I bought my red S2K - 2001 - about a month ago. It had 2300 miles on it. I have noticed what I can only describe as a "growl" coming from what appears to be the transmission/clutch area. It happens when I do a low-rev launch and only lasts from approx 3-4000 rpm, then stops. I also notice it when I am downshifting and the engine is slowing the car - particularly in lower gears. If I put in the clutch when it's making this noise while downshifting, it stops.

I took it to the dealer and the mechanic said it sounded to him like normal gear tolerance noise. He said that S2K's don't have as much soundproofing as "family" cars and that you can hear normal transmission noises more clearly. This may be true, but I'm still not convinced.

Don't get me wrong, this noise is not overpowering. If the windows or top are down you can't hear it. I just doesn't sound right to me.

Any comments?

 

I does not sound unusual. The S2000 has the noisiest driveline of any car I have owned (except maybe a Mustang with a bad Tremec gearbox), so it may be something you learn to live with. Insist on a ride in a new one under the same conditions so you have a comparison.

 

If you have a '00, there is a TSB that takes care of a similar problem. I had it done, and helped greatly in the 3 - 4.5k range, but is slightly worse in the 1 - 1.5k range (of course this is not in the range of spirited driving). This TSB only takes care of noise, but does nothing toward longevity or performance of the clutch.

 

I had mine in for this, there was another S2K in for maintenance that day, the mechanics took both out for a drive, both had the "growl," and they told me this was "normal." I've lived with it. Don't necessarily like it, but everything seems to be holding up fine. Funny how my wife's $15k Civic is quiet as can be........

 

The TSB wouldn't apply with '01 models. They already come up the new clutch plate disk.

 

I have these same problems and I totally feel the same way, other cheap crappy beater cars have transmissions sounding ohh soo smooth, compared, to the S. it almost sounds like something needs lubrication or something, that somewhat painful and sorta obscure growl at low rpm launch. So we're supposed to just accept this as normal? I heard the '00 TSB will honor our '01's too. I also hear these TSB don't eliminate the problem too well.

Cliff

 

Just try taking your 2001 in for a TSB covering the '00 model year. Even if the problem is the exact same thing Honda will tell you that they fixed the problem for your model year car and you must be mistaken. How do I know? Gear grind TS 1st to 2nd. They said they fixed it for '01 so I must be lying.

 

My '01 does this as well. What is interesting is that the tranny only holds 1.6 quarts of fluid. Our Accord holds 2 quarts. Wouldn't you think that a performance car with a 6 speed would have a greater oil capacity than a family car?

 

Not necessarily, more oil means more resistance means more horsepower used to move all that oil around.

If you happen to take your car in for the grind problem I'd be very interested if they make an attempt to fix it. I was actually told by my dealer that I was mistaken and that I don't have a gear grind problem. Honda says that unless they can replicate the problem they won't even look at it. Of course this means that I have to leave my car at the dealer for them to drive repeatedly to redline until it does it for them. I'm not to thrilled by that prospect.

 

More oil, can mean more resistance. However, oil can also transfer heat. A lot of people have the grind problem on hot days after spirited driving.