HONDA S2000 2008 User Manual
Introduction
2008 S2000
Main Menu
Congratulations on your selection of the 2008 Honda S2000. We are certain
you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the most sophisticated and
technologically-advanced sports cars in the world.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to
read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so
youcanrefertoitatanytime.
Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the messages shown on the
information display helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves
your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that
your dealer’s staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique
to your vehicle. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisf action and will
be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.
As you read this manual, you will
find information that is preceded by
a symbol. This
information is intended to help you
avoid damage to your vehicle, other
property, or the environment.
i
Introduction
2008 S2000
Main Menu
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:
defects or other reproductive harm.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with one or more devices commonly referred to as event data recorders. These
devices record f ront seat belt use, f ront passenger seat occupancy, airbag deployment data, and the f ailure
of any airbag system component.
except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.
Service Diagnostic Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data
can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may
also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
This data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else
ii
AFewWordsAboutSafety
2008 S2000
Main Menu
Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
vehicle safely is an important
responsibility.
To help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in
this manual. This information alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your vehicle. You must
use your own good judgement.
You will find this important safety inf ormation in a variety of forms,
including:
−
Safety Labels
Safety Messages
three signal words: , , or .
These signal words mean:
Safety Headings
Safety Precautions.
Safety Section
Instructions
This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it
carefully.
on the vehicle.
−
preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
DANGER WARNING CAUTION
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
−
such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
−
such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
−
how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
−
iii
2008 S2000 Online Reference Owner's Manual
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety .............................................................................................................................. iii
Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls) .................................................................................................... 3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection) .................................................... 5
Instruments and Controls (indicators, gauges, dashboard and steering column) .................................... 43
Features (heating and cooling ,audio,steering wheel, and cruise control) ...................................................... 95
Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading) ...................................................................... 127
Driving (engine and transmission operation) ................................................................................................ 143
Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)........................................... 159
Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, dead battery, overheating, fuses) ..................................... 199
Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ....................................... 231
Warranty and Customer Relations (U. S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information) ... 247
Authorized Manuals (U. S. only) (how to order) ......................................................................................... 251
Index ............................................................................................................................... ........................................ I
Contents
Service Information Summary ( fluid capacities and tire pressures)
00X31-S2A-6800
1
Overview of Contents
2008 S2000
Main Menu
Contents
A convenient reference to the
sections in this manual.
Your Vehicle at a Glance
A quick reference to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Important information about the
proper use and care of your vehicle’s
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable inf ormation on how to
protect children with child restraints.
Instruments and Controls
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and gauge,
and how to use the controls on the
dashboard and steering column.
Features
How to operate the heating and air
conditioning system, the audio
system, and other convenience
features.
Before Driving
What gasoline to use, how to breakin your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
Driving
The proper way to start the engine,
shift the transmission, and park.
Maintenance
The maintenance minder shows you
when you need to take your vehicle
to the dealer for maintenance service.
There is also a list of things to check
and instructions on how to check
them.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience,
and details how to handle them.
Technical Inf ormation
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
Warranty and Customer
Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual for detailed
information.
Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
How to order manuals and other
technical literature.
Index
Service Information Summary
A summary of the information you
need when you pull up to the fuel
pump.
2
Your Vehicle at a Glance
2008 S2000
Main Menu
INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS
GAUGES
DRIVER’S FRONT
AIRBAG
(P.9, 20)
POWER DOOR
LOCK
(P.65)
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P.70)
MIRROR
CONTROLS
(P.87)
U.S. S2000 model is shown.
(P.53)
＊ If equipped:
(P.46)
ROOF SWITCH
(P.73)
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR
(P.26)
PASSENGER’S FRONT
AIRBAG
(P.9, 20)
AUDIO SYSTEM
(P.104)
MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
(P.147)
HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
(P.60)
＊
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER BUTTON
(P.61)
Your Vehicle at a Glance
＊
3
Your Vehicle at a Glance
2008 S2000
Main Menu
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS
(P.59)
REMOTE AUDIO
CONTROLS
＊
2
(P.122)
ENGINE START BUTTON
(P.146)
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
(P.130) (P.124)
＊
＊
To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
1:
If equipped
2:
CLOCK BUTTON
INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS
(P.56) (P.60)
CRUISE BUTTON
HORN
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
(VSA) SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
(P.153)
＊
HEATING/COOLING
2
CONTROLS
(P.96, 100)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/
WASHERS
(P.58)
＊
1
CRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS
(P.124)
4
Driver and Passenger Safety
2008 S2000
Main Menu
This section gives you important
information about how to protect
yourself and your passenger. It
shows you how to use seat belts
properly. It explains how your
airbags work, and it tells you how to
properly restrain children in your
vehicle.
