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Acura RSX Maintenance and Repair

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  • bobstbobst Member Posts: 1,776
    Our 2003 base RSX had dash rattles so I stuffed some felt between the dash and the windshield. Problem solved.

    I have another rattle on rough roads, and my wife pinpointed it as a vibration in the little piece of plastic behind the passenger door handle.

    Oh yeah, the felt thing was my wife's idea also. She is pretty good at stuff like this.
  • cars123cars123 Member Posts: 1
    My 2002 RSX has lowered springs and it makes hell of noise on bumpy roads. i am planning to get back to original springs. Any suggestions?
  • nitromaxnitromax Member Posts: 640
    Aren't you supposed to change the shocks to match the springs whenever you lower a car?
  • normvhnormvh Member Posts: 1
    I have a new 2006 RSX automatic transmision. My car is great except I notice on certain bumps the dash makes a loud snaping noise that comes from the suspension i believe it is noticable and just anoying. I also notice that this noise is sometimes better and sometimes worse. I havent taken it in yet but, I was wondering if any others have noticed this problem or know whtat the fix would be?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    depends how much you lower it.
  • pnakasopnakaso Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased 06' RSX with windows tinted from the dealer. The (am) radio has poor reception, and if the rear wiper is turned lots of static comes across the speakers. The dealer thought the tinting may have contributed to the problem. Another '06 RSX was brought side by side and the radio interference with the rear wiper was the same. The second RSX did not have window tinting. I noticed the radio reception is weak at best, but the interference from the wiper is not acceptable. The dealer says they are waiting for a service bulletin before they will work on it.
  • vipinguptavipingupta Member Posts: 21
    Guys,

    I am buying a 2003 RSX-Automatic. The first owner says that only one set of key/Fob is available and he lost other keys/fob. He also does not have any details like key# or key code. Any ideas if it is still possible to get a copy made of the existing key? I just want the key copied as one fob is enough for me. What are my options?

    Thanks a ton.
  • amsteramster Member Posts: 1
    Hi. Wow, I had no idea other people had this problem. :( I have an '03 RSX-S and it started its dash rattling maybe 2 months into having it. I've taken it back to the dealer many times to get it resolved, they did manage to quell it briefly by fixing some "spring" under the passenger airbag. But the problem came back and these days I just keep the radio on. :) If there's a passenger in the car he/she can help by pushing down on the airbag and the rattling ceases immediately...

    So, good luck? Maybe it's just an inherent design flaw?
  • clayrsxclayrsx Member Posts: 1
    I have an '02 RSX-S and have never really had any problems until earlier this week when the one-touch (auto up & auto down) driver's window stopped working - has anyone had this problem - does anyone know if there's a fuse or anything that would fix the problem? My warranty has long since expried and don't really want to pay the dealer if it's an easy fix. Thanks!
  • michiganman1michiganman1 Member Posts: 2
    Dash rattle: several sitautions, but a common one that I had was caused by plastic rattling against the windshield during cold weather. You can buy non-adhesive weatherstripping at Autozone or Pep Boys that you can carefully wedge between the dash and windshield (I use a credit card to wedge it in there).

    Auto up/down: after disconnecting the battery you must reset the auto up/down. Push auto-down and keep holding the button for an extra 5 seconds after the window has rolled down. Push auto-up, and again hold an extra 5 seconds.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    The dealer can look up your code for you (it is written in the owner's manual if you still have that) but the key they provide you won't be cheap. It is one of those chipped keys. A regular key from the key store won't do you any good.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • billhibillhi Member Posts: 3
    I just talked to the service dept at Concord Acura. They say they just got notice from the factory that they are aware of the problem and hope tohave it resolved in 1-2 months but no guarantees. I am wondering how this fits in with the LEMOM LAW BUYBACK....Cant these new RSX's be returned under that program? If there is a recurring issue with the car and the dealer is unable to fix it, they should by law have to buy it back under this program. If any one has any other details on this, I would be interested..thanks..
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Every state has different lemon laws, but here in Florida, the defect would have to be safety related or seriously degrade the usefulness of the vehicle, and the dealer would have 3 chances to fix it.

