Which oil should I use? Grinding 1st to 2nd
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Delray Beach
Which oil should I use? Grinding 1st to 2nd
I own a 2003 S2000. I had my first oil change at 3000 miles. They replaced it with non-synthetic oil. I now have 6000 miles and I am scheduled for an oil change on Thursday August 21. Should I switch to synthetic or stick with the factory oil? The service advisor told me to keep using the factory oil because he believes synthetic will end up costing me more money and that it is not really worth it. I also asked him about the differential fluid and he told me that Honda will change it when the car has 15,000 miles. Please share your suggestions as to what I should do. I love my car and I want to make sure I do the right thing.
I am also noticing alot of grinding when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. It grinds whether I shift at high rpms or low rpms. I can have my foot all the way down on the clutch and gently place the shifter into 2nd and it still grinds. I am really worried because I do not treat my car poorly and I do not want Honda to give me some bullshit excuse about how it is my fault. I met an S2Ki forum member in person and he told me that he replaced his clutch at 7000 miles because the factory clutch took a shit. He asked Honda if they would replace it and they told him that he was responsible and that they would not replace it under warranty. What should I do and how should I approach Honda.
My car has AEM CAI and that is all
Thank you
I am also noticing alot of grinding when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. It grinds whether I shift at high rpms or low rpms. I can have my foot all the way down on the clutch and gently place the shifter into 2nd and it still grinds. I am really worried because I do not treat my car poorly and I do not want Honda to give me some bullshit excuse about how it is my fault. I met an S2Ki forum member in person and he told me that he replaced his clutch at 7000 miles because the factory clutch took a shit. He asked Honda if they would replace it and they told him that he was responsible and that they would not replace it under warranty. What should I do and how should I approach Honda.
My car has AEM CAI and that is all
Thank you
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Tacoma
You know, I've seen so many reports of the transmission grinding on 1-2 or 2-3 shifts. I wish Honda would recognize that there might be some type of problem here. Maybe it has something to do with the double cone synchronization found on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear? I don't know.
The one thing I can think of is to try and replace the MTF. Go with Honda fluid first.
The one thing I can think of is to try and replace the MTF. Go with Honda fluid first.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: West Palm Beach
There is a TSB for the 1-2 grind, but it was supposed to be fixed in '02. It's in the S2KI library somewhere. You could bring that in and tell them you're having the same problem.
Also, I think the manual says not to change the factory oil until 7500 miles, as they put special additives in it. A lot of people use Mobil1 Synthetic; that's the one I like.
Also, I think the manual says not to change the factory oil until 7500 miles, as they put special additives in it. A lot of people use Mobil1 Synthetic; that's the one I like.
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Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Los Angeles, CA
If your transmission grinds constantly, and you have no difficulty demonstrating the problem, I would think you could easily have this repaired under warranty. Clutch replacement is one thing, because that's accepted to be a wear item, but grinding is something else entirely. For an 03 with only 6,000 miles on it, I don't see how they refuse you. Don't take no for an answer.
BTW, my 03 does not have any grinding problems, but the transmission did become noticably smoother at around 2,000 miles. I would guess there's a break-in period to be expected for the transmission, just like the engine.
BTW, my 03 does not have any grinding problems, but the transmission did become noticably smoother at around 2,000 miles. I would guess there's a break-in period to be expected for the transmission, just like the engine.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Orange County, CA
Changing the oil how you did it is fine. Honda told me that I'd need to change the oil at 7500, but then I talked to the service and they said 3750. I just had it done at 5000 and there was little oil used. I'm going to do my oil every 5K. As posted, there are a million threads about using synthetic - have fun reading!
On the grind - I had the same problem and asked Honda what's up. It has nothing to do with oil, or any other fluid. Service told me that it has something to do with the "spider shift pattern," or some sh!t like that, and that this is a common thing to happen (which I feel is bs). He told me to, when I'm stopped at the next stoplight, kick it into reverse, then back into 1st, and the grind would go away (at least for that trip). It works for me and have had no problems.
On the grind - I had the same problem and asked Honda what's up. It has nothing to do with oil, or any other fluid. Service told me that it has something to do with the "spider shift pattern," or some sh!t like that, and that this is a common thing to happen (which I feel is bs). He told me to, when I'm stopped at the next stoplight, kick it into reverse, then back into 1st, and the grind would go away (at least for that trip). It works for me and have had no problems.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Castro Valley
I have a 2003, but no grind, changed at 3300 with non-sync, then at 6000 changed to Mobil-1 sync 10W30 over the weekend, 5.5 qts !!! with filter (I let it drain for an hour !). Engine felt smoother and quieter. Shift smoother too.