.........Important Safety Precautions . 6
.......Your Vehicle’s Safety Features . 7
.......................................Seat Belts . 8
...........................................Airbags . 9
.........Protecting Adults and Teens . 10
.....1. Close and Lock the Doors . 10
......................2. Adjust the Seats . 10
............3. Adjust the Seat-Backs . 11
4. Fasten and Position the
.............................Seat Belts . 12
5. Maintain a Proper Sitting
................................Position . 13
.....Advice for Pregnant Women . 14
...Additional Safety Precautions . 15
Additional Information About
.......................Your Seat Belts . 16
..Seat Belt System Components . 16
......................Lap/Shoulder Belt . 17
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................Tensioners . 18
...............Seat Belt Maintenance . 18
Additional Information About Your
.....................................Airbags . 20
......Airbag System Components . 20
...........How Your Airbags Work . 22
..How the SRS Indicator Works . 25
How the Passenger Airbag Off
......................Indicator Works . 26
.............................Airbag Service . 27
Protecting Children General
All Children Must Be
Your Vehicle is Not
Recommended for Child
The Passenger’s Airbag
When Can a Larger Child Ride
...................................Safety Labels . 42
−
................................Guidelines . 29
...............................Restrained . 29
..........................Passengers . 30
.........Can Pose Serious Risks . 30
.............Protecting Small Children . 33
.....................Selecting a Child Seat . 34
....................Installing a Child Seat . 34
...........Protecting Larger Children . 37
...............Checking Seat Belt Fit . 37
..................Using a Booster Seat . 38
........................in This Vehicle . 39
.............Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 41
...Additional Safety Precautions . 28
...Additional Safety Precautions . 32
...Additional Safety Precautions . 40
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
5
Important Safety Precautions
2008 S2000
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You’ll find many safety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
Therecommendationsonthispage
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags are
designed to supplement seat belts,
not replace them. So even though
your vehicle is equipped with airbags,
make sure you and your passenger
always wear your seat belts, and
wear them properly (see page ).
12
Your Vehicle is Not
Recommended for Child
Passengers
Since all children are safest in the
back seat of a vehicle, and your
vehicle does not have a back seat, we
recommend that you do not carry a
child passenger.
Never carry an infant in a rear-f acing
child seat in this vehicle.
If an older child must ride in this
vehicle, follow all child safety
instructions and warnings in this
manual (see pages ).
29 40
−
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Infants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to follow all instructions and
warnings in this manual.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with
every additional drink. So don’t drink
and drive, and don’t let your friends
drink and drive, either.
Control Your Speed
Excessive speed is a major factor in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed, the greater the
risk, but serious injuries can also
occur at lower speeds. Never drive
faster than is safe f or current
conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.
Keep Your Vehicle in Safe
Condition
Having a tire blowout or a
mechanical failure can be extremely
hazardous. To reduce the possibility
of such problems, check your tire
pressures and condition frequently,
and perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance (see page ).
161
6
(1) (9)
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(8)
(8)
(3)
(2)
(4)
(7) (6)
(2)
(5)
(1) Safety Cage
(2) Crush Zones
(3) Seats and Seat-Backs
(4) Head Restraints
(5) Collapsible Steering Column
(6) Seat Belts
(7) Seat Belt Tensioners
(8) Front Airbags
(9) Door Locks
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Your vehicle is equipped with many
features that work together to
protect you and your passenger
during a crash.
Some features do not require any
action on your part. These include a
strong steel framework that forms a
safety cage around the passenger
compartment; front and rear crush
zones, a collapsible steering column;
and tensioners that tighten the seat
belts in a crash.
