Honda S2000 owner's manual: Lights

Lights

Headlight Aiming The headlights were properly aimed 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 qualified mechanic.

Replacing a Headlight Bulb 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 off 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 for 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.

NOTICE 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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Lights

1. Open the hood. If you need to change the high beam headlight bulb on the driver’s side, remove the coolant reserve tank from its holder by pulling it straight up.

2. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by squeezing the connector to unlock the tab, then slide the connector off the bulb.

3. Remove the rubber weather seal by pulling on the tab.

4. Unclip the end of the hold-down wire from its slot. Pivot it out of the way, and remove the bulb socket.

5. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms.

6. 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 fit in the holes in the headlight assembly. Pivot the hold-down wire back in place, and clip the end into the slot.

7. Install the rubber seal over the back of the headlight assembly.

8. Push the electrical connector onto the new bulb. Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb.

9. (Driver’s side) Reinstall the coolant reserve tank.

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Lights

Replacing Front Turn Signal and Side Marker/Parking Light Bulbs

1. 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.

2. Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to remove the three holding clips from the inner fender.
3. Pull the inner fender cover back.
4. Remove the socket from the headlight assembly by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
5. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket.

6. Install the new bulb in the socket.
7. Insert the socket back into the headlight assembly. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
8. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
9. Put the inner fender cover in place. Install the three holding clips. Lock each clip in place by pushing on the center.

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Lights

Replacing a Side Turn Signal Bulb

1. Use a small flat-tipped screwdriver to pry carefully on the back edge of the side turn signal assembly until it pops out of the body.

2. Turn the bulb holder one-quarter turn counterclockwise to remove it from the lens.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms.

4. Put the bulb holder back into its hole in the lens, and turn it clockwise until it locks.

5. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.

6. Put the side turn signal assembly back into the body, front first. Push on the back edge until it snaps into place.

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Lights

Replacing Rear Bulbs

1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the fasteners from the trunk lining. To remove a fastener, push on the center of the head until it pops in, then pull the fastener out.
3. Pull the lining back.

4. Determine which bulb is burned out: turn signal or back-up light.

5. Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
6. Remove the burned out bulb by pulling it straight out of its socket.

Maintenance

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Lights, Cleaning the Seat Belts

7. Install the new bulb into the socket.

8. Push the socket into the light assembly, and turn it clockwise until it locks.

9. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.

10.Install the trunk lining, and secure it with the fasteners. To reinstall a fastener, reset the fastener by pushing on the pointed end until it pops back almost flush with the fingers on the housing. Put the fastener in the hole of the trunk lining, and push on the center until it locks (the center is flush with the head).

Cleaning the Seat Belts

If your seat belts get dirty, use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean them. Do not use bleach, dye, or cleaning solvents. Let the belts air-dry before you use the vehicle.

Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat belt anchors can cause the belts to retract slowly. Wipe the insides of the loops with a clean cloth dampened in mild soap and warm water or isopropyl alcohol.

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Floor Mats, Dust and Pollen Filter, Audio Antenna

Floor Mats

The floor mats that came with your vehicle hook over the floor mat anchors. This keeps them from sliding forward and possibly interfering with vehicle operation.

If you remove a floor mat, make sure to re-anchor it when you put it back in your vehicle.

If you use a non-Honda floor mat, make sure it fits properly and that it can be used with the floor mat anchor. Do not put additional floor mats on top of the anchored mat.

Dust and Pollen Filter

This filter removes the dust and pollen that is brought in from the outside through the heating and cooling system.

Have your dealer replace the filter when this service is indicated by a maintenance message on the information display. It should be replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air, or if the flow from the heating and cooling system becomes less than usual.

Audio Antenna

NOTICE

Your vehicle is equipped with an antenna at the right rear fender. Before using a “drive-through” car wash, remove the antenna by unscrewing it by hand. This prevents the antenna from being damaged by the car wash brushes.

Maintenance

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Wiper Blades

Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months. Replace them if you find signs of cracking in the rubber, areas that are getting hard, or if they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used.

To replace a wiper blade:

1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield.

NOTICE

Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised, or you will damage the hood and the wiper arms.

LOCK TAB

2. Disconnect the blade assembly from the wiper arm by pushing in the lock tab. Hold the lock tab in while you push the blade assembly toward the base of the arm.

BLADE

3. Remove the blade from its holder by grasping the tabbed end of the blade. Pull firmly until the tabs come out of the holder.

