2009 HONDA S2000 brakes

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
2009 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
2009 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
2009 S2000

When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety.When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA activation indicator blink (see
page ).
The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surf aces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output and
by selectively applying the brakes. If this indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e, and turn of f the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays on or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your dealer.If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON (II) position, there may be a
problem with the VSA system. Have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible (see page ).
Without VSA, your vehicle still has
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it does not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.
The VSA system indicator may come
on along with the ABS indicator if
there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system.
The main f unction of the
VSA system is generally known as
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
The system also includes a traction
control f unction. 50
50
VSA A ctivation Indicator
VSA System Indicator
Vehicle Stability A ssist (VSA), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
152
NOTE:
2009 S2000

µ
Ì µµµ
µ
U.S. Vehicles:
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
inf ormation display. Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page.
Brakes and clutch Check the
f luid level monthly. See page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
youfillthefueltank.Seepage.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page.
131
132
178
189 179
CONT INUED
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance
167
2009 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 VSA)
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
2009 S2000

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 ............................
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
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .171
......................................
When to .161
...
Charging System Indicator .46,218
........
Back-up Light Replacement .183
Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .46,218
............................
Jump Starting .214
..............................
Maintenance .196
............................
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 .46,220
........................
Wear Indicators .150
.............................
Braking System .149
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .128
..
Brightness Control, Instruments .60
.........................
Bulb Replacement .179
..........................
Back-up Lights .183.................................
Headlights .179
...........
Side Turn Signal Lights .182
............................
Specif ications .235
....................
Turn Signal Lights .181
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .179
Index
B
A
C
INDEX
I
2009 S2000