$$ FAQ: Third 3rd Gear grind scratch transmission trans sticky pop-out $$

[TRE_]

This topic has become almost as frequent as the DBW/Revhang issue so I figured a little FAQ would help some people out. Lets start off with an archive of useful threads from the past that have covered the 06+ Civic 3rd gear 'issue'. 06 Si Shifting 3rd gear?? Notchy 3rd 3rd Gear problems Issues with 3rd 3rd gear sucks 3rd gear pop Sticky 3rd Trouble getting in gear Run-down:: On MANY 06 & 07 Civic Si's owners have noted a stubborn 3rd gear. This is most noticeable in colder weather or during the morning. When shifting into third an audible grind(or scratch) can be heard and sometimes the shifter will get kicked out of gear. The severity of the grind or pop-up seems to be totally case dependent. I believe its more severe when the transmission is still super cold but that's purely an assumption. Others have mentioned that they will experience a 3rd gear grind/issue even when the vehicle has reached standard operating temp and the outside temperature is average. Again, the severity of the grind is different for everyone. "Fixes":: 1. Shuffle through your gears upon initial start-up while idling -- Give the shifter a quick run through all the gears to allow the fluid to get moving 2. Use extra caution in the morning or for first ~5 miles -- Make sure your clutch foot goes COMPLETELY to the floor before attempting to get into third. Any laziness or slack seems to make a grind more common. 3. Change out your Trans fluid -- Some people have had this done for free at a dealership after explaining issues with third -- Or change it out yourself ( DIY here ) -- My third gear scratch has not returned since I put new fluid in. I would recommend using AMS oil or GM Syncromesh if you're having more serious issues as its a bit more heavy duty and wont break-down quite as quickly Conclusion This problem is hard or almost impossible for a dealer to diagnose as in most cases its very intermittent. If you notice the problem more frequently leave your car at the dealership overnight and ask that a tech drive it first thing in the morning since its more prone to displaying the problem then. There have been[rare ] cases where people have had gears or syncro's replaced by Honda but only when the gear grind or pop-up becomes really evident (problem grows more quickly when there is driver error/laziness). If you follow the fixes listed above as I have your problem will more than likely become non-existent. I hope that this topic can be used as a resource and cut down on repeat threads. If you see any mistakes on my part please let me know.. or if you would like to add anything please do so.

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[Shiftyshadee]

WOW.

[tolgaSI]

LMAO! nice.
Don't slam to 3rd gear. Be gentle until your car is fully warmed. ****in hate that grinding sound. :\

[FG2 chilotz]

Thank you sir!

[FBPSidan]

Very nice wrap up Tre!

[EmoHatch]

Good stuff HX. My buddy is having a lot of problems with his 3rd gear on his '05 RSX-S. I'll point him here.

[exhaust_note]

i get second gear scratch.. . but no third

[Blackline47]

Originally Posted by exhaust_note

i get second gear scratch.. . but no third

yeah me too. how do you fix 2nd gear. tre_ i got new tranmission fluid and its still there

[Nighthawk R18]

my 1st is stubborn sometimes when im at a red and it turns green.

i usually release the clutch a lil bit while pushing in and that always works, still i need to fix this.

good thread

[Aco512]

very nice writeup
i smell a sticky!!!

[TRE_]

Originally Posted by Blackline47

yeah me too. how do you fix 2nd gear. tre_ i got new tranmission fluid and its still there

I would just reccomend the same "fixes" that I listed in my orig post. Even then none of it is technically fixing the problem.

Originally Posted by Nighthawk R18

my 1st is stubborn sometimes when im at a red and it turns green.

i usually release the clutch a lil bit while pushing in and that always works, still i need to fix this.

good thread

I get a stubborn first every once and a while when i'm at a light ... it happens with all transmissions that use the same style 1st gear gate/lockout ... kind of a pain sometimes but its rare.

[Nighthawk R18]

you think its worth me going to the dealer? it happens to me about 20% of the time when im at a red.

[TRE_]

Its worth a try, it shouldn't be happening that often IMO.

[Nighthawk R18]

k well they said to come back so they can have a whole day to look at it.

"it should be covered in warantee" says him.

lets hope so. thanks tre

[Nighthawk R18]

just got back from having it serviced.

they checked everything and said that they could now duplicate the problem..

then as i was leaving it happened again!!!

ahhhhhshit

[Honda Type R]

I also have the 2nd gear crunch. The 6spd TL's have this same problem. Check out Acurazine.com and look in the 3rd gen TL forum.

It has to do with the selfadjusting pressure plate. When the clutch is replaced with the revised part the tranny problems go away. I'll put money on it that this is ths same problem!

-Frankie

[Bulli Kid]

would double clutching help?

[sivtecin]

my 07 si grinds at 6000 rpms when shifting to 2nd gear what can that be the dealer told me i was abusing my car

[Blackline47]

Originally Posted by sivtecin

my 07 si grinds at 6000 rpms when shifting to 2nd gear what can that be the dealer told me i was abusing my car

Thats BS

[Blackline47]

I got a Short Shifter on my Car. Its a whole new car. if your still about your tranny. get a SS. Problem solved.

[WILD_WILL]

Yea it helps the problem but i still get the 3rd gear notchy stuff but ive learned to deal with it

[-stiffler-]

lazy clutching will definitely make your
third gear grind! specially on the first 10
mile in the mornings.

[jaepalm]

For daily driving i say to hell with 1st AND 3rd gears! I just start at 2nd, go straight to 4th, then so forth. If acceleration is key (merging/racing) i'll go through them all, its much more simple in my opinion. And i still shift around 3 - 3.5. All it takes is 2 seconds of patience for me to push past the weak low-end power.

This isn't necessarily bad for my ride, is it?

[killyourscene]

so this gm synchromesh tranny fluid only comes in one formula?

Or is there a certian kinds to put in the si's?

[WILD_WILL]

People don't use just that they run Amsoil,Royal Purple,Redline, etc a few brands are on the market that seem to help.