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Wiper Blades, Wheels, Tires

BLADE REINFORCEMENT

4. Examine the new wiper blades. If they have no plastic or metal reinforcement along the back edge, remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade, and install them in the slots along the edge of the new blade.

5. Slide the new wiper blade into the holder until the tabs lock.

6. Slide the wiper blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it locks in place.

7. Lower the wiper arm down against the windshield.

Wheels

Clean the wheels as you would the rest of the exterior. Wash them with the same solution, and rinse them thoroughly.

Aluminum alloy wheels have a protective clear-coat that keeps the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing. Cleaning the wheels with harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners) or a stiff brush can damage the clear-coat. To clean the wheels, use a mild detergent and a soft brush or sponge.

Tires

To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be the proper type and size, in good condition with adequate tread, and correctly inflated.

The following pages give more detailed information on how to take care of your tires and what to do when they need to be replaced.

WARNING Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly inflated can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner's manual regarding tire inflation and maintenance.

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Tires

Inflation Guidelines

Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best combination of handling, tread life, and riding comfort.

• Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

• Overinflated tires can make your vehicle ride more harshly, are more prone to damage from road hazards, and wear unevenly.

We recommend that you visually check your tires every day. If you think a tire might be low, check it immediately with a tire gauge.

Use a gauge to measure the air pressure in each tire at least once a month. Even tires that are in good condition may lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm²) per month. Remember to check the spare tire at the same time.

Check the air pressures when the tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). Add or release air, if needed, to match the recommended cold tire pressures on page 165.

If you check air pressures when the tires are hot [driven for several miles (kilometers)], you will see readings 4 to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4 kgf/cm²) higher than the cold readings. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the recommended cold air pressure. The tire will be underinflated.

You should use your own tire pressure gauge and use it whenever you check your tire pressures. This will make it easier for you to tell if a pressure loss is due to a tire problem and not due to a variation between gauges.

While tubeless tires have some ability to self-seal if they are punctured, you should look closely for punctures if a tire starts losing pressure.

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Tires

Recommended Tire Pressures

The following charts show the recommended cold tire pressures for most normal and high-speed driving conditions.

Front:

Rear:

The compact spare tire pressure is:
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm²)

For convenience, the recommended cold air pressures and tire sizes are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.

For additional information about your tires, see page 206.

Tire Inspection

Every time you check inflation, you should also examine the tires for damage, foreign objects, and wear. You should look for:

• Bumps or bulges in the tread or side of the tire. Replace the tire if you find either of these conditions.
• Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace the tire if you can see fabric or cord.
• Excessive tread wear.

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS

Your tires have wear indicators molded into the tread. When the tread wears down, you will see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide band across the tread. This shows there is less than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire.

A tire this worn gives very little traction on wet roads. You should replace the tire if you can see three or more tread wear indicators.

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Tires

Tire Maintenance

In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly, have your dealer check the wheel alignment.

Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent vibration while driving. A tire should always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel. When you have new tires installed, make sure they are balanced. This increases riding comfort and tire life. For best results, have the installer perform a dynamic balance.

NOTICE Improper wheel weights can damage your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use only Honda wheel weights for balancing.

Tire Rotation

You should not rotate your vehicle’s tires. The front and rear tires are different sizes, so they cannot be rotated front-to-rear. The original-equipment tires on your vehicle have a unidirectional tread pattern, so they cannot be rotated side-to-side.

Tire Wear

The tires that came on your vehicle were designed and constructed to provide superior grip during acceleration, braking, and cornering.

As a trade-off, 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 front tires.

The mileage you can expect from your vehicle tires is the same as 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 carefully inspect your vehicle’s tires for wear, damage, and proper inflation every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or when tire inspection is indicated on the information display (see page 142 ).

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Tires

Replacing Tires and Wheels

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 different size or construction can cause the anti-lock brake and the vehicle stability assist systems to work inconsistently.

It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possible or necessary, replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling.

The ABS works by comparing the speed of the wheels. When replacing tires, use the same size originally supplied with the vehicle. Tire size and construction can affect wheel speed and may cause the system to activate.

If you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels. Replacement wheels are available at your dealer.

WARNING Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stability. This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Always use the size and type of tires recommended in this owner’s manual.

Wheel and Tire Specifications

Wheels: Front: 17 x 7 J Rear: 17 x 8 1/2 J Tires: Front: 215/45R17 87W Rear: 245/40R17 91W

See page 204 for information about DOT Tire Quality Grading, and page 206 for tire size and labeling information.

