TrackStar

Hey guys, I recently had Jeff (minitoyota) install an AP2 trans in my AP1. First off, he is hands down the best mechanic I've ever dealt with. Answered all my questions, went above and beyond in checking ALL areas of the car, and he's a great guy to chat with. Great price too!

We'll, first off, I had to have the shifter swapped with my AP1 as piece was stripped off the top. When driving, I have some difficulty getting the car into 2nd. There are no grinds, or anything, and it doesn't feel like there is anything broken in the trans, it's just hard to engage. It also feels like the shifter is going back far enough. It's engaged fine, and it doesn't pop out.

Does it seem like something that perhaps will loosen up over time, or did I get a bad trans?

I had the fluid changed to the newer Honda formula. Jeff reported no shavings when drained.

negcamber

Did you confirm that the part numbers are the same between the shifters? They may not be 100% compatible even if they bolt up.

Otherwise, you may have gotten unlucky with the tranny.

Suzukuh

Just clarifying, by the shifter you mean the entire assembly that the knob screws on to? If that's what you mean then I have swapped that entire piece out between an 02 and an 04. Zero problems on either car so it may be your trans.

TrackStar

Yeah, the entire shifter has been replaced. Part numbers are the same, yet I recall hearing that Honda made changes to the shifter over the years. I guess my odds that the trans will loosen up over time are pretty slim. It's still strange though, as I feel no grinds or anything going into gear.

Stratocaster

I know of a few issues that sound about the same. First Rick has an 01 with a problem like this. It took a few dealers and finally Hardtopguy to fix it. his problem if I remember correctly was a bent shaft. Which one, I don't know, but it was one of the shafts holding the shift forks.

There is another that we have yet to fix that a local is driving around with. It is very high mileage and is the hardest one I have ever felt. We think is it thesame problem, only bent far more.

On the Shfter change, Nope Honda made no changes over the years. They are all the same.

TrackStar

Thanks man. dumb question, but what's involved in changing the fork?

Also, I didn't have a problem with my '01 trans, which used the same fork.

minitoyota

[QUOTE=TrackStar,May 7 2009, 01:14 PM]Thanks man.

Stratocaster

Yes, I was. I am not sure if you can swap them between AP1 and AP2. I never tried, but this was the area that the issue was resolved in. Again, I personal did not do the work and only have second hand information on.

TrackStar

Thanks guys. Again, I couldn't believe how thorough Jeff was. Every time I'm over there he has a line of cars waiting for his services. really one couldn't expect more!

Strat- thanks for your knowledge as always. Noobs take heed to what he says!

I'm getting used to it, and I'm assuming there aren't any issues with the gears, so I guess I'll just drive as is since there's no grinding or anything.