a Child Seat . 34
....................Installing a Child Seat . 35
Installing a Child Seat
...........................With LATCH . 36
..........................With a Seat Belt . 38
..............................With a Tether . 39
...............Checking Seat Belt Fit . 41
..................Using a Booster Seat . 42
When Can a Child Sit in Larger
.........................................Front . 43
.............Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 45
...................................Safety Labels . 46
Driver and Passenger Safety
...Additional Safety Precautions . 31
.........Protecting Small Children . 33
...........Protecting Larger Children . 41
...Additional Safety Precautions . 44
7
Important Safety Precautions
Main Menu
Table of Contents
You’ll find many safety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
Therecommendationsonthispage
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags are
designed to supplement seat belts,
not replace them. So even though
your vehicle is equipped with airbags,
make sure you and your passengers
always wear your seat belts, and
wear them properly (see page ).
15
Restrain All Children
Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in a back
seat, not the front seat. Infants and
smallchildrenshouldberestrained
in a child seat. Larger children
should use a booster seat and a lap/
shoulder belt until they can use the
belt properly without a booster seat
(see page ).
42
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Infants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to follow all instructions and
warnings in this manual (see page
).
13
Don’t Drink and Drive
Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with
every additional drink. So don’t drink
and drive, and don’t let your friends
drink and drive, either.
Control Your Speed
Excessive speed is a major factor in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed, the greater the
risk, but serious injuries can also
occur at lower speeds. Never drive
faster than is safe for current
conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.
Keep Your Vehicle in Saf e
Condition
Having a tire blowout or a
mechanical f ailure can be extremely
hazardous. To reduce the possibility
of such problems, check your tire
pressures and condition frequently,
and perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance (see page ).
157
8
(10)
Main Menu
Table of Contents
(1) (3) (4) (6)
(8)
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Your vehicle is equipped with many
features that work together to
protect you and your passengers
during a crash.
Driver and Passenger Safety
(7)
(2)
(7)
(9)
(5)
(1) Safety Cage
(2) Crush Zone
(3) Seats and Seat-Backs
(4) Head Restraints
(5) Collapsible Steering Column
(6) Seat Belts
(7) Front Airbags
(8) Side Airbags
(9) Seat Belt Tensioners
(10) Door Locks
(2)
Some features do not require any
action on your part. These include a
strong steel framework that forms a
safety cage around the passenger
compartment; front and rear crush
zones; a collapsible steering column;
and tensioners that tighten the front
seat belts in a crash.
CONTINUED
9
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Main Menu
Table of Contents
However, you and your passengers
can’t take full advantage of these
features unless you remain sitting in
a proper position and
your seat belts
. In fact, some safety
always wear
features can contribute to injuries if
they are not used properly.
Seat Belts
Your vehicle is equipped with seat
belts in all seating positions.
Your seat belt system also includes
an indicator on the instrument panel
to remind you and your passengers
to fasten your seat belts.
The following pages explain how you
cantakeanactiveroleinprotecting
Why Wear Seat Belts
yourself and your passengers. Seat belts are the single most
effective safety device for adults and
larger children. (Infants and smaller
children must be properly restrained
in child seats.)
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
In addition, most states and all
Canadian provinces require you to
wear seat belts.
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
When properly worn, seat belts:
Keep you connected to the vehicle
so you can take advantage of the
vehicle’s built-in safety features.
Help protect you in almost every
type of crash, including f rontal,
side, and rear impacts and
rollovers.
10
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Help keep you from being thrown
against the inside of the vehicle
and against other occupants.
Keep you from being thrown out
of the vehicle.
Help keep you in a good position
should the airbags ever deploy. A
good position reduces the risk of
injury from an inflating airbag and
allows you to get the best
advantage from the airbag.
Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you in every
crash.Butinmostcases,seatbelts
can reduce your risk of serious
injury.
What you should do:
Always wear
your seat belt, and make sure you
wear it properly.
Airbags
Your vehicle has a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) with f ront
airbags to help protect the heads and
chests of the driver and a front seat
passenger during a moderate to
severe frontal collision (see page
for more information on how
23
your front airbags work).
Your vehicle also has side airbags to
help protect the upper torso of the
driver or a front seat passenger
during a moderate to severe side
impact (see page for more
25
information on how your side airbags
work).
Driver and Passenger Safety
11
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The most important things you need
to know about your airbags are:
Airbags do not replace seat belts.
They are designed to supplement
the seat belts.
Airbags offer no protection in rear
impacts, or minor f rontal or side
collisions.
Airbags can pose hazards.
To do
their job, airbags must inflate with
tremendous force. So while
airbags help save lives, they can
cause minor injuries or more
serious or even fatal injuries if
occupants are not properly
restrained or sitting properly.
What you should do:
Always wear
your seat belt properly, and sit
upright and as far back from the
steering wheel as possible while
allowing full control of the vehicle. A
front passenger should move their
seat as far back from the dashboard
as possible.
The rest of this section gives more
detailed information about how you
can maximize your safety.
Remember, however, that no safety
system can prevent all injuries or
deaths that can occur in severe crash,
even when seat belts are properly
worn and the airbags deploy.
12
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Introduction Close and Lock the Doors Adjust the Front Seats1. 2.
The following pages provide
instructions on how to properly
protect the driver, adult passengers
and teenage children who are large
enough and mature enough to drive
or ride in the front seat.
See pages for important
32
−
44
guidelines on how to properly
protect infants, small children, and
larger children who ride in your
vehicle.
After everyone has entered the
vehicle, be sure the doors are closed
and locked.
Your vehicle has a door
monitor indicator on the
instrument panel to indicate when a
specific door is not tightly closed.
Locking the doors reduces the
chance of someone being thrown out
of the vehicle during a crash, and it
helps prevent passengers from
accidentally opening a door and
falling out.
Locking the doors also helps prevent
an outsider f rom unexpectedly
opening a door when you come to a
stop.
See page for how to lock the
doors, and page for how the door
67
54
monitor indicator works.
Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the
rear as possible while allowing you to
maintain f ull control of the vehicle.
Have a front passenger adjust their
seat as far to the rear as possible.
If you sit too close to the steering
wheel or dashboard, you can be
seriously injured by an inf lating front
airbag, or by striking the steering
wheel or dashboard.
Driver and Passenger Safety
CONTINUED
13
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that drivers
allow at least 10 inches (25 cm)
between the center of the steering
wheel and the chest.
If you cannot get far enough away
from the steering wheel and still
Sitting too close to a front
airbag can result in serious
injury or death if the front
airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the
front airbags as possible.
reach the controls, we recommend
that you investigate whether some
type of adaptive equipment may help. Once your seat is adjusted correctly,
rock it back and forth to make sure it
is locked in position.
See page for how to adjust the
71
front seats.
Adjust the Seat-Backs3.
Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a
comfortable, upright position,
leaving ample space between your
chest and the airbag cover in the
center of the steering wheel.
Passengers with adjustable seatbacks should also adjust their seatback to a comfortable, upright
position.
14
Reclining the seat-back too far
Main Menu
Table of Contents
can result in serious injury or
death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an
upright position, and sit well
back in the seat.
Reclining a seat-back so that the
shoulder part of the belt no longer
rests against the occupant’s chest
reduces the protective capability of
the belt. It also increases the chance
of sliding under the belt in a crash
and being seriously injured. The
farther a seat-back is reclined, the
greater the risk of injury.
Fasten and Position the Seat
4.
Belts
Insert the latch plate into the buckle,
then tug on the belt to make sure the
belt is securely latched. Check that
the belt is not twisted, because a
twisted belt can cause serious
injuries in a crash.
Protecting Adults and Teens
Driver and Passenger Safety
Position the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across your hips,
then pull up on the shoulder part of
the belt so the lap part fits snugly.
This lets your strong pelvic bones
take the force of a crash and reduces
the chance of internal injuries.
See page for how to adjust the
seat-backs.
71
CONTINUED
15
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
If necessary, pull up on the belt again
to remove any slack, then check that
the belt rests across the center of
your chest and over your shoulder.
This spreads the forces of a crash
over the strongest bones in your
upper body.
Improperly positioning the seat
belts can cause serious injury
or death in a crash.
Make sure all seat belts are
properly positioned before
driving.
Never place the shoulder portion of a
lap/shoulder belt under your arm or
behind your back.
This could cause
very serious injuries in a crash.
If a seat belt doesn’t seem to work
properly, it may not protect the
occupant in a crash.
No one should sit in a seat with an
inoperative seat belt.
Using a seat
belt that is not working properly can
result in serious injury or death.
Have your dealer check the belt as
soon as possible.
See page for additional
19
information about your seat belts
and how to take care of them.
Maintain a Proper Sitting
5.
Position
After all occupants have adjusted
their seats and put on seat belts, it is
very important that they continue to
sit upright, well back in their seats,
with their feet on the floor, until the
vehicle is parked and the engine is
off.
Sitting improperly can increase the
chance of injury during a crash. For
example, if an occupant slouches,
lies down, turns sideways, sits
forward, leans forward or sideways,
or puts one or both feet up, the
chance of injury during a crash is
greatly increased.
16
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
In addition, an occupant who is out of
position in the front seat can be
seriously or fatally injured in a crash
by striking interior parts of the
vehicle or being struck by an
inflating airbag.
Sitting improperly or out of
position can result in serious
injury or death.
Always sit upright, well back in
the seat, with your feet on the
floor.
Advice for Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant, the best way to
protect yourself and your unborn
child when driving or riding in a
vehicle is to always wear a seat belt,
and keep the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across the hips.
When driving, remember to sit
upright and adjust the seat as far
back as possible while allowing full
control of the vehicle. When riding
as a front passenger, adjust the seat
as far back as possible.
This will reduce the risk of injuries
to both you and your unborn child
that can be caused by a crash or an
inflating front airbag.
Each time you have a checkup, ask
your doctor if it’s okay for you to
drive.
Driver and Passenger Safety
17
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Additional Safety Precautions
Two people should never use the
same seat belt.
If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
Do not put any accessories on seat
belts.
Devices intended to improve
occupant comfort or reposition the
shoulder part of a seat belt can
reduce the protective capability of
the seat belt and increase the
chance of serious injury in a crash.
Do not place hard or sharp objects
between yourself and a front
airbag.
Carrying hard or sharp
objects on your lap, or driving with
a pipe or other sharp object in
your mouth, can result in injuries
if your front airbag inflates.
Do not attach or place objects on
the front airbag covers.
Objects on
the covers marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’
could interf ere with the proper
operation of the airbags or be
propelled inside the vehicle and
hurt someone if the airbags inflate.
Do not attach hard objects on or
near a door.
If a side airbag
inflates,acupholderorotherhard
object attached on or near the
door could be propelled inside the
vehicle and hurt someone.
Keep your hands and arms away
from the airbag covers.
If your
hands or arms are close to an
airbag cover, they could be injured
if the airbag inflates.
18
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt
Your seat belt system includes lap/
shoulder belts in all four seating
positions. The front seat belts are
The lap and shoulder belt goes over
your shoulder, across your chest,
and across your hips.
also equipped with automatic seat
belt tensioners.
To fasten the belt, insert the latch
plate into the buckle, then tug on the
The seat belt system
includes an indicator on the
instrument panel to remind you and
belt to make sure the buckle is
latched (see page for how to
15
properly position the belt).
your passengers to fasten your belts.
To unlock the belt, push the red
If you turn the ignition switch to ON
(II) without fastening your belt, a
beeper will sound and the indicator
will blink. The beeper will stop after
a few seconds, but the indicator will
stay on until the driver’s seat belt is
PRESSbuttononthebuckle.Guide
the belt across your body so that it
retracts completely. After exiting the
vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the
way and will not get closed in the
door.
fastened.
All seat belts have an emergency
locking retractor. In normal driving,
the retractor lets you move freely in
your seat while it keeps some
tension on the belt. During a collision
or sudden stop, the retractor
automatically locks the belt to help
restrain your body.
The seat belts in all positions except
the driver’s have an additional
locking mechanism that must be
activated to secure a child seat (see
page ).
38
If the shoulder part of the belt is
pulled all the way out, the locking
mechanism will activate. The belt
will retract, but it will not allow the
passenger to move freely.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
19
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Main Menu
Table of Contents
To deactivate the locking
mechanism, unlatch the buckle and
let the seat belt f ully retract. To
refasten the seat belt, pull it out only
as far as needed.
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
For added protection, the front seat
belts are equipped with automatic
seat belt tensioners. When activated,
the tensioners immediately tighten
the belts to help hold the driver and
a front passenger in place.
The tensioners are designed to
activate primarily in frontal collisions,
andtheyshouldactivateinany
collision severe enough to cause
front-airbag inflation.
The tensioners can also be activated
during a collision in which the front
airbags do not deploy. In this case,
the airbags would not be needed, but
the additional restraint could be
helpful.
When the tensioners are activated,
the seat belts will remain tight until
they are unbuckled in the normal
manner.
20
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seat Belt Maintenance
For safety, you should check the
condition of your seat belts regularly.
Pull each belt out fully and look for
frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check
that the latches work smoothly and
the belts retract easily. Any belt that
is not in good condition or not
working properly will not provide
good protection and should be
replaced as soon as possible.
Acura provides a lifetime warranty
on seat belts for U.S. models. See
Acura Warranty Information
your
booklet for details.
If a seat belt is worn during a crash,
it must be replaced by your dealer. A
belt that has been worn during a
crash may not provide the same level
of protection in a subsequent crash.
The dealer should also inspect the
anchors for damage and replace
them if needed. If the automatic seat
belt tensioners activate during a
crash, they must be replaced.
For information on how to clean your
seat belts, see page .
179
Not checking or maintaining
seat belts can result in serious
injury or death if the seat belts
do not work properly when
needed.
Check your seat belts regularly
and have any problem
corrected as soon as possible.
Driver and Passenger Safety
21
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Airbag System Components
Your airbag system includes:
Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) front airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the front
passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG’’ (see page ).
23
Two side airbags, one for the
driver and one for a front
passenger. The airbags are stored
in the outer edges of the seatbacks. Both are marked ‘‘SIDE
AIRBAG’’ (see page ).
25
Automatic front seat belt
tensioners (see page ).
20
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal or side
impact.
Sensors that can detect whether a
child is in the passenger’s side
airbag path and automatically turn
the airbag off (see page ).
25
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records information about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, the seat belt
tensioners, and driver and front
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition is in the ON (II) position.
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbags,
sensors, or seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
26
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you that the
passenger’s side airbag has been
turned off (see page ).
27
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
22
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
How Your Front Airbags Work
If you ever have a moderate to
severe frontal collision, sensors will
detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration.
If the rate of deceleration is high
enough, the control unit will instantly
inflate the driver’s and front
passenger’s front airbags, at the time
and with the force needed.
During a frontal crash, your seat belt
restrains your lower body and torso,
and the f ront airbag helps protect
your head and chest.
Although both airbags normally
inflate within split second of each
other, it is possible for only one
airbag to deploy.
This can happen if the severity of a
collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether
or not the airbags will deploy. In
such cases, the seat belt will provide
sufficient protection, and the
supplemental protection offered by
the airbag would be minimal.
