brent_strong

I've been having some issues with the synchros in my transmission lately. Nothing major, but it's enough that I'd like to have it fixed by Honda while I still have a warranty.

Transmission fluid was changed with the updated Honda MTF at ~39k miles. It didn't change the feel of the shifts at all.

When shifting 1-2 or 3-2, I occasionally get a nasty grind. I don't believe it's related to my shifting or clutch technique - it seems like the shifter just slides past the synchro and then grinds. I suspect this problem would be hard to reproduce for a tech, since I only get it occasionally and usually only when shifting "quick". I never shift the car fast, jam gears or powershift.

Possibly more concerning is the notchiness going into 3rd. Nearly every time I shift, you can feel a distint "kick" through the shifter before it slides into the gear. This problem would be easy to reproduce and a tech should be able to feel it within 10 2nd to 3rd gear shifts, if not sooner.

The car is covered by the HondaCare 7yr/100k mile extended warranty on the drivetrain. It expires in May 2010 and I have ~45k miles on the car. Would this sort of problem be covered by the warranty?

Any ideas? Thanks!

CoralDoc

Regarding warrantee repairs, a lot depends on the dealer. Since the problem is intermittent, it may be difficult to get it covered. The only way to truly know is to try and report the outcome to us.

Based on your warrantee expiration, are you driving a 2003? There were known issues with MY 2000 & 2001 (clutch disc and stacking tolerance problems). The AP2s have improved shift smoothness, though the clutch delay valve can cause the problem you are experienceing when shifting quickly.

brent_strong

Yes, it's a 2003.

brent_strong

Would this be covered under the TSB for synchros or is that only for MY2000 cars?

CoralDoc

The TSB is only for MY 2000 and early-mid 2001 cars

rmnesbitt

I have the same problem at around 31,000 miles. My car is an '00 and isnt under warranty anymore. How much do we estimate to fix this problem?

brent_strong

I would say $1500+ if you go with the dealer.

I know the removal/reinstall of the transmission is around a 10hr job by the book. Parts have to be at least a few hundred dollars for transmission internals, plus the labor to install them.

It's probably way cheaper to buy a good condition used transmission. Or push the dealer to warranty it under a goodwill repair.

rmnesbitt

1500+ isnt terrible i guess I was driving last night and well at 34mph (give or take a few mph) and 3k rpm i could just shift into third no need for the clutch. I figured this out when my hand resting on top slipped 3rd out.

clag

If you decide to go to a used trans, consider an AP2 for more aggressive gearing on the first few gears+improved synchros. As for the 3rd gear thing, I noticed it the first time I drove the car 17,000 miles ago (also a 2003). There is a slight scratch as it goes into 3rd that gives it a distinctly different feel than 1 & 2. I only notice when shifting slowly and it has never given me any problems or gotten any worse. I have read of others here who have also experienced it so I suspect it is a common characteristic of 3rd gear.

Kyushin

Do not do this!!!!! Just get an AP2 tranny and youll be sooo much happier. Its also cheaper and a guaranteed fix... I remember reading somewhere and from personal experience that replacing the internals didnt fix the problem for me, an AP2 trans did!