KigerShark

I have just over 1900 miles on my '02 that I picked up on 3/14. Overall the car is absolutely great and I am VERY impressed. My only issues are with the transmission...

Since the day I bought it, it has been difficult to shift into first or sixth when the car is cold. When warm, I can shift into to these gears with no effort. This doesn't bother me too much, but I do wonder if this is common?

The second issue is an occasional 1-2 grind that I get when shifting into second at slow speeds (~15 MPH, low RPM ). This is a strange grind too, second gear still engages -- the shifter doesn't pop back into neutral like a typical missed shift but the sound is definately there. From high RPM (8000+) I've never experienced a grind. This might be user error, I'm used to heavy Mustang clutches, but it only happens at slow speeds. Anyone else experience this?

Carlson

Same here. Don't worry.

JonasM

I've noticed it, too. Only 637 miles on mine yet, but 1-2 and 2-3 shift tend to be a bit 'notchy' unless I'm in higher revs (though only pas 6000rpm once) AND shifting quickly. Shifting medium speed, I don't actually get any grind, but can feel the teeth 'matching' as it goes into gear. Similar to my prelude (w/152000 miles) has started doing in the last 1000 miles or so). I'm waiting to see what happens after a few thousand miles.

JonasM

xviper

Notchiness is a relative term but yes, when cold there can be a bit more "resistance" just before it goes into gear. Remember, this is a very precise gearbox. You must know where the "gates" are and you can't take "short cuts" (ie. cutting corners) into the next gear. Clutch coordination is also very critical. I suggest you search for a post by "woodwork" on how to shift this tranny. He's a Honda tech and provides a very comprehensive writeup on this topic. I'm of the opinion that the more you grind, the more you'll continue to grind and eventually, you may need to get the tranny fixed.
If you want a completely "notchfree" tranny that is foolproof to find each gear, go drive a Datsun Pickup truck. It's got NO grinds. It has gates a mile wide and yes, it's a POS.

S2peed

Hmmmm i thought Honda took care of this problem for the 2002.

vin02s2k

I guess they haven't... mine is only 1000 and I already experienced couple of the grinds... sux but sometimes I wondered if it's because the way I drive

FormerH22a4

I've grinded twice because of misshifting I think. I had the 2-3 notch but that was because I cut the corner and didn't pass through neutral. I am trying to work out the 1-2 notch now. I am a new MT driver so looks like driver error when I did grind so I'll keep you 02' guys posted on the 2nd notch.

Flyin Wedge

No grind here,a little notchy from time to time shifting from 2nd to 3rd but nothing im worried about.I agree with Viper,these gear boxes can be fickle at times.

LondonRam

Also having some grinding and difficulty getting into 3rd from 2nd, especially when accelerating at a slower pace rather than when taking it quickly to the limit. Been driving stick shift for 15 years and never experienced this before.

Wondering if it is a Honda issue or just such a sensitive tranny that I need to get more experience with??

LondonRam

netwiz

you guys have to remember that the S2K tranny is _tiny_. I think the entire assembly, save for the shift parts (the input, output, and layshafts, plus gears, syncros and housing for the afrementioned parts) fits inside 1.5 cubic feet. It's _small_. My 2001 took 18000 miles for the 2-3 shift to stop "tinking," and by that I mean there was a noticeable gear hit going into third, as thoght the syncros had _almost_ got the shafts spun up, but not quite.