My check engine light is on. Is it safe to drive?

Basic rule that holds true with any vehicle, if the check engine light is on steady, and the vehicle is running ok with good oil pressure and not overheating, then it should be safe to drive until you can have the vehicle checked by your shop. If however the check engine light is flashing, and or you detect a performance problem, then it’s not recommended to drive the vehicle any distance.

My battery light is on in the dash. Is it safe to drive?

Normally when the battery light is on, that indicates a possible issue with the alternator. If indeed the alternator isn’t recharging the battery, you run the risk of being stranded if driven as the battery voltage will become depleted.

When should I have maintenance items like spark plugs, driveline fluids, timing belt, filters, etc?

By far the easiest way to keep up with all the maintenance items on your vehicle is to stay close to the Manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Remember all vehicles may not have the same service intervals for a certain item. So It’s always best to check the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

We are driving on a long trip soon, but my car isn’t due for any maintenance yet. Should I have the vehicle looked over before leaving?

Absolutely 100% you should have the vehicle checked over before driving on any long trips. Things like spare tire pressure, quick visual inspection of tires for nails/cuts and pressures. Visual inspection under the hood to assure no leaks and all fluid levels are good. These things take maybe 15 minutes and are totally worth the piece of mind while traveling long distances.

There is a warning light on in my dash. What should I do? It seems to be running ok.

Every warning light on the instrument panel has a purpose. Warning lights are there to alert us that a computer/module has detected an abnormality in one of the systems on your vehicle. If you’re not sure what the light indicates, there is a section in your owner's manual that will give detailed information related to the light in question.

I have noticed a fluid leak under my car when parking ?

Any fluid leak should be inspected by your shop to verify the source. Trying to identify fluid on your driveway or parking lot can be a bit tricky. Coolant while water based, can have an oily feel on your fingers and may lead you to think it’s engine oil. Engine oil and transmission fluid are similar, but transmission fluid if not too spent, will have a red look unless it’s a CVT transmission. Engine oil could be darker looking, or clear if you just had the oil changed recently. Brake fluid is usually clear, but oily feeling much like engine oil. Checking the under hood fluid levels many times can lead you in the right direction.

How often should I change my engine oil?

I don’t think any 2 vehicle manufacturers are the same. At Creech Import Repair, we recommend every 5,000 miles to change the oil and filter. Many mfg’s recommend longer intervals, but if they extend past 5k we highly recommend checking the engine oil level every 1,000 miles. By nature of design, any internal combustion engine is going to use or consume some amount of oil. Also detergent in oil is designed to suspend by-products of combustion, which is what eventually turns the engine oil dark. At some point the detergent content will become loaded and can’t store anymore. This is the point when the engine can start to gum up inside with deposits and can be harmful to your engine and shorten its life.

Acura RSX Repair - Creech Import Repair

Expert Service for a Performance Hatch That Still Turns Heads

The Acura RSX might be long gone from showroom floors, but you’d never guess it by how many are still zipping through Raleigh streets and backroads. Known for its rev-happy engine and clean coupe styling, the RSX earned a loyal fanbase when it replaced the Integra in the early 2000s. It brought together everyday practicality and a punchy driving experience in one sleek package.

Here at Creech Import Repair, we’ve worked on RSXs since the first ones hit the road. Whether you drive a bone-stock commuter or a track-prepped Type-S, we know what these cars need to stay fast, tight, and reliable..

A Brief Rundown of the RSX

Built from 2002 through 2006, the RSX—called the Honda Integra DC5 elsewhere in the world—gave Acura a strong player in the compact sport market. Buyers could choose between the base model and the more aggressive Type-S. Both came with a 2.0-liter K-series engine, but the Type-S added more horsepower, a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox, and performance brakes.

For all its strengths, the RSX wasn’t perfect. Over time, certain issues became common across different years, especially as these cars age and rack up miles.

Acura RSX Problems by Model Year

🔧 2002–2004 RSX

Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets: Once these engines pass 70,000 miles, it's not unusual to see oil seeping from the valve cover. If it leaks onto the exhaust, it can produce a strong burning smell.
➤ Repair:Replace valve cover gasket and inspect plug tube seals while you’re in there.
Window Regulator Failure :
Drivers reported side windows getting stuck halfway or falling into the door. The regulators wear out with time, especially in hotter climates.
➤ Repair:New window regulators, properly greased and adjusted.
Check Engine Light for EVAP Codes: Many 2002–2003 RSXs lit up the CEL due to a faulty purge valve or leaky gas cap in the emissions system.
➤ Repair:Smoke test and replace faulty purge components or cap.
Cracked Motor Mounts:Hard driving and engine torque take a toll on the mounts, especially the passenger side. If the car bucks or shakes, the mounts may be the cause.
➤ Repair:Replace mounts; consider polyurethane if performance is a priority.

