Honda S2000 (2008 year). Manual

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.

If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page

for information on how to

obtain a copy, or see your dealer.

This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.

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Maintenance Safety

160

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Maintenance Minder

161

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Fluid Locations

169

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Adding Engine Oil

170

.........

Changing the Oil and Filter

171

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Engine Coolant

173

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Windshield Washers

175

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Manual Transmission Fluid

176

..........................

Differential Fluid

177

................

Brake and Clutch Fluid

178

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Lights

179

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Cleaning the Seat Belts

184

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Floor Mats

185

..................

Dust and Pollen Filter

185

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Audio Antenna

185

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Wiper Blades

186

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Wheels

188

...............................................

Tires

188

...................

Checking the Battery

196

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Vehicle Storage

198

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Maintenance

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To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions before you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.

All service items not detailed in this
section should be performed by a
certified technician or other qualified
mechanic.

Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is off.

To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.

To reduce the possibility of fire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and flames away from the battery
and all fuel-related parts.

Wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
with the battery or compressed air.

not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.

Some of the most important safety
precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of
every conceivable hazard that can
arise in performing maintenance.
Only you can decide whether or
not you should perform a given
task.

Let the

engine and exhaust system cool
down before touching any parts.

Be sure

there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate the
engine.

Maintenance Safety

Important Saf ety Precautions

Injury f rom moving parts.

Burns f rom hot parts.

Carbon Monoxide poison
f rom engine exhaust.

Potential Vehicle Hazards

160

Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.

Improperly maintaining this
vehicle, or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner’s
manual.

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Calculated Engine

Oil Life (%)

100 %

91 %

90 %

81 %

80 %

71 %

70 %

61 %

60 %

51 %

50 %

41 %

40 %

31 %

30 %

21 %

20 %

16 %

15 %

11 %

10 %

6 %

5 %

1 %

0 %

Displayed

Engine Oil Life (%)

100 %

90 %
80 %
70 %
60 %
50 %
40 %
30 %
20 %
15 %
10 %

5 %
0 %

Based on the engine operating
conditions and accumulated engine
revolutions, the onboard computer in
your vehicle calculates the remaining
engine oil life and displays it as a
percentage.

The remaining engine oil life is
shown on the display according to
this table:

To see the current engine oil life,
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position, and push and release
the TRIP button repeatedly until the
engine oil life display appears (see
page

Your vehicle displays engine oil life
and maintenance service items on
the information display to show you
when you should have your dealer do
engine oil replacement and indicated
maintenance service.

Maintenance Minder

Engine Oil Lif e Display

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ENGINE OIL LIFE DISPLAY

TRIP BUTTON

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If the remaining engine oil life is 15
to 6 percent, you will see the engine
oil life indicator every time you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. The maintenance minder
indicator will also come on, and the
maintenance item code(s) for other
scheduled maintenance items
needing service will be displayed
next to the engine oil life indicator.

The maintenance item code or codes
indicate the main and sub items
required at the time of the oil change
(see page

The 15 and 10 percent oil life
indicator reminds you that the time
is coming soon to take your vehicle
in for the required maintenance.

168

Maintenance Minder

162

MAINTENANCE ITEM CODE(S)

ENGINE OIL LIFE INDICATOR

MAINTENANCE MINDER INDICATOR

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CONTINUED

Negative mileage means your
vehicle has passed the maintenance
required point.

If you do not perform the indicated
maintenance, negative mileage is
displayed and begins to blink after
the vehicle has been driven 10 miles
(10 km) or more.

Immediately have the indicated
maintenance done by your dealer.

When the remaining engine oil life is
0 percent, the engine oil life indicator
will blink. The display comes on
every time you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. The
maintenance minder indicator
(

) also comes on and remains

on in the instrument panel. When
you see this message, immediately
have the indicated maintenance done
by your dealer.

When the remaining engine oil life is
5 to 1 percent, you will see a
‘‘SERVICE OIL LIFE’’ message
along with the same maintenance
item code(s), every time you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. The maintenance minder
indicator (

) also comes on and

remains on in the instrument panel.

Maintenance Minder

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The maximum total mileage shown
is ‘‘

9999.’’

When the engine oil life is 0 percent
or negative mileage, the
maintenance minder indicator
(

) remains on even if you

change the information display.

