GM Synchromesh Availability/Alternative?

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Old 01-04-2011 | 01:39 PM
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GM Synchromesh Availability/Alternative?

Been seeing a lot of users commenting that GM Synchomesh friction modified fluid is no longer available. I would like to change my transmission fluid on my 6MT today and am wondering what others have been using if they were unable to find this?

I plan on going to Autozone to pick up the fluid, so idk what other options they will have. Thanks.
Old 01-04-2011 | 01:43 PM
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i suggest you order online and get the GM syncromesh friction modified.
the GMSFM is pretty good and the new honda fluid comes in 2nd.

if you must do it today, go to several GM dealerships to see if they have it.
if not, head to honda to pick up their new revised fluid.

I advise you to read this thread.https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/where-buy-synchromesh-friction-modified-online-784282/

Originally Posted by Flyer92
I heard that too, and any other members please correct me if I'm thinking the wrong "new" fluid.

There is a newer transmission fluid that Acura/Honda uses, but there are threads that can be found on this board along with other Honda boards where the feedback is simply its an improvement but it doesn't perform as well as the GM Friction Modified. Seems most stand behind the gm friction modified fluid. Hence I opted to purchase it too.
Originally Posted by Legend2TL
That is my experience as well. I switched over to the GM-FM MTF a couple months ago. Prior to that I used the Honda improved MTF, and prior to that the old Honda MTF. The GM stuff is the best easily.

GM>>New Honda>Old Honda
The GM fluid is simply better. PERIOD. you're going to regret it if you put in autozone fluid....

ALso there are tons TONS TONS TONS of threads on this.
do you homework before hand, that way when the time comes to change out fluid you're not stuck in abind, like you are now.

Last edited by justnspace; 01-04-2011 at 01:48 PM.
Old 01-04-2011 | 01:48 PM
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Just ordered mine from http://www.gmpartsonline.net/ (part# 12377916). I ordered 6qts for just over $60 shipped I'm assuming they're in stock because I got a shipping notification, should be here tomorrow
Old 01-04-2011 | 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by tamadrumr88
Just ordered mine from http://www.gmpartsonline.net/ (part# 12377916). I ordered 6qts for just over $60 shipped I'm assuming they're in stock because I got a shipping notification, should be here tomorrow
this guy gets it!
he's done his homework.
Old 01-04-2011 | 02:05 PM
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I'll check a few of the GM dealerships right around me. Damn @ ordering 6 quarts, guess you're stocking up!
Old 01-04-2011 | 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
this guy gets it!
he's done his homework.
haha...
Old 01-04-2011 | 10:25 PM
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I believe ACDelco carries the exact same fluid that's been relabeled. The ACDelco part number is: 10-4014 88900399.

I want to say ACDelco's fluid is cheaper. Maybe someone can research this and also post where they found it for sale?

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Old 01-04-2011 | 10:35 PM
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Here's another site I found where you could order the GM fluid:

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

It's $0.64 cheaper per quart compared to http://www.gmpartsonline.net/ but I believe you have to buy a box of 6 for that price.
Old 01-04-2011 | 10:47 PM
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Your best bet is a Chevy dealer. Call one and if they don't have it, they can look in the computer and see which other Chevy dealers in the area have it in stock.
.
.
Old 01-04-2011 | 10:48 PM
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I know Chevy dealers have the GM fluid, but where can we source the ACDelco labeled fluid?
Old 01-05-2011 | 07:53 AM
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better to have more than less IMO.

just sayin'
Old 01-05-2011 | 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by princelybug
I know Chevy dealers have the GM fluid, but where can we source the ACDelco labeled fluid?
Stick with the GM stuff.
Old 01-05-2011 | 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by CocheseUGA
Stick with the GM stuff.
How come? It's the EXACT same fluid, just relabeled. The ACDelco stuff will be cheaper, too, I think. That's the main reason I asked.
Old 01-05-2011 | 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by princelybug
How come? It's the EXACT same fluid, just relabeled. The ACDelco stuff will be cheaper, too, I think. That's the main reason I asked.
ACDelco stuff is in Canada, highly doubt you'll find it for sale in the usdm market. Just stick with the GM Fluid, is it really work the headache trying to find the AC Delco stuff for a TL in the usdm?

And if you had taken couple more mins and looked at the site you suggested. You'd realize even after buying a quantity of 6 quarts, http://gmpartsonline.net is still the cheaper option since shipping is still only $8 shipping.
Old 01-05-2011 | 11:42 AM
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Called a local GM dealership and the parts manager ran the number and told me the location nearest with any of the fluid was almost an hour away, looks like I'll just be ordering it online and waiting a couple days. Thanks guys.
Old 01-05-2011 | 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Flyer92
ACDelco stuff is in Canada, highly doubt you'll find it for sale in the usdm market. Just stick with the GM Fluid, is it really work the headache trying to find the AC Delco stuff for a TL in the usdm?