However, you and your passenger
can’t take full advantage of these
features unless you remain sitting in
a proper position and
your seat belts
features can contribute to injuries if
they are not used properly.
The following pages explain how you
cantakeanactiveroleinprotecting
yourself and your passenger.
. In fact, some safety
always wear
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
7
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
2008 S2000
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Seat Belts
Your vehicle is equipped with seat
belts in both seating positions.
Your seat belt system also includes
an indicator on the instrument panel
and a beeper to remind you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts.
Why Wear Seat Belts
Seat belts have proven to be the
singlemosteffectivesafetydevice
for adults and larger children.
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
In addition, most states and all
Canadian provinces require you to
wear seat belts.
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your
passenger always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
When properly worn, seat belts:
Keep you connected to the vehicle
so you can take advantage of the
vehicle’s built-in safety features.
Help protect you in almost every
type of crash, including frontal,
side, and rear impacts and
rollovers.
Help keep you from being thrown
against the inside of the vehicle
and against a passenger.
Keep you from being thrown out
of the vehicle.
Help keep you in a good position
should the airbags ever deploy. A
good position reduces the risk of
injury from an inflating airbag and
allows you to get the best
advantage from the airbag.
Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you in every
crash.Butinmostcases,seatbelts
can reduce your risk of serious
injury.
What you should do:
Always wear
your seat belt, and make sure you
wear it properly.
8
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
2008 S2000
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Airbags
Your vehicle has a supplemental
restraint system (SRS) with front
airbags to help protect the heads and
chests of the driver and a passenger
during a moderate to severe frontal
collision (see page for more
22
information on how your airbags
work).
The most important things you need
to know about your airbags are:
Airbags do not replace seat belts.
They are designed to supplement
the seat belts.
Airbags offer no protection in side
impacts, rear impacts, rollovers,
or minor f rontal collisions.
Airbags can pose serious hazards.
To do their job, airbags must
inflate with tremendous force. So
while airbags help save lives, they
can cause minor injuries or more
serious or even fatal injuries if
occupants are not properly
restrained or sitting properly.
What you should do:
Always wear
your seat belt properly, and sit
upright and as far back from the
steering wheel as possible while
allowing full control of the vehicle. A
passenger should move the seat as
far back from the dashboard as
possible.
The rest of this section gives more
detailed information about how you
can maximize your safety.
Remember, however, that no safety
system can prevent all injuries or
deaths that can occur in a severe
crash, even when seat belts are
properly worn and the airbags deploy.
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
9
Protecting Adults and Teens
2008 S2000
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The following pages provide
instructions on how to properly
protect the driver, an adult
passenger or teenage child large
enough and mature enough to drive
or ride in your vehicle. See pages
40
29
how to properly protect a child in a
forward-facing child seat or a larger
child passenger.
for important guidelines on
−
Locking the doors reduces the
chance of someone being thrown out
of the vehicle during a crash, and it
helps prevent a passenger from
accidentally opening a door and
falling out.
Locking the doors also helps prevent
an outsider from unexpectedly
opening a door when you come to a
stop.
2.
Adjust the SeatsIntroduction
Close and Lock the Doors1.
After everyone has entered the
vehicle, be sure the doors are closed
and locked.
Your vehicle has door and trunk
open indicators on the instrument
panel to indicate when either door or
the trunk is not tightly closed.
10
See page for how to lock the
doors, and page for how the dooropen indicator works.
65
47
Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the
rear as possible while allowing you to
maintain f ull control of the vehicle.
Have a passenger adjust his or her
seat as far to the rear as possible.
If you sit too close to the steering
wheel or dashboard, you can be
seriously injured by an inflating front
airbag, or by striking the steering
wheel or dashboard.
Protecting Adults and Teens
2008 S2000
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The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that drivers
allow at least 10 inches (25 cm)
between the center of the steering
wheel and the chest.
If you cannot get far enough away
from the steering wheel and still
reach the controls, we recommend
that you investigate whether some
type of adaptive equipment may help.
Once your seat is adjusted correctly,
rock it back and forth to make sure
the seat is locked in position.
See page for how to adjust the
69
seats.
