For those MT owners, how often do you check the transmission fluid? This car does not come with a dipstick and it is a pain to check the fluid according to the owner's manual. Any suggestion or recommendation will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

I am at 3 years and 50k miles, and I've never checked it. From what I remember without looking, its not something I can check easily. I believe it was something you checked by removing a bolt from the side of the transmission, but I could be wrong. Its been a while since I thought about it.

 

Right, you remove the bolt and feel if the fluid level is equal to the bolt level, ie your finger. If not, add fluid until it slowly pours out, at which point you let it run and replace the bolt/washer. Not sure how often this is done though.

 

I've never heard of a car having a dipstick for a MT, though I've only owned a Nissan and Honda. Unless you see leaks, where is the fluid going that you need to check the level?

 

I havn't checked the maintenance interval chart for the TSX MT but I would suspect that a change is recommended between 30K and 60K. Assuming that the case was full when it left the factory you really shