Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2002 RSX: TQI And New Model Information (01-024)
Reference number: 01-024
2002 RSX: TQI AND NEW MODEL INFORMATION
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| ACURA: | 2002 RSX |
| CATEGORY: | TQI |
| APPLIES TO: | All |
DESCRIPTION
The 2002 RSX is Acura's new sports coupe. Many of its features are shared with other Acura models:
- Side airbags with automatic cutoff (all models)
- Front seat belt tensioners (all models)
- LATCH system for child seats (3.2TLs)
- Driver's window auto-up function (3.2TLs and 3.5RLs)
- 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sport Shift Mode (3.2TL and 3.2CL)
- 6-disc in-dash CD changer (3.2TL, 3.2CL, MDX)
This service bulletin gives information you need for TQI and describes these features, equipment, and service requirements:
- Fuses
- Idle Learn Procedure
- Audio Unit Serial Number Retrieval
- Service Connectors
- MIL Operation
- Security System
- Immobilizer System
- M/T Reverse Lockout
- Dual stage Airbags
- Climate Control Information
- Hatch Operation
- Fluid Replacement Intervals
- Engine Oil Viscosity
- Spare Tire Removal
- Cargo Height Marker
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
None. The information in this service bulletin is part of the Total Quality Inspection before delivery.
FUSES
To prevent battery drain during shipping, two 7.5A fuses are left out of the under-hood fuse/relay box and placed in the coin box. Install the fuses in spaces 3 and 9. See Fig 1 .
IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE
The idle learn procedure must be performed on all 2002 RSXs at TQI. If the idle learn procedure is not done correctly, the engine may have an erratic idle.
So that the ECM/PCM can learn the engine idle characteristics, also do the idle learn procedure whenever you do any of these actions:
- Disconnect the battery.
- Replace the ECM/PCM or unplug its connectors.
- Reset the ECM/PCM with the PGM Tester.NOTE: Erasing DTCs does not require the idle learn procedure to be done again.
- Remove the No. 6 (15A) fuse from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Remove the No. 19 (100A) fuse from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Remove the PGM-FI main relays 1 and 2 (behind the glove box).
- Remove either of the wires from the under-hood fuse/relay box terminal.
- Disconnect any of the connectors from the back of the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Disconnect the connector between the engine compartment wire harness and the ECM/PCM wire harness.
- Disconnect ground G1 from the transmission housing.
To complete the idle learn procedure, do this:
- Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio unit, defogger, lights, etc.) are turned off, then start the engine.
- Let the engine reach its normal operating temperature (the cooling fans cycle twice).
- Let the engine idle (throttle fully closed and with all electrical items off) for 10 minutes.
AUDIO UNIT SERIAL NUMBER RETRIEVAL
To reduce warranty and customer costs whenever an anti-theft code is lost, the serial number of the audio unit can be retrieved without removing the unit. To retrieve the serial number, follow these steps:
- Turn the ignition switch to the Accessory (I) position.
- Turn on the audio unit. Make sure "CODE" appears in the display.
- Turn off the audio unit.
- Press and hold the number 1 and number 6 preset buttons at the same time, and then turn on the unit.
- Write down the two sets of four digits you see on the audio unit display; these eight digits are the unit's serial number. See Fig 2 .
- To retrieve the unit's anti-theft code, enter the eight digit serial number into the DCS.
SERVICE CONNECTORS
- The RSX has three service connectors: DLC (data link connector), MES (memory erase signal), and MPCS (multiplex control system).
- The DLC is in the driver's side foot well, behind the center console. See Fig 3 .
- The MES and MPCS connectors are on the back of the driver side under-dash fuse/relay box. See Fig 4 .
- The MES connector, along with the SCS service connector (T/N 07PAZ-0010100), is used to erase SRS DTCs (see section 23 of the service manual).
- The MPCS connector, along with the 3P service connector (T/N 07WAZ-001010A), is used to troubleshoot the multiplex system.
MIL OPERATION
- The OBD II system has readiness codes that are set after the emissions control systems are checked. These codes are reset whenever the battery is disconnected and will set again as the vehicle is driven under various conditions.
- To check if the readiness codes are set, turn the ignition switch ON (II), but do not start the engine. The MIL stays on for about 20 seconds. If it then goes off, all readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, one or more of the readiness codes are not set.
- Some states require that the status of these readiness codes be checked during an emissions test. If the codes are not set, the test cannot be completed and the customer will need to come back later for another test.
SECURITY SYSTEM
The factory-installed security system is similar in operation to the system on the '02 3.2TL The security system indicator is on the instrument panel, near the lower left side of the tachometer. See Fig 5 .
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
- The RSX is equipped with a Type III immobilizer system. The system includes a transponder in the ignition key, an immobilizer control unit-receiver in the ignition switch, an indicator on the instrument panel, and the ECM/PCM.
- When you insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the switch to ON (II), the immobilizer control unit receiver sends power to the transponder in the key. The transponder then sends a coded signal back to the immobilizer control unit-receiver. This signal is then received by the ECM/PCM which sends back another signal to the immobilizer control unit-receiver. When both signals are mutually recognized, the ECM/PCM activates the fuel supply system and the ignition system so the engine will start.
- The immobilizer codes are fixed, and a maximum of six keys can be registered.
M/T REVERSE LOCKOUT
On the Type-S, the 6-speed manual transmission has an electric lockout so you cannot accidentally shift from Fifth to Reverse instead of Sixth.
DUAL STAGE AIRBAGS
Both the driver and passenger side airbags can deploy at one of two rates, depending on the severity of the crash.
CLIMATE CONTROL INFORMATION
- The climate control system has two dust and pollen filters that require periodic changing. The filters are located behind the glove box.
- For increased window defogging, the A/C remains on whenever you select the DEFROST or the HEAT/ DEFROST mode.
- For maximum cooling performance, the RECIRCULATION function remains on when the AUTO mode is selected and the temperature is set to maximum cold.
HATCH OPERATION
- There is no key cylinder in the hatch. To lock and unlock the hatch, use the remote transmitter or the master door lock switch on either door. The hatch (and passenger door) can also be unlocked by inserting the key into the driver's door lock and holding it in the unlock (clockwise position for a few seconds. The hatch will not lock or unlock when the battery is disconnected.
- To open the hatch, reach into the bumper cutout just below the Acura emblem, and pull the handle.
FLUID REPLACEMENT INTERVALS
The PSX has extended replacement intervals for these items:
- ATF: 120,000 miles or 6 years
- Engine coolant 120,000 miles or 10 years
- Engine oil: 10,000 miles or 1 year (normal conditions); 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe conditions)
- Engine oil filter: 20,000 miles or 1 year (normal conditions); 10,000 miles or 1 year (severe conditions)
ENGINE OIL VISCOSITY
- Premium model: 5W-20
- Type-S: 5W-30
SPARE TIRE REMOVAL
- On the Type-S, the audio system subwoofer is mounted in the center of the compact spare tire and secured with the spare tire wing bolt. See Fig 6 .
- To remove the spare tire, refer to the Owner's Manual.
CARGO HEIGHT MARKER
To avoid damaging the cargo cover, do not place items in the cargo area above the height marker on the sides of the cargo area. To carry items that extend above the line, remove the cargo cover. See Fig 7 .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.