I bought my 2002 S2000 in December of 2007. A few weeks after purchasing it, I noticed some odd sounds coming from the transmission. I took it in and the dealership recommended a new transmission, but Honda Care said they would only take care of a rebuild. It was rebuilt in January of 2008. I have put ~7000 miles on the care since(has 48000 total). I took the car out of storage this year and drove it a few times with no issue. Then a few weeks ago, it started to feel rough and notchy during the 1-2 shift. When I shift fast or at high RPM's it doesn't seem as noticable, but during normal shifting(4000-6000RPMs) it is pretty rough. I did have the MTF changed late last spring at the advice of the dealership(Park Honda). Should I get it changed again? Also, if I do should I used GM Synchromesh? Is it possilbe based on these described symptoms that it is a bad 2nd gear synchro or other transmission problems? This has been very frustrating for me, so any advice or comments are appreciated!

 

Try to change the tranny fluid first.

 

The Honda MTF is better than the GM Synchromesh...I've used both and the MTF lasts longer and is smoother.

I've seen a few rebuilt trannies in my area from the AP2 jump out of gear problem...none of the rebuilt trannies shifted very well IMO.

 

Right after the rebuild was done, it was a little rough and tight going into all gears. This is normal as I understand. After a month break-in period, it smoothed out. By the end of last summer (after the first "post-rebuild" fluid change), it was shifting very, very smooth. It stayed that way until just a few weeks ago. I drive the car assertively sometimes, but never abuse it. I cannot recal any grinds or mis-shifts and no one esle drives it but me. I hope it is just in need of some clean fluid. Otherwise it may be a bum rebuild and that is going to cost me (no more warranty).