Hi Incubus, I just read your message...

could you please explain what you mean when you said "that you were not at fault?" My S2000 is a 2002 model and I always had the differential fluid changed on time as required by HONDA. Could it be a manufacturer defect and be covered under warranty?

thank you

 

Dealers have been known to put the wrong fluid into the S2000 rear diff. They think they can use the same fluid that goes into the CRV or Pilot, etc. That fluid will destroy our diffs. Then it's not the owner's fault.

 

I'm starting to think that's what happened because they replaced my differential fluid recently and after only 1500 miles this disaster happened!! I'm going there tomorrow morning, I always had a good relationship with the service manager who will surely deny he put the wrong fluid in there.. what should I do to demostrate this? I have proof they changed the differential fluid last.. but how can I proove it is the wrong one??

Ohhh.. this is going to be so much funnnnn

Please give me some advice... i don't want to get screwed over.. since it isn't MY fault! Thanks to all you guys for your help.. it's nice to see that no matter where we are in the world... we all care for our S2000 !

I'm so angry that it's going to be hard to fall asleep... how can those people be so stupid!!!

 

If they suspect you're coming after them, they'll be pretty hard to extract information out of. Try to determine what exactly they put into your diff at the last fluid change. Ask them what they would put in if you wanted it done again now. Get the specs from them (GL rating and viscosity). Ask them if they use this fluid for any other Honda. That'll be a give away. I don't think the fluid that is meant for our cars is designated for another Honda.
See if you can find out if they put in VTM-4 fluid. This would be the wrong fluid.

 

My theory is that you should check the level of oil in the diff before you go back to Honda - get somebody else to check this for you if you don't know how - and take a small sample of the oil (half a syringe full would do).

If the sample doesn't smell of sulphur (hypoid diff oil smells awful and you can't mistake it) then its 99% certain they have used the wrong oil. You can then tell them this and that you have a sample of the oil that you can have analysed if need be...

BTW Make sure they use the right replacement oil (again, I would recommend the above check and before driving the car anywhere - do this at the Honda repair shop in their car park before you drive it away!).

 

Ok...here's the latest update. DIFFERENTIAL SHOT
Went to the Honda dealership and had a long talk with the service manager. He assured me that the correct oil was used(he showed me the stuff they put in there) He also said that when the oil was poured out from the differential it was completely "burnt".

He said that if they made a mistake, their insurance would have paid for it and he has no problems in admitting should it be a mistake on their part.

I have a feeling that I'm getting screwed over... and I'm not able to prevent it.

Suggestions?

 

So, what was it? Did you write down the details? I can "show" you a bottle of pills. It can be ASA, Acetaminophen or Ibuprophen. If you don't really look at it and take note of what it is .................................................. ...

 

[QUOTE=gerardog,Mar 20 2006, 08:40 AM] Ok...here's the latest update. DIFFERENTIAL SHOT
Went to the Honda dealership and had a long talk with the service manager. He assured me that the correct oil was used(he showed me the stuff they put in there) He also said that when the oil was poured out from the differential it was completely "burnt".

He said that if they made a mistake, their insurance would have paid for it and he has no problems in admitting should it be a mistake on their part.

I have a feeling that I'm getting screwed over... and I'm not able to prevent it.

Suggestions?

 

My differential thread.

 

How would you guys describe this whine? I can hear a whine coming from the center of the car. It can only be heard when the stereo is off and the windows and top are up. Its more noticeable when at a constant speed (i.e 70mph). If I put it in neutral and coast the sound is the same. It doesn't seem to get much louder when heard at 30-40mph.