accord31

Hi guys. I bought a 2003 S2000 with 20,000 miles on it about 8 months ago and whenever I shift from 1st to 2nd with pressure on the shifter toward the driver's door I get a gear grind. Does anyone know what causes this? Thanks.

doddg

1. I had the same thing on my 04 that I bought 3 yrs. ago with 9k miles on it, and it had some "notchiness" going into 3rd; almost didn't by the car b/c of it, and found out since, it is something that can accompany an S.
2. I use Amsoil tranny fluid, after trying new Honda change out, then GM or Pennzoil synchromesh (something like that), got better with every round, I'm staying with Amsoil.
3. I have read about regreasing the shifter has really helped some, but I believe that is with more use/miles on the car, can't imagine it needing that b/c of so little use.
4. I will probably do mine this summer, just to see if it helps.
5. But, I'm just an old teacher who only knows what he reads on a couple of sites!

BlakeNFR

Shift at 4k.

myhui

There is a very good transmission rebuild shop in the SoCal area that can fix it real good for you.

Suzuka_Joe

read the owners manual. dont shift under 4k or it gets notchy. i always shift between 4-5500 when just going around town for this reason and its smoother

jc2078

I always laugh when people say read the owners manual and to shift at 4k in the same post. I laugh even more when they say shift at 5500. Enjoy your 15 mpg shifting at 5500.

the ap1 owners manual says shift at following mph

15
25
40
47
53

which is in rpms (aprox):

3300-3400
3500
3900
3750
3300

note: it is true shifting at a higher rpm makes shifting smoother, but lets not be ridiculous about the shift rpm points

devildust

shift higher as other said, change fluid and re-grease shifter. Im sure your trans is fine.

2SoonS2K

What shop would that be?

Billman250

The NUMBER ONE causes of gear grinds are directly related to one or all of these combined:

dirty clutch fluid
poor clutch rod adjustment
air in the slave
rusted input spline
drivers inability to completely push the clutch in before moving the shifter

Over time, these lead to the failure of the second gear syncro and gear collar, because second is the hardest used gear in most cases.

You have an 85% chance of curing your problem completely be starting with the above list.

conzetts2k

I just prefer to shift when I can here the turbo spooling to get other attention lol