2003 Acura NSX Preventive Maintenance & Service Schedule

This guide provides the complete factory preventive maintenance schedule for the 2003 Acura NSX, based on the official Owner's Manual. The NSX is a hand-built exotic with a mid-engine layout. It is powered by a 3.2L V6 (C32B) engine .

> CRITICAL ENGINE DESIGN: The C32B engine is an interference engine and uses a timing belt, not a chain. Replacement is mandatory, not optional .

Overview of Required Fluids (2003 Acura NSX)

The Two Maintenance Schedules (Normal vs. Severe)

Your 2003 NSX has two service tracks. Most real-world driving (especially for a performance car) qualifies for the Severe Conditions schedule.

Severe Driving Conditions (Choose This Schedule If Any Apply)

Select the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule if you regularly drive under any of these conditions :

> For major periodic service, this should generally be done every 2 years or after 30,000 kilometers (approximately 18,600 miles) .

Factory Maintenance Schedule

The 2003 NSX Owner's Manual organizes maintenance around letter-coded service items (A, B, C, D).

Service Items Defined

Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule

This schedule is optimized for relaxed highway driving and does not apply to most driving conditions listed above .

Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule

For U.S. owners driving under severe conditions and all Canadian owners :

> Note: Automatic transmission fluid is due at 60,000 miles for the first change, then every 30,000 miles thereafter . Manual transmission fluid is due every 60,000 miles .

Timing Belt – The Most Critical Service

The C32B engine is an interference engine and uses a timing belt, not a chain. This is the single most important maintenance item for your NSX.

Factory Replacement Intervals

Why Timing Belt Replacement Is Critical

The timing belt is made of rubber, which deteriorates with time; it can dry out and crack regardless of mileage . This is an interference engine: if the timing belt breaks, the pistons will strike the open valves, resulting in bent valves, damaged pistons, and typically requiring complete engine replacement.

> *"Those of us with the '97-03 NSX know that the recommendation is to change it every 105K miles or every 7 years, whichever comes first."* — NSX Prime

The Age Factor – Critical for 2003 NSX Owners

For a 2003 NSX in 2025, the age factor is paramount. The 7-year interval means:

If the timing belt history is unknown, assume it is original and replace it immediately.

Owner Guidance for Timing Belt Service (The "Full Job")

When replacing the timing belt, replace these components simultaneously to avoid paying for the same labor twice:

• Timing belt itself
• Water pump (driven by the timing belt)
• Timing belt tensioner
• Drive belts (serpentine/accessory belt)
• Coolant (requires draining to replace water pump)

Independent Maintenance Requirements

The following requirements apply independently of the mileage schedule :

NSX-T Convertible Top Hydraulic Fluid

For NSX-T models, use Pentosin ATF 44 fluid for the convertible top hydraulic system . This is a specialized mineral-based hydraulic fluid, not standard power steering fluid or ATF. Capacity is approximately 1 liter for the reservoir.

Monthly & Pre-Drive Checks

As outlined in the 2003 NSX Owner's Manual, perform these checks regularly :

Valve Clearance Adjustment

The NSX's C32B engine uses mechanical lifters (not hydraulic). Valve clearance should be inspected every 105,000 miles and adjusted only if they are noisy during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 . Tight exhaust valves may not make noise even when dangerously tight, so a physical inspection is recommended at major intervals.

Specifications (cold engine):

• Intake: 0.15-0.19 mm (0.006-0.007 in)
• Exhaust: 0.17-0.21 mm (0.007-0.008 in)

Resetting the Maintenance Light

Unlike modern Acura vehicles with digital Maintenance Minder systems, the 2003 NSX uses a simpler maintenance reminder light. After performing the required maintenance service, the indicator must be reset.

Reset Procedure:

1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II) (do not start the engine)
2. Locate the ODO/TRIP button on the instrument cluster
3. Press and hold the button until the maintenance light resets (consult your owner's manual for exact timing)

Service at Independent Shops – Important

From the 2003 NSX Owner's Manual :

> *"Service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in this type of automotive service. Keep all the receipts as proof of completion, and have the person who does the work fill out the Maintenance Record."*

However, Acura recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or mileage period to ensure long-term reliability .

Find a qualified NSX specialist. The NSX is a low-volume exotic with unique engineering (mid-engine layout, aluminum body, hand-built C32B engine). Most factory-trained dealer techs have retired. NSX owners recommend finding a specialist shop with NSX experience rather than taking it to a general Acura dealer.