After reading dozens of posts by people like myself who are having trouble with getting a smooth shift from 1st to 2nd in their S2000 I decided to take mine into the dealer. It's a 2005 with about 3300 miles on it and it hangs up pretty consistently on an upshift between those two gears. Also happens to a lesser extent on the other gears. I've read people talking about having some luck changing their transmission fluid to GM Synchromesh MF and others who found that staying in high revs seemed to help. I decided to check with the service dept and they came back with posted issue from Honda which indicates a problem with 1st and 2nd that requires replacement of those gears. They've ordered the parts and I'm going to go ahead with it.

Anyone else had this repair done?

 

Ive had 2 AP2s. Both banged 1st-2nd relentlessly, streets or track, with no problems. Never had hang-ups, grinds, pop outs or anything like that. This was on OEM Honda MTF. Recently switched to Royal Purple Synchromax, a little difference in feel and directness, a bit more fluid.

The thing I found out about these carbon synchro trannies is that, to be able to bang shifts safely, you'd have to be within the RPM range of that gear. Ex: for the 1-2 shift, I dont bang it to second at 7900rpms or 8k; instead, mash the clutch and wait til it drops to ~6500, then bang it. Its like yo-yo I guess, catch it before it falls out of VTEC.

 

^^ wow very impressive ... thats a whole new sideways2000 right durr ... slideways2000 *coughGheycough*

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Slideways2000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The thing I found out about these carbon synchro trannies is that, to be able to bang shifts safely, you'd have to be within the RPM range of that gear. Ex: for the 1-2 shift, I dont bang it to second at 7900rpms or 8k; instead, mash the clutch and wait til it drops to ~6500, then bang it. Its like yo-yo I guess, catch it before it falls out of VTEC.</TD></TR></TABLE>

isn't that due to the clutch slave cylinder or something (i don't remember what they called it)?? that some people have taken out??

this jsut shows.. ap1 &gt; ap2..

 

Hahahha Oz.

^^ <TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vernfin &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I decided to check with the service dept and they came back with posted issue from Honda which indicates a problem with 1st and 2nd that requires replacement of those gears. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Does anyone know about this TSB?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 03s2kblue &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

isn't that due to the clutch slave cylinder or something (i don't remember what they called it)?? that some people have taken out??

this jsut shows.. ap1 &gt; ap2.. </TD></TR></TABLE>

The clutch slave cylinder in the AP2 slows down the engagement of the clutch to reduce shock to the drivetrain. This is supposed to help the "weak" rear end through abuse. On the other hand, any clutch drop above 4k gives you the distinctive smokey organic clutch smell.

With that said, I'm going to switch to the J's slave cylinder or OEM AP1 unit when the motor/tranny goes back in the car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Slideways2000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hahahha Oz.

^^

Does anyone know about this TSB?</TD></TR></TABLE>

The tech printed it for me after he took my car out for a spin. The symptons it mentions are the difficulties w/shifting from 1st to 2nd and that it occasionally pops out gear in 2nd. I've only had the "pop-out" happen once, but when I told them about it they didn't hesitate to order the new parts. The tech who drove noticed the shifting problem immediately.

 

And you have an AP2? Hmmm, I've driven a couple of my friend's also, 4 AP2's in total, mileage anywhere from 5k to 18k, and haven't heard of any complaints.


Again, anyone else heard of this TSB?

 

I've only heard of the 2nd gear grind TSB with AP1's.

 

Yea. It REALLY worries me when he says his car is a 2005.

 

I've seen other postings from people talking about this problem on 2004-2005 models. At first I thought it might be a matter of breaking it in, but as I saw more and more of these complaints I decided to take it to the dealer. Much as I love this car it kind of sucks to have the thing *thunk* into gear..l.particularly when it's supposed to have one of the slickest shifters on the market. I've been driving manual transmissions since '68 and this is definitely one of the best that I've run into, even with this little problem. I'm a little nervous about having a service dept tear the thing apart since I'm not convinced that these guys will put it back together right. But I'm willing to take the risk.

 

Your car is still under warranty I'm assuming, so any repairs they made under that warranty is.. guaranteed! =P

Serious note: The best tranny I've ever felt... and it does make that slight "crack" when its cold, but that's the worst I've ever seen it. As far as feel, nothing has come up on mines yet. Keep us updated on what the dealer says, I'm sure the AP2 owners would want to know.

