Has anyone in GA/ALA had any tranny TSB work done? If so, by whom and what was your experience? The national boards seem to indicate mixed results, perhaps depending on your dealer. Any dealer service feedback appreciated.

RU, I can't recommend anyone around here yet. I've not heard any TSB stories from owners in the Atlanta area. My recommendation is to use someone close by in case you have future problems with the work.

I am curious about this same issue. I have a MY2000 that should get the TSB54 done and probably the TSB55 too. So far, I have been unable to find any other Atlanta area S2k owners who have had this work done.

A few from the Atlanta club have suggested a dealer up in Alpharetta (off Mansell?). I stopped by their service department one afternoon but was treated poorly (I think because I did not purchase the car there). Needless to say, I did not return.

Although I didn't buy my car from Ed Voyles, the salespersons were such jerks there that I refuse to patron the establishment because of it.

I even went so far as to ask a few local Honda-only repair shops if they have any suggestions about which dealer might have experienced techs on the S2000 for warranty work.
No luck there either.

I know, I am pretty paranoid about my car, but these are big jobs that require a good tech for them to be done right. S2k's don't come in too often and I'd just feel better knowing my car wasn't a learning tool.

Andrew

Andrew, seems as though we are narrowing down the list a bit because I could NOT recommend Gwinnett Honda off of I-85 but would try Lanier Honda at I-85 and I-985.

The Service people are very polite and friendly. They are also open all day on Saturday. From what I understand, to staff the new dealership, all the personell were hand picked (or stolen) from other area dealerships.

In general, Lanier is the best I've found so far in this area.

Sorry I have a dumb question...what is a TSB54 and TSB55?
Thanks!

So far I have had very good luck with Curry Honda, they did the seat belt retractor recall in a quality and timely fasion. I can also second (or third) the opinion on Gwinnett Honda, I have heard nothing but horror stories about those guys.
I also want TSB 54 and 55 done, but am waiting for some positive responces on a local dealer.

Diskman,
Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)
It is what Honda issues, when they have an issue with a product.
You can see them on https://www.s2ki.com Under Bulletins.

I have had several Hondas. And have had all my work done at Ed Voyles. I agree that car salesman can be jerks sometimes, but I have never had a problem with service there.

Most recent trip to Ed Voyles was to get my car worked on after hitting a deer. The stated that it would take a month to get all the parts in, and the work complete. I had them fax me the parts list, and I called another dealership to see if they could do it faster. (I could not go 1 month without my S2000!) They said that they could not get the parts any faster.

They rushed the parts in, and were done in 2 weeks. While it was there, they also did the seatbelt recall.

I have not had them do mechanical work, so I cannot give them a thumbs up, but they have been "on the ball" with service. If you go there, as for Miki. She will make sure that it gets to their best mechanic.

I recogize that most of you wouldn't want to drive as far south as LaGrange for service, but I'll report on my first trip back to where I bought my new MY OO (#4501) on the first anniversary of purchase. I had changed over to Mobil One myself after six months, and I had a list of things for them to do, including the TSB on the one to two crunch. They did all the other stuff, but did NOT do the TSBs, nor did they do anything about the hesitation/idle reduction problem that is often attributed to the MAP sensor. They claimed they could not get any of those symptons that I reported. We had some angry words on the phone, but when I went to get the car, I had a long talk with the SvcMgr. He convinced me he knew what he was talking about, particularly during a drive, when I encouraged him to push the car and shift to 2nd very hard from near redline.
He had none of the problems that I experience, BUT he has a drag racing background. He said if the car were his, he wouldn't think of cracking open the trans in the absence of a big problem. He suggested that the shifting was a matter of training, and that if we'd punch into the carpet going to 2nd we wouldn't have a problem. (I haven't had the problem since).
I also asked him to adjust the hood so it would close easier. He talked with the regional tech rep on all this stuff, and he said there were reports of hoods coming up at speed, and that he wouldn't recommend an adjustment. Now I just drop the hood from 24-32 inches and it closes every time.
Two other changes he made: I complained of rattles from the top latches. He replaced the windshield-mounted receivers with those designed for the hardtop. And he noticed some light oil staining below the valve cover and replaced the v.c. gasket.

RU, thanks for the info.

in cali, but actually getting my 54 & 55 done right now.....car will be in shop for a couple of days...they said at least until wed...

I had the clutch TSB done recently at Gwinnett Place Honda. I bought the S2K there and besides the sales poeple being a bit flakey, I have had good experiences there. Anyway, they did the clutch even though the car has 36500 miles on it and they did it in 1 day. They also found cracks in the pressure plate and flywheel and gave me those at 50%. All and all I got a whole new clutch for $500 including the rental.