Sitting too close to a front
airbag can result in serious
injury or death if the front
airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the
front airbags as possible.
Adjust the Seat-Backs3.
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a
comfortable, upright position,
leaving ample space between your
chest and the airbag cover in the
center of the steering wheel.
A passenger should also adjust their
seat-back to a comfortable, upright
position.
CONTINUED
11
Protecting Adults and Teens
2008 S2000
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Reclining a seat-back so that the
shoulder part of the belt no longer
rests against the occupant’s chest
reduces the protective capability of
the belt. It also increases the chance
of sliding under the belt in a crash
and being seriously injured. The
farther a seat-back is reclined, the
greater the risk of injury.
See page for how to adjust the
seat-backs.
Reclining the seat-back too far
can result in serious injury or
death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an
upright position, and sit well
back in the seat.
69
Fasten and Position the Seat
4.
Belts
Insert the latch plate into the buckle,
then tug on the belt to make sure the
belt is securely latched. Check that
the belt is not twisted, because a
twisted belt can cause serious
injuries in a crash.
Position the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across your hips,
then pull up on the shoulder part of
the belt so the lap part fits snugly.
This lets your strong pelvic bones
take the force of a crash and reduces
the chance of internal injuries.
12
Protecting Adults and Teens
2008 S2000
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If necessary, pull up on the shoulder
belt again to remove any slack, then
check that the belt rests across the
center of your chest and over your
shoulder. This spreads the forces of
a crash over the strongest bones in
your upper body.
Improperly positioning the seat
belts can cause serious injury
or death in a crash.
Make sure all seat belts are
properly positioned before
driving.
Never place the shoulder portion of a
lap/shoulder belt under your arm or
behind your back.
This could cause
very serious injuries in a crash.
If a seat belt does not seem to work
properly, it may not protect the
occupant in a crash.
No one should sit in a seat with an
inoperative seat belt.
Using a seat
belt that is not working properly can
result in serious injury or death.
Have your dealer check the belt as
soon as possible.
See page for additional
16
information about your seat belts
and how to take care of them.
Maintain a Proper Sitting
5.
Position
After occupants have adjusted their
seats and put on seat belts, it is very
important that they continue to sit
upright, well back in their seats, with
their feet on the floor, until the
vehicle is parked and the engine is
off.
Sitting improperly can increase the
chance of injury during a crash. For
example, if an occupant slouches,
lies down, turns sideways, sits
forward, leans forward or sideways,
or puts one or both feet up, the
chance of injury during a crash is
greatly increased.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
13
Protecting Adults and Teens
2008 S2000
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In addition, an occupant who is out of
position can be seriously or fatally
injured in a crash by striking interior
parts of the vehicle or being struck
by an inflating front airbag.
Sitting improperly or out of
position can result in serious
injury or death in a crash.
Always sit upright, well back in
the seat, with your feet on the
floor.
Advice for Pregnant Women
protect yourself and your unborn
child when driving or riding in a
vehicle is to always wear a seat belt,
and keep the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across the hips.
When driving, remember to sit
upright and adjust the seat as far
back as possible while allowing full
control of the vehicle. When riding
as a passenger, adjust the seat as far
back as possible.
This will reduce the risk of injuries
to both you and your unborn child
that can be caused by a crash or an
inflating front airbag.
Each time you have a checkup, ask
your doctor if it’s okay for you to
drive.If you are pregnant, the best way to
14
Protecting Adults and Teens
2008 S2000
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Additional Safety Precautions
Two people should never use the
same seat belt.
If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
Do not put any accessories on seat
belts.
Devices intended to improve
occupant comfort or reposition the
shoulder part of a seat belt can
reduce the protective capability of
thebeltandincreasethechanceof
serious injury in a crash.
Do not place hard or sharp objects
between yourself and a f ront
airbag.
Carrying hard or sharp
objects on your lap, or driving with
a pipe or other sharp object in
your mouth, can result in injuries
if your front airbag inflates.
Do not attach or place objects on
the airbag covers.
Objects on the
covers marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’
could interf ere with the proper
operation of the airbags or be
propelled inside the vehicle and
hurt someone if the airbags inflate.
Keep your hands and arms away
from the airbag covers.