Maintenance

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Tires

Winter Driving

Tires marked “M + S” or “All Season” on the sidewall have an all-weather tread design suitable for most winter driving conditions.

For the best performance in snowy or icy conditions, you should install snow tires or tire chains. They may be required by local laws under certain conditions.

Snow Tires

If you mount snow tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels. The traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may be lower than your original tires. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations.

Tire Chains

Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, mount only SAE Class “S” cable-type traction devices, with rubber chain tensioners on the rear tires. Use traction devices only when required by driving conditions or local laws. Make sure they are the correct size for your tires. Metal link-type “chains” should not be used.

When installing cables, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and mount them as tight as you can. Make sure they are not contacting the brake lines or suspension. Drive slowly with them installed. If you hear them coming into contact with the body or chassis, stop and investigate. Remove them as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads.

NOTICE

Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting any part of the vehicle.

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Checking the Battery

TEST INDICATOR WINDOW

Check the condition of the battery monthly by looking at the test indicator window. The label on the battery explains the test indicator’s colors.

Check the terminals for corrosion (a white or yellowish powder). To remove it, cover the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water. It will bubble up and turn brown. When this stops, wash it off with plain water. Dry off the battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the terminals with grease to help prevent future corrosion.

If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected, or goes dead, the clock setting in the instrument panel will be canceled. To reset the time, see page 54 .

If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected, or goes dead, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio, you may see “CODE” (U.S. model) or “Code” (Canadian model) in the frequency display. Use the preset buttons to enter the code (see page 105 ).

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Checking the Battery

If additional battery maintenance is needed, see your dealer or a qualified technician.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.

If you need to connect the battery to a charger, disconnect both cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system. Always disconnect the negative (—) cable first, and reconnect it last.

⚠ WARNING

The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas during normal operation.

A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough force to kill or seriously hurt you.

Wear protective clothing and a face shield, or have a skilled technician do the battery maintenance.

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Vehicle Storage

If you need to park your vehicle for an extended period (more than 1 month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage. Proper preparation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to get your vehicle back on the road. If possible, store your vehicle indoors.

• Fill the fuel tank. • Change the engine oil and filter. • Wash and dry the exterior completely. • Clean the interior. Make sure the carpeting, floor mats, etc., are completely dry. • Raise the convertible top cover. • Leave the parking brake off. Put the transmission in reverse. • Block the rear wheels. • If the vehicle is to be stored for a longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the tires are off the ground. • Leave one window open slightly (if the vehicle is being stored indoors). • Disconnect the battery. • Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield. • To minimize sticking, apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door and trunk seals. Also, apply a vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and trunk seals. • Cover the vehicle with a “breathable” cover, one made from a porous material such as cotton. Non-porous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture, which can damage the paint. • If possible, periodically run the engine until it reaches full operating temperature (the cooling fan cycles on and off twice). Preferably, do this once a month.

Maintenance

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Main Menu

Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section covers the more common problems that motorists experience with their vehicles. It gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road, you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions on getting your vehicle towed.

• Compact Spare Tire ........ 174
• Changing a Flat Tire ........ 175
• If the Engine Won’t Start ........ 180
• Jump Starting ........ 182
• If the Engine Overheats ........ 183
• Low Oil Pressure Indicator ........ 186
• Charging System Indicator ........ 186
• Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 187
• Brake System Indicator ........ 188
• Closing the Convertible Top ........ 189
• Fuses ........ 190
• Checking and Replacing ........ 191
• Fuse Locations ........ 194
• Emergency Towing ........ 196
• If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck ........ 196

Taking Care of the Unexpected

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Compact Spare Tire

Use the compact spare tire as a temporary replacement only. Get your regular tire repaired or replaced, and put it back on your vehicle as soon as you can.

Check the inflation pressure of the compact spare tire every time you check the other tires. It should be inflated to: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm²)

Follow these precautions:

• Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
• This tire gives a harsher ride and less traction on some road surfaces. Use greater caution while driving.
• Do not mount tire chains on the compact spare tire.
• Do not use your compact spare tire on another vehicle unless it is the same make and model.
• Do not mount the compact spare tire on either rear wheel position; it will damage the limited slip differential (see page 175).

Replace the tire when you can see the tread wear indicator bars. The replacement should be the same size and design tire, mounted on the same wheel. The spare tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular wheel, and the spare wheel is not designed for mounting a regular tire.

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