Recalls: Honda AP1 S2000
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Honda AP1 S2000
- In February 2000, a recall was issued for Honda S2000 models produced from 1999-00 due to the interface between the seat belt and soft-top cover not allowing the seat belt to retract (PRA 2000/4231).
- In October 2000, a recall was issued for Honda S2000 models produced up the date of the recall due to the seatbelt retractor staying in a locked position and the seatbelt webbing not being able to be pulled out. As such, the seatbelt could not be buckled (PRA 2000/4502).
- In June 2013, a recall was issued for 2006 and 2007 model year Honda S2000 vehicles. In these vehicles, the master power booster body could be displaced and the seal-ability of the diaphragm reduced when the brake pedal was pressed. If this occurred, brake power would be reduced and stopping distances would be longer than expected, posing a potential hazard to the driver and other road users (PRA 2013/13641). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the following ranges –
- JHM AP11306S 200603 to JHM AP11306S 201486; and,
- JHM AP11307S 200056 to JHM AP11307S 200301.
Problems and faults: Honda AP1 S2000
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
F20C engine
- A rattling noise on start-up indicates that the timing chain tensioner needs to be replaced.
- A faint tapping noise from the top of the engine on start-up may be due to a sticking hydraulic pin – changing the oil should fix this.
- The ‘check engine’ light may illuminate after driving more than four hours continuously due to a glitch in the powertrain control module (PCM) software.
- The ‘check engine’ light may illuminate due to a failed air/fuel sensor; this could occur if the sensor became wet from moisture in the exhaust when the engine was cold.
- The Honda S2000’s F20C engine requires regular oil changes every 10,000 kms or six months. Some engines may use up to a litre of oil per 1000 miles (1609 km), while others don’t use any oil.
- If the engine is low on oil, the ECU will prevent VTEC operation and limit engine speed to 6000 rpm. Once the oil has been filled to the correct level, the ECU must be reset to clear the fault code and enable higher engine speeds.
- For track use, an oil cooler is recommended to reduce engine temperatures, while a baffled sump can prevent oil starvation.
Clutch
- Estimated clutch life for the S2000 is around 100,000 kilometres for normal driving. A common sign that the clutch requires replacement is a bite point at the top of the pedal travel.
- ‘Gear clash’ when shifting from first to second gear requires replacement of both gear sets, including new synchronizers.
- As the vehicle gets older, the clutch may become noisier. A redesigned clutch was subsequently introduced which was initially noisier but did not get louder over time.
Honda S2000: MIL on with DTC P1172 or P2A00
In August 2007, Honda USA issued service bulletin 07-006 for 2006-07 Honda S2000 vehicles. In these vehicles, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate with the following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) –
- P1172: air fuel sensor (sensor 1) circuit out of range, high; and/or,
- P2A00: air fuel sensor (sensor 1) circuit range/performance problem.
The service bulletin attributed this condition to the air/fuel sensor having been damaged by moisture in the exhaust system during engine warm-up. To fix,
- The ECM/PCM PGM-FI software was to be updated since it was revised to delay air/fuel sensor heater operation when there was a high probability of moisture on the air/fuel sensor; and,
- The air/fuel sensor replaced.
Honda S2000: convertible top torn
In May 2009, Honda USA issued service bulletin 09-003 for Honda S2000 vehicles that were produced from 2005 to 2009. In these vehicles, the convertible top may be tear at one or both lock handles and/or the right rear area. According to service bulletin, the tears may be attributable to a rough surface on the lock handle and/or the right rear frame hinge.
To fix, the cloth roof and lock handles had to be replaced. Furthermore, any rough spots on the right rear frame hinge needed to be removed.
Other problems and faults: Honda AP1 S2000
- The Honda S2000 should not be washed in an automatic car wash or with a high-pressure washer because water could leak inside or damage the convertible top.
- If condensation from the air conditioner dripped onto the passenger footwell, the heater housing lower seam likely required resealing.
- The air conditioning fan/blower motor may overheat, blow its fuse and melt the fan if the air conditioning motor cooling hose becomes clogged.
- If the convertible roof made noises when closed, special lubrication may be required for various pivot points and a spacer (or shim) in the lock handles.
- The rear window of the convertible roof was easily creased when the top was lowered. Furthermore, the window could be scratched by paper towels or clouded by traffic pollution.
