check engine light HONDA S2000 2000 1.G User Guide

If Your Engine Won't Start
Diagnosing why your engine won't
start falls into two areas, depending
on what you
hear when you press
the ENGINE START button.
• You hear nothing, or almost
nothing.
The engine's starter
motor does not operate at
all, or
operates very slowly.
• You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
218 Taking Care of the Unexpected
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
When you press the ENGINE
START button, you do not hear the
normal noise of the engine trying to
start. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at
all.
Check these things:
• Your car has the Immobilizer
System.
You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page 59).
A key that
is not properly coded
will cause the immobilizer system
indicator
in the dash panel to blink
rapidly.
• Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the headlights and check
their brightness.
If the headlights
are very dim or don't light at
all,
the battery is discharged. See
Jump Starting on page 220.
• Press
the ENGINE START button,
then release
it. If the headlights do
not dim, check the condition of the
fuses.
If the fuses are 0 K, there is
probably something wrong with
the electrical circuit for the
ignition switch
or starter motor.
You
will need a qualified
technician to determine the
problem.
(See Emergency
Towing on page 238 .)

If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
dis­
charged or the connections are
corroded.
Check the condition of the
battery and terminal connections
(see page 177). You can then try
jump starting the car from a booster
battery (see page 220).
The Starter Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's
speed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you press the
ENGINE START button, but the
engine does not run.
• Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to
Starting the
Engine on page 131 .
• Do you have fuel? Turn the
ignition switch to
ON (ID for a
minute and watch the fuel gauge.
The low fuel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to
fill the tank.
If Your Engine Won't Start
• There may be an electrical
problem, such as
no power to the
fuel pump.
Check all the fuses
(see page
231 ) .
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See
Emergency
Towing on page 238.
Taking Care of the Unexpected 219

Jump Starting
If your car's battery has run down,
you may
be able to start the engine
by using a booster battery. Although
this
seems like a simple procedure,
you should take several precautions.
220 Taking Care of the Unexpected
A battery can explode if you do
not
follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep
all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
To jump start your car, follow these
directions closely:
1. Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page 177 ) . In very cold
weather,
check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not
try jump starting
until it thaws.
NOTICE
if a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can freeze.
Attempting
to jump start with a frozen
battery can cause it
to rupture.
2. Turn off all the electrical acces­
sories: heater,
A/C, stereo system,
lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral
and
set the parking brake.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
after
the engine starts. It should
never come on when
the engine is
running.
If it starts flashing, it
indicates
that the oil pressure
dropped very low for a moment,
then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with
the engine running, it shows
that
the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.
226 Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn
off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the car
stopped.
1. Safely pull off the road and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open
the hood and check the oil level
(see page 119 ). Although oil level
and
oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine
that is very
low on
oil can lose pressure during
cornering and
other driving
maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page 120 ) .
4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator.
If the light
does not go out within
ten seconds,
turn off
the engine. There is a
mechanical problem
that needs to
be repaired before you can
continue driving.
(See Emergency
Towing on page 238 .)

The Brake System Indicator light
comes on when you turn the ignition
ON (II). If the parking brake is not
set, it goes off after you start the
engine.
If the parking brake is set, it
goes off when you fully release the
parking brake with the engine
running. If
it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with
the car's
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low fluid level in
the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal.
If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a
service station (see page
170 ) . If the
fluid level is
low, take the car to your
dealer and have the brake system
inspected for leaks or worn brake
pads.
However,
if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because
of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem
in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels.
You will feel the brake pedal
go down much farther before the car
begins to slow down, and you
will
have to press harder on the pedal.
The distance needed to stop will be
much longer.
Brake System Indicator
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because
of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car.
You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible.
If you must drive the car a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
Taking Care of the Unexpected 229

Index
Brakes,ABS Certification Label ......................... 242
Vinyl ............................................ 207
Operation
.................................... 137 Chains ............................................. 191 Windows ..................................... 208
System
Indicator .................. 44, 139 Change Oil Climate Control System .................. 86
Braking System .............................. 136 Howto ......................................... 159 Clutch Fluid .................................... 171
Break-in, New Car ......................... 116 When to ....................................... 146 CO in the Exhaust ......................... 250
Brightness Control, Instruments ... 52 Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 213 Cold Weather, Starting in ............. 132
Brights, Headlights ......................... 51 Changing Engine Coolant.. ........... 163 Compact Spare Tire ....................... 212
Bulb Replacement... ....................... 192 Charging System Indicator .... 44, 227 Controls, Instruments and .............. 41
Back-up Lights ........................... 198 Check Engine Light ................ 45, 228
Covertible Top ................................. 71
Brake Lights ............................... 198 Checking
Closing the Convertible Top ...... 7 4
Headlights ..................................
195 Battery Condition ...................... 177 Convertible Top Cover. ............... 76
License Plate Lights .................. 200 Brake Fluid ................................. 170 Maintenance ................................. 77
Parking Lights ........................... 196 Clutch Fluid ................................ 171 Opening the Covertible Top ....... 71
Side Marker Lights ................... 198
Drive Belt.. .................................. 184 Coolant
Specifications .............................
245 Engine Coolant.. ......................... 120 Adding ......................................... 161
Turn Signal Lights ..................... 196 Engine Oil.. ................................. 119 Checking ..................................... 120
Bulbs, Halogen ............................... 194 Fuses ........................................... 232 Proper Solution .......................... 161
Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 168 Temperature Gauge .................... 47
c Checklist, Before Driving ............. 115 Corrosion Protection ..................... 208
Cleaner, Air .................................... 172 Crankcase Emission Control
Cables, Jump Starting With ..........
220 Cleaning .......................................... 203 System ......................................... 250
Capacities Chart. ............................ 244
Aluminum Wheels ..................... 206 Cruise Control Operation ............... 55
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .............. 39 Exterior ....................................... 204 Customer Relations
Cargo, Carrying .............................
124 Interior ........................................ 207 Information ................................. 254
CAUTION, Explanation of ............... ii Leather ........................................ 207
CD Changer. ................................... 107 Seat Belts .................................... 207
II

