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Indicator Works


How the Passenger Airbag Off ...................... ............................. ...


. 26
Airbag Service . 27
Additional Safety Precautions . 28


Protecting Children



General


Guidelines


................................


. 29


All Children Must Be


Restrained


...............................


. 29


Your Vehicle is Not


Recommended for Child


Passengers


..........................


. 30


The Passenger’s Airbag


Can Pose Serious Risks


Protecting Small Children Selecting a Child Seat Installing a Child Seat Protecting Larger Children


. 30
Additional Safety Precautions . 32
. 33
. 34
. 34
. 37
. 37
. 38


......... ... ............. ..................... .................... ........... Checking Seat Belt Fit ............... Using a Booster Seat .................. When Can a Larger Child Ride ........................ ... ............. ...................................


. 39
Additional Safety Precautions . 40
. 41
. 42


Carbon Monoxide Hazard Safety Labels


in This Vehicle


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:28:20 31S2A680 0011 


Important Safety Precautions


You’ll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important.


Nevercarryaninfantinarear-facing childseatinthisvehicle. If an older child must ride in this vehicle, follow all child safety instructions and warnings in this manual (see pages


29


40


).



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


).


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.


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.


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 for 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


).


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:28:27 31S2A680 0012 


(1)


(9)


(8)


(3)


(4)


(7)


(6)


(8)


(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


(2)


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 alwayswear . In fact, some safety yourseatbelts features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly.


The following pages explain how you can take an active role in protecting yourself and your passenger.


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:28:38 31S2A680 0013 


Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


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.


WhyWearSeatBelts Seat belts have proven to be the single most effective safety device 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. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury.


Always wear Whatyoushoulddo: your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly.


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:28:46 31S2A680 0014 


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 information on how your airbags work).


for more


22


Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


The most important things you need to know about your airbags are:


Airbagsdonotreplaceseatbelts. They are designed to supplement the seat belts.


Airbagsoffernoprotectioninside impacts,rearimpacts,rollovers, orminorfrontalcollisions.


Airbagscanposeserioushazards. 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.


Always wear


Whatyoushoulddo: 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.


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:28:56 31S2A680 0015 


Protecting Adults and Teens


Introduction 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 29
how to properly protect a child in a forward-facing child seat or a larger child passenger.


for important guidelines on


40



1. Close and Lock the Doors 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


2.


Adjust the Seats


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.


for how to lock the


65


See page doors, and page open indicator works.


47


for how the door-


Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the rear as possible while allowing you to maintain full 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.


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:29:04 31S2A680 0016 


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.


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 seats.


69


for how to adjust the


Protecting Adults and Teens


3.


Adjust the Seat-Backs


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


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:29:11 31S2A680 0017 


4.


Fasten and Position the Seat 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.


Protecting Adults and Teens


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 69
seat-backs.


for how to adjust the


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.


12


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.


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:29:19 31S2A680 0018 


Protecting Adults and Teens


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.


Neverplacetheshoulderportionofa lap/shoulderbeltunderyourarmor behindyourback. very serious injuries in a crash.


This could cause


If a seat belt does not seem to work properly, it may not protect the occupant in a crash.


Nooneshouldsitinaseatwithan Using a seat inoperativeseatbelt. belt that is not working properly can result in serious injury or death. Have your dealer check the belt as soon as possible.


16


for additional


See page information about your seat belts and how to take care of them.


5.


Maintain a Proper Sitting 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


13


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:29:26 31S2A680 0019 


Protecting Adults and Teens


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.


14


Advice for Pregnant Women


If you are pregnant, the best way to 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.


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:29:32 31S2A680 0020 


Additional Safety Precautions


Twopeopleshouldneverusethe sameseatbelt. could be very seriously injured in a crash.


If they do, they


Donotputanyaccessoriesonseat Devices intended to improve belts. occupant comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability of the belt and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.


Donotplacehardorsharpobjects betweenyourselfandafront Carrying hard or sharp airbag. 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.


Donotattachorplaceobjectson Objects on the theairbagcovers. covers marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.


Protecting Adults and Teens


Keepyourhandsandarmsaway If your fromtheairbagcovers. hands or arms are close to an airbag cover, they could be injured if the airbag inflates.


15


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:29:42 31S2A680 0021 


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


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 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.


If either the driver or passenger does not fasten their seat belt, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash again at regular intervals.


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.


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.


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


16


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:29:49 31S2A680 0022 


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


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 properly position the belt).


