2000 HONDA S2000 check engine

If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
dis­
charged or the connections are
corroded.
Check the condition of the
battery and terminal connections
(see page 177). You can then try
jump starting the car from a booster
battery (see page 220).
The Starter Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's
speed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you press the
ENGINE START button, but the
engine does not run.
• Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to
Starting the
Engine on page 131 .
• Do you have fuel? Turn the
ignition switch to
ON (ID for a
minute and watch the fuel gauge.
The low fuel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to
fill the tank.
If Your Engine Won't Start
• There may be an electrical
problem, such as
no power to the
fuel pump.
Check all the fuses
(see page
231 ) .
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See
Emergency
Towing on page 238.
Taking Care of the Unexpected 219

Jump Starting
If your car's battery has run down,
you may
be able to start the engine
by using a booster battery. Although
this
seems like a simple procedure,
you should take several precautions.
220 Taking Care of the Unexpected
A battery can explode if you do
not
follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep
all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
To jump start your car, follow these
directions closely:
1. Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page 177 ) . In very cold
weather,
check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not
try jump starting
until it thaws.
NOTICE
if a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can freeze.
Attempting
to jump start with a frozen
battery can cause it
to rupture.
2. Turn off all the electrical acces­
sories: heater,
A/C, stereo system,
lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral
and
set the parking brake.

If Your Engine Overheats
6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution.
If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see
Emergency
Towing on page 238 ) .
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the
coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator
cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
224 Taking Care of the Unexpected
7. If you don't find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in
the
radiator reserve tank (see page
120 ) . If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and
MAX marks.
8. If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge, or lower,
before checking the radiator.
9. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn
the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to
the first stop. This
releases any remaining pressure
in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off.

lO.Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the filler
neck.
If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
ll.Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge.
If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See
Emergency
Towing on page 238 .)
If Your Engine Overheats
12.If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank.
If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Taking Care of the Unexpected 225

Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
after
the engine starts. It should
never come on when
the engine is
running.
If it starts flashing, it
indicates
that the oil pressure
dropped very low for a moment,
then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with
the engine running, it shows
that
the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.
226 Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn
off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the car
stopped.
1. Safely pull off the road and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open
the hood and check the oil level
(see page 119 ). Although oil level
and
oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine
that is very
low on
oil can lose pressure during
cornering and
other driving
maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page 120 ) .
4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator.
If the light
does not go out within
ten seconds,
turn off
the engine. There is a
mechanical problem
that needs to
be repaired before you can
continue driving.
(See Emergency
Towing on page 238 .)

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch
ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one of the
engine's emissions control systems
may have a problem. Even though
you may feel
no difference in your
car's performance, it can reduce
your fuel economy and cause your
car to put out excessive emissions.
Continued operation may cause
serious damage.
228 Taking Care of the Unexpected
If you have recently refueled your
car, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing fuel
fill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks at least
three times. Replace the fuel
fill cap
if it is missing. Tightening the cap
will not make the indicator turn off
immediately; it takes three driving
trips.
If the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have the car
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until the
dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and
driving at high speed.
You should also have the dealer
inspect your car
if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn off as you continue driving.
NOTICE
If you keep driving with the
malfunction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your car's emissions controls
and engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your car's warranties.

The Brake System Indicator light
comes on when you turn the ignition
ON (II). If the parking brake is not
set, it goes off after you start the
engine.
If the parking brake is set, it
goes off when you fully release the
parking brake with the engine
running. If
it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with
the car's
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low fluid level in
the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal.
If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a
service station (see page
170 ) . If the
fluid level is
low, take the car to your
dealer and have the brake system
inspected for leaks or worn brake
pads.
However,
if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because
of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem
in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels.
You will feel the brake pedal
go down much farther before the car
begins to slow down, and you
will
have to press harder on the pedal.
The distance needed to stop will be
much longer.
Brake System Indicator
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because
of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car.
You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible.
If you must drive the car a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
Taking Care of the Unexpected 229

Authorized Manuals
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown below for a quotation.
Customer Name Attention
Street Address ---No P.O. Box Number Apartment Number
City State & Zip Code
Daytime Telephone Number (
D
D Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only. Do not send cash
Master Card
Account Number
D VISA
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE D Check here if your billing address is different from the shipping address shown above.
Expiration: Mo. Yr.
DATE
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.
tELm P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356
260
Service Manual:
This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures for repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under­
stand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each
electrical circuit
in your car.
Body Repair Manual:
This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.