Index
D In Bad Weather. ......................... 140 Malfunction Indicator
In Foreign Countries .................
249 Lamp ................................. 45, 228
DANGER, Explanation of.. ............... ii Oil Pressure Indicator ......... 44, 226
Dashboard ........................................
42 E Oil, What Kind to Use ............... 157
Daytime Running Lights ................. 52 Overheating ................................ 223
Dead Battery, What to Do ............ 220 Economy, Fuel ............................... 121 Specifications ............................. 244
Defects, Reporting
Safety ............. 258 Emergencies on the Road ............. 211 Engine Cover, Opening the .......... 118
Defrosting
the Windows ................. 91 Battery, Jump Starting .............. 220 Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 248
Dimensions ..................................... 244 Changing
a Flat Tire .................
213 Evaporative Emission Controls .... 250
Dimming the Headlights ................ 51 Charging System Indicator ...... 227 Exhaust Fumes ................................ 39
Dipstick Checking the Fuses ................... 232 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Engine Oil.. ................................. 119 Closing the Convertible Top .... 230 Belts by ......................................... 17
Directional Signals ........................... 53 Low Oil Pressure Indicator ...... 226 Exterior,
Cleaning the ................... 204
Disabled, Towing Your Car If ...... 238 Malfunction Indicator Lamp .... 228
Disc Brake
Wear Indicators ......... 136 Overheated Engine ................... 223 F
Disposal of Used Oil.. .................... 160 Emergency Brake ............................ 80
Do Not Tow a Trailer .................... 141 Emergency Flashers ....................... 79 Fabric, Cleaning ............................. 207
Doors Emission
Controls ......................... 250 Fan, Interior ...................................... 86
Locking and Unlocking ............... 62 Engine Features, Comfort and
Monitor Light.. .............................
45 Check Engine Light ............ 45, 228 Convenience
................................. 85
Power Door Locks ....................... 62 Compartment, Checking Filling the Fuel Tank ..................... 117
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........... 246
in the ....................................... 118
Downshifting, 6-speed Manual Coolant ........................................ 120
Transmission .............................. 134 Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 4 7
Driving ............................................
129 Drive Belt. ................................... 184
Economy ..................................... 121 CONTINUED
Ill

Index
Filters
Oil ................................................ 159
Flashers, Hazard Warning .............. 79
Flat Tire, Changing a .................... 213
Fluids
Brake ...........................................
170
Clutch
.......................................... 171
Manual Transmission ............... 168
Windshield Washer ................... 167
FM Stereo Radio Reception ......... 100
Foreign Countries, Driving in ...... 249
Four-way Flashers ........................... 79
Front End, Towing by Emergency
W reeker ......................................
238
Fuel .................................................. 116
Fill Door and
Cap ....................... 117
Gauge ............................................ 48
Octane Requirement.. ............... 116
Oxygenated ................................ 248
Reserve Indicator .........................
46
Tank, Filling the ......................... 117
Fuel Mileage, Improving ............... 121
Fuel Station Procedures ............... 117
Fuses, Checking the ...................... 232
IV
G
Gasohol ........................................... 248
Gasoline .......................................... 116
Fuel Reserve Indicator. ...............
46
Gauge ............................................ 48
Octane Requirement ................. 116
Oxygenated Fuels ...................... 248
Tank, Filling the .........................
117
Gauges .............................................. 47
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 47
Fuel ................................................ 48
Gearshift Lever Positions
6-speed Manual
Transmission ..........................
133
Glass Cleaning ............................... 208
IH
Halogen Headlight Bulbs .............. 194
Hazard Warning Flashers ............... 79
Headlights
Daytime Running Lights .............
52
High Beam Indicator ................... 46
High Beams, Turning on ............ 51
Low Beams, Turning on ............. 51
Reminder Tone ............................ 51
Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 195
Turning on .................................... 51
Heating and Cooling System .......... 86
High Altitude, Starting at.. ............ 132
High-Low Beam Switch .................. 51
High Speed, Shifting at ................. 134
Hood Latch ..................................... 17 4
Hood, Opening
the ........................ 118
Hot Coolant, Warning about ........ 161
Hydraulic Clutch ............................ 171
Hydroplaning .................................. 141
I
Identification Number,
Vehicle ........................................
242
If Your Car has to be Towed ........ 238
Ignition
Keys ...............................................
58
Switch ............................................ 60
Timing Control System ............. 251
Indicator Lights, Instrument
Panel .............................................. 43
Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 185
Inside Mirror .................................... 79

