2008 HONDA S2000 Owners Manual

If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap on, and
tighten it fully.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
2. 3.
4.
5.
1.
Engine Coolant
174
RADIATOR CAP
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.
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2008 S2000

Check the f luid level by looking at
the level gauge attached to the cap.
Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
Windshield Washers
Maint enance
175
LEVEL GAUGERESERVOIR CAP
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
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2008 S2000

Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt, and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Install
the f iller bolt, and tighten it securely.If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the intervals shown on the
inf ormation display.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
Put a new washer on the f iller bolt,
then reinstall the f iller bolt and
tighten it securely.
Manual T ransmission Fluid
176
CORRECT LEVEL
FILLER BOLT
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2008 S2000

Use an SAE 90 viscosity hypoid gear
oil, API service classif ied GL5 or
GL6 only.
Put a new washer on the f iller bolt,
then reinstall the f iller bolt. Tighten
it securely. Tightening torque:
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
Check the f luid level with the
dif f erential at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
dif f erential f luid f iller bolt and
washer, and caref ully f eel inside the
bolt hole with your f inger. The f luid
level should be up to the edge of the
bolt hole. If it is not, slowly add f luid
until it starts to run out of the hole. The dif f erential should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the intervals shown on the
inf ormation display.
Dif f erential Fluid
Maint enance
177
CORRECT LEVEL
FILLER BOLT
WASHER
34 lbf·ft (46 N·m , 4.7 kgf·m)
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2008 S2000

Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Replace the brake f luid according to
the time recommendation in the
maintenance schedule.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible.
Brake Fluid Clutch Fluid
Brake and Clutch Fluid
178
MAX
MIN MAX
MIN
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2008 S2000

The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced.Halogen bulbs are used f or the high
beam headlight bulbs. When
replacing a high beam headlight bulb,
handle it by its base, and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk, readjustment may be required.
Adjustment should be done by your
dealer or other qualif ied mechanic.
CONT INUED
Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Lights
Maint enance
179
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
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2008 S2000

Open the hood.
If you need to change the high
beam headlight bulb on the driver’s
side, remove the coolant reserve
tank f rom its holder by pulling it
straight up.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by squeezing the
connector to unlock the tab, then
slide the connector of f the bulb.Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire f rom its slot. Pivot it out of
the way, and remove the bulb
socket.Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Make sure
the bulb is installed correctly by
looking through the headlight lens.
The pins on the base of the bulb
should f it in the holes in the
headlight assembly. Pivot the hold-
down wire back in place, and clip
the end into the slot.
Install the rubber seal over the
back of the headlight assembly.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb. Turn on the
headlights to test the new bulb.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms. Reinstall the coolant reserve tank.
(Driver’s side)
1.
2. 3.
4.
5.6.
7.
8.
9.
Lights
180
CONNECTOR
BULB
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2008 S2000

If you are changing the bulb on
the driver’s side, start the engine,
turn the steering wheel all the way
to the right, then turn off the
engine. If you are changing the
bulb on the passenger’s side, turn
the steering wheel to the left.Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the three holding clips
f rom the inner f ender.
Pull the inner f ender cover back.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Install the new bulb in the socket.
Put the inner f ender cover in place.
Install the three holding clips.
Lock each clip in place by pushing
on the center.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.6.
7.
8.
9.
Replacing Front Turn Signal and
Side Marker/Parking L ight Bulbs
Lights
Maint enance
181
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2008 S2000