If your
hands or arms are close to an
airbag cover, they could be injured
if the airbag inflates.
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
15
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
2008 S2000
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Seat Belt System Components
Your seat belt system includes lap/
shoulder belts in both seating
positions. The seat belts are also
equipped with automatic seat belt
tensioners.
This system uses the same sensors
as the front airbags to monitor
whether the seat belts are latched or
unlatched, and how much weight is
on the passenger’s seat (see page
).
24
The seat belt system
includes an indicator on the
instrument panel and a beeper to
remind you and your passenger to
fasten your seat belts.
This system monitors the seat belts.
If you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position before your seat
belt is fastened, the beeper will
sound and the indicator will flash. If
your seat belt is not fastened before
the beeper stops, the indicator will
stop flashing but remain on.
If a passenger does not fasten their
seat belt, the indicator will come on
about 6 seconds after the ignition
switch is turned to the ON (II)
position.
Ifeitherthedriverorpassengerdoes
not fasten their seat belt, the beeper
will sound and the indicator will flash
again at regular intervals.
When no one is sitting in the
passenger’s seat, or a child or small
adult is riding there, the indicator
should not come on and the beeper
should not sound.
If the indicator comes on or the
beeper sounds when the driver’s seat
belt is latched and there is no
passenger and no items on the
passenger’s seat, something may be
interfering with the monitoring
system. Look for and remove:
Any items under the passenger’s
seat.
Any objects hanging on the seat.
Any object(s) touching the rear of
the seat-back.
If no obstructions are found, have
your vehicle checked by a dealer.
16
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
2008 S2000
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Lap/Shoulder Belt
The lap and shoulder belt goes over
your shoulder, across your chest,
and across your hips.
To fasten the belt, insert the latch
plate into the buckle, then tug on the
belt to make sure the buckle is
latched (see page for how to
12
properly position the belt).
To unlock the belt, press the red
PRESSbuttononthebuckle.Guide
the belt across your body so that it
retracts completely. After exiting the
vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the
way and will not get closed in the
door.
Both seat belts have an emergency
retractor. In normal driving, the
retractor lets you move freely in your
seat while it keeps some tension on
the belt. During a collision or sudden
stop, the retractor automatically
locks the belt to help restrain your
body.
The passenger’s seat belt has a
lockable retractor that must be
activated to secure a forward-facing
child seat (see page ).
34
If the shoulder part of the belt is
pulled all the way out, the lockable
retractor will activate. The belt will
retract, but it will not allow the
passenger to move freely.
To deactivate the lockable retractor,
unlatch the buckle and let the seat
belt fully retract. To refasten the
seat belt, pull it out only as far as
needed.
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
17
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
2008 S2000
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For added protection, the seat belts
are equipped with automatic seat
belt tensioners. When activated, the
tensioners immediately tighten the
beltstohelpholdthedriveranda
passenger in place.
The tensioners are designed to
activate in any collision severe
enough to cause the front airbags to
deploy.
However, the tensioners can be
activated during a collision in which
the airbags do not deploy. In this
case, the airbags would not be
needed, but the additional restraint
could be helpful.
When the tensioners are activated,
the seat belts will remain tight until
they are unbuckled.
Seat Belt MaintenanceAutomatic Seat Belt Tensioners
For safety, you should check the
condition of your seat belts regularly.
Pull each belt out fully and look for
frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check
that the latches work smoothly and
the belts retract easily. If a belt does
not retract easily, cleaning it may
correct the problem (see page ).
184
Any belt that is not in good condition
or not working properly will not
provide good protection and should
be replaced as soon as possible.
Honda provides a limited warranty
on seat belts. See your
Warranty Information
Honda
booklet for
details.
If a seat belt is worn during a crash,
it must be replaced by your dealer. A
belt that has been worn during a
crash may not provide the same level
of protection in a subsequent crash.
18
The dealer should also inspect the
2008 S2000
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anchors for damage and replace
them if needed. If the automatic seat
belt tensioners activate during a
crash, they must be replaced.
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Not checking or maintaining
seat belts can result in serious
injury or death if the seat belts
do not work properly when
needed.
Check your seat belts regularly
and have any problem
corrected as soon as possible.
