I've got a new '03 with about 1400 miles on it... my tranny seems to be pretty notchy making the 1-2 upshift. I'm wondering if everyone else has the same feeling, or if there is something wrong. I took it to my dealer and they say everything is fine... but I dunno... my friends short throw shifter in his mustang feels ALOT smoother.

 

Mine's been pretty notchy since the day I got it(2002, 13 miles new). In the beginning, it was annoying, but I guess I've just gotten used to it. Even with the notchiness, I still love the way the shifter feels. Some people have tried changing out the tranny fluid to help smooth things out.

 

Try changing up at a little higher revs - eg 4000-5000 rpm.
See if that helps.

M@

 

This is a common problem with pre-2004s and is a design flaw in the tranny. Although Honda never admitted it, the fact the the syncrohonizers on the 2004s have been changed/improved is at least indirect testimony to that fact.

I had this problem and just had my tranny rebuilt under warranty. Among other things, the 1-2 synchros were replaced. Voila! Problem gone. Short of a rebuld, there's not much you can do, I'm sorry to say.