 

I've noticed the same thing in mine! i actually made an appt at Honda today after work, but it's not consistent so i'm thinking about cancelling my appt. Maybe i'm over reacting, but i swear 2nd gear grinds a little and it's not as smooth as the other gears. so you guyz think i should take it in today? and if my car's under warranty, i don't pay a dime right? I was thinking about jus waiting it out and seeing if it continues. but like i said, it's not consistent but i have noticed it. it's only when i shift from 1st to 2nd. all other gears are smooth as a whistle.

 

I'd take it in. I'm a little nervous about the service dept taking that lovely transmission apart, but I keep telling myself it's Honda and they won't screw it up. I bought the car in July, so this is warranty work and won't cost me a dime. But you can be sure I'm going to paying very close attention to the way it shifts when I get it back.

 

Another thing, i'm kinda pissed. You'd expect a $34,000 car wouldn't have problems, especially within the first couple weeks. And especially from Honda. This is my 3rd Honda, my 1st brand new one though, and I already made an appt with the service dept? Isn't that messed up? okay i'm done. hehe

 

It bothers me a little that a problem like this would show up on a new Honda, but I tell myself that this car is kind of a thoroughbred. It's built using a lot of race car technogology and therefore is a little bit more highly strung then those Civics you go screaming by every day. There's a price (besides the $30K) for all that fun and to me it's worth it...so far!

 

You're so right. it is worth it. You get respect everywhere, from older people to youngsters. i can't complain.

 

I wouldn't say respect, its more like awe. You don't see the car on the streets often. (well now you do in my town cuz all the spoiled brats got their parents to buy them one ). Its more about purpose, you know the person that bought the car wants to enjoy it. Its the respect for the common interest.

 

how much to replace the gears?? i have that crappy grind bs and it makes me lose races and drag times. i have an 03 ap1

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Slideways2000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wouldn't say respect, its more like awe. You don't see the car on the streets often. (well now you do in my town cuz all the spoiled brats got their parents to buy them one ). Its more about purpose, you know the person that bought the car wants to enjoy it. Its the respect for the common interest.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm seeing at least 2 everyday. Before if was 2 a week if i was lucky. Theres so many running around since 00-01 are selling around 15-16k, some even lower. It makes it affordable for alot of teens and their parents

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by s2kGyrL &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've noticed the same thing in mine! i actually made an appt at Honda today after work, but it's not consistent so i'm thinking about cancelling my appt. Maybe i'm over reacting, but i swear 2nd gear grinds a little and it's not as smooth as the other gears. so you guyz think i should take it in today? and if my car's under warranty, i don't pay a dime right? I was thinking about jus waiting it out and seeing if it continues. but like i said, it's not consistent but i have noticed it. it's only when i shift from 1st to 2nd. all other gears are smooth as a whistle. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Its a known problem. Be happy Honda has issued a TSB for this and will be taking care of it for you. There a couple known issues with the 00-03's and there is no tsb for them so we get screwed so to speak

 

Next episode in my balky shifter's saga. I got the car back on Friday night (they had it in the shop for 3 days) and drove away paying very close attention to the shifting. They had replaced 1st and 2nd as per the Honda tech bulletin. And it helped!! Really did make a difference. Once the tranny had warmed up (and it appears that it really <U>does </U>have to warm up in this car) it went through the gears slick as can be. But...and here's a big but...when I tried to park the thing wouldn't go into reverse. After screwing around, trying different gears, rolling forward a couple of inches, etc, etc, I finally got it into gear.

More than a little pissed I called Honda on Saturday morning and they had me bring the car down right away. One of the service managers took the car out and came back with the unhappy conclusion that there really was something wrong. Reverse had been fine up until they replaced those first two gears and he couldn't figure out how it could've gotten screwed up, since they don't go anywhere near reverse to change 1st and 2nd. As a short term fix he showed me that by running it through 1st and 2nd first it would then go into reverse pretty easily. He's calling Honda today for their advice and speculated that it might be time to replace the transmission....on my 2005 with 3800 miles on it!!!

Even after all this I still love the car.

 

Actually thats what you're supposed to do if it doesn't go into reverse.

 

Ive had teh same problem too but ive read on many posts that this goes away after many miles, ive bought my car in feb 2005 and put about 3000 miles on it and still feel the grind in the morning or when i start driving but later on in the day it goes away.

^^ I aggree that you have to put it in other gears before you go into reverse becaus ei have a friend with an evo and whenever you would put it into reverse it wouldnt go in for it would just grind so he would have to put it in 2nd, then 3rd and then to reverse.

keep us updated on the grind .. I am wondering if i should do the same too

 

Not 2nd THEN 3rd, just 1st, then reverse... at least in my car.