I've been thinking about the TSB's also, and just recently had some more work done at Honda Carland in Alpharetta. I bought my car out of state, so no local dealer is going to give me better service because of a purchase. Here's my history with Honda Carland:

1. They did the seatbelt recall with no questions, but it took 2 days.
2. I had an intermittent misfire on #1, their first reaction was to blame it on my stereo amplifier being connected to the battery. (not a good sign). Honda techline straightened them out on that issue, and suggested a few possible fixes, which they performed. However the misfire returned, and Honda techline suggested the "shotgun" approach - replace plugs, wires, coil and injector associated with #1. No problems after 10k additional miles, so I guess it's fixed. This was a VERY intermittent problem (one misfire in 1,000 miles), so I can't blame them for not finding it the first time, but the stereo thing bothered me.
3. Recently brought in for driver's window not working on auto-down or when the top is lowered, and AC not cooling at idle, and new rear tires. They found the driver's window switch to be bad, the AC compressor to be bad, and replaced the tires with the correct S02's (in stock). Only problem is they don't stock parts for this car, so it takes a second day or return trip to get the new parts installed. Return trip scheduled for tomorrow, and I will ask them about the TSB work.

BTW, the tires were a gnat's ass under $200 each, but after mounting, balancing, valve stems, tax, disposal fee, etc, the out-the-door price was $454.76. Not bad for a dealer and in stock to boot. And they didn't mees up my rims, even though they didn't bother to clean the 3 quarts of tire lube they must have used off the wheels when they were done.

Modifry, just a heads up on the window switch. I had a similar problem with the auto down not working on my Prelude. To make a very long story short, the switch was replaced three times. After each time the problem came back. Turned out the problem was actually a faulty electric motor and not the switch. Turns out there was a TSB telling the dealers to replace the motor but it was not until the 4th time I took it in that the Service Advisor actually figured it out :mad:.

I think there is also a TSB for the S2000 window motor. You may want to ask about this.

If any of you guys want to make the trip over here to AL. I can recommend you a good service department. I tried one in Auburn (King Honda) which is close to LaGrange and they are about as dumb as rocks. Plus the sales side of the dealership is getting a 4500 dollar markup over MSRP. There is a great dealership here in B

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2k Dude
[B]Modifry, just a heads up on the window switch.

RU,
I was recently introduced to the sales, parts, and service team at the dealership off of Mansell by another S2000 club member and they were incredibly friendly and willing to help out in the future.
I have not actually had any service done there yet (3200mi on my S2K) but I think they will do a great job.

Just my $.02.

Cheers:p

ZoomZoom - yes, that's the same dealer I'm using, Honda Carland, (mostly because they're the closest to me). Overall I feel good about their service, it was just that first comment about the stereo amp connected to the battery that caused me some concern. Unless they do something to change my mind, I plan on continuing to use them.

Modifry,
Thanks for the confirmation. Keep us informed after your latest service because they are probably the closest to me as well. I live in the Dunwoody/Glennridge Connector area.

Thanks,

I've had pretty good luck with Gwinnett Place Honda...I had the clutch TSB done there. I went mostly because it is the closest dealer to me and I bought the car there. However, I have been to the new Carland service center off of State Bridge road and I really liked that place. Let us know how it goes. I am sure we would all like to know who we can trust with our stooks.

I just tried to have the work done, and the dealership turned me away.
Said that the fix for TSB54 did not solve the problem.

Has anyone else heard this?

is there a tsb for the window motor? anyone know the number? i could not replicate the problem for the dealer who said there was no tsb. ????

[QUOTE]Originally posted by elviscos
[B]is there a tsb for the window motor? anyone know the number?

I've now had the clutch and tranny TSBs done on my '00 S2k (#4501). I started this thread 6 months ago after my dealer (LaGrange) refused to do the work without firsthand confirmation of the problems. Car has 11k miles now. Dealer had already had a couple of stooks come in to learn on, and service writerl had turned over.
Very happy so far with the work. Dealer told me that last clutch work they did showed a nearly disintegrated friction plate at under 10k miles, but mine turned out to look like new (they replaced it anyway). I refuse to launch at high rpms.
So far, replacements also include new top latches (male ends), new driver's window regulator, and one washer nozzle that popped off easily. Except for a curb rub and slick rear tires, car is better than new.
I'll go with OEM rear tires and consider change when all four wear out. I'm leary of mixing tires on this finely tuned suspension.
Only problem now is a low rpm hesitation that only occurs in heavy traffic. I've suggested MAP sensor to the dealer, but they won't go along with it. Maybe it's just me.

