I took my car in for an oil change and to replace the broken latch in the center console (if it hasn't happened to you, those who plan ahead will make an appt. in advance). I read about the recall and the new R flash so I asked them if they could do that while the car was already in the shop. They did.

Why is it that every time I bring the car in for something - even as minor as just an oil change - it comes out feeling COMPLETELY different? It can be frustrating to be a perfectionist. I learn to like everything just so and feel as perfect as the day I bought it. Arg.

Well, in fairness the car does feel more responsive although this could very well just be to the PCM reset. Probably due to the oil change, the shifter moves into gear with the lightest of touch - ONCE it has visited that gear. For instance, say I'm stopped at a light. Bored, I put it into second (clutch still down). clunk. I then go back to neutral. Then put it back into second. This time it goes in with the easiest of ease.

What irritates me is that the shifter feels completely different. The throws still feel short, but the shifter itself...feels kind of like it has a much longer lever arm than before. It has lost its buttery smoothness, and I feel like I am moving a long rod from gear to gear rather than a short stick. Is there a good explanation for why this could be? Has anybody else noticed it after getting the recall work done? I don't THINK I'm just imagining it, but I won't rule it out either.

PS: despite my bitching, I still was so excited to have it back that I made up an excuse to go out of my way to the grocery just so I could drive it a little longer. How many other cars make you feel like that half a year after you bought it?! :D

 

did they replace teh plastic piece in the shifter? that could give it a different feel i guess. however the thing with moving into gear- thats just syncros doing their work. first time the synchros are meshing- second time they already are.

what did tehy do to you car?

 

Did they do the dynamic damper recall? It's something to do with an engine mount. Could that reposition things enough that the shifter operates differently? I wouldn't think so, but it's a thought. Mine is in the shop for that right now.

 

For what it's worth, I have 43k on the odo and haven't had any problems out of the latch. My trick: As you rest your hand on the cover to push the button down, give a very slight push forward before pressing the latch down. Smooth as silk.

 

I thought everyone did it that way?!?!?

Well then,... keep up the good work!

 

Work I had done:
* Full Circle Vehicle Checkup
* Recall 3305G: R-8 Thermal Damage
1 Pad, INsulator
Inspected Fuel Tank and other locatios for damage
Installed foam pad on fuel tank
Reflashed PCM with latest
* Oil change & 3000 Mile Interval Service
* Latch fixed

Today I noticed that I can feel a ring (approx. 4 inches in diameter) at the base of the shifter. I've never noticed that before. I'm not sure if this ring was not properly secured, thus making the shifter feel longer than before. One thing I AM sure of...I've got to get this taken in and fixed. This is NOT the same, for sure. I don't know to know what to tell 'em though.

 

Oh..and I guess technically I am getting the "E" flash not the "R" flash since it is an '05. Don't know if they are any different.

 

no they do the same thing