Index
Inspection, Tire .............................. 187 Indicator ........................................ 43 Meters, Gauges ................................ 4 7
Instrument
Panel ............................. 42 Parking ........................................ 198 Methanol in Gasoline .................... 248
Instrument Panel Brightness ......... 52 Turn Signal.. ............................... 196 Mirrors, Adjusting ........................... 79
Interior Cleaning ............................ 207 Loading Cargo ................................ 124
Interior Lights .................................. 83 LOCK (Ignition Key Position) ....... 60 N
Introduction ......................................... i Locks
Anti-theft Steering
Column ........ 60 New Vehicle Break-in ................... 116
J Fuel Fill Door ............................. 117 Normal Shift Speeds ...................... 134
Power Door .................................. 62 NOTICE, Explanation of ................... ii
Jacking Up the Car ........................ 213 Trunk ............................................ 66 Numbers, Identification ................ 242
Jack, Tire ........................................ 213
Low Coolant Level.. ....................... 120
Jump Starting ................................. 220 Lower Gear, Downshifting to a .... 134 0
Low Fuel Indicator .......................... 46
IK Low Oil Pressure Indicator .... 44, 226 Octane Requirement, Gasoline .... 116
Lubricant Specifications
Chart .... 244
Odometer .......................................... 48
Keys ................................................... 58 Luggage .......................................... 124
Odometer, Trip ................................ 48
Oil
L IM Change, How to ......................... 159
Change, When to ....................... 146
Label,
Certification ........................ 242
Maintenance ................................... 143 Checking Engine ....................... 119
Lane Change, Signaling .................. 53 Owner Maintenance Checks .... 155 Pressure Indicator ............... 44, 226
Lap/Shoulder Belts .........................
33 Record ......................................... 153 Selecting Proper Viscosity
Leaking of Exhaust into
Car .......... 39 Schedule ..................................... 146 Chart ....................................... 157
Leather, Cleaning .......................... 207 Malfunction Indicator Lamp .. 45, 228 ON (Ignition Key Position) ............ 61
Lights
Manual Transmission .................... 133
Bulb Replacement ..................... 194 Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 168 CONTINUED
v

Shifting
The 6-speed Manual
Transmission ..........................
133
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in .......................... 198
Signaling
Turns ................................ 53
6-speed Manual Transmission
Checking Fluid Level ................
168
Shifting the ................................. 134
Snow Tires ...................................... 191
Solvent-type Cleaners .................... 204
Sound System ................................... 94
Spare Tire
Inflating .......................................
212
Specifications ............................. 245
Spark Plugs, Replacing ................. 17 4
Specifications Charts ..................... 244
Speed Control... ................................ 55
Speedometer .................................... 4 7
SRS, Additional Information ........... 35
Additional Safety Precautions .... 38
How the Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners
Work ..................... 37
How the SRS Indicator
Works ........................................
37
How Your Air bags Work ............ 35
SRS Components ......................... 35
SRS Service ................................... 38
SRS Indicator Light ................... 37, 45
START (Ignition Key Position) ..... 61
Starting the Engine ........................ 131
In Cold Weather at High
Altitude ...................................
132
With a Dead Battery ................. 220
Steam Coming from Engine ......... 223
Steering Wheel
Anti-theft Column Lock ..............
60
Stereo Sound System ...................... 94
Storing Your Car ............................ 202
Stuck Car ........................................ 236
Supplemental Restraint
System
Servicing
....................................... 38
SRS Indicator .......................... 37, 45
Tensioners, Seat Belts ................ 37
T
Tachometer ...................................... 4 7
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in ....... 198
Taking Care of
the Unexpected .. 211
Technical Descriptions
Emission Control
Systems ........ 250
Index
Three Way Catalytic
Converter ................................
252
Temperature Gauge ........................ 4 7
Tensioners,
Seat Belts .................... 37
Three Way Catalytic Converter ... 251
Tire Chains ..................................... 191
Tire, How to Change a Flat .......... 213
Tires ................................................ 185
Air Pressure ............................... 185
Balancing .................................... 188
Checking Wear .......................... 188
Compact Spare Tire .................. 212
DOT Tire Quality Grading ....... 246
Inflation .......................................
185
Inspection ................................... 187
Replacing .................................... 189
Rotating ....................................... 188
Snow ............................................ 191
Specifications ............................. 245
Technical Information ..............
241
Tools, Tire Changing .................... 213
CONTINUED
VII