FLUID CHANGE, TRANNY & DIFF
 

Just wondering how many s2k owners would recommend the Tranny Fluid and Diff Fluid change at 5k miles. I just want to possibly get any junk out of a new Tranny and Diff. I have an 05, Purchased it in May. I am planning to use Mobile 1 for Diff and Honda MTF for Tranny. Is there more than 1 Tranny Fluid for Honda Vehicles and do I have to specify that I have an s2000. I remember reading on 1 post that Honda had screwed up with their Tranny Fluid, Is this problem solved.

Thanks for any feedback

I would wait for a little while. Probably give it another 5k miles, especially if there is nothing wrong. If it starts to grind excessively or you notice when driving is stop and go traffic that it gets worst or you race it then I might think differently.

The only issue I have right now is when I am shifting from 2nd to 3rd. It doesn't grind but it feels notchy most of the time.

IMO its too soon. I changed mine at 10K.

I would change it when the brake in time is over (read the manual) I use the GM stuff in the trans and Mobil-1 75/90 for the rear but thats me. I do the rear every 3000 miles with the engine and the trans every other oil change, I'm anal :( Don't worry I am in therapy :D

Diff fluid - YES.
Tranny fluid - Not necessary unless you can do it yourself.

The first few thousand miles is the time the rear diff gets the most "run in" shavings and metal dust. We have a pretty small diff and relatively small volume of fluid for what it is asked to do. Getting that first batch of fluid out, cleaning the magnetic plug and inspecting the fluid and plug is not a bad idea. After this, do the diff fluid every 10K to 15K. This is one part of the owner's manual that I think Honda could have expanded upon.
If you have no issues (and having a slightly notchy shifting feel is NOT an issue), leave the tranny alone until you have a real issue or till the manual says to change it.

Thanks for all your timely responses.

I never even think of the tranny fluid. When is that recommended to be changed?

:iagree:

The diff fluid will be full of shavings from break-in by 5k. My tranny fluid looked perfectly clean with no shavings at 10k. 2nd diff fluid change at 16k looked much, much cleaner.

Peter

Your owner's manual should give you this in the maintenance schedule. My Helm service manual states ...........................
2 years, 30K miles (severe) or 6 years, 90K miles (normal) for MY'00
4 years, 60K miles (severe) or 8 years, 120K miles (normal) for MY'01

I haven't got a clue why Honda changed this in one model year. :confused:

I do mine every year just because it's easy and cheap and I do it at home.