I have 2002 S 2000. Great car. Unfortunately one continuing problem.
The check engine light has been on for 14 months and 15,000 miles.
We've had it to the Honda dealer 4 times. It continues to show engine misfire. They've done "something" to resolve it each time but 4-5 miles from the dealer the light comes on again. Last time they replaced the "control unit" under warantee - fortunately. Once again the "fix" lasted for 4-5 miles. Oh, also the service guy reprogrammed the spare keys and that didn't take either. He said they were working when we picked up the car.
I can only assume that they stopped working when the check engine light came on again.
Over all the car seems to drive as well as it ever has. Just annoys me that they can't seem to find out what's going on. I called the service manager and he said it's time to call in the Honda engineers. I'm bringing the car back in again - for the fifth time this Friday. Would appreciate any feedback from S2000 owners or enthusiasts who may have run into this problem.
Thanks.

 

have the spark plugs, coils or wires to the plugs been replaced?

Can someone chime in if this car has an ignition amplifier or if there are coil packs with the ign amp built in?

 

They are Coil Over Plugs ... the actual coil windings and ICM are on each plug.

 

We need more information on what they replaced during the first 4-5 visits that the car was in the shop. We also need the code(s) that the car is throwing to cause the check engine light.

 

That's bullshit. He didn't do anything but re-flash the ECU. Most ECU codes take a set-time to show up (ex. 396 seconds for a P0157). (about 5 miles at speed limit).

Take it to a REAL dealership who gives a damn about their customers.

I hear this about Honda dealerships a lot. The reason I think this is is that in my area Honda dealerships are spaced out A LOT! (think 100ish miles) and you can't just "walk across the street and let THE COMPETITOR make you happy" like you can with Toyota/GM/Ford. This might just be in my area though.

 

MAP whack maybe?

 

How many miles? Has your dealer check/adjusted the valves yet? I had intermittent misfire problem. In my case it was valve lash. They dealer tried a few other things before getting around to the valves. First, they tried to blame the fuel. Next they started swapping coil packs (or whatever the correct name for them is). I can't remember I think they may have chased one other wild goose before getting to the compression and leakdown tests and valve adjustment.
The second (done incorrectly the first time) valve adjustment fixed the problem for good. Lemme see, problem free for almost 4 years now (knocks wood). This is obviously not always the problem that's why they check other/easier things first. One of the techs told me that the valves like to tighten on their own rather than loosen on the F20C. I don't know if this is true at all. Good luck.

 

Without a code you are guessing at what is wrong with the car.

Don't adjust any valves, or beat up the MAP sensor for no good reason.

 

take it to AutoZone and have the code read for free? Then either search online or post back and maybe its something obvious.

FWIW, I had good luck finding a trusted independent mechanic proficient in S2000s through the local forums. Ask who'd the local members recommend.

 

hahaha My typing did look EBONICIZED... hahaha

I have taken my02 to the dealer serveral times and several hundred bucks later my light came back on... They did the PLUGS, Injection Cleaner, and Coils (checked)... I am going to the local Acura dealer in a few minutes and hopefully they will fix the problem...

Just below me is the real IDIOT!!! J/K