when shifting from 4th to 5th sometimes it feels as though the guide that helps you find 5th gear disappears. Then other times it magically reappears. 5th (and 6th for that matter) is still there but the shifter feels sloppy and it takes a second or 2 to find the gear.

Anyone experience that?

 

Yeah, I think I understand what you're saying. I have a similar problem on my 2003.

In my case, it feels like the shift fork for 5th and 6th is impeded by something. Takes a little extra force to get into gear (but the gear doesn't grind). After about 20 or 30 minutes of driving, the shifts get easier into those two gears. It might be wear on the synchros, but I haven't ever skip shifted in the 25k miles I've owned my car.

Cold weather doesn't seem to help. I replaced my transmission fluid earlier this week (though the fluid that was in there was the same new Honda MTF and probably 7k miles old), so I'll see if it makes a noticable difference.

 

I also wanted to mention that I've performed the TSB 02-046 as well. Basically that entailed taking the shifter out and re-lubing it with urea grease. The shifter itself felt fine, so I don't think that was the problem.

 

did it start after u did the TSB

 

Nope, I performed the TSB in order to fix the shifter feel.

 

I have the Same problem with my 01. I dont have a clue as to if its the shifter or the tranny.

Anyone had this issue solved?

 

Well, I have a suggestion that I've been using... Don't use 5th and 6th until the transmission is completely up to temp. May not be a solution, but it helps.

 

this has been the way it's been for me, once i get the lube flowing through, it runs great