12


To unlock the belt, press the red PRESS button on the buckle. 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.


17


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:29:58 31S2A680 0023 


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


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.


Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners


For added protection, the seat belts are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners. When activated, the tensioners immediately tighten the belts to help hold the driver and a passenger in place.


18


Seat Belt Maintenance 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 WarrantyInformation details.


booklet for


Honda


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.


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:30:02 31S2A680 0024 


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


The dealer should also inspect the anchors for damage and replace them if needed. If the automatic seat belt tensioners activate during a crash, they must be replaced.


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.


19


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:30:07 31S2A680 0025 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


Airbag System Components


(8)


(2)


(9)


(1)


(3)


(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


20


(5)


(6)


(7)


(4)


(4)


(6)


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:30:16 31S2A680 0026 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


Your airbag system includes:


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


).


Automatic seat belt tensioners (see page


18


).


Sensors that can detect a moderate to severe front impact.


Sensors that can detect whether the driver’s seat belt and the passenger’s seat belt are latched or unlatched (see page


16


).


A driver’s seat position sensor that monitors the distance of the seat from the airbag. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force (see page


24


).


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 that continually monitors and records information about the sensors, the control unit, the airbag activators, the seat belt tensioners, and driver and passenger seat belt use when the ignition switch is in the ON (II) position.


An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you to a possible problem with your airbags, sensors, or seat belt tensioners (see page


25


).


An indicator on the dashboard that alerts you that the passenger’s airbag has been turned off (see page


26


).


Emergency backup power in case your vehicle’s electrical system is disconnected in a crash.


21


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:30:25 31S2A680 0027 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


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.


22


During a frontal crash, your seat belt restrains your lower body and torso, and the front airbag helps protect your head and chest.


Although both airbags normally inflate within a split second of each other, it is possible for 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


24


).


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.


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:30:33 31S2A680 0028 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


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 may experience some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.


Dual-StageAirbags 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.


moresevere


In a crash, both stages will ignite simultaneously to provide the quickest and greatest protection.


lesssevere


crash, one stage will


In a ignite first, then the second stage will ignite a split second later. This provides longer airbag inflation time with a little less force.


Dual-ThresholdAirbags Your front airbags are also dual- threshold airbags. Airbags with this feature have two deployment thresholds that depend on whether sensors detect the occupant is wearing a seat belt or not.


notlatched


If the occupant’s belt is the airbag will deploy at a slightly lower threshold, because the occupant would need extra protection.


latched


If the occupant’s belt is , the airbag will inflate at a slightly higher threshold, when the airbag would be needed to supplement the protection provided by the seat belt.


23


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:30:42 31S2A680 0029 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


AdvancedAirbags Your airbags are also advanced airbags. The main purpose of this feature is to help prevent airbag- caused 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.


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.


24


DRIVER’S SEAT POSITION SENSOR


PASSENGER’S SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR


The driver’s advanced front airbag 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.


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.


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:30:51 31S2A680 0030 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


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, donotdoanythingthat wouldincreaseordecreasethe weightonthepassenger’sseat,such ashangingheavyobjectsontheseat.


How the SRS Indicator Works


The SRS indicator alerts you to a potential problem with your airbags or seat belt tensioners.


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 flashes on and off while you drive.


CONTINUED


25


2008 S2000 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.


07/07/25 17:30:59 31S2A680 0031 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


If you see any of these indications, the airbags and seat belt tensioners may not work properly when you need them.


How the Passenger Airbag Off Indicator Works


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.


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 notmean there is a problem with the airbag.


26


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:31:08 31S2A680 0032 


The passenger airbag off indicator may come on and off repeatedly if the total weight on the seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold.


If an adult or teenage passenger is 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.


Additional Information About Your Airbags


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 for and remove:


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:


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.


Any airbag


Anairbageverinflates. 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 any airbag by yourself. This must be done by an authorized dealer or a knowledgeable body shop.


27


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:31:14 31S2A680 0033 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


Additional Safety Precautions


Donotattempttodeactivateyour airbags. seat belts provide the best protection.


Together, airbags and


Donottamperwithairbag componentsorwiringforany Tampering could cause reason. the airbags to deploy, possibly causing very serious injury.


Donotremoveormodifyaseat withoutconsultingyourdealer. This could make the driver’s seat position sensor or the passenger’s weight sensors ineffective. If it is necessary to remove or modify a seat to accommodate a person with disabilities, first contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at (800) 999-1009.