    My guess is that the popping sound problem wouldn't qualify, again that's Florida.
  • albert8albert8 Member Posts: 8
    Is all the problems with the 06 RSX(AT) nationwide or only in some states? I really want to know, i live at Washington State. If someone live in this state that owned the 06 RSX(AT) any suggestions or tips before buying this car. I'm also comparing it with the new 06 redesigned GTI . I'll accept any suggestions or tips between the 2 cars.

    Thank you..
  • nitromaxnitromax Member Posts: 640
    What problems are you talking about?

    I've had an AT RSX since October of 2001 and have had zero problems with the transmission.
    (I assume you are wondering about the transmission since you specified AT in your question)
    Nothing has changed on the RSX from the 2002 model to the 2006 model except some cosmetic changes.
  • blaze5blaze5 Member Posts: 2
    only when i start after car sits for few hours i release the clutch and i hear a grinding noise - 3 dealers say they cant find it - i hear might be the throw out bearing, any info would be apreciated.
  • albert8albert8 Member Posts: 8
    I was talking about the 06 rsx automatic transmission model. I've read a lot of comments about that they they were having some issues on STRUT, POPPING sound under dash, and low quality stereo. Is that really true? Does anyone considering 06 redesigned VW GTI over the 06 RSX automatic transmission model?
  • albert8albert8 Member Posts: 8
    Is all the problems with the 06 RSX automatic tranmission model. nationwide or only in some states? I really want to know, i live at Washington State. If someone live in this state that owned the 06 RSX automatic transmission model any suggestions or tips before buying this car. I'm also comparing it with the new 06 redesigned GTI automatic transmission. I'll accept any suggestions or tips between the 2 cars.

    Thank you..
  • nitromaxnitromax Member Posts: 640
    Struts on the RSX have nothing to do with the automatic transmission.
    As far as the popping noise in the struts, I have yet to hear a definitive explanation from any of the complainers on this board as to how loud this "popping" noise actually is. I've asked and they've never responded.
    Some people that have complained about the noise make it equivalent to the front end about to fall off....saying it's the be all and end all of the car.

    As far as I know, the struts are the same across the entire model...and yet suddenly, the 2005-06 model year starts having all these complaints? kinda weird if you ask me
  • nrkevnrkev Member Posts: 2
    I have my 2006 RSX since Dec,05. I now have 2000 miles. The car is beautiful but it sounds like an old chevy. The hatchback rattles, the dash by the passenger side air bag has a cracking sound when I drive over moderate bumps.But the thing that annoys the hell out of me is the front end, both sides. When I turn the wheel backing out of a spot or a low speed turn, I hear this boing/boing spring sound. Acura said, "Japan is aware of the problem and their working on it, but not to worry, it's not dangerous. They said it's on all 2006's. Is this so???????????
  • hatchet53hatchet53 Member Posts: 5
    Endemic problem to RSX Type S as well- I have a 2005 Type S, same problem with the strut design. Acura has been working on the design problem since last September (2005), when mine started with about 1500 miles. Getting the same response from Acura dealer- they know the problem, expect a fix in 1-2 months. I've used posts from this site to show them possible fixes, but the response from Hall Acura in Newport News has been "we can't do anything unless we get the go ahead from Acura." So I am bugging them every few weeks to see what has come in from Acura.
  • nrkevnrkev Member Posts: 2
    I only drive the car on the weekends. (it's my wife's, I just pay the loan)I commute on my mcy. But at Westchester Acura, they were very nice to her. They fixed the dash noise but now it's back again. The hatch I put small felt pads with the self adhesive back all around the wheel well where the plastic cowling lays on top of the metal frame. That took a lot of squeaking away. The dealer also greased the top of the strut plates, (as per instructions from Japan). Thanks Japan but the front end noise got louder! If they don't get a handel on this, I would trade it in for the 07. If I hear of anything, I'll post it!
    Kevin
    New Rochelle,NY
  • nitromaxnitromax Member Posts: 640
    Tell your Acura dealer to put the MDX silencer tubes on the springs. That will quiet them.

