Honda S2000 (2008 year). Instruction — part 12

If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.

When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.

Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.

The coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.

Pour the coolant slowly and
carefully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.

Put the radiator cap on, and
tighten it fully.

Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.

Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

Engine Coolant

174

RADIATOR CAP

Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

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Check the fluid level by looking at
the level gauge attached to the cap.

Check the fluid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.

Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.

When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.

Windshield Washers

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LEVEL GAUGE

RESERVOIR CAP

Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.

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Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt, and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Install
the filler bolt, and tighten it securely.

If you are not sure how to check and
add fluid, contact your dealer.

The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the intervals shown on the
information display.

If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certification seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.

Put a new washer on the filler bolt,
then reinstall the filler bolt and
tighten it securely.

Manual Transmission Fluid

176

CORRECT LEVEL

FILLER BOLT

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Use an SAE 90 viscosity hypoid gear
oil, API service classified GL5 or
GL6 only.

Put a new washer on the filler bolt,
then reinstall the filler bolt. Tighten
it securely. Tightening torque:

If you are not sure how to check and
add fluid, contact your dealer.

Check the fluid level with the
differential at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
differential fluid filler bolt and
washer, and carefully feel inside the
bolt hole with your finger. The fluid
level should be up to the edge of the
bolt hole. If it is not, slowly add fluid
until it starts to run out of the hole.

The differential should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the intervals shown on the
information display.

Differential Fluid

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CORRECT LEVEL

FILLER BOLT

WASHER

34 lbf·ft (46 N·m , 4.7 kgf·m)

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Check the brake fluid level in the
reservoirs monthly.

Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.

The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.

The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake fluid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.

Replace the brake fluid according to
the time recommendation in the
maintenance schedule.

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.

Using any non-Honda brake fluid can
cause corrosion and decrease the life
of the system. Have the brake
system flushed and refilled with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.

A low fluid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible.

Brake Fluid

Clutch Fluid

Brake and Clutch Fluid

178

MAX

MIN

MAX

MIN

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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.

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.

CONTINUED

Headlight Aiming

Replacing a Headlight Bulb

Lights

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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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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.

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

Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.

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

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.

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

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

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

Reinstall the coolant reserve tank.

(Driver’s side)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Lights

180

CONNECTOR

BULB

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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 flat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the three holding clips
from the inner fender.

Pull the inner fender 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 fender 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 Light Bulbs

Lights

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Replacing a Side Turn Signal Bulb

Lights

182

LENS

BULB

SOCKET

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Open the trunk.

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.

Pull the lining back.

Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.

Remove the burned out bulb by
pulling it straight out of its socket.

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

CONTINUED

Replacing Rear Bulbs

Lights

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SOCKET

BULB

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Install the new bulb into the
socket.

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

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).

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

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.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Cleaning the Seat Belts

Lights, Cleaning the Seat Belts

184

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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.

This filter removes the dust and
pollen that is brought in from the
outside through the heating and
cooling (if equipped) 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 (if equipped)
system becomes less than usual.

Floor Mats

Dust and Pollen Filter

Audio Antenna
(If equipped)

Floor Mats, Dust and Pollen Filter, Audio Antenna

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Your vehicle is equipped with an
antenna at the right rear f ender.
Bef ore using a ‘‘drive-through’’ car
wash, remove the antenna by
unscrewing it by hand. This prevents
the antenna f rom being damaged by the
car wash brushes.

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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.

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.

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

Raise the wiper arm off the
windshield.

To replace a wiper blade:
1.

2.

3.

Wiper Blades

186

LOCK TAB

BLADE

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

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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.

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

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

Lower the wiper arm down against
the windshield.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Wiper Blades

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REINFORCEMENT

BLADE

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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.

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.

Your vehicle is equipped with high
performance summer tires. These
tires have a high-traction compound
and tread pattern to provide superior
acceleration, cornering, and stopping
under most driving conditions.

However, these tires are not suitable
for driving on snow or ice, so all-
season or winter tires must be
installed for winter driving
conditions.

See page

for

194

Wheels, Tires

Wheels

Tires

Winter Driving.

188

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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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.

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/cm ) 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.

Even though your vehicle is
equipped with TPMS, 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.

The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns you when a tire
pressure is low. See page

for

more information.

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/cm ) 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

.

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190

Inf lation Guidelines

Tires

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