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2004 Honda S2000 — check-engine light turned itself off — still scan it?

CanyonOwner442Community StarterApr 12, 20262004 Honda S2000Nationwide
2004 Honda S2000, about 91,500 miles. The light was on for two days and then disappeared before I could schedule service. Car feels normal. Is there still likely to be useful stored or pending data if I scan it now?
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13 replies

TowDriverCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 12, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, two 2004 Honda S2000s can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. If that fails I'll eat the diagnostic fee.
CleanCommuter732Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 12, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2004 Honda S2000 does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. Cold start is when I can actually reproduce it.
NewCarGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 12, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2004 Honda S2000 does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. This is from a 2004 Honda S2000 in Nationwide with 91,500 miles. Stop there until you know. A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. I'll update if anything new shows up.
TireCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 13, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: Capture voltage while the 2004 Honda S2000 is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
CanyonOwner442Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 12, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 2004 Honda S2000 again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. Only after sitting overnight so far.
TrailDaily11Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 13, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2004 Honda S2000 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Do that first. I'd rather be boring and correct. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
RotorShopper925Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 13, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2004 Honda S2000 and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
TireCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 13, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Two 2004 Honda S2000s can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Only after sitting overnight so far.
TireCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 13, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2004 Honda S2000 does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
TrailDaily11Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 13, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, move a coil or plug on the 2004 Honda S2000 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Do that first. I'd rather be boring and correct. Only after sitting overnight so far.
SleeperTraveler221Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 13, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2004 Honda S2000 does it — then decide on parts. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. On “check-engine light turned itself off — still,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Any freeze-frame data saved? Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
BoostMiles438Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 13, 2026permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: Get a real battery/charging test on the 2004 Honda S2000, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. Save the big job until that test fails. On “check-engine light turned itself off — still,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Did the worksheet show tax yet? This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
CleanCommuter732Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 13, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2004 Honda S2000 does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
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