    I'm still wondering what they changed in the design of the front struts/springs between the 2002/2004 and the 2005/2006 models. I have not heard of any changes that were done....unless they cut cost by adding cheaper components or eliminated something.
    weird
  • hatchet53hatchet53 Member Posts: 5
    Nitro,
    Thanks-Been there, done that- handed them the pages from this site and Club RSX detailing other Acura dealers solving the problem that way and was told wait out for the Acura TSB. Probably will call my other Acura dealer in the area and see what they are doing to resolve the issue. It's a different dealership.

    I also don't know what the strut tower or strut tower changes were, or why the springs are rotating to make the clunk- would think Acura would have figured it out from 2005 to 2006 model.
  • rarjeyrarjey Member Posts: 1
    Hello Tsmall

    We have had the EXACT same problem as you since day 1. I have been going to Acura in Temecula. They won't do anything now.

    I was wondering since you are also in CA, if you have thought about doing the Lemon Law?

    I am so disgusted with this car now. The other problem has been this wierd vibrating noise ONLY in 5th gear or 6th around 4000-4100 RPM. They first replaced the clutch assembly and then the noise came back. Then I take it back and they tighten something but it makes the clutch release too high. I haven't heard anyone else having this same noise. Am I the only one?? They basically said live with the noise. There's nothing we can do
  • albert8albert8 Member Posts: 8
    yeah,it looks like lot of people complaining with that same problem. i was thinking getting this one but from all i'been hearing about this car it make me change my mind. do you have an automatic? Is that the only problem you have so far?
  • faziofazio Member Posts: 9
    My RSX has a noisy dash when it gets below 30 degrees.... at first i thought it was ice...but when its cold the parts just rub. I hear it in the dash and also on the ceiling by the lights

    I also have the Strut popping noise, its being repaired right now, we shall see how it works? It started from day 1 as i was bringing my car home from the dealer.

    Yeah, whats everyones opinion on the factory stereo? Its not really loud outside the car, but its crisp and clean inside..... lots of power in the front but the back speakers barely sound connected even if you put the power all to the back its maybe 1/3 the power coming from the front speakers. Lucky for me I drive it and don't sit in the back. Are they [non-permissible content removed] speakers?? Or is it the stereo just not sending them enough juice?
  • mgosemgose Member Posts: 1
    Bought my 06 RSX in February. Had a tremendous rattle in the dash. Took it back to the dealer and they replaced the windshield. Rattle's gone.
  • faziofazio Member Posts: 9
    Did it only make the noise in cold weather?? Too me that one sounded like loose windsheild.....but only in sub 30 degree weather..... my other noise is the strut. Going to pick it up now, lets see if its fixed.

    How is your gas milage? I get about 21mpg city and 30highway.... about 5mpg less than the sticker claims... i do have a lead foot but on the highway its always on cruise doing close to the speed limit.
  • carob1carob1 Member Posts: 3
    So what happened?
    Did they fix it?
    If so, what exactly did they do? I want to be prepared for my dealer WHEN this happens to me. :mad:
  • joekewljoekewl Member Posts: 5
    Three days after purchasing my 2006 RSX base manual I noticed two things...one for two days my keyless entry didn't work, and some various noises began to appear. They were subtle noises but still irritating for a car that just broke 1k miles!
  • faziofazio Member Posts: 9
    Well they fixed the strut problem. So far so good, no more noise there. I am concerned about the noise in sub 20degree weather that sounds like a windshield being loose. Unfortunatly I'll have to wait until next winter and I believe noises are only coverd under your first 12months, like adjustments and stuff. It was hard to keep those noises seperate from the strut noise untill the struts were 24/7. So far so good.......

