"John" <jebinc@gte.net> wrote in message
news:fde0447e.0309161843.3a911a0f@posting.google.c om...
> Well folks, I just went to the dealer to pick up my car, which I
> dropped off yesterday for it's first oil change and some door rattles.
> I also asked them to check the tranny because it took a bit to engage
> into drive from P, R or N (1 2 second delay to engage D). Actually, it
> engages then again about a second later. No biggie, I thought...this
> is normal.... I was hoping that they would say that but..... it has
> also been like this from day #1...
>
> Nope, "Re manufactured Transmission" has been ordered. Service told me
> that this is condition is not "normal". They also told me that they
> have replaced transmissions on other '03's. I didn't ask for details
> but I did want to let you all know because I have seen posts on these
> boards with this same symptom.
>
> Question: They tell me that a "Re manufactured Transmission" is not a
> "re built transmission" because ALL the innards are new (perhaps used
> casing) and it's not assembled in an assembly line, but rather by
> humans at Honda motors... Is this true? I also demanded a new torque
> converter.. they told me that Honda only sends them as together to
> eliminate contamination concerns. Does anyone have the facts on these
> two items? Anyone out there work or have worked in Service? Lastly,
> has anyone had a tranny replaced before? If so, what everything right
> after that major repair (alignment, rattles, no damage, etc.) They
> tell me that the car will not need wheel alignment. Can anyone confirm
> that? Sorry for the long post, but given all the tranny issues and
> questions, I thought the replies to this one would be helpful for
> others as well. Thanks!

I had a 5 speed with a bad synchro at 600 miles in a 99 I4. Honda wanted
to replace the transmission, but none were available -- waited over two
months. I drove the car by double-clutching into 5th. Finally, I told the
dealer to fix the trans themselves -- new 5 gear etc. They found that is
was incorrectly assembled by the factory. Dealer did a great job and I
never had any further problems. Hope they can a transmission for you faster
than my experience.