🔧 2005–2006 RSX

Clutch Pedal Squeaks or Goes Soft: By the later model years, many RSXs had noisy or mushy clutch pedals. The clutch master and slave cylinders often wore out or leaked fluid
➤ Repair: Replace master and slave, bleed system, and lubricate pedal bushings.
Cloudy Headlight Lenses: Sun damage takes a toll, and foggy lenses on RSXs weren’t just unattractive—they cut down nighttime visibility.
➤ Repair:Resurface the lenses or install replacements for a clean look and better light.
Suspension Bushings Wearing Out: Over time, the rubber in the control arm bushings dries and cracks, especially in the rear. This can cause clunking and make the car feel loose
➤ Repair:Press in new OEM bushings or upgrade to polyurethane for sharper handling.
Excessive Oil Consumption (Type-S): Some K20Z1 engines burned more oil than expected, especially when driven hard. If ignored, this can lead to low oil levels and engine damage.
➤ Repair:Top-off regularly, or rebuild with new rings and seals if the problem is bad.
A/C Compressor Failure: By the time most RSXs reach ten years old, A/C issues tend to pop up. A common culprit is the compressor clutch going bad.
➤ Repair:Replace compressor, inspect lines, recharge the system.

Ongoing Issues Across All RSX Model Years

Rear Shock Leaks– Oil weeping from the shock body leads to poor ride quality and bouncing.
Throttle Body Gunk– Over time, carbon builds up and causes rough idle or throttle hesitation.
Power Lock Actuator Failure– When your key fob works but nothing moves, the door actuators may be dead.
Clear Coat Peeling– Dark-colored RSXs are particularly prone to paint damage on the hood, roof, and spoiler.
Cracking Dashboards– In cars exposed to sun or heat for years, the dash plastic can split and curl.

Warning Signs Your RSX Might Need a Visit

Keep an eye (and ear) out for these issues. They're usually the first hint something’s off:

Gears grinding or feeling notchy
Drips of oil or coolant in the driveway
Bounce or bottoming out over bumps
Headlights that seem dim even with new bulbs
A/C that cycles but doesn’t cool
CEL paired with sluggish throttle or idle surging
Uneven tire wear even after alignment
Steering wheel vibrations at speed

RSX Repair Services at Creech Import Repair

We’ve handled just about every RSX problem you can imagine. From engine rebuilds to suspension tuning, our team uses quality parts and precise tools to get the job done right.

🔧

Engine & Fuel

Valve cover resealing
Injector cleaning and spark plug inspection
Intake system cleaning
PCV valve and EVAP component replacement
K-series engine rebuilds for performance or reliability

❄️

Cooling & A/C

Radiator replacements
Thermostat swaps and temp sensor diagnostics
Heater core repairs
Compressor replacements
Full A/C system testing and recharging

🚗

Suspension & Steering

Control arm and trailing arm repairs
Struts, shocks, and coil spring service
Sway bar bushing upgrades
Precision alignment
Steering rack leak checks and fluid service

🛑

Brake System

Pads and rotor replacement
Brake line inspection
ABS troubleshooting
Caliper rebuilds
Brake fluid flushing

🔋

Interior & Electronics

Window regulator repairs
Door lock actuator replacement
Dashboard and lighting diagnostics
Audio upgrades and head unit wiring
Headlight restoration and replacement

RSX Maintenance Guidelines

Sticking to a solid maintenance schedule keeps these cars running strong. Here’s a reliable rule of thumb:

Service	Interval
Oil Change	Every 5,000 miles
Coolant Flush	Every 3 years
Spark Plugs	100,000 miles
Valve Adjustment	110,000 miles (if needed)
Brake Fluid	Every 2 years
Timing Chain Inspection	100,000 miles
Suspension Check	Every 20,000 miles

Why Choose Creech for Your RSX in Raleigh?

We’re not just any shop. We’ve built our reputation by working on the kinds of vehicles we’d drive ourselves. RSX owners appreciate that we take the time to get it right—and that we speak their language. Whether you’re chasing lap times or just want peace of mind commuting to work, we’ll treat your car like our own.

Our Promise to You:

Deep knowledge of K-series platforms
Performance parts and upgrades available
Upfront pricing—no games
Factory tools, diagnostics, and skilled technicians
Friendly, down-to-earth service

What Local RSX Owners Are Saying

Jared M., Raleigh

Had a bad synchro in third gear—Creech diagnosed it quickly, quoted me fairly, and the car shifts like butter now.

Alyssa R., Garner

I’ve been to a lot of shops. Creech is the first place that knew what my RSX needed without me having to explain.

Frank P., Durham

Blew a motor mount and didn’t realize it. These guys had me back on the road fast. It feels solid again.

Contact us today

For an estimate with the most trusted auto repair shop in Wake County, Creech Import Repair!

Shop Location

1818 St. Albans Dr #106
Raleigh, NC 27609

Monday - Friday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Call us 919-872-1999

Our Commitment to You

At Creech Import Repair, our philosophy is simple: Treat customers with kindness, respect, and honesty, and success will follow. Contact us for any and all of your automotive repair needs.

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Acura RSX Repair in Raleigh, NC

Expert Service for a Performance Hatch That Still Turns Heads