    Nobody picked up on my other question yet... on the standard RSX 2006 stereo.... are everyones back speakers so non existant or is it just mine? The front end sound is immaculate but the back speakers and like $4 computer speakrs from wal-mart.
  • corkscrewcorkscrew Member Posts: 254
    You have three options:
    1.See the dealer who sold the car to the first owner.
    2.Check the owners manual.
    3.Walk away from the deal.
    I would choose option number 3 unless you are buying from a good friend.
  • corkscrewcorkscrew Member Posts: 254
    I've just reviewed about 40 messages here and I am surprised at the number of problems associated with the RSX. We were going to buy one but spending our retirement in the service department is not an option. I think we will keep the Integra.
  • carob1carob1 Member Posts: 3
    fazio... You say they fixed the strut problem but didn't say how. What exactly did they do? Did they replace something? If so, what? Did they change something? If so, what? Did the tighten something? If so, what? They should have given you paperwork that says what was done, right?
  • nitromaxnitromax Member Posts: 640
    I've just reviewed about 40 messages here and I am surprised at the number of problems associated with the RSX. We were going to buy one but spending our retirement in the service department is not an option. I think we will keep the Integra.

    Keep in mind that the RSX has been around for 5 years and there are only 800 posts in this forum. (which is not many) And some are not even complaints.
    Also, don't forget that this is a PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS forum and you should expect to see nothing but problems here.
    Would you prefer a "I love my RSX" forum to ease your mind?
    Problem with that is there won't be many posts because all of those people are out driving.
    :-)

    People post here with some of the craziest stuff...like noises in cold weather! Come on, everyone knows that plastic contracts (all materials contract) in cold weather...and when that happens then gaps occur.

    I bought mine in 9/01 and have over 78,000 miles on it. I have had two issues with it. 1) the vtec solenoid died around 45,000 miles and the car wouldn't allow rpms higher than 4,000 2) the spring on my coin tray broke.
    Big whoop dee doo!!

    It's a great car and is STILL fun to drive after all of these years!
  • jprocjproc Member Posts: 135
    Ours is 3 years old and has had zero problems.Like Nitromax said people with no problems don't normally post.
  • faziofazio Member Posts: 9
    Well, the noise in cold weather, 4 people on here alone have had to have windsheilds replaced cause of it. I personally think thats what mine is too.... it sounds like its ready to fall out or cave in when your driving and hit the tiniest bump, like its not a good fit so when stuff does contract it becomes loose. the first time i heard it i practically ducked cause i thought my windsheild fell out
  • faziofazio Member Posts: 9
    The replaced all the struts in the car. However did the replace them with a fixed upgrade, or the same ones ..only time well tell. However mine was like this on my drive home from the dealer right after i signed and drived away! I put about 500miles on them so far and not a peep out them, ive read on other forums as well, its a flaw in the springs the way apparently are placed when they upgraded the steering a few years back. Some of them just seem to rub something, not exactly sure what it was.

    However, I am very satisfied with the car in general, just little things. If you want to talk about a piece of [non-permissible content removed] however, my previous car was a Ford Escort Zx2 2002, wow what a lemon. In 4yrs I owned it, Ford spend over 20,000 in repairs for a car that was only 15k sticker price. And thas not even a joke, 4 transmissions alone were about 12k, alternators, computers, motor, theromstat, fuel pump, master cylinder and they fixed these more than once. only had 72k miles on it too and half this stuff broke under 40k
  • joekewljoekewl Member Posts: 5
    I wanted to have some fun one day and I accelerated quickly out of this one turn. I then heard and felt this loud pop sound. It is a 2006 RSX 5 speed. Would this be part of the strut problem, I have heard this noise before when making turns. Or is that a totally different issue? Might anyone know the answer?
  • corkscrewcorkscrew Member Posts: 254
    We bought the Integra new in 1993 and have done routine maintenance ever since. Last december the front brakes were replaced and the rotors turned. That is the extent of our issues. Acura is often referred to as Honda's rich cousin. I expect more from acura than I am reading.
    As for plastic, my ram 1500 is full of it and the truck is quiet.
    Vtec solenoid at 45,00 miles is exactly the point I,m trying to convey. Parts that used to last for 100,000 miles are breaking down now at 50,000 or less.
  • corkscrewcorkscrew Member Posts: 254
    Check message # 762. It sounds like spring motion.
  • nitromaxnitromax Member Posts: 640
    As for plastic, my ram 1500 is full of it and the truck is quiet.

