2002–2006 Acura RSX and RSX Type-S OEM Service Manual

• Coverage and document identity: The supplied PDF contains 1,495 pages and reproduces Honda's First Edition 09/2002 service publication, organized into 23 factory sections for 2002–2003 DC5 Acura RSX and RSX Type-S models sold in the U.S. and Canada. It covers K20A2/K20A3 engines and MRMA, W2M5, and X2M5 transaxles.
• K20 engine repair: Covers engine removal and installation, compression and VTEC/VTC testing, valve-clearance adjustment, cam-chain and cylinder-head work, valve and guide service, crankshaft and piston inspection, bearing selection, cylinder honing, lubrication diagnosis, and oil-pump overhaul.
• Transmission and driveline service: Details clutch hydraulic bleeding and component replacement, 5- and 6-speed manual-transmission teardown and assembly, synchro and differential inspection, reverse-lockout diagnosis, MRMA automatic-transmission testing and overhaul, and driveshaft/intermediate-shaft repair.
• Steering, suspension, and brakes: Includes power-steering pressure and leak testing, pump and steering-gearbox overhaul, wheel alignment, hub and bearing service, ball joints, dampers and springs, brake hydraulic service, calipers, master cylinder and booster work, parking-brake adjustment, and ABS fault tracing.
• Fuel, emissions, HVAC, electrical, and restraints: Provides PGM-FI and ECM/PCM diagnosis, readiness-code checks, VTEC/VTC fault tracing, K20A3 IMRC service, EVAP testing, climate-control diagnosis, body-electrical circuits, SRS fault isolation, and OPDS initialization procedures.
• Factory reference material: Supplies exploded assembly views, connector and control-unit locations, hydraulic-flow illustrations, system circuit diagrams, torque tables, fluid data, wear and inspection limits, adjustment specifications, electrical test values, and Honda special-tool references.

Exact 2002–2003 Configuration Coverage

The vehicle-identification pages map the DC5 chassis to the K20A2 and K20A3 DOHC VTEC engines and identify the MRMA 5-speed automatic, W2M5 5-speed manual, and X2M5 6-speed manual transaxles. Coverage includes Type-S, standard RSX, and Canadian-market RSX/Premium configurations. The model-identification content stops at 2003, so this edition is not suitable as a blanket reference for 2004–2006 vehicles.

The MRMA overhaul material is particularly build-sensitive. Separate exploded views and procedures are provided for early and late 2002 units: the end-cover configuration changes at transmission number 1002923, while the countershaft coverage changes at 1021248. The later layouts also apply to the 2003 model. These distinctions help keep the correct automatic-transmission repair information matched to the unit on the bench.

K20, Transaxle, and Chassis Procedures

The engine chapters extend well beyond maintenance specifications. Cylinder-head coverage includes VTEC rocker-arm testing, VTC actuator inspection, cam timing and auto-tensioner service, rocker-shaft and camshaft inspection, valve-guide replacement, and valve-seat reconditioning. The block and lubrication sections address piston and crankshaft removal, rod and main-bearing selection, piston-ring work, cylinder honing, oil-pressure testing, and oil-pump inspection. K20A2 and K20A3 intake-manifold procedures are separated, and the K20A3 IMRC system receives dedicated diagnostic and repair coverage.

Manual-transmission sections address internal shafts, gears, bearings, synchronizers, shift forks, reverse-lockout components, oil seals, and differential work for both 5-speed and 6-speed units. The MRMA automatic chapter adds DTC and symptom diagnosis, road and stall testing, hydraulic pressure tests, shift-solenoid and clutch-pressure-control checks, valve-body service, clutch inspection and clearance, shaft repair, differential work, and shift/key-interlock circuits.

Chassis coverage includes steering rack-guide adjustment, pump testing and overhaul, steering-gearbox removal and repair, wheel alignment, hub and wheel-bearing service, front and rear suspension work, brake bleeding, disc and caliper service, master-cylinder and booster procedures, and ABS circuit diagnosis. Body and HVAC chapters cover doors and glass, moonroof diagnosis and adjustment, trim and seats, frame repair charts, refrigerant recovery, evacuation and charging, compressor-clutch overhaul, and blower, evaporator, heater, and climate-control diagnosis.

Diagnostic Diagrams, Special Tools, and Repair Cautions

Named electrical references include the ECM/PCM Circuit Diagram, PCM A/T Control System Circuit Diagram, ABS Circuit Diagram, Climate Control Circuit Diagram, SRS Circuit Diagram, and Reverse Lockout System Circuit Diagram. The manual also provides fuse/relay-box views, connector and harness indexes, control-unit locations, transmission hydraulic-flow diagrams, and exploded views showing assembly relationships and fastener references.

Representative Honda tools include VTEC air adapter 07ZAJ-PNAA101 with the related stopper and joint adapters, power-steering pressure gauge 07406-0010001 with RSX-specific adapters, bearing separator 07KAF-PS30200, and SRS SCS service connector 07PAZ-0010100. Diagnostic coverage includes Honda PGM Tester functions, ECM/PCM reset, update and substitution procedures, readiness-code checks, and OPDS initialization after applicable seat or SRS repairs.

The MRMA overhaul section flags the countershaft locknut as left-hand threaded; treating it like a conventional fastener can damage the locknut or countershaft. The clutch chapter also warns against solvent-washing the grease-packed release bearing because its internal lubrication can be removed.

Engine or transmission removal, brake and hydraulic repair, A/C refrigerant service, and SRS diagnosis require correct vehicle support and the manual's stated isolation and handling precautions. Follow the complete factory procedure, required tool information, and current shop safety practices before beginning repair.