2008 HONDA S2000 steering

Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, f uel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, conf using
drivers behind you.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly, or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Make sure the convertible top and
the windows are closed.
Make sure the removable hardtop
is properly installed and the
windows are closed.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb, and put the transmission in
reverse gear.
If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb, and put the transmission in
f irst gear.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Lock the doors.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Turn of f the lights.
CONT INUED
Except CR models CR models
Parking
Parking T ips Braking System
Parking, Braking System
Driving
149
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2008 S2000

Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the f ront-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
may hear some noise. This is normal:
it is the ABS rapidly pumping the
brakes. On dry pavement, you will
need to press on the brake pedal
very hard before the ABS activates.
However, you may f eel the ABS
activate immediately if you are trying
to stop on snow or ice.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
You should never pump the brake pedal.
Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Braking System, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
150
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2008 S2000

If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock f unction of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.it only helps with steering
control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road. on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
ABS Indicator
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle;
Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
151
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR
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2008 S2000

Î
Ì Ì Î
Ì
Î
Î
Maintenance Minder
168
Maintenance Sub Items
Check tire inflation and condition
Replace air cleaner element
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace rear differential fluid
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Check expiration date for tire sealant bottle
:
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
5
61
2
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Independent of the maintenance messages in the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
If the message ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
NOTE: 1:
2 : CR models
167
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Driving in mountainous areas results in higher level
of mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the maintenance minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder
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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

You should not rotate your vehicle’s
tires. The f ront and rear tires are
dif f erent sizes, so they cannot be
rotated f ront-to-rear. The original-
equipment tires on your vehicle have
a unidirectional tread pattern, so
they cannot be rotated side-to-side.
The tires that came on your vehicle
were designed and constructed to
provide superior grip during
acceleration, braking, and cornering.
As a trade-of f , they will wear more
rapidly than tires used on ordinary
passenger vehicles. Because of the
vehicle’s weight distribution, and the
fact that the rear wheels are the
driving wheels, you can expect them
to wear more rapidly than the f ront
tires.Themileageyoucanexpectfrom
yourvehicletiresisthesameas
comparable mid-and rear-engine
sports cars, and it will vary greatly
with your driving habits.
If you drive moderately, the rear
tires could last more than 10,000
miles (16,000 km). However, the
mileage will be substantially less if
you tend to drive your vehicle at the
upper limits of its capabilities.
You should caref ully inspect your
vehicle’s tires f or wear, damage, and
proper inf lation every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) or when tire inspection
is indicated on the inf ormation
display (see page ).
It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling.
Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s side wall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
anti-lock brake and the vehicle
stability assist systems to work
inconsistently.
168
Tires
Tire Rotation
Tire Wear Replacing T ires and Wheels
192
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CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .136
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.......................................
Position) .64
...............
Accessory Power Socket .90
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .170
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,20
........
Air Conditioning System .96,100
...................................
Usage .98,102
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .190
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .128
AM/FM Stereo Radio
...................................
Reception .107
......................................
Antif reeze .173
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .45,151
...................................
Operation .150
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock .64
..........................
Anti-thef t System .123
......................................
Audio Panel .91
................................
Audio System .104
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .18
.............
Automatic Speed Control .124 ........
Back-up Light Replacement .183
Battery
Charging System
...........................
Indicator .46,218
............................
Jump Starting .214
..............................
Maintenance .195
............................
Specif ications .235
..............................
Bef ore Driving .127
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,16
.............................
Beverage Holder .90
..................................
Booster Seats .38
............................................
Brakes .149
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .150
.............
Break-in, New Linings .128
...........................................
Fluid .178
.........................................
Parking .88
..........................
System Design .150
.................
System Indicator .46,226
........................
Wear Indicators .150
.............................
Braking System .149
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .128
..
Brightness Control, Instruments .60
........................
Brights, Headlights .59 .........................
Bulb Replacement .179
..........................
Back-up Lights .183
.................................
Headlights .179
...........
Side Turn Signal Lights .182
............................
Specif ications .235
....................
Turn Signal Lights .181
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .179
............................
Capacities Chart .234
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .41
....................
Cargo, How to Carry .138
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of .iii
.........................................
CD Care .117
...................................
CD Changer .116
.....
CD Changer Error Messages .121
.........
CD Player Error Messages .120
.......................................
CD Player .114
........................
Certif ication Label .232
.................................
Chains, Tires .194
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .201
Index
B
A
C
INDEX
I
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2008 S2000

.............................................
Gauges .53
...
Engine Coolant Temperature .55
...............................................
Fuel .54
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..............
Manual Transmission .148
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............................
(GVWR) .139,234
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs .179
.......................
Hardtop, Removable .78
...................................
Installation .79
.......................................
Removal .84
..........................................
Storing .86
.......................................
Washing .86
............................
Wind Def lecter .75
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers .60
Headlights
........................................
Aiming .179
............
Daytime Running Lights .59
..................
High Beam Indicator .49
...........................
Reminder Tone .59
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs .199
...................................
Turning on .59
.....................................
Heating .96,100 .
Heating and Cooling System .96,100
............................
High Beam Lever .59
.......................
Hood, Opening the .130
..................................................
Horn .57
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .178
Identif ication Number,
.......................................
Vehicle .232
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .62
...........................................
Switch .64
............
Timing Control System .243
........................
Immobilizer System .63
.........
Important Safety Precautions .6
Indicators
..............
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) .47
Brake (Parking and Brake
............................
System) .46,220
................
Charging System .46,220
.............................
Cruise Control .47
....................................
Door-open .47
DRL(Daytime Running
......................................
Lights) .48 EPS (Electrical Power
..................................
Steering) .48
...................................
High Beam .49
........
Key (Immobilizer System) .49
......................................
Low Fuel .49
................
Low Oil Pressure .46,218
..............
Low Tire Pressure .51,240
...............
Maintenance Required .50
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .47,219
..................................
Peak Power .52
.......................................
Seat Belt .46
...............................................
SRS .47
...........................
TPMS System .240
..................................
Trunk-open .47
Turn Signal and Hazard
...................................
Warning .48
..
VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) .50
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel .46
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire .189
........
Recommended Pressures .190
...................................
Inside Mirror .87
.............................
Inspection, Tire .190
....................
Installing a Child Seat .34
............................
Instrument Panel .45
........
Instrument Panel Brightness .60
Index
I
H
IV
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2008 S2000