Honda1999–2009

S2000 2.0: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

8 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, five concern the engine and fuel system and one the brakes. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Technical specifications

Engine & fuel system

5 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Engine cranks but fails to start

Affects All models, 1999-00.Fit modified part

Symptoms

Immobilizer warning lamp flashes.

Cause

Immobilizer read coil failure.

Repair

  1. Fit modified immobilizer read coil.
Parts3 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Read coil39730504G01Logo, Civic, Insight, HR-V
Read coil39730584A01Accord Coupe, S2000
Read coil39730510G01CR-V

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Poor engine performance

Affects All models with VTEC engine.

Symptoms

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble codes stored in engine control module (ECM) fault memory: 22-4.

Cause

Engine oil level incorrect.

Oil supply pressure to variable valve timing (VVT) system too low.

Repair

  1. Top up engine oil to correct level.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Hesitation when accelerating

Poor contact in manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor multi-plug.

Overview

Affects
All models, VIN →JHMAP1-5S200063.

Repair steps

  1. Replace MAP sensor.
  2. Fit a cable tie around multi-plug connector and MAP sensor to prevent vibration causing poor connection.
  3. Ensure gap at multi-plug connector clip is 1 mm.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated

Overview

Affects
All models, 2004-06 (VIN →JHMAP1-6S200783).
Fault codes
P1401

Symptoms

Engine misfire. Trouble code stored: P1401.

Cause

Fault in secondary air injection (AIR) pump relay.

Repair

  1. Replace secondary air injection (AIR) pump.
  2. Replace secondary air injection (AIR) pump relay.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated

Overview

Affects
S2000, 2006-08: VIN →JHMAP1***8S200499.
Fault codes
P0135P1172
Remedy
Software update
Parts
3 parts

Symptoms

Possible trouble codes stored: P2A00, P0135, P1172.

Cause

Faulty heated oxygen sensor (HO2S).

Repair

  1. Renew heated oxygen sensor (HO2S).
  2. Re-program ECM with upgraded software.
Parts3 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) - Accord36531-RBB-0031
Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) - S200006180-PZX-3051
Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) - Civic/CR-VRefer to manufacturer1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.

Brakes

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Front brake judder

Overview

Affects
All models, 2005-08.

Cause

Excessive front brake disc runout.

Repair

  1. Check front brake disc runout is less than 0.04 mm. Reface or replace front brake discs as necessary.
  2. Check front brake disc thickness variation is less than 0.015 mm. Reface or replace front brake discs as necessary.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.

Suspension & drivetrain

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Knocking noise from front wheel when pulling away

Overview

Affects
All models, 1982-05.
Remedy
Clean & lubricate

Cause

Contact between driveshaft and front wheel bearing.

Repair

  1. Clean driveshaft and wheel bearing contact surfaces.
  2. Apply grease to contact surfaces of driveshaft and wheel bearing.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.

Clutch & gearbox

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Noises from gearbox at high engine speed

Affects All models, 1999-01.Fit modified part

Cause

Faulty clutch friction plate components.

Repair

  1. Fit modified clutch friction plate.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Clutch friction plate22200PCX0551

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

MIL
Malfunction indicator lamp — the engine warning light on the dashboard
ECM
Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
VIN
Vehicle identification number — 17 characters, found at the base of the windscreen and on the V5C logbook
Trouble Codes
Standardised fault codes stored by the engine control module, read with a diagnostic tool
Control Module
A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Disc Runout
How much a brake disc wobbles; too much causes vibration or squeal
Driveshaft
The shaft that takes drive from the differential out to a wheel
Fault Memory
The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
Immobilizer
The anti-theft system that prevents the engine from starting without the correct key
Manifold Absolute Pressure
A sensor reading of pressure in the intake — used to work out engine load
Multi-Plug
A multi-pin electrical connector on a wiring harness
Re-Program
Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
Relay
An electrically operated switch
Trouble Code
A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
Misfire
One or more cylinders not firing correctly — the engine runs roughly or loses power

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Honda S2000 2.0?

This guide contains eight workshop bulletins for the Honda S2000 2.0. Of these, five concern the engine and fuel system and one the brakes. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Honda S2000 2.0 have these faults?

No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.

Can I check for Honda S2000 2.0 faults myself?

Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.

Related guides

Glossary term

See in the glossary →