And if you had taken couple more mins and looked at the site you suggested. You'd realize even after buying a quantity of 6 quarts, http://gmpartsonline.net is still the cheaper option since shipping is still only $8 shipping.


Got it. That's why I was posting, hoping someone would do the leg work for me. Thanks!
Old 01-05-2011 | 03:18 PM
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I hear mix reviews btween GM syncromesh friction modified & Amsoil Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid 5W-30... Want to know which one is better, for my
04' 6MT
Old 01-05-2011 | 11:59 PM
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Got my GM elixir today from a local Chebby dealership. Only cost about $5 bucks more than ordering it online, so I went ahead.
Now I just need a weekend off from work. Won't be this coming weekend so I guess about a week and a half.
3rd gear is really starting to annoy me.....
Old 01-06-2011 | 07:35 AM
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Originally Posted by 6SPD_TWINZ
I hear mix reviews btween GM syncromesh friction modified & Amsoil Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid 5W-30... Want to know which one is better, for my
04' 6MT
try both out.
you already know our position, GMSFM ftw.
Old 01-17-2011 | 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 6SPD_TWINZ
I hear mix reviews btween GM syncromesh friction modified & Amsoil Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid 5W-30... Want to know which one is better, for my
04' 6MT
Amsoil's juice isn't friction modified. That's the key.
Old 01-17-2011 | 05:44 PM
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Yes, ACDelco is Canadian.. unless for some reason you guys have it down there.

It's funny... cause ACDelco doesn't entirely "relabel". They just [poorly] stick their label over the GM one lol

I forgot how much it cost me for 3.. but it was somewhere around 40-45 CAD [after a 13% tax].
Old 01-17-2011 | 06:10 PM
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I just purchased 7 bottles from http://www.gmpartsonline.net/

Items Ordered:
Item: FLUID
Price: $8.83
Tax: $0.00
Qty: 7
Total: $61.81

-----------------------------
Items Total: $61.81
Shipping: $8.00
Handling Fee: $0.00
Order Total: $69.81
Old 01-17-2011 | 07:53 PM
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How many quarts do we need to replace the one that we have alrdy in our car and does anyone got DIY with pictures? Thanks
Old 01-18-2011 | 12:31 AM
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Originally Posted by NC916
How many quarts do we need to replace the one that we have alrdy in our car and does anyone got DIY with pictures? Thanks
7. Here's a link to a DIY w/ pics: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/%2A-6-spd-tranny-fluid-change-%2A-3g-garage-c-013-a-558814/
Old 01-24-2011 | 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by princelybug
Amsoil's juice isn't friction modified. That's the key.
I'm also planning to change my transmission fluid this week and was about to buy in to this Amsoil advertisment until I saw this on their site:

"Not for use in engines, hypoid rear axles, limited-slip or wet clutch applications."

Is it okay to use? If not Amsoil I'm debating between GM or the new Acura MTF.
Old 01-24-2011 | 09:19 PM
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None of Acura's MTF isn't recommended. Go with the GM fluid.
Old 03-10-2011 | 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by princelybug
Here's another site I found where you could order the GM fluid:

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

It's $0.64 cheaper per quart compared to http://www.gmpartsonline.net/ but I believe you have to buy a box of 6 for that price.
Neither or these websites seem to give any description when you pull up the part number 12377916. It just says "Fluid". Did you guys need to call at all to confirm its the correct synchromesh MTF fluid?
Or is ordering from these websites based just on the part number sufficient?
Old 03-10-2011 | 10:31 AM
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Same thing when I ordered (gmpartsgiant.com), just said "fluid" with the part #. Didn't call. Order arrived as expected...wouldn't worry about it.

Last edited by nfnsquared; 03-10-2011 at 10:34 AM.
Old 03-10-2011 | 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by jerry5150
Neither or these websites seem to give any description when you pull up the part number 12377916. It just says "Fluid". Did you guys need to call at all to confirm its the correct synchromesh MTF fluid?
Or is ordering from these websites based just on the part number sufficient?
Originally Posted by princelybug
I just purchased 7 bottles from http://www.gmpartsonline.net/

Items Ordered:
Item: FLUID Price: $8.83
Tax: $0.00
Qty: 7
Total: $61.81

-----------------------------
Items Total: $61.81
Shipping: $8.00
Handling Fee: $0.00
Order Total: $69.81

Old 03-10-2011 | 11:05 AM
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Ok, thanks.
It looks like synchromesh is getting harder to find, at dealers especially.
I guess its becuase there aren't many GM manual vehicles out there? Or is the fluid being discontinued?

