Honda S2000 (2008 year). Manual

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual transmission. It also includes
important information on parking
your vehicle and the braking system.

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Driving Guidelines

144

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Preparing to Drive

145

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Starting the Engine

146

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Manual Transmission

147

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Parking

149

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Braking System

149

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Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

150

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)

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System

152

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

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(TPMS)

154

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Towing a Trailer

157

Driving

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Use caution if you ever drive your
vehicle on very rough or rutted
roads. You could damage the
suspension and underbody by
bottoming out. Going too fast over
parking lot ‘‘speed bumps’’ can
also cause damage.

Because of the low-profile tires
fitted to your vehicle, the alloy
wheels are closer to the ground.
Driving over a pothole or road
debris at too high a speed can
seriously damage a wheel. Slow
down under these conditions.

Your vehicle is designed to give you
optimum handling and performance
on well-maintained roads. As part of
this design, your vehicle has a
minimum of ground clearance and
very low-profile tires.

Curbs and steep inclines could
damage the front and rear
bumpers. Low curbs that do not
affect the average vehicle may be
high enough to hit the bumper on
your vehicle. The front or rear
bumper may scrape when trying to
drive onto an incline, such as a
steep driveway or trailer ramps.

Driving Guidelines

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You should do the following checks
and adjustments before you drive
your vehicle.

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.

Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely.

Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passenger has fastened his or
her seat belt (see page

When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page

Check the seat adjustment (see
page

Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page

Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.

Check that the hood is fully closed.

Check that the trunk is fully
closed.

Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.

10.

Preparing to Drive

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Apply the parking brake.

In cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery.

Push the clutch pedal down all the
way. The ENGINE START button
has no effect unless the clutch
pedal is pressed.

Turn the ignition key to the ON
(II) position.

Without touching the accelerator
pedal, push the ENGINE START
button. Do not hold the ENGINE
START button for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start right away, pause
for at least 10 seconds before
trying again.

If the engine fails to start, press
the accelerator pedal all the way
down and hold it there while
starting to clear flooding. If the
engine still does not start, return
to step 6.

If the engine does not start within
15 seconds, or starts but stalls
right away, repeat step 5 with the
accelerator pedal pressed halfway
down. If the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator pedal
so the engine does not race.

Starting the Engine

146

ENGINE START BUTTON

The engine is harder to start in cold
weather. Also, the thinner air f ound at
altitudes above 8,000 f eet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.

The immobilizer system protects your
vehicle f rom thef t. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used, the
engine’s f uel system is disabled. For
more inf ormation, see page

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The manual transmission is
synchronized in all forward gears for
smooth operation. It has a lockout so
you cannot shift directly from fifth to
reverse instead of sixth (see page

). When shifting up or down,

make sure you push the clutch pedal
down all the way, shift to the next
gear, and let the pedal up gradually.
When you are not shifting, do not
rest your foot on the clutch pedal.
This can cause your clutch to wear
out faster.

When slowing down, you can get
extra braking from the engine by
shifting to a lower gear. This extra
braking can help you maintain a safe
speed and prevent your brakes from
overheating while going down a
steep hill. Before downshifting,
make sure the engine speed will not
go into the tachometer’s red zone in
the lower gear.

Your vehicle is equipped with an
aluminum shift lever. If you leave the
vehicle parked outside for a long
time on a hot day, be careful before
moving the shift lever. Because of
the heat, the shift lever may be
extremely hot. If the outside
temperature is low, the shift lever
feels cold.

Come to a full stop before you shift
into reverse. You can damage the
transmission by trying to shift into
reverse with the vehicle moving.
Push down the clutch pedal, and
pause for a few seconds before
shifting into reverse, or shift into one
of the forward gears for a moment.
This stops the gears so they won’t
‘‘grind.’’

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Manual Transmission

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Rapid slowing or speeding up
can cause loss of control on
slippery surfaces. If you crash,
you can be injured.

Use extra care when driving on
slippery surfaces.

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If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
rpm below the red zone.

Before downshifting, make sure the
engine will not go into the
tachometer’s red zone.

With the clutch pedal pressed, move
the shift lever to the reverse side of
the neutral gate. Then push the shift
lever down, and shift to reverse.

Shift Up

1st to 2nd

2nd to 3rd

3rd to 4th
4th to 5th
5th to 6th

Normal Acceleration

15 mph (24 km/h)
25 mph (40 km/h)
40 mph (64 km/h)
47 mph (75 km/h)
52 mph (83 km/h)

Drive in the highest gear that lets
the engine run and accelerate
smoothly. This will give you good
fuel economy and effective
emissions control. The following
shift points are recommended:

The manual transmission has a
lockout so you cannot accidentally
shift from fifth to reverse instead of
sixth while the vehicle is moving.

Recommended Shif t Points

Engine Speed Limiter

Reverse Lockout

Manual Transmission

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Resting your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, fuel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, confusing
drivers behind you.

Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the effort 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 firmly, 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 effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your foot off the
accelerator and downshifting 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
fully released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.

If the vehicle is facing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb, and put the transmission in
reverse gear.

If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb, and put the transmission in
first gear.

Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable

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 off the lights.

