Alin10123

I was browsing through the TL section and found this. This is quite interesting and i think maybe us TSX owners can benefit from this too.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118339

Sorry if this is a repost.

Discuss.

moda_way

Yeah, someone has upgraded their MT fluid here already. If forget who, but the thread can't be more than a month old.

TSX6one9

That was me, it's just like night and day. The difference feels great, like I'm driving a totally different car.

Zasker1

How long did it take you to change? Any issues? I was going to try this next weekend, did you have a DIY that you used or did you have a shop do it

waTSX

Yeah, I saw that thread. I ordered 3 qts of the Amsoil Synchromesh 5w-30 MTF a couple of days ago, and just received it yesterday (really quick service). I've yet to install it though.

I was surprised to read in that thread about changing out MTF in the TSX as early as 5K miles, given what Acura recommends. My car has 15K on it. I'm looking forward, hopefully, to even smoother shifting.

I'll report my findings once I get it in.

waTSX

I saw people report what you found, night and day shifting, and others who said the difference wasn't that dramatic. Describe what it feels like compared to stock, if you don't mind. The TSX 6 MT is already pretty damn smooth. Anything more would be gravy



Lookey here! 1000 posts!

TSX6one9

Before the fluid change I was noticing that the shifting was pretty rough, not like how it was when I had first purchased the car. After they had done the inspection on my car and I saw what was done on the check off sheet, I did feel a great big change when I was shifting gears. It was way smoother and more in sync when I shifted. FYI my car was purchased in Aug of 04 and I had not brought it in for anything since last week. But other than that I'm very please with the service provided and the car feels great again.

Chris_F

tranny fluid is the same thing as gear oil right?

SodaLuvr

What fluid did you use?

No. Manual Transmission Lubricant for the Hondas is about 11 cst, so a 75W90 lube is too thick. In Australia, look for Redline MTL or Amsoil MTF.

afici0nad0

i wouldn't mind changing the mtf this summer, if the opportunity arises. shifting does feel a little notchy after 10000km's...

JTso

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't mind smoother shifting from 1st to 2nd at 7600 rpm.

curls

Gear oil, as stated, is about 75w90. That's almost sludge.

Honda MTF and most MTF's are in the neighbourhood of a 5w30 with lots of additives. Putting gear oil in will probably destroy your tranny in a hurry.

I got a free tranny fluid change with the new engine short block.

curls

I'd like to correct myself...

75w90 GEAR OIL is roughly equivalent to 10w or 15w ENGINE OIL. See this chart for what I mean: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/visc.html

You'd be OK with the 75w GEAR oil but I'd still recommend some actual Honda MTF or Redline or Amsoil MTF...

jpt

This is why SAE sucks so bad...

Chris_F

thanks Michael Wan and curls. I originally decided to change tranny fluid after reading this thread. I told my mechanic transmission fluid and i guess he miss understood and thought i wanted gear oil for some reason... I'll have to clarify this with him.

Chris_F

so can anyone clarify the actual differences between tranny fluid and gear oil?

Pete TSX

Any danger that using Redline or GM-SFM tranny fluid will void our warranty??

mg7726

don't let honda see it.

or the world will end.

Pete TSX

Been there... and returned

waTSX

Read the thread linked above. About the only way the dealer would know you used an aftermarket fluid is if you told them. All the ones discussed are amber in color like Honda MTF, per Michael Wan.

I really don't think it'd be an issue. We're talking about high quality products here.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

My tranny fluid is being drained right now.

waTSX

Which fluid are you going with, Johnny?

mr.actionjackson

I'm planning to have my OEM fluid replaced with GM FM MTF by the dealer on Saturday. The service advisor said they have no problem doing that...does that mean an automatic voiding of the warranty? Does anyone know if Acura Service has a system that would track VINs that had warranty voiding mods done? I know different Mazda Service departments weren't connected...
Also, it's been my understanding that work done to your car by the car manufacturer's service dept. won't void your warranty...if it's a warranty voiding mod, they'll refuse to install the mod...am I correct?

JTso

iTrader: (2)

The GM synchromesh. I want to see if this stuff really works. If I don't like it, I just drain it out and sell it on BM for 1/2 price.

mr.actionjackson

Anybody care to answer the above questions? I'd appreciate a response before I get this done tomorrow morning

97AcuraCL

I was going to ask for a DIY since i've never done this... but seems like everyone is taking it to the dealer must mean this is a pretty lengthy, or pain in the ass process...

mr.actionjackson

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...smission+fluid

Actually, it seems like it's a pretty easy DIY. I for one just don't have the means of doing this or any mod that requires raising the car. I think the other's who are taking it to the dealer are probably just doing it for convenience.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

The drain & fill is pretty easy. However, there is another bolt with washer on the bottom of the tranny that could be mistaken as drain plug. The drain plug is the one that you would fit a 3/8" ratchet (no socket). The fill plug is a 17mm bolt. I used a pump to fill the tranny fluid.

Johnny76

What are your impressions of the fluid change JTso? This is something that I'm getting ready to do and would like to know if the change is as noticeable as some people have been saying.

SodaLuvr

Technically, the Service Advisor and Technician will not authorize the installation of a manual transmission lubricant other than Genuine Honda MTF; of course exceptions exist with regards to misinformed technicians. If you’re going to use something other than Honda MTF, common sense should tell you to have it installed somewhere other than the dealership, i.e. Jiffy Lube.

mr.actionjackson

Replaced my Honda MTF with the GM synchromesh this morning. The difference is immediately evident. Shifts feel so much better than before. I definitely recommend. BTW, I got the GM MTF from a local GM dealership for $11 a quart. Not the cheapest, but I didn't have to worry about shipping.

Conman

When I thought about changing my MTF a few months ago, I called the dealer and asked about non-OEM fluid. They said most likely they wouldn't put anything other than Honda MTF for warranty reasons. It's understandable...

I'm wondering if anyone has thought about putting Redline MT-90. I've heard about rumors that it might be too slick and can cause premature wear on the synchros....whereas other people say Redline is the shiznit.

waTSX

I've had the Amsoil Synchromesh 5w-30 MTF in for about a week now. Keeping in mind that the TSX obviously shifts very well out of the box, the fluid definitely improved things. The tranny shifts better when cold, and downshifts into lower gears are improved too. I'm not talking about dramatic changes here, but overall shifting feel is smoother.

The only thing I'm not sure about is how much of the improvement is due to the different brand of fluid or to the fact that I have fresh fluid in there. Either way, I'm pleased. My car has ~15K miles on it, and I had the fluid installed at a local shop.

dom