I have a 2007 tl-s with 55k miles and the trans is still under warranty to 70k. I'd rather not have a dealer replace the 3rd gear if a different fluid is pretty much the solution. But if there's concern synchromesh might go away in the future, maybe I should try to get the 3rd gear mechanical fix done now. Any thoughts?
Old 03-10-2011 | 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by jerry5150
Ok, thanks.
It looks like synchromesh is getting harder to find, at dealers especially.
I guess its becuase there aren't many GM manual vehicles out there? Or is the fluid being discontinued?

I have a 2007 tl-s with 55k miles and the trans is still under warranty to 70k. I'd rather not have a dealer replace the 3rd gear if a different fluid is pretty much the solution. But if there's concern synchromesh might go away in the future, maybe I should try to get the 3rd gear mechanical fix done now. Any thoughts?
I am in the same boat. leaning towards the Synchromesh because I question the dealers competency in rebuilding my trans. I could buy a case of Synchro now but I have no idea what the shelf life is on the stuff in case they stop making it. I wonder how many members used the synchromesh because they were out of warranty and didnt have any other options other than shelling out a few grand to get the tranny rebuilt.

Also FYI:
I believe the manual transmission falls under the 100k powertrain warranty.
I thought that acura extended all their powertrain warranties to 100k since the automatic tranny fiasco a few years back...I could be wrong.
Old 03-15-2011 | 01:05 PM
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Experiences

So does anyone have input about the general consensus regarding synchromesh vs. mechanical repair if your powertrain is still under warranty?

Have people still gone and had the 3rd gear work done because it is under warranty, or just been satisfied with the synchromesh results without having it "fixed" mechanically?
Old 03-15-2011 | 01:55 PM
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Originally Posted by jerry5150
So does anyone have input about the general consensus regarding synchromesh vs. mechanical repair if your powertrain is still under warranty?

Have people still gone and had the 3rd gear work done because it is under warranty, or just been satisfied with the synchromesh results without having it "fixed" mechanically?
.
Please do a search. Cliff notes: GM fluid 99+% success rate. TSB success rate: less than that.
Old 03-17-2011 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by princelybug
Here's another site I found where you could order the GM fluid:

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

It's $0.64 cheaper per quart compared to http://www.gmpartsonline.net/ but I believe you have to buy a box of 6 for that price.
It may be cheaper on gmpartsdirect.com, but shipping was estimated at $20, while on gmpartsonline.net shipping was only $8. I didn't want to go through the whole process of checking out to see if shipping really was $20, so I went with $8 shipping.
Old 03-18-2011 | 04:05 PM
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im currently using the amsoil syncromesh, and my shifts are worse than stock. will be switching to GM syncomesh sometime soon.
Old 03-27-2011 | 10:56 AM
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Anyone use Redline MTL?

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=45&pcid=7

"Popular replacement for and improvement over GM Synchromesh® (#12345349) "
Old 04-04-2011 | 07:52 PM
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I'm giving the GM juice a go tomorrow morning and taking my baby out on a 1000 mile Road Trip from Phoenix to San Diego!

Hope this stuff is as good as everyone claims it is...
Old 04-05-2011 | 05:44 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by o4Komodo
Yes, ACDelco is Canadian.. unless for some reason you guys have it down there.

It's funny... cause ACDelco doesn't entirely "relabel". They just [poorly] stick their label over the GM one lol

I forgot how much it cost me for 3.. but it was somewhere around 40-45 CAD [after a 13% tax].
Hey where did you pick up the fluid here in Toronto?
Old 04-05-2011 | 06:10 PM
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I did the fluid last night in my 08 Type S. Instant improvement sooooo smooth in every gear. The slight 3rd gear notichiness is 100% gone. Highly recommend doing this fluid change! I ordered mine from gmpartdirect. Im sure it was available at any one of the local dealers but for more money.

James
Old 04-05-2011 | 07:57 PM
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AC Delco= GM for all intents and purposes. They are GM.

Does anyone know if the GM fluid has more FM or less FM than the Honda fluid?

If the GM stuff has more FM, another option is to use the Honda fluid and add a tube of limited slip differential additive that's designed to stop clutch and cone chatter in LSDs. It should do the same thing as the GM fluid. I would start out with 1/3 tube and try it out and add more if necessary. It's a very cheap alternative that should work very well assuming the GM fluid actually uses more FM to get the nice shifts.

Maybe someone that still has Honda fluid and is about to switch over to the GM fluid can try out a tube before they do the fluid swap and report back.
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