Long story short I bought a used '08 Si and the 3rd gear is difficult to shift into/slight grind when cold. 45k on the odometer so it still has factory powertrain warranty on it but dealing with Honda on this issue is like talking to a brick wall.

I have already dealt with a trans rebuild through a dealer on an '01 Civic 5 speed years ago, but since this is a different animal altogether I'm curious as to what I would most likely spend out of pocket.

Before it gets asked the trans felt great when I test drove it, but the last few days its been cooler out (upper 70*) and now the issues are starting to occur during the lower temps.

Any help would be appreciated. In the third gear sticky someone mentioned their dealer quoted them about $1200. Is this a pretty legit number?

Also, if anyone knows of a good Honda dealership in the chicagoland area that doesn't give people the run around please let me know.

 

i would just go in and if they NFF it (No Fault Found) ask to speak with the shop foreman and service manager, explain the problem, tell them you aren't nuts. if they wont help you, call Honda customer relations and tell them you're an inch away from buying a GM, they will likely help you.

hell, we've had customers that we proved to that their problem was a normal characteristic (tried two different brand new cars, they did the same thing) and still got a phone call from Honda telling us to just replace a part lol, worth a shot, good luck

 

My dealer service guy drove it for about 10 minutes, said 3rd gear was bad and replaced it at 35000 miles. It has been fine since.

 

My buddy at Toyota called his friend at Honda and they're gonna look at it Monday. Hopefully I'll get the hook up and they'll just say its toast.

 

UPDATE: Took it in today and a few hours later I got a call from Honda saying they couldn't replicate the problem...

As my stomach churned they went on to say that it's such a common issue that they're just going to warranty it anyway.

SCORE!!!!!

So now the parts are on order and I should have it back on either Saturday or Monday. While they're in there I may have them replace the clutch if it looks worn. Hopefully I won't get a call Thursday saying that they decided not to warranty it while the car is in pieces.

I'll keep y'all updated.

 

Nice!

 

UPDATE #2:

Took the car in and warranty work was performed. Car shifts like a champ. Still a bit notchy but higher rev shifting is much improved.

Although I did haver to take it back this evening because upon first start up I was hearing a clanking noise. Turns out a stabilizer bracket was loose. All is tightened and is good.

Didn't even have to make a stink about it. This puts my faith back into Honda... slightly.

 

I use to have 3rd gear pop out, but once I switched my MTF to Amsoil Synchromesh Tranny Fluid, shifting into 3rd was not a problem anymore.

 

I was told that would only mask the problem until it got worse. I don't know how thruthful that is though...