    Well, to be fair, don't expect the tolerances on your Dodge truck to be as tight as an Acura. Loose fitting plastic will not squeak when it gets cold out. It needs something to rub against.

    Vtec solenoid at 45,00 miles is exactly the point I,m trying to convey. Parts that used to last for 100,000 miles are breaking down now at 50,000 or less.

    Have you EVER heard anybody else have an issue with their vtec solenoid? it was an anomoly and anomolies happen.
    Just like the spring in my coin tray.
  • faziofazio Member Posts: 9
    Yeah it sounds like it..... mine even did it if I turned the wheel when i was idel as well. But it didn't at first, it got progessivly worse. If you can duplicate the noise at will, bring it in. Thats what I waited for, so i didnt have to keep bringing it back in untill it did it 24/7
  • hatchbackbabyhatchbackbaby Member Posts: 7
    I read an article yesterday about how they are discontinuing the RSX after 2006. This worries me because repairs on Acura’s are not cheap, and if the parts for the car become harder to get a hold of the price for repairs will go up even more. My question is with the Honda Si being a very close to the same build, will RSX users be able to use parts from that car for repairs? I heard that the Si and the RSX have the same engine, as well as the same frame, will this help in keeping the cost of repairs low?

    P.S. I think it is a horrible idea for Acura to get rid of such a great car like the RSX. The Si lacks in style, sex appeal, and a nice rear end... unlike the RSX. And what is up with the Si’s hood being half the size of the windshield? Now that's just ugly.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    I think $4 computer speakers would actually be BETTER than the rear speakers in the base model RSX. I always hated them, but then, that whole stereo needs MAJOR upgrades. Better speakers, an extra amp, a subwoofer to cancel out harmonic distortion from the car itself at higher speeds and provide some bass. The head unit is cheapish but would be OK if you were to add all the things I just mentioned.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • blondie92683blondie92683 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2004 RSX with only 20k and I just found out that my compressor is cracked due to rocks too. The warranty won't cover it and they expected me to pay $624!!!!!!! I refused and am now trying to get something together to send to the company so if anyone else has had this problem please post to let me know. :mad:
  • acuragurlx3acuragurlx3 Member Posts: 5
    Hi, I have a '06 base model 5 speed and i have had the car since nov. i had the same boing/boing spring sound when i first got the car my dealership but a BOOT over the spring n it stopped. ;)
  • acuragurlx3acuragurlx3 Member Posts: 5
    ok well I absolutely love my car and agree with another post i read that i hate leaving her outside all by herself at night LOL its an '06 base model 5 speed and i have had the spring popping noise already fixed but now not when its cold just raining and im on the interstate if i have my drivers side window cracked (smoker) above my head (sun roof) and to my right on the passenger side (there is the LOUD BANGING NOISE but only when it rains and there is noone n the passenger seat, so this makes everyone think i am a little nutso but im wondering if anyone else has had this???? Also, my when my heater is on *sometimes* it sounds like it is making expresso under there any thought? thanks :shades:
  • sharon30sharon30 Member Posts: 11
    For what it's worth, I don't think you are nuts. I've heard that same banging from time to time on the passenger side when I'm on the highway and it's raining out. Maybe it's a sign we shouldn't smoke, or maybe it's just hard rain pouncing against the car. One time it was actually so loud I pulled off the interstate because I was convinced something hit me. Who the hell knows--I love this car, but unfortunately I think I have just gotten used to all the rattles, thumps, and clicks. My brakes now always make a loud muffling type noise in the morning for the first couple of brakes---it started off as clicks in the summer which I've been told was normal due to rust on the rotors. In the winter, it turned into more of a muffling sound. Hot or cold, dry or rainy, they make some annoying sound. I have about 20k miles on it now and have it serviced regularly at which time they tell me everything is normal. Maybe it is all normal but I never experienced any of this with my Integra
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