2008 HONDA S2000 maintenance

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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
1:
2 : Only on CR models. CR models are not available in Canada.
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
45
TRUNK-OPEN INDICATOR
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
DOOR-OPEN INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM
INDICATOR
(P.50)
(P.50)
(P.47)
(P.46) CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATORLOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR (P.47)
(P.47) (P.47)
(P.49) (P.47)
(P.48)
(P.49)
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
INDICATOR
VSA ACTIVATION INDICATOR
OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD WARNING
INDICATORS
MAINTENANCE MINDER INDICATOR(P.50)
INFORMATION DISPLAY
HIGH BEAM INDICATORTPMS INDICATOR
(P.48) DAYTIME RUNNING
LIGHTS INDICATOR
LOW TIRE PRESSURE
INDICATOR (P.49)
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR
SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR
ELECTRIC
POWER
STEERING (EPS)
INDICATOR
(P.48)
PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.51)
(P.51)
(P.52)
PEAK POWER INDICATOR (P.53,161)
(P.55)
(P.46,220) (P.46,218)
(P.46,218) (P.47,219)
1 2
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2008 S2000

This indicator has three f unctions:Itcomesonasareminderthatyou
have turned off the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system.
It flashes when VSA is active (see
page ).
It comes on along with the VSA
system indicator if there is a
problem with the VSA system.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. For more inf ormation, see
page .
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
If itcomesonandstaysonatany
other time, or if it does not come on
when you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, there is a
problem with the VSA system. Take
your vehicle to a dealer to have it
checked. Without VSA, your vehicle
still has normal driving ability, but
will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement. See page
f or more inf ormation on the
VSA system. This indicator reminds you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance. The
maintenance main items and sub
items will be displayed in the
inf ormation display. See page f or
more inf ormation on the
maintenance minder.
This indicator goes of f when your
dealer resets it after completing the
required maintenance service.
1.
2.
3.
152 152
152 161
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator
VSA A ctivation Indicator Maintenance Minder
Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
50
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2008 S2000

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The inf ormation display in the
instrument panel shows you the
engine oil lif e and maintenance
service items when the ignition
switch is in the ON (II) position. This
inf ormation helps to keep you aware
of the periodic maintenance your
vehicle needs f or continued trouble-
f ree driving. Ref er to page f or
more inf ormation.
The clock displays the time with the
ignition switch in the ON (II)
position.
To set the clock:
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position.
Press and hold the CLOCK button
until the minute display blinks.
Adjusttheminutebypressingthe or button.
When you f inish the minute
adjustment, press and release the
CLOCK button. The hour display
will blink. Adjust the hour by
pressing the or button. When you f inish your adjustments,
press the CLOCK button again.
1.
2.
3. 4.
161
Gauges
Maintenance Minder Clock
56
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2008 S2000

Dust is the main cause of creaks or
other sounds coming f rom the
convertible top.
Regularly clean the body seals with
glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Do not
use a scraper or de-icing chemicals
to remove f rost, snow, or ice f rom
the top or the rear window.
Every 3 to 6 months, depending on
how of ten the top is f olded, rub a
thin f ilm of Shin-Etsu Silicon Grease
(available f rom your dealer, P/N
08798-9013) onto the seals wherever
they touch the convertible top or
each other.Do not lean or sit on an open door.
Do not push or pull the door glass
to open and close the door.
The convertible top seals are
designed to promote the f low of
water of f the roof . Spraying high-
pressure water directly on the
seals can distort them, causing a
leak. Use only a low-pressure
water stream when using a hose,
and avoid commercial car washes.
Maintenance To reduce the possibility of leaks:
Convertible Top
Inst rument s and Cont rols
77
Do not put any heavy items on the
f olded convertible top. You could
damage the material and the
mechanism.
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2008 S2000

Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:We recommend quality gasoline
containing detergent additives that
help prevent f uel system and engine
deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
f uel additives such as MMT.
Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely af f ect perf ormance,and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact
your authorized dealer f or service.
Some gasoline today is blended with
oxygenates such as ethanol or
MTBE. Your vehicle is designed to
operate on oxygenated gasoline
containing up to 10% ethanol by
volume and up to 15% MTBE by
volume. Do not use gasoline
containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.
For f urther important f uel-related
inf ormation, please ref er to your
.
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
Useof aloweroctanegasolinecan
cause occasional metallic knocking
noises in the engine and will result in
decreased engine perf ormance. Use
of a gasoline with a pump octane
number less than 87 can lead to
engine damage.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time.
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration. Do not exceed 5,500
rpm f or the f irst 600 miles (1,000
km) of operation.
Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation
Quick Start Guide
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
128
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2008 S2000

Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, seeon page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant. Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
173 167
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
Service Station Procedures
132
RESERVE TANK
MAX MIN
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2008 S2000

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Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel mileage at speeds above 45
mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon.
An under-inf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption.
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy.
167
Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page
).
Improving Fuel Economy Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Drive moderately
Observe the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
170
Vehicle Maint enance Drive Ef f icient ly
Fuel Economy
134
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2008 S2000

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .160
....................
Maintenance Minder .161
..............................
Fluid Locations .169
........................
Adding Engine Oil .170
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter .171
..............................
Engine Coolant .173
....................
Windshield Washers .175
........
Manual Transmission Fluid .176
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .177
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .178
.............................................
Lights .179
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .184
.....................................
Floor Mats .185
..................
DustandPollenFilter .185
..............................
Audio Antenna .185
.................................
Wiper Blades .186
...........................................
Wheels .188
...............................................
Tires .188
...................
Checking the Battery .196
.............................
Vehicle Storage .198
251
Maintenance
Maint enance
159
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2008 S2000