Is there any way a layman can tell if the transmission is bad? Any noises specific to this problem, for example?

 

So many things can go wrong with a tranny. It might be better if you told us what it's doing (or not doing) and why you suspect there's something wrong.

 

Fair enough...

First I'm getting a real loud 'buzzing' vibration between 3500-4500 rpm, when foot is off the throttle and I'm in gear, slowing down. I've heard that could be a bad clutch and that might be so but it sounds like it's coming from the exaust (behind me, right side of car, if I had to pick). Plus, clunky shifts, and a slight rattle starting off from a stand still in first... this stuff gets worse as the car warms up. I guess that could all be the clutch so far. Then, I have a subtle 'ringing' that seems to be (just feels like it is) connected to the shifter at 3000-4000 rpm, again while deccelerating although it's not coming from the same place as the loud buzzing vibration.

Any ideas?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sparta
Fair enough...

First I'm getting a real loud 'buzzing' vibration between 3500-4500 rpm, when foot is off the throttle and I'm in gear, slowing down.

 

xviper... nice work... appreciate it.

I'm very nervous about having bought a used car (first time in 12 years), especially one that has some problems... but I like this little car and I'm hoping it all works out ok in the end.

Nice to know there's an active on-line community of owners.

 

I see now that you have an '01. You might be covered for the clutch buzz TSB. You just need to find a dealer who is sympathetic. Also, with that year, a change of some of your critical fluids will freshen up your car and make it feel like a new car again. If this is a second hand car for you, it is entirely likely that the clutch had some hard duty by the last owner and it may be time to consider a new clutch. It's not a cheap job but it may be worth consideration. Many owners who have done a clutch job have elected to go with the OEM disc and an ACT heavy duty pressure plate. A flywheel re-surfacing may also be in order. If the dealer will do the TSB for the clutch buzz, that would be the time to pay the extra for the better PP and flywheel work.
I'm talking about tranny, differential, brake and clutch fluids. You can find lots of info on what types of fluids to use and how to change them in 2 stickied threads at the top of this UTH forum.
One is "Commonly Asked Questions ............................. "
The other is "Oil Journals".

 

XVIPER.... I want to make a whole thread just for people to chime in and thank you
All I can say is whenever someone has a question, you just jump in with your knowhow (btw how do you know so much) and help however possible. You do all the research and type up an outstanding post! Your a real asset to this website!

 

S2KANDRE, thank you for the kind words.
Although I'm not a licenced mechanic, I've been wrenching on cars for 35 years in my backyard. Along the way, I've made a lot of goofy mistakes. I try to help those here so they don't make the same expensive goofy mistakes I did and to alleviate those awful doubts when something goes wrong with the car.
I've done a lot of work on my S2000. Although I will never profess to have done everything on it, I have turned the vast majority of the nuts and bolts on the thing. Along with reading everything in the S2000 service manual, I relate much of the knowledge on auto mechanics that I've acquired along the way.
The S2000 is a modern day car with modern day technology but the basic mechanics stay the same on any car.

 

Every thing ive learned about the S2000 is all thx too you! I LOVE YOU!
(well i dont wanna forget others like road rage... and the others i cant remeber the others)
BTW i apologize Spartan for going off topic. And I WILL make that thread i was talking about before! (It'll have more responses than the official Kristen Kreuk thread )

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2KANDRE
I LOVE YOU!

And I WILL make that thread i was talking about before!