RU,
I think I can relate to your hesitation problem. Every now and then when I am sitting in traffic and slowly moving forward, my S will almost want to stall for a brief moment before 'catching itself' again. Not sure what it is but it does not happen often enough for me to wrestle with a dealership over it.

As far as the other TSBs go, I don't want anybody to cut open the seals until I really experience serious problems. And so far I don't have any (sure, I get a 2nd gear grind occasionally) but nothing to write home about.

Cheers,:p

I'm with you Zoomer. I don't want to open anything up until it is absolutely necessary. I have just under 14K miles and everything is still running fine. I have noticed a bit of transmission "noise" when I let off the accelerator in third gear. I believe this is covered by one of the TSB's. I don't intend to do anything just yet because the sound has not become obnoxious.

Hey Zoom, I have those same "almost" stalls. Anyways, I had my 1st to 2nd grind fixed and everything seems fine. Plus, i got a new dash out of it so im happy:D I had it done at Lanier Honda. I had to drive a 2002 Civic Sedan LX for a while though:( :( :( Brandon

Speaking of transmissions -

At 30k miles I changed the diff fluid like a good boy, and decided to change the tranny juice while it was up in the air. I used what the dealer gave me (Honda MTF). I asked about the manual saying to use MTF II, but they say Honda only makes one MTF.

Anyway, immediately after changing the tranny fluid, the transmission is much more difficult to put into gear when you are stopped and the tranny is cold (< 30 minutes run time). No problem when the car is moving, only when stopped. I would guess it sometimes takes 30-40 lbs of force to get it into gear.

If the car is perfectly level or on a slight downgrade (not enough to coast though) when I try to put it into gear (clutch on the floor) the car actually moves forward an inch or two. Every time I shove the shifter forward towards first gear, the car moves. I am not even getting into gear, just applying pressure. I never noticed this before, but maybe I wasn't looking.

Anybody here notice this same behavior? I know transmissions are harder to shift when cold, but this was a dramatic change immediately after I changed the fluid. My wife drove the car one day when I was out of town and she told me she was about to push the car out of the driveway because it took her so long to get it into reverse.

I took it to Honda Carland, and even spoke with the Service Manager, who seemed very knowledgable of cars in general, but didn't think it was a problem. I asked if Honda MTF came in the tranny from the factory but he didn't know. He said he would check on that and try shifting other S2000's when he gets a chance, and get back to me. That was 2 weeks ago. So far no news.

I would like to see if any of you can do the "cold transmission, level driveway, apply pressure towards first gear and see if the car creeps forward test". If everybody elses does it I'll stop worrying. If not, I'll have some ammo to take to the dealer.

BTW - I just made it to the dealer under the warrenty (35,600), and am now over, and hoping it's not a problem.

mine does not creep forward but I sometimes hear a slight thump when putting pressure toward first before going into gear - anyone have a thump?

Dewain mentioned having problems getting into first.

His solution was to slip to 2nd , and then to first. After going to 2nd, it slipped right into first.

Todd

South Honda sucks

Denied 3 times for my2000??

Has anyone had service experience at Nalley Honda in Union City? I had a great experience with my purchase there, but have not been to their service department yet.

Wow! You bought it from them? That was a long drive from where you live to Union City? (But I went all the way to Ohio to pick up mine):p . I didn't like the Sales Dept.back in the 1999 (Actually all the local dealers here around Atlanta), I'm not sure about their service? I don't think I'll drive that far for service! I rather do it myself!

But for TSB, I'll try Carland again? At least the people are better than Gwinnett Honda and Curry Honda!
Any one tried the Service place (not a dealer, just a Service Dept.) in Alpharetta near Hwy400? Off exit 10, about 3 or 4 mile East of Hwy400?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 850
[B]

Nalley Honda isn't that all that far from me; maybe 20 miles or so. They are off the 85 just south of the 285. I worked with Donna Haan who handles their internet sales. Very nice, very fun lady; not at all your average pushy salesperson. Donna knew that I was waiting to see the 2002 Sebring Silver....she called me the day they unloaded it off of the truck. I drove down after work, liked it, and bought it (of course I had been there several times over the previous 3 months looking at/driving their 2001 models). I bought the car two weeks ago for MSRP without any grief.....I had a very good experience with them.

On the other hand, I did encounter the stereotypical pushy salesman at Ed Voyle's Honda in Marrietta. He scoffed at me when I said that I would purchase one for MSRP. I bought mine at MSRP five days later. Which reminds me, I still need to drive the S2000 over there and say "hi"! :D

Mike,
You want me to go with you? Or we (the S2000 club) can all go there and say "hi" to them.:p

Johnyboy32,
Are they open on Saturday? Do you know their opening hours?:)