Got an 01 with 12300 miles on it May 10th, so far I've got the 2nd gear grind(occasionally), 4th gear pop out(3 times), and now I have to got to 5th before sixth or it'll grind(almost like its bumping reverse). Going to get my oil changed this week and planning on telling them about it. My question is will these fixes last? I know there are bullitens for the 2nd gear grind and the 4th gear pop out and I have the certified warranty so I'm pretty sure they will fix it. Just want to know if I have to be careful from now on or can I drive it like its meant to be driven? I love the car but these little things are driving me crazy.

P.S. It now has 16,400 miles on it, quite a few above 6,000 RPM, usually sees 120 or above about 5 times a week

Thanks for any info,

Mrcln1

 

I had the tranny fixed on my 01 under extended warrenty,they tryed to tell me nothing was wrong so then i made the machanic drive it while I was sitting in the car then i turned to him and said"now you tell me if thats __ing normal". It got fixed!!
Just to remember to be very persistant with them cause they will try to get out of it, if they can!!!
They always come up with a bull __ story as to why your car is doing what it is doing.
As to will the fixes last mine seems to be alright, will keep you posted on the progress of it.

 

I was also wondering if the replacment parts are the same or are they improved?

Thanks for the help Viper,

Mrcln1

 

good question !!!
I just assumed they were upgraded parts but come to think of it, no one accually said they were up graded.
I will look in to that..
I hope they arnt the same kind of parts.

 

I had the 1-2 grind habitually in my '03 ... Honda rebuilt and then had to ultimately replace the tranny (under warranty).
Honda probably has made little or no money on my car considering they spent nearly 2.5 grand (on parts alone) on the rebuild and another 4 large + on the repalcement transmission. This transmission on the S2000 is touchy to say the least.

For note, the '01-'03 transmissions are 'basically' the same, except for the way they were built ... matched syncros, bearings, and gear sets after early '01 (some other small things as well ... nothing major though).

The rebuild helped a little with some of the grind problems, but didn't eliminate them ... (my rebuilt transmission still had the 1-2 grind and occasionally a 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear grind).

Unfortunately, my new transmission had the 1-2 grind (once) after only 1500 miles of use (not a bad grind ... but still frustrating). after that ... I switched to Redline MTL (from Honda MTF). No problems as of yet ... knock wood.

For reference... I tried BG Synchromesh II in the first transmission, and the problem actually got worse (don't try it).
Additionally, the Honda MTF seems to start breaking down after only 1200-1500 miles of use - indicated by the first grind following a fluid change.
If I kept the change interval between 500-1200 on the Honda MTF, I seemed to be okay ... but that's rediculous!

So far, 1800 miles on the Redline MTL, and not so much as scratching of the gears ... and it's only the first change.

I'm changing it out at 2500 miles to get any residual Honda fluid out of the transmission and to ensure no further problems. I didn't think I'd notice that big of a difference ... but I have so far. Redline MTL is good to go.

Road Rage is the 'local' (S2KI) expert here on oil and oil chemistry. He recommends that you use what works for you, and with your driving style - and to stick with it. He uses the Redline MTL.

BTW: I'm an Amsoil dealer ... but use and recommend what works. Amsoil does not currently make a Honda MTF replacement and does not recommend any of their products for any application that calls for Honda MTF. They're working on it (call their Tech Serv. and let them know you're intersted ... they're polling interest at this time). www.amsoil.com
Quick note: I use Amsoil Euro formula 5W40 in the engine and their Series 2000 75W90 in the rear (both fantastic!).
Nevertheless, if Redline keeps on working in my transmission ... that's what I'll stay with.

Nonetheless, Redline (or any other oil for that matter) may not solve your problems and if the car's under warranty, use this site (S2KI) as a reference (helped me) and let them know that YOU know and believe that your transmission is failing - and they need to fix it.

They WILL pay attention to an intelligent and knowlegable customer that demands (respectfully - don't burn any bridges) action
... so carefully reasearch your issues (upper right corner on the page) with any combination of search words you can think of related to the S2000's transmission and grind issues,
and start reading threads on this site so that you sound well informed (ie ... Honda Serv Bltns and common probems etc.) when you (diplomatically) 'confront' your Service Manager.
No matter how frustrated you are, remember the honey and flies philosophy (don't kiss ass, just use the Golden Rule)
- they can always claim abuse and do nothing ... if they believe you (and more importantly WANT to help you) ... they will.

Find out which Honda dealer in your area is the best and has factory trained S2000 guy(s) or gal(s) and go there.

From what you have described, you very well may have major transmission problems, and I don't believe Redline (or anything else) is realistically going to help your issues - and won't repair the damage already done.

Good luck and don't back down!