TheSRSindicatoralertsyoutoa Take your vehicle to an problem. authorized dealer as soon as possible. If you ignore this indication, your airbags may not operate properly.


Even if your


Ifyourvehiclehasamoderateto severeimpact. airbags do not inflate, your dealer should inspect the driver’s seat position sensor, the passenger’s weight sensors, the seat belt tensioners, and all seat belts worn during the crash to make sure they are operating properly.


28


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:31:21 31S2A680 0034 


Protecting Children General Guidelines



Children depend on adults to protect them. However, despite their best intentions, many adults do not know how to passengers.


protect child


properly


If you ever need to drive with a child in your vehicle, be sure to read this section. It begins with important general guidelines, then presents special information for small children who must ride in a forward- facing child seat, and for larger children.


All Children Must Be Restrained Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle accidents are the number one cause of the death of children ages 12 and under.


To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state and Canadian province requires that children be properly restrained when they ride in a vehicle.


Anychildwhoistoosmalltoweara seatbeltmustberestrainedinan approvedchildseatthatisproperly securedtothevehicle 33


(see pages


36


).



Largerchildrenmustberestrained withalap/shoulderbeltandrideon aboosterseatuntiltheseatbeltfits ). themproperly


(see pages


37


40



Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously injured or killed in a crash.


Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt and use a booster seat if necessary.


29


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:31:30 31S2A680 0035 


Protecting Children General Guidelines



Your Vehicle is Not Recommended for Child Passengers According to accident statistics, children of all ages and sizes are safer when they are restrained in a back seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children aged 12 and under be properly restrained in a back seat. Some states have laws restricting where children may ride.


Since this vehicle does not have a back seat, we strongly recommend that you do not carry any child who is not large enough or mature enough to ride in front (see page


37


).


The Passenger’s Airbag Can Pose Serious Risks Airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a moderate to severe frontal collision. To do this, the passenger’s airbag is quite large, and it can inflate with enough force to cause very serious injuries.


Even though your vehicle has an advanced airbag system that automatically turns the passenger’s airbag off (see page 24
follow these guidelines:


), please


Infants Neverputarear-facingchildseatin If the airbag inflates, it thisvehicle. can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or very seriously injure an infant.


30


If the vehicle seat is too


SmallChildren Placingaforward-facingchildseatin thepassenger’sseatcanbe hazardous. far forward, or the child’s head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can strike the child with enough force to kill or very seriously injure a small child.


LargerChildren Childrenwhohaveoutgrownchild seatsarealsoatriskofbeinginjured orkilledbyaninflatingpassenger’s If a larger child must ride in airbag. this vehicle, see page important guidelines on how to decide when a child is ready to ride in the passenger’s seat and how to properly protect the child.


for


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2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:31:42 31S2A680 0036 


To remind you of the passenger’s airbag hazards, your vehicle has warning labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the driver’s and passenger’s visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels.


Protecting Children General Guidelines



U.S.Models SUN VISOR


DASHBOARD


CanadianModels SUN VISOR


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2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:31:49 31S2A680 0037 


Protecting Children General Guidelines



Additional Safety Precautions


Neverholdasmallchildonyour If you are not wearing a seat lap. belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward and crush the child against the dashboard. If you are wearing a seat belt, the child can be torn from your arms and be seriously hurt or killed.


Neverputaseatbeltoveryourself andachild. belt could press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.


During a crash, the


Neverlettwochildrenusethe If they do, they sameseatbelt. could be very seriously injured in a crash.


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Donotleavechildrenaloneina Leaving children without vehicle. adult supervision is illegal in most states and Canadian provinces, and can be very hazardous.


For example, a small child left in a vehicle on a hot day can die from heatstroke. A child left alone with the key in the ignition switch can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly injuring themselves or others.


Even very young


Keepvehiclekeysandremote transmittersoutofthereachof children. children learn how to unlock vehicle doors, turn on the ignition switch, and open the trunk, which can lead to accidental injury or death.


Lockbothdoorsandthetrunk whenyourvehicleisnotinuse. Children who play in vehicles can accidentally get trapped inside. Teach your children not to play in or around vehicles. Know how to operate the emergency trunk opener and decide if your children should be shown how to use this feature (see page


66


).


2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:31:57 31S2A680 0038 


Because an inflating airbag can seriously injure or kill small children, we recommend that you do not carry a small child as a passenger in this vehicle.


If you decide to transport a small child in this vehicle, be sure to move the passenger seat as far to the rear as possible, and follow the instructions and guidelines in the following pages.


