How to make shifting smoother...
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 133
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From: oakland
Originally posted by da_illist_onE
Is it just me or is the S2K harder to shift smoothly than other cars?
Most noticeably 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. If I shift fast, it engages smoothly. But when I get lazy and shift slowly, it gets a bit notchy and also has a clunking sound when engaging a gear. I have never had this problem in any other cars. Any tips or advice to get it to shift smoothly? I have also noticed that the stick feels like it hits a moving part in the tranny when I engage 3rd on occasion. No noise or grind just a feel I get through the stick. Any help/input would be appreciated. Just want to get my car shifting like this 
Thanks guys! 
Is it just me or is the S2K harder to shift smoothly than other cars?
Most noticeably 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. If I shift fast, it engages smoothly. But when I get lazy and shift slowly, it gets a bit notchy and also has a clunking sound when engaging a gear. I have never had this problem in any other cars. Any tips or advice to get it to shift smoothly? I have also noticed that the stick feels like it hits a moving part in the tranny when I engage 3rd on occasion. No noise or grind just a feel I get through the stick. Any help/input would be appreciated. Just want to get my car shifting like this Thanks guys!
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,774
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From: Central USA
I change the transmission fluid when it feels like the symptoms that you are describing. I won't give you a hard and fast mileage interval, since this varies with the fluid that you are using. I've noticed that the GM Synchromesh does not last very long, but feels great for a short time, the Honda MTF seems to be a good fluid all around and other fluids are preferred for hot climates, etc.
They all have one thing in common, when the transmission is feeling like your description, I change the fluid, regardless of the fluid that I'm using and the mileage on the fluid change.
Unless you have a special need, I would stay with the Honda MTF.
They all have one thing in common, when the transmission is feeling like your description, I change the fluid, regardless of the fluid that I'm using and the mileage on the fluid change.
Unless you have a special need, I would stay with the Honda MTF.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,189
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From: Texas City
[QUOTE]Originally posted by jsc2K
yeah, same thing when trying to get into 1st but just doesn't seem to go in. I just give it a little rev put it into 2nd, then up to first nice and smooth. no problems.
yeah, same thing when trying to get into 1st but just doesn't seem to go in. I just give it a little rev put it into 2nd, then up to first nice and smooth. no problems.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 901
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From: NJ
I had the same question on another thread. Seems s2k's all have similar noises and harshness at certain rpm's. Mine "clunks" when I shift into first from a stop.
Apparently, most say this is normal and is no reason for concern.
Apparently, most say this is normal and is no reason for concern.
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 28,183
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From: local courts ...
i'm really glad someone brought all this up too.. cause i was starting to notice it.. especially the clunk noise going into first at stops.. and a little feelign like i was hitting something when i shifted into 3rd.
i'll probably go ahead and change the tranny, motor and diff. oil first part of next year.. when i'll actually have some free time
i'll probably go ahead and change the tranny, motor and diff. oil first part of next year.. when i'll actually have some free time
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Texas City
Originally posted by Axel6
I had the same question on another thread. Seems s2k's all have similar noises and harshness at certain rpm's. Mine "clunks" when I shift into first from a stop.
Apparently, most say this is normal and is no reason for concern.
I had the same question on another thread. Seems s2k's all have similar noises and harshness at certain rpm's. Mine "clunks" when I shift into first from a stop.
Apparently, most say this is normal and is no reason for concern.
Originally posted by Black Nugget
i'm really glad someone brought all this up too.. cause i was starting to notice it.. especially the clunk noise going into first at stops.. and a little feelign like i was hitting something when i shifted into 3rd.
i'll probably go ahead and change the tranny, motor and diff. oil first part of next year.. when i'll actually have some free time
i'm really glad someone brought all this up too.. cause i was starting to notice it.. especially the clunk noise going into first at stops.. and a little feelign like i was hitting something when i shifted into 3rd.
i'll probably go ahead and change the tranny, motor and diff. oil first part of next year.. when i'll actually have some free time
Question: Are you two coming to a "complete" stop before trying to engage 1st gear?
If so, try engaging 1st while the car is still moving. It doesn't take much, only 1 to 2 mph can make a big difference. If you are moving slowly when trying to shift than you got me!
The one S2000 I've driven, a MY02 w/~30k miles on it, was butter smooth at all times using this technique.
Just a thought,
Drive Safe,
Steve R.