2002 HONDA S2000 Owners Manual

Your car has several convenient
storage areas so you can stow cargo
saf ely.
However, carrying too much cargo,
or improperly storing it, can af f ect
your car’s handling, stability, and
operation and make it unsafe. Before
carrying any type of cargo, be sure to
read the f ollowing pages.
The upper and lower console
compartments are designed for small,
lightweight items. The trunk is
intended f or larger, heavier items.
Bef ore Driving
Carrying Cargo
130
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TTRRUUNNKK

Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.
Besureitemsplacedonthefloor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
under the seats and interf ere with
the driver’s ability to operate the
pedals, or with the proper
operation of the seats.
This f igure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories.
To f igure out how much cargo you
can carry:
Add up the weight of all occupants.
Subtract the total f rom 400 lbs
(185 kg).
The f inal number is the total weight
of cargo you can carry.
The maximum load for your car is
400 lbs (185 kg).
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
Load Limit
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
131
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in thismanual.

Distribute cargo evenly on the
f loor of the trunk, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible.
Carrying Cargo in the Trunk
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
132

Usecautionif youshoulddrive
your car on very rough or rutted
roads. You could damage the
suspension and underbody by
bottoming out. Going too f ast over
parking lot ‘‘speed bumps’’ can
also cause damage.Because of the low-prof ile tires
f itted to your car, the alloy wheels
are closer to the ground. Driving
over a pothole or road debris at
too high a speed can seriously
damage a wheel. Slow down under
these conditions.
Your Honda is designed to give you
optimum handling and perf ormance
on well-maintained roads. As part of
this design, your car has a minimum
of ground clearance and very low-
prof ile tires.
Curbs and steep inclines could
damage the f ront and rear
bumpers. Low curbs that do not
affect the average car may be high
enough to hit the bumper on your
Honda. The f ront or rear bumper
mayscrapewhentryingtodrive
onto an incline, such as a steep
driveway or trailer ramps. Bef ore Driving
General Precautions
133

134

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual transmission. It also includes
important inf ormation on parking
your car, and the braking system.........................
Preparing to Drive . 136
.......................
Starting the Engine . 137
Starting in Cold Weather ....................
at High Altitude . 138
....
6-speed Manual Transmission . 139
.....
Recommended Shif t Points . 140
..............
Engine Speed Limiter . 140
.......................
Reverse Lockout . 140
...........................................
Parking . 141
.....................
The Braking System . 142
.............
Brake Wear Indicators . 142
...............
Brake System Design . 143
.......................
Anti-lock Brakes . 143
Important Saf ety .........................
Reminders . 144
........................
ABS Indicator . 145
...............
Driving in Bad Weather . 146
...........................
Towing a Trailer . 147
Driving
Driving 135

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or f astened down
securely.
Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passenger has f astened his or
her seat belt (see page ).
Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
Start the engine (see page ).
Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your car.
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed. Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.8.9.
10. 11. 43
67
78 137
15
Driving
Preparing to Drive
136

Apply the parking brake.
In cold weather, turn of f all
electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery.
Push the clutch pedal down all the
way. The ENGINE START button
has no ef f ect unless the clutch
pedal is depressed.
Turn the ignition key to ON (II)
position.Without touching the accelerator
pedal, push the ENGINE START
button. If the engine does not start
right away, do not hold the
ENGINE START button f or more
than 15 seconds at a time. Pause
f or at least 10 seconds bef ore
trying again.If the engine still does not start,
press the accelerator pedal all the
way down and hold it there while
starting in order to clear f looding.
As before, hold the ENGINE
START button f or no more than
15 seconds. Return to step 6 if the
engine does not start. If it starts,
lif t your f oot of f the accelerator
pedal so the engine does not race.
If theenginedoesnotstartwithin
15 seconds, or starts but stalls
right away, repeat step 5 with the
accelerator pedal pressed half-way
down. If the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator pedal
so the engine does not race.
1. 2. 3. 4.
5.6. 7.
Driving
Starting the Engine
137
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