ChildSeatType A child who is at least one year old, and who fits within the child seat maker’s weight and height limits, should be restrained in a forward- facing, upright child seat.


Of the different seats available, we recommend those that have a five- point harness system as shown.


Protecting Small Children


ChildSeatPlacement We also recommend that a small child use the child seat until the child reaches the weight or height limit for the seat.


Placing a forward-facing child seat in the passenger’s seat can result in serious injury or death if the airbag inflates.


If you must place a forward- facing child seat in the passenger’s seat, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and properly restrain the child.


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2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:32:07 31S2A680 0039 


Selecting a Child Seat, Installing a Child Seat


Selecting a Child Seat To provide proper protection, a child seat should meet three requirements:


Installing a Child Seat After selecting a proper child seat, there are three main steps in installing a child seat:


1.


ThechildseatshouldmeetU.S.or CanadianMotorVehicleSafety Look for FMVSS Standard213. 213 or CMVSS 213 on the box.


2.


Thechildseatshouldbeofthe propertypeandsizetofitthechild.


1.


Properlysecurethechildseatto All child seats must be thevehicle. secured to the vehicle with the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. A child whose seat is not properly secured to the vehicle can be endangered in a crash.


3.


Thechildseatshouldfitthe passenger’sseat.


Before purchasing a child seat, or using a previously purchased one, we recommend that you test the seat to make sure it fits properly in the passenger’s seat.


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2.


After installing a child


Makesurethechildseatisfirmly secured. seat, push and pull the seat forward and from side-to-side to verify that it is secure.


A child seat secured with a seat belt should be installed as firmly as possible. However, it does not need to be ‘‘rock solid.’’ Some side- to-side movement can be expected and should not reduce the child seat’s effectiveness.


If the child seat is not secure, use a different style of child seat that can be firmly secured.


3.


Securethechildinthechildseat. Make sure the child is properly strapped in the child seat according to the child seat maker’s instructions. A child who is not properly secured in a child seat can be seriously injured in a crash.


The following pages provide guidelines on how to properly install a forward-facing child seat.


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Installing a Child Seat


In this vehicle, a forward-facing child seat must be secured to the vehicle with the lap part of the lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the lockable retractor must be activated to secure a child seat.


1.


Move the vehicle seat to the rear- most position. Moving the seat as far back as possible reduces the chance of a child being injured or killed if the passenger’s airbag inflates.


2.


3.


With the child seat in position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker’s instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle.


4.


After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt out, it is not locked and you will need to repeat these steps.


To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor.


CONTINUED


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2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:32:20 31S2A680 0041 


Installing a Child Seat


To deactivate the lockable retractor and remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract.


6.


Push and pull the child seat forward and from side-to-side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps.


5.


After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure.


To remove slack, it may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat while pulling up on the belt.


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When a child reaches the recommended weight or height limit for a forward-facing child seat, the child should sit on a booster seat and wear a lap/shoulder belt.


Since this vehicle does not have a back seat, we recommend that you do not carry a larger child, age 12 or under, as a passenger.


However, the following pages provide guidelines to help you decide when a given child may ride in this vehicle, and how to properly protect the child.


Allowing a larger child age 12 or under to ride in the vehicle can result in injury or death if the passenger’s airbag inflates.


If a larger child must ride in the vehicle, adjust the vehicle seat as far back as possible, use a booster seat if needed, and have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt properly.


Protecting Larger Children


Checking Seat Belt Fit


To determine if a lap/shoulder belt properly fits a child, have the child put on the seat belt, then ask yourself:


1.


Does the child sit all the way back against the seat?


2.


Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the edge of the seat?


CONTINUED


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2008 S2000 07/07/25 17:32:37 31S2A680 0043 


Protecting Larger Children


3.


Does the shoulder belt cross between the child’s neck and arm?


4.


Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible, touching the child’s thighs?


5.


Will the child be able to stay seated like this for the whole trip?


If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a booster seat.


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Using a Booster Seat


to drive.


Booster seats can be high-back or low-back. Whichever style you select, make sure the booster meets federal safety standards and that you follow the booster seat maker’s instructions.


If a child who uses a booster seat rides in this vehicle, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible, and be sure the child is wearing the seat belt properly.


A child may continue using a booster seat until the tops of their ears are even with the top of the vehicle’s or booster’s seat-back. A child of this height should be tall enough to use the lap/shoulder belt without a booster seat.


A child who has outgrown a forward- facing child seat should use a booster seat until the lap/shoulder

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