Driver and Passenger Safety
After inflating, the front airbags will
immediately deflate, so they won’t
interfere with the driver’s visibility,
or the ability to steer or operate
other controls.
CONTINUED
23
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The total time for inflation and
deflation is one-tenth of a second, so
fast that most occupants are not
aware that the airbags deployed until
they see them lying in their laps.
After a crash, you may see what
looks like smoke. This is actually
powder from the airbag’s surface.
Although the powder is not harmful,
people with respiratory problems
mayexperiencesometemporary
discomfort. If this occurs, get out of
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
Your front airbags are dual-stage
airbags. This means they have two
inflation stages that can be ignited
sequentially or simultaneously,
depending on crash severity.
more severe
In a crash, both stages
will ignite simultaneously to provide
the quickest and greatest protection.
less severe
In a crash, one stage will
ignite first, then the second stage
will ignite a split second later. This
provides longer airbag inflation time
with a little less force.
Dual-Threshold AirbagsDual-Stage Airbags
Your front airbags are also dualthreshold airbags. Airbags with this
feature have two deployment
thresholds that depend on whether
or not the occupant is wearing a seat
belt.
If the occupant’s belt is ,
not latched
the airbag will deploy at the same
threshold as a conventional airbag.
If the occupant’s belt , the
is latched
airbag will inflate at a slightly higher
threshold, when the airbag would be
needed to supplement the protection
provided by the seat belt.
24
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
How Your Side Airbags Work
If you ever have a moderate to
severe side impact, sensors will
detect rapid deceleration and signal
the control unit to instantly inflate
either the driver’s or the passenger’s
side airbag.
Only one airbag will deploy during a
side impact. If the impact is on the
passenger’s side, the passenger’s
side airbag will deploy even if there
is no passenger.
To get the best protection from the
side airbags, front seat occupants
should wear their seat belts and sit
upright and well back in their seats.
Side Airbag Cutoff System
To reduce the risk of injury from an
inflating side airbag, your vehicle has
an automatic cutoff system for the
passenger’s side airbag.
Although Acura does not encourage
children to ride in front, this system
is designed to shut off the side
airbag if a child leans into the side
airbag’s path.
Thesideairbagmayalsoshutoffifa
short adult leans sideways, or a
larger adult slouches and leans
sideways into the airbag’s
deployment path.
Objects placed on the front
passenger seat can also cause the
side airbag to be shut off.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
25
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
If the Side Airbag Off Indicator
comes on (see page ), have the
27
passenger sit upright. Once the
passenger is out of the airbag’s
deployment path, the system will
turn the airbag back on, and the
indicator will go out.
There will be some delay between
the moment the passenger moves
into or out of the airbag deployment
pathandwhentheindicatorcomes
on or goes off.
A front seat passenger should not
use a cushion or other object as a
backrest. It may prevent the cutoff
system from working properly.
How the SRS Indicator Works
The SRS indicator alerts
you to a potential problem
with your airbags or seat belt
tensioners.
When you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), this indicator will come on
briefly then go out. This tells you the
system is working properly.
If the indicator comes on at any
other time, or does not come on at all,
you should have the system checked
by your dealer. For example:
If the SRS indicator does not come
on after you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II).
If the indicator stays on after the
engine starts.
If the indicator comes on or
flashes on and off while you drive.
Ignoring the SRS indicator can
result in serious injury or death
if the airbag systems or
tensioners do not work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
the SRS indicator alerts you to
a possible problem.
If you see any of these indications,
the airbags and seat belt tensioners
may not work properly when you
need them.
26
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
How the Side Airbag Off
Indicator Works
U.S. Canada
This indicator
alerts you that the
passenger’s side airbag has been
automatically shut off. It does
not
mean there is a problem with your
side airbags.
When you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), the indicator should come
on briefly and go out (see page ).
52
If it doesn’t light, stays on, or comes
on while driving without a passenger
in the front seat, have the system
checked.