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
19
Additional Information About Your Airbags
2008 S2000
Table Of Contents
Main Menu
Airbag System Components
(1) Driver’s Front Airbag
(2) Passenger’s Front Airbag
(3) Control Unit
(4) Seat Belt Tensioners
(5) Driver’s Seat Position Sensor
(6) Passenger’s Weight Sensors
(7) Passenger’s Weight Sensor Unit
(8) Front Impact Sensors
(9) Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
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(1)
(3)
(8)
(5)
(6)
(2)
(7)
(9)
(4)
(4)
(6)
Additional Information About Your Airbags
2008 S2000
Table Of Contents
Main Menu
Your airbag system includes: An indicator on the dashboard that
Two SRS (supplemental restraint
system) airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the passenger’s
airbag is stored in the dashboard.
Both are marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’
(see page ).
22
Weight sensors that monitor the
weight on the passenger’s seat. If
the weight is about 65 lbs (29 kg)
or less (the weight of an infant or
small child), the passenger’s
airbag will be turned off (see page
).
24
A sophisticated electronic system
alerts you that the passenger’s
airbag has been turned off (see
26
page ).
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
that continually monitors and
Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
18
records information about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, the seat belt
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe front impact.
tensioners, and driver and
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition switch is in the ON (II)
Sensors that can detect whether
position.
the driver’s seat belt and the
passenger’s seat belt are latched
or unlatched (see page ).
16
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbags,
A driver’s seat position sensor that
monitors the distance of the seat
sensors, or seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
25
from the airbag. If the seat is too
far forward, the airbag will inflate
with less force (see page ).
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Driver and Passenger Saf ety
21
Additional Information About Your Airbags
2008 S2000
Table Of Contents
Main Menu
How Your Airbags Work
If you ever have a moderate to
severe frontal collision, sensors will
detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration.
If the rate of deceleration is high
enough, the control unit will instantly
inflate the driver’s and passenger’s
airbags, at the time and with the
force needed.
During a frontal crash, your seat belt
restrains your lower body and torso,
and the f ront airbag helps protect
your head and chest.
Although both airbags normally
inflate within a split second of each
other, it is possible f or only one
airbag to deploy.
This can happen if the severity of a
collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether
or not the airbags will deploy. In
such cases, the seat belt will provide
sufficient protection, and the
supplemental protection offered by
the airbag would be minimal.
Only the driver’s airbag can deploy if
there is no passenger in the
passenger’s seat, or if the advanced
airbag system has turned the
passenger’s airbag off (see page ).
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After inflating, the front airbags will
immediately deflate, so they won’t
interfere with the driver’s visibility,
or the ability to steer or operate
other controls.
The total time for inflation and
deflation is one-tenth of a second, so
fast that most occupants are not
aware that the airbags deployed until
they see them lying in their laps.
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Additional Information About Your Airbags
2008 S2000
Table Of Contents
Main Menu
After a crash, you may see what
looks like smoke. This is actually
powder from the airbag’s surface.
Although the powder is not harmful,
people with respiratory problems
mayexperiencesometemporary
discomfort. If this occurs, get out of
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
Your front airbags are dual-stage
airbags. This means they have two
inflation stages that can be ignited
sequentially or simultaneously,
depending on crash severity.
more severe
In a crash, both stages
will ignite simultaneously to provide
the quickest and greatest protection.
less severe
In a crash, one stage will
ignite first, then the second stage
will ignite a split second later. This
provides longer airbag inf lation time
with a little less force.
Dual-Threshold AirbagsDual-Stage Airbags
Your front airbags are also dualthreshold airbags. Airbags with this
feature have two deployment
thresholds that depend on whether
sensors detect the occupant is
wearing a seat belt or not.
If the occupant’s belt is ,
not latched
the airbag will deploy at a slightly
lower threshold, because the
occupant would need extra
protection.
If the occupant’s belt is , the
latched
airbag will inflate at a slightly higher
threshold, when the airbag would be
needed to supplement the protection
provided by the seat belt.
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
23
Additional Information About Your Airbags
2008 S2000
Table Of Contents
Main Menu
Advanced Airbags
Your airbags are also advanced
airbags. The main purpose of this
feature is to help prevent airbagcaused injuries to short drivers and
children who ride in the passenger’s
seat.
