First, the soft top:

I've stored the hard top that came with the car and it's very difficult to get the soft top closed tight enough to the screen header to latch. Perhaps it's just my memory, but my 02 S seemed much easier.

The soft top has been down on my car for potentially quite a long time without use - the car was registered on 21.12.06 and I collected it on the 5th of this month - the top has never been up in that period as the protective film was still on the rear window! Add to that the time it may have been sat in the dealer unregistered, transit time etc and its inactivity period could be pretty lengthy.

Could it be the top simply needs to be left up for a good stretch or do I need to get the adjustment looked at?

Secondly, the gearbox:

On two occasions now the gearbox has jumped out of sixth gear. The car hasn't been under any load - seem to recall at both times it was on very light throttle.

I drive an auto on a daily basis, so perhaps it's down to me not slotting it in gear correctly*... or is this bigger problem developing?


*I do drive a Ferrari dog-leg box on a regular basis so my wrist is not entirely limp...

 

Can't help with the gearbox issue, but I've never read anything to suggest that this is a common problem.

Regarding the soft top I would agree with your line of thinking. Because it's been folded down for so long, it's moulded itself to the down position. I'd put the roof up, and leave it up for a couple of hours, then lower it and try again. Once you get it close enough you should be able to close the catches, and that will help to remould it back to it's original shape. Keep an eye on it when you close the catches just in case there is a more serious problem with the mechanism.

 

The jumping out of gear does seem to be a "feature" of the 04+ gearboxes and has been posted about before by a number of people. I had it happen a number of times in my 04, albeit I think always in first gear.

I have a vague memory of there being some manner of dealer fix, if the customer asks for it. I never bothered with having it done TBH.

 

I'm with j8ime. Just needs a stretch

 

My 53GT had the same issue with the roof, the previous owner NEVER took the HT off It was fine after I NEVER used the HT
As to jumping out of gear, the 06 I had did it once or twice, none of my other +04 cars did it. Might just be a new gearbox being a bit tight. Use it hard for a bit, see how you get on, changing the gearbox oil has helped others!

 

If it's the same issue mine had, I don't think it's a function of the gearbox being new and tight - mine continued to do it (albeit very sporadically) from new through to sale at around 26K miles and 2 1/2 years old.

 

Seeing Tango's post has prompted me to update this post - jumping out of sixth is getting to be a common event. It looks like a visit to a Honda dealer is on the cards... question is, which one to trust?

 

Due to unforeseen circumstances I'm having to use my S for commuting for a few weeks. With a 90 mile or so round trip the car's getting a bit more regular use and it has really brought to light the gear box problem. Yesterday morning it jumped out three times in the space of a mile or so and did the same today.

It seems to occur more when the 'box is cold and also when power is applied after being on the over-run.

New gearbox methinks.

 

I take it the roof is OK now though?

 

Hi Alex

Roof indeed OK - just needed a stretch!

Mark