does anyone else have a problem with 2nd gear grinding?? I read this was common...but for a $32,000 car I would expect better!! any thoughts?

 

https://www.s2ki.com/library/service/2ndgeargrind.php

 

In the past two weeks (I only drove the car twice during that time) I have had two BAD 2nd gear grinds. Both times I was shifting quickly BUT I am sure that the clutch was all the way down.

It is almost as if the hydraulic clutch was not operating properly.

My car was built after the "fix" for the 2nd gear grind was incorporated into the cars production -- but nevertheless - grind she does.

Glad I got an extended warranty.

Eliot

 

Ditto, Mine does that awful grind when I am shifting fast from 1st to 2nd. I'm glad I have an extended warranty also.

 

I found that a flush of the clutch fluid with a synthetic fixed my problems... I've got an '01 as well.

 

We have clutch fluid??? Is this the same as the MTF tranny fluid?

 

Hey - I am intrigued about the change of clutch fluid fixing the problem !!!!

What type of fluid did you put in ??

Thanks.

Eliot

 

I have replaced the clutch fluid with NO discernable change. If you have the 1-2 grind the problem is in the box (plenty of threads with an explanation). Sometimes the TSB repair fixes it, sometimes not, but AHM does not seem much interested in getting it totally corrected.

 

Hi All,
Took my 2001 in this week to the dealer to get it fixed. Grinds between 2nd and 3rd too. I have read a lot of posts about this problem so I am hoping the dealer can fix it permanently, not just a quick fix that won't last. I should get it back tomorrow or Friday and will try to post the results with a list of the parts they changed to help others. It pays to go to the dealer with as much information as you can get.

 

Chris, don't be so sure. I've got a 2001 and had a bad time grinding 2nd. After changing the fluid I haven't had a problem. I don't doubt the TSB and a "real" tranny problem, but in my case this fixed it. I've had the same problem with the last 3 Preludes I'd driven, too- and fluid fixed it.

My only guess is that as the fluid breaks down it becomes more compressible and the clutch doesn't react as fast as you operate the pedal. I've further noticed that clutch fluid breaks down faster than the brakes; this makes NO sense to me, but it *always* gets darker faster on every car I've had. Maybe less fluid? I can't imagine the temps being higher than what the brakes see.

It worked for me. I'd invite any 2001 owners trying this first, 2000 owners who haven't had the TSB should definitely take the car in.