I recently purchased an 05 s2000 and I can't seem to get the convertible cover on. It seems as if the top hasn't gone alll the way down but I pressed the button until it doesn't move anymore.

Is there a trick or something that the owners manual doesn't cover?

THanks

ERik

 

It's possible that your top frame is not folding correctly; this was common in the early MY's. Try this: sit in the car and locate the metal crossmember above your head. Unlatch the top and retract it until the front edge of the top is vertical. Now, reach up and rotate that cross-member aft (to the rear). Continue retracting. The top may retract further into the well. If that's the case, I bet your cover will fit.

 

Once it has stopped lowering, raise it 6 inches or so then try lowering again. They can be a little stiff when new.

 

If your top folded looks like this, with the bar in the up position then you have problems. Over time, as you can see in the picture the metal bent because it would contact the Top latches and eventually rubbed a hole in the top. Using your hand to guide this bar will make this bar disapear out of sight and allow your cover to slide down the back side of the roll hoops

 

hmm... i will have to check on this cuz mine always looks like it sits high.

as far as the convertible cover goes, just leave it off.

 

Erik,

I have the same problem with my '05. You are not alone. The convertible cover seems too cumbersome to use. I was able to get 1 of the 2 center buttons on but the other wouldn't reach; it seemed a few millimeters short. I'm concerned because the manual says to use the cover to prevent debris and dust getting into the soft top mechanism.

I'll check to see if it doesn't fold down properly. I'm also going to try to warm up the cover in the sun. Hopefully it'll expand a litte and also become more flexible.

 

Move it up then down again that should fix it.

Most people don't bother with the cover. I use it for shows, or if it's going to be sunny for a few days straight, but it is a pain.

 

I have the same issue in my '05 with the center tabs on the convertible cover. I can get one to latch, but then the other one wont reach. With one center tab and the two side tabs, It stays in place at reasonable speeds, but I haven't tried it at speeds faster than 50, since it was December when I got the car. I won't be bothering with the cover 90% of the time, but I wouldn't mind a fix. Anyone with an '05 that got their's working? Is this a Honda screw up, or does the cover stretch out eventually?

I had the same issue with the top too. Initially it wouldnt go down all the way, but I (gently) pushed on it on either side and that helped a little. I put it up and down a few times and pushed on it a little each time, and it's been fine since. The top is still pretty stiff if it's cold out, though, so that may be a factor too.

 

The convertable top boot is a PITA. Maybe you're fooling around with it because your car is new. You're going to get tired of it very soon. Clumsy to put on, easy to scratch the car taking it off, and it takes up most of the trunk when folded.
Other than that, it's great. I think most of us keep it in a plastic bag in the garage!

 

and the contrarians view:

usually, if i am not washing my car, the boot is on it-
(top is down if i am washing the car or if i have to drive in rain- not very often)
5 years old and the top is brand new!!
has only been washed twice-
the boot is a pia until you learn how to use it- but then its pretty simple; looks nice; and protects very well.