I have an '00 S2000 which is has been very good to me. Today my check engine light came on and the car began bucking. It would lose power at different RPM settings and began to idle rough. I brought it immediately to Honda who diagnosed it as a failure of the throttle body and sensor. They say this is going be around $1k to fix.

In 2002 I had my check engine light come on, but no other symptoms. At that time Honda said it was a failure of the throttle body sensor and they replaced it under warranty(this was a different Honda in a different state).

Is there anything I can do? Is this typically a $1k expense to fix? This is just horrible and so unexpected.

 

Did they tell you what the CEL code was? I'm thinking that it might be worth taking a look at the MAP sensor. It's something you could try yourself and if it works, then get Honda to look into the MAP sensor TSB which has been recently issued.
Here is the thread on that MAP issue:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=253242

Here is what you should try and see if it helps your situation. Do the "MAP whack" (which involves disconnecting the MAP harness and reconnecting it) and "ECU reset" (turning off the CEL):
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=209708
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=183490

ps. Throttle bodies are very expensive - about $500.00.
Sensors and gaskets, etc, another $100.00 or so.
Then there's labour. ($1000.00 might be a bit on the high side.)

 

No, I did not get the cel code. Unfortunately I went to the dealer before I saw your post. They still have the car and will apparently get the replacement pieces tomorrow. The TB, sensor, and accompanying pieces apparently come to $699 in total. I guess we are looking at a few hundred in labor on top of that.

If they don't get it, I'll try what you have described.

Thanks for the help.

 

do throttle bodies really go bad on these cars? I'd guess the MAP sensor, too.

I think they are taking you.

 

I don't think the TB it'self goes bad. But there is one sensor that is part of the TB that Honda does not sell without the TB. The map sensor can be replaced, but the other one requires that the TB be replaced. At least as far as a Honda Tech is concerned.


I have an extra TB is you are interested in buying it. PM me an offer. I will be happy to sel it for far less then Honda.

 

This is true. I think it's weird that it's like this.

 

The Throttle Position Senson is the one that they dont sell by itselt, they even use one way screws to put it on. I have swapped this sensor out by finding one off a wrecked s2000. BTW- labor should be cheap. I can get the TB off and put back on in less then 20 min.

 

Thank you all for the replies. Since Honda rushed the part in (which they did as a great favor to me in order that I get back on the road), I won't have time nor the chance to get a TB from anyone else.

As I understood it, and I don't have the paperwork yet, this will involve replacing the TB, TB sensor, MAP, and gasket. Apparently some pieces just come with the other pieces. I believe the cost now will be in the $800s, however, I don't think that covers the initial diagnosis which is probably around $80-90. Again, I'll know more when I get the paperwork.

Perhaps it is just the world's great coincidence, but it seems so odd to me that I had a TB sensor failure in 2002 and it was replaced. I have no idea how common this is amongst other S2000's though.

 

It have been that a simple MAP replacement or even "MAP whack" could have fixed your problem. Some dealer techs seem to run around in circles changing major stuff when the little stuff will do just as well.

 

From a dealers standpoint, pricing is about right. Parts are probably near $700-750 and they`ll call it 2 hours of labor most likely. Find a used TB and let a local member do it for you....

Ryan