Sorry man, no e-z way out of this one. Take it to another mechanic and see what he says. It could be the clutch. The 03-04 tranny's have this problem. I have it too but only 3'rd, 5th, and sometimes reverse gear. Its not that bad though since it happens once in a driving cycle if it wants to. Been with this problem for 50000 mi. So hope that its a cheaper fix like a clutch, but if not, this is a common problem and you can find the new tranny's for about $700 now. Not bad for tranny.

 

Well ****...I guess a new one is in the works eventually. You said you've been driving on it for 50k miles? I'm guessing it hasn't given you huge problems?

 

Ya but it happens only once usually during a cold start. Once it happens, it won't happen again until i turn the car off, it cools, and then I drive again. Honestly, if you shift slow and easy, the grinding won't happen. Sometimes it doesn't even grind. Depends on how you drive.