Immediately have the service done,
and make sure to reset the display as
described on the next page.

All maintenance items displayed on
the information display are in code.
For an explanation of these
maintenance codes, see page

You can change the information
display from the engine oil life
display to the odometer, the trip
meter, or the outside temperature
every time you press and release the
TRIP button.

168

Maintenance Main Items and Sub
Items

Maintenance Minder

164

MAINTENANCE SUB ITEM (S)

MAINTENANCE MAIN ITEM

ENGINE OIL LIFE
INDICATOR

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If maintenance service is done by
someone other than your dealer,
reset the maintenance minder as
follows:

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

Press the TRIP button until the
engine oil life indicator is
displayed.

Your dealer will reset the display
after completing the required
maintenance service. You will see
‘‘OIL LIFE 100%’’ on the information
display the next time you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.

Press the TRIP button for about
10 seconds. The engine oil life
indicator and the maintenance
item code(s) will blink.

Press the TRIP button for about 5
seconds. The maintenance items
code(s) will disappear, and the
engine oil life will reset to ‘‘100.’’

Maintenance Minder

Resetting the Engine Oil Lif e
Indicator

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ENGINE OIL LIFE INDICATOR

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If you have the required service
done but do not reset the display, or
reset the display without doing the
service, the system will not show the
proper maintenance intervals. This
can lead to serious mechanical
problems because you will no longer
have an accurate record of when
maintenance is needed.

We recommend using Honda parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manufactured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their performance and durability.

Your authorized Honda dealer
knows your vehicle best and can
provide competent, efficient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Make sure to
have the service facility or person
reset the display as previously
described. Keep all receipts as proof
of completion, and have the person
who does the work fill out your
Honda Service History or Canadian
Maintenance Log. Check your
warranty booklet for more
information.

Maintenance Minder

Important Maintenance
Precautions

166

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U.S. Vehicles:

You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.

Engine oil level

Check every

time you fill the fuel tank. See
page

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, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with

will not void your emissions

warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
information display.

Tires

Check the tire pressure

monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page

Brakes and clutch

Check the

fluid level monthly. See page

Engine coolant level

Check the

radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page

CONTINUED

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

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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

1
2

3
4

5
6

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

inder

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Make sure the API Certification Seal
says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’

Oil is major contributor to your
engine’s performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade
detergent oil displaying the API
certification seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle for
as long as you own it.

Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on the valve cover. Pour in
the oil slowly and carefully so you do
not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Reinstall the engine
oil fill cap, and tighten it securely.
Wait a few minutes, and recheck the
oil level on the engine oil dipstick.
Do not fill above the upper mark; you
could damage the engine.

Recommended Engine Oil

Adding Engine Oil

170

API CERTIFICATION SEAL

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The oil’s viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
Select the oil for your vehicle
according to this chart.

An oil with a viscosity of 10W-30 is
preferred for optimum fuel economy
and year-round protection in your
vehicle. You may use 5W-40 oil if the
temperature in your area goes below
0°F (

20°C).

Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
affect the engine or transmission
performance and durability.

You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certification Seal,
and it is the proper weight. You must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals shown on the information
display.

Always change the oil and filter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the information
display. The oil and filter collect
contaminants that can damage your
engine if they are not removed
regularly.

Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.

Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.

CONTINUED

Synthetic Oil

Engine Oil Additives

Changing the Oil and Filter

Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter

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Ambient Temperature

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Remove the oil filter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.

Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.

Install a new oil filter according to
the instructions that come with it.

Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:

Refill the engine with the
recommended oil.

Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):

Install the engine oil fill cap. Start
the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn off the
engine, and check your work.

Make sure the oil filter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it before installing a
new oil filter.

Changing the Oil and Filter

172

WASHER

OIL DRAIN BOLT

OIL FILTER

29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)

5.1 US qt (4.8 )

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If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it
is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling
system flushed and refilled with
Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.

If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Turn off the engine and let it sit
for several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil.

Let the engine run for several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.

Always use Honda Long-Life
Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 %
antifreeze and 50 % water. Never add
straight antifreeze or plain water.

10.

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Adding Engine Coolant

Changing the Oil and Filter, Engine Coolant

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RESERVE TANK

MAX

MIN

Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.

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Honda S2000 (2008 year). Manual - part 11