CONTINUED

Except CR models

CR models

Parking

Parking Tips

Braking System

Parking, Braking System

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Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently 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 left-front 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 for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.

The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the wheels from
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much faster than a
person can do it.

The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the front-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.

You will feel 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 feel the ABS
activate immediately if you are trying
to stop on snow or ice.

Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
referred 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)

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If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock function 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 fast 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

ABS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle;

Important Saf ety Reminders

ABS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,

ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.

A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

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ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR

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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 surfaces. 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 safe, and turn off 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.

VSA Activation Indicator

VSA System Indicator

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System

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Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malfunction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page

In certain unusual conditions when
your vehicle gets stuck in shallow
mud or fresh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA temporarily
switched off. When the VSA system
is off, the traction control system is
also off. You should only attempt to
free your vehicle with the VSA off if
you are not able to free it when the
VSA is on.

Immediately after freeing your
vehicle, be sure to switch the VSA on
again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA and
traction control systems switched off.

This switch is at the left side of the
right vent. Press it to turn VSA on
and off.

If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.

Deactivate the VSA system if you
need to drive with the compact spare
tire installed (see page

To turn VSA off, press and hold the
switch until the VSA activation
indicator comes on.

When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder.

VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle.

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200

Except CR models

VSA Of f Switch

VSA and Tire Sizes

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System

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VSA OFF SWITCH

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Your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that turns on every time you start the
engine and monitors the pressure in
your tires while driving.

If you cannot make the low tire
pressure indicator go out after
inflating the tires to the specified
values, have your dealer check the
system as soon as possible.

If the tire is flat, or if the tire
pressure is too low to continue
driving, repair the tire with the tire
repair kit (see page

If the tire is flat, or if the tire
pressure is too low to continue
driving, replace the tire with the
compact spare tire (see page

If you think you can safely drive a
short distance to a service station,
proceed slowly, and inflate the tire to
the recommended pressure shown
on the driver’s doorjamb.

Each tire has its own pressure
sensor (not including the spare tire).
If the air pressure of a tire becomes
significantly low while driving, the
sensor in that tire immediately sends
a signal that causes the low tire
pressure indicator to come on.

When the low tire pressure indicator
is on, one or more of your tires is
significantly underinflated. You
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure as indicated on
the vehicle’s tire information placard.

Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.

Because tire pressure varies by
temperature and other conditions,
the low tire pressure indicator may
come on unexpectedly.

200

206

CR models

Except CR models

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Low Tire Pressure
Indicator

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For example, if you check and fill
your tires in a warm area, then drive
in extremely cold weather, the tire
pressure will be lower than
measured and could be underinflated
and cause the low tire pressure
indicator to come on. Or, if you
check and adjust your tire pressure
in cooler conditions, and drive into
extremely hot conditions, the tire
may become overinflated. However,
the low tire pressure indicator will
not come on if the tires are
overinflated.

Refer to page

for tire inflation

guidelines.

Although your tire pressure is
monitored, you must manually check
the tire pressures monthly.

Each tire, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold, and
set to the recommended inflation
pressure as specified on the tire

information label and in the owner’s
manual (see page

This indicator comes on and stays on
if there is a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system.

If this happens, the system will shut
off and no longer monitor tire
pressures. Have the system checked
by your dealer as soon as possible.

When you restart the vehicle with
the compact spare tire, the TPMS
indicator may also come on and stay
on after driving several miles
(kilometers).

If you have a flat tire, the low tire
pressure indicator will come on.
Replace the flat tire with the
compact spare tire (see page

Each wheel (except the compact
spare tire wheel) is equipped with a
tire pressure sensor mounted inside
the tire behind the valve stem. You
must use TPMS specific wheels. It is
recommended that you always have
your tires serviced by your dealer or
qualified technician.

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190

200

Except CR models

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) Indicator

Changing a Tire with TPMS

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As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.

CR models

If you have a flat tire, the low tire
pressure indicator will come on.
Repair the flat tire with the tire
repair kit (see page

Each wheel is equipped with a tire
pressure sensor mounted inside the
tire behind the valve stem. You must
use TPMS specific wheels. It is
recommended that you always have
your tires serviced by your dealer or
a qualified technician.

After you repair the flat tire, the low
tire pressure indicator may come on.
This is normal; the system is not
monitoring the repaired tire pressure.

Have the flat tire repaired by the
dealer as soon as possible.

Never use a puncture-repairing agent
in a flat tire. If used, you will have to
replace the tire pressure sensor.
Have the flat tire repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible.

After you replace the flat tire with
the compact spare tire, the low tire
pressure indicator stays on. This is
normal; the system is not monitoring
the spare tire pressure. Manually
check the spare tire pressure to be
sure it is correct. After several miles
(kilometers) driving with the
compact spare tire, the TPMS
indicator comes on and the low tire
pressure indicator goes off.

The low tire pressure indicator or
the TPMS indicator will go off, after
several miles (kilometers) driving,
when you replace the spare tire with
the specified regular tire equipped
with the tire pressure monitor sensor.

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Repairing a Tire with TPMS

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Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.

Towing a Trailer

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Honda S2000 (2008 year). Manual - part 10