Service Bulletin

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2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

ATB 25093 (0304)

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CUSTOMER INFORMATION:

The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,

and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume

this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an

authorized Honda automobile dealer.

April 1, 2003

03-023

Applies To:

2000–03 S2000 – ALL

Convertible Top Creaks, Pops, or Rattles While Driving Over Rough Roads

SYMPTOM

The convertible top creaks, pops, or rattles while

driving over rough roads. This noise is only noticeable

with the top raised and the driver’s and passenger’s

windows closed.

PROBABLE CAUSE

This noise can be the result of any of these causes:

• Gaps between the mounting bracket and the plastic

trim of the convertible top lock handles

• Rubbing of various weatherstrip pieces and plastic

parts on the convertible top frame

• Dry pivot points on the convertible top frame

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Raise the convertible top, and close all the windows.

While an assistant test-drives the vehicle to duplicate

the noise, use a stethoscope to pinpoint the source.

Then do all the steps in the REPAIR PROCEDURE.

NOTE: This repair procedure fixes the most common

causes for this convertible top noise. Using the

stethoscope helps in the diagnosis to make sure there

are not other sources that need to be looked at.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Shin-Etsu Silicone Grease:

P/N 08798-9013, H/C 4642294

(One tube repairs about 25 vehicles.)

White Lithium Grease:

P/N 08732-0005, H/C 2963718

(One can repairs about 25 vehicles.)

NOTE: Make sure you use white lithium grease in

the aerosol can. It has special solvents that allow

deep penetration into small areas of the joint to

effectively dampen any noise caused by

movement. It also sets up quickly to form a thick

coating as the carrier gas evaporates. Other grease

or application methods do not work as well.

EPT Sealer (3T):

P/N 06990-SA5-000, H/C 2086643

(One roll repairs about 100 vehicles.)

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

In warranty: The normal warranty applies.

Operation Number: 814012

Flat Rate Time: 0.5 hour

Failed Part:

P/N 86024-S2A-003

H/C 6244230

Defect Code: 042

Contention Code: B07

Template ID: 03-023A

Skill Level:

Repair Technician

Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty

expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by

the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone

Office. You must request consideration, and get a

decision, before starting work.

DIAGNOSIS

Raise the convertible top and close all the windows.

While an assistant test-drives the vehicle to duplicate

the noise, pass a stethoscope (with the probe

removed) over the area of the convertible top lock

handles and along the side of the convertible top frame

to pinpoint where the noise is coming from. Go to the

REPAIR PROCEDURE, and do all the steps to

eliminate the noise.

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03-023

REPA IR PROCEDURE

1. Cut eight 10 mm x 10 mm pieces of EPT sealer

(3T).

2. Remove the adhesive backing from each piece,

then fold each piece over on itself to form a

10 mm x 5 mm wad.

3. Remove the lock handle (two screws), and turn it

over.

4. Use a small pocket screwdriver to stuff four wads of

EPT sealer between the plastic trim and the

mounting bracket of the lock handle as shown.

5. Reinstall the lock handle.

6. Repeat steps 3 thru 5 for the other lock handle.

7. Apply a dab of Shin-Etsu silicone grease to the

A-pillar header weatherstrip. Use your finger to rub

the grease thoroughly into the weatherstrip

material.

8. Apply a dab of silicone grease to each of the door

glass weatherstrips (six total) on the convertible

top. Use your finger to rub the grease thoroughly

into the weatherstrip material.

9. Apply a dab of silicone grease to the hook, locating

pin, and rubber cushion of each lock handle.

LOCK HANDLE

Stuff EPT between the trim

and the bracket in four places.

A-PILLAR HEADER WEATHERSTRIP

DOOR GLASS WEATHERSTRIPS

RUBBER CUSHION

LOCATING PIN

HOOK

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10. Open the convertible top halfway, and apply a dab

of silicone grease to the hard plastic caps on the

ends of the convertible top frame and to the ends of

the door glass weatherstrips.

11. Use a shop towel to cover the back side of each

convertible top frame pivot point.

12. Spray white lithium grease onto each of the pivot

points.

13. Test-drive the vehicle to make sure the noise is

gone.

END OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FRAME

AND DOOR GLASS WEATHERSTRIP

TOP FRAME PIVOT POINTS

(FROM INSIDE)

TOP FRAME PIVOT POINTS

(FROM OUTSIDE)