RSX-S Transmission flaw

[RSX-S777]

This topic has probably been done, but....

Anyone with the S notice really bad notchiness around third? My mechanic was saying it's a chronic problem. Wondering if Honda corrected the problem in the 2004 model or even plans to correct it? Not a huge problem, but it could be soooo much smoother....

[Praetorin]

Ive got the same thing your talking about, it seems to only happen at certain RPM'S because sometimes its smooth, but it happens enough for me to be annoyed by it. I took it to the Acura Dealership and they told me nothing was wrong, i feel they are covering up that its a defect though because i know a few other ppl who have had the problem. And when i set up the appointment for it to be checked out, the secretary on the phone was like "Ohh really, well we've had some other complaints about that, just bring it in and we will look at it." I really feel like they are trying to just get me to drive it till my warranty's up =(

[darolh]

If it's certain RPMs, that sounds like a balky synchronizer. I can't rememember for sure but I thought the 6 speed has some whiz bang dual synchronizers on some gears.

[RSX-S777]

Yeah, Praet- you get used to nice smooth hits, you drop your guard and end up grinding the hell out of a gear . It only happens when I shift in lower rpm range. If I rev high enough and double-clutch it never happens. My mechanic (not a dealership guy) said it was a design flaw most likely and not something that could be fixed, but I don't know. Honda HAS to be aware of it. If so, I bet they're making good money pretending to "check" transmissions...transmissions they know they can't fix.

[brandtson]

Originally Posted by RSX-S777

Anyone with the S notice really bad notchiness around third?

I haven't experienced that, if the transmission didn't shit the bed, then it could be that you aren't shifting right, or it could be the synchros. The 6-speed tranny used on the rsx has triple cone synchronizers on the first and second gear but only double cone synchros on the rest, except for reverse. So the shifting may be significantly less smoother. Try shifting from 2nd to 4th and see if you feel any difference. If that's the case, it shouldn't be a huge difference in smoothness. Also, if you live in a cold climate air might get in your clutch line and the clutch may not be fully engaging so you may be grinding the gears without even knowing it. This happened to my brother's accord last winter. If none of this helps and it gets progressively worse, take it to a tranny shop (specifically a tranny shop not just a garage) you may have to get your tranny rebuilt and I'm pretty sure acura won't pick up the bill.

I just talked to someone that works at an acura dealership from this forum and he says he hasn't seen any messed up trannys that weren't due to negligence.

good luck finding the problem.

[RSX-S777]

Brandt- I'm going to try not to take anything you said personally about shifting correctly or implications of negligence on my part. I can drive the hell out of any standard. The transmission has been in this shape since it left the lot. Like I said, the mechanic felt it was a factory flaw. Its not a non-functional or damaged transmission- just "quirky".
I do live in New England, but this occurs regardless of the weather.

[brandtson]

Originally Posted by RSX-S777

Brandt- I'm going to try not to take anything you said personally about shifting correctly or implications of negligence on my part.

yea i wasn't trying to make it sound like i'm putting anything off on you... just telling you like i hear.

[Praetorin]

What would be considered negligence? I mean is there anything im suppose to be maintaining besides transmission fluid? And i always take my car into the shop for full Oil And Lube every couple of months.

[sidd]

talking about defects...... is ur gear box manual or automatic.....



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dont blame me... i m a newbie

[DrWurm]

Im driving an '04 type S...

I haven't noticed any weird engine action in 3rd gear yet. Although, It's funny that you mention 3rd gear because I've noticed a slight "catch" when shifting into 3rd. Nothing from the engine.. just physically moving the stick... seems to slightly catch on to something when coming from 2nd. Hasn't really been a problem so far and is barely noticeable, its just that shifting into all other gears is so incredibly smooth.

Engine wise everything seems fantastic so far.

[brandtson]

Originally Posted by sidd

talking about defects...... is ur gear box manual or automatic.....

dude type-s's only come in 6-speeds.

[brandtson]

Originally Posted by DrWurm

I haven't noticed any weird engine action in 3rd gear yet. Although, It's funny that you mention 3rd gear because I've noticed a slight "catch" when shifting into 3rd. Nothing from the engine.. just physically moving the stick... seems to slightly catch on to something when coming from 2nd.

probably the difference in feel from going to a gear with triple cone syncho's to double cone synchro's. by the way if i may ask, how much did you pay for your rsx?

[DrWurm]

About 22
Why do you ask?

[brandtson]

curious because i want to get one because my accord got totally worked by a dodge dakota and the whole back suspension hasn't felt the same since. so it's either an rsx type-s, prelude type-sh, or a gsr integra.

[RSX-S777]

WURM, that's pretty much what I have going on with my 03- so it must be due to design...