For both advanced airbags to work
properly:
Occupants must sit upright and
wear their seat belts properly.
The driver’s advanced front airbag
Do not spill any liquids on or
under the seats, cover the sensors,
or put any objects or metal items
under the seats.
Failure to follow these instructions
could damage the sensors or prevent
them from working properly.
system includes a seat position
sensor under the seat. If the seat is
too far forward, the airbag will
inflate with less force, regardless of
the severity of the impact.
If there is a problem with the sensor,
the SRS indicator will come on, and
the airbag will inflate in the normal
manner regardless of the driver’s
seating position.
DRIVER’S
SEAT
POSITION
SENSOR
PASSENGER’S
SEAT WEIGHT
SENSOR
The passenger’s advanced airbag
system has weight sensors under the
seat. Although Honda does not
encourage carrying a child in the
passenger’s seat, if the sensors
detect the weight of an infant or
small child (up to about 65 lbs or 29
kg), the system will automatically
turn the passenger’s airbag off.
Be aware that objects placed on the
passenger’s seat can also cause the
airbag to be turned off.
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Additional Information About Your Airbags
2008 S2000
Table Of Contents
Main Menu
When the airbag is turned off, a
‘‘passenger airbag off’’ indicator in
the center of the dashboard comes
on (see page ).
26
If the weight sensors detect there is
no passenger in the seat, the airbag
will be off. However, the passenger
airbag off indicator will not come on.
To ensure that the passenger’s
advanced airbag system will work
properly, The SRS indicator alerts you to a
would increase or decrease the
weight on the passenger’s seat, such
as hanging heavy objects on the seat.
do not do anything that
potential problem with your airbags
or seat belt tensioners.
How the SRS Indicator
Works
When you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, this indicator
comes on briefly then goes off. This
tells you the system is working
properly.
If the indicator comes on at any
other time, or does not come on at all,
you should have the system checked
by your dealer. For example:
If the SRS indicator does not come
on after you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position.
If the indicator stays on after the
engine starts.
If the indicator comes on or
flashesonandoffwhileyoudrive.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
25
Additional Information About Your Airbags
2008 S2000
Table Of Contents
Main Menu
If you see any of these indications,
the airbags and seat belt tensioners
may not work properly when you
need them.
Ignoring the SRS indicator can
result in serious injury or death
if the airbag systems or
tensioners do not work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
the SRS indicator alerts you to
a possible problem.
How the Passenger Airbag Off
Indicator Works
U. S. Canada
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR
This indicator alerts you that the
passenger’s airbag has been shut off
because weight sensors detect about
65 lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of
an infant or small child) on the
passenger’s seat. It does
not mean
there is a problem with the airbag.
Be aware that objects placed on the
passenger’s seat can cause the
indicator to come on.
If no weight is detected in the
passenger’s seat, the airbag will be
automatically shut off. However, the
indicator will not come on.
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Additional Information About Your Airbags
2008 S2000
Table Of Contents
Main Menu
The passenger airbag off indicator
maycomeonandoffrepeatedlyif
the total weight on the seat is near
the airbag cutoff threshold.
riding in front, move the seat as far
to the rear as possible, and have the
passenger sit upright and wear the
seat belt properly.
If the indicator comes on with no
passenger and no objects on the
passenger seat, or with an adult
riding there, something may be
interfering with the weight sensors.
Look f or and remove:
Any items under the passenger’s
seat.
Any objects hanging on the seat.
Any object(s) touching the rear of
the seat-back.
If no obstructions are found, have
your vehicle checked by a dealer as
soon as possible.
Airbag Service
Your airbag systems are virtually
maintenance free, and there are no
parts you can safely service.
However, you must have your
vehicle serviced if:If an adult or teenage passenger is
An airbag ever inf lates.
Any airbag
that has deployed must be
replaced along with the control
unit and other related parts. Any
seat belt tensioner that activates
must also be replaced.
Do not try to remove or replace
anyairbagbyyourself.Thismust
be done by an authorized dealer or
a knowledgeable body shop.
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
27
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