Airbag Service Additional Safety Precautions
Your airbag systems are virtually
maintenance free, and there are no
parts you can safely service.
However, you must have your
Donotattempttodeactivateyour
airbags.
Together, airbags and
seat belts provide the best
protection.
vehicle serviced if:
Do not tamper with airbag
An airbag ever inflates.
Any airbag
that has deployed must be
replaced along with the control
unit and other related parts. If a
components or wiring for any
reason.
Tampering could cause
the airbags to deploy, possibly
causing very serious injury.
front airbag inflates, the seat belt
tensioners must also be replaced.
Do not try to remove or replace
anyairbagbyyourself.Thismust
be done by your dealer or a
knowledgeable body shop.
The SRS indicator alerts you to a
problem.
Take your vehicle to an
Do not cover or replace front seatback covers without consulting
your dealer.
Improperly replacing
or covering front seat-back covers
can prevent your side airbags from
inflating during a side impact.
authorized dealer as soon as
possible. If you ignore this
indication, your airbags may not
operate properly.
Driver and Passenger Safety
27
Protecting Children General Guidelines
Main Menu
Table of Contents
−
All Children Must Be Restrained
Each year, many children are injured
or killed in vehicle crashes because
they are either unrestrained or not
properly restrained. In fact, vehicle
accidents are the number one cause
of the death of children ages 12 and
under.
To reduce the number of child
deaths and injuries, every U.S. state
and Canadian province requires that
infants and children be properly
Children depend on adults to protect
them. However, despite their best
restrained when they ride in a
vehicle.
intentions, many adults do not know
how to protect child
properly
passengers.
If you have children, or ever need to
Infants and small children must be
restrained in an approved child seat
that is properly secured to the
vehicle
(see pages ).
drive with a child in your vehicle, be
sure to read this section. It begins
with important general guidelines,
then presents special information for
infants, small children, and larger
children.
−
32 33
Children who are unrestrained
or improperly restrained can be
seriously injured or killed in a
crash.
Any child too small for a seat
belt should be properly
restrained in a child seat. A
larger child should be properly
restrained with a seat belt and
use a booster seat if necessary.
Larger children must be restrained
with a lap/shoulder belt and ride on
a booster seat until the seat belt fits
them properly
(see pages ).4441
−
28
Protecting Children General Guidelines
Main Menu
Table of Contents
−
All Children Should Sit in a Back
Seat
According to accident statistics,
children of all ages and sizes are
safer when they are restrained in a
back seat. The National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration and
Transport Canada recommend that
all children age 12 and under be
properly restrained in a back seat.
Children who ride in back are less
likely to be injured by striking
interior vehicle parts during a
collision or hard braking. Also,
children cannot be injured by an
inflating front airbag when they ride
in the back.
The Passenger’s Front Airbag
Poses Serious Risks
Front airbags have been designed to
help protect adults in a moderate to
severe frontal collisions. To do this
the passenger’s front airbag is quite
large, and it can inflate with enough
force to cause very serious injuries.
Infants
Never put a rear-f acing child seat in
the front seat of a vehicle equipped
with a passenger’s front airbag.
If
the airbag inflates, it can hit the back
of the child seat with enough force
to kill or very seriously injure an
infant.
Small Children
Placing a f orward-facing child seat in
the front seat of a vehicle equipped
with passenger’s f ront airbag can be
hazardous.
If the vehicle seat is too
farforward,orthechild’sheadis
thrown f orward during a collision, an
inflating front airbag can strike the
child with enough force to kill or
very seriously injure a small child.
Larger Children
Children who have outgrown child
seats are also at risk of being injured
or killed by an inflating passenger’s
front airbag.
Whenever possible,
larger children should sit in the back
seat, on a booster seat if needed, and
be properly restrained with a seat
belt (see page for important
41
information about protecting larger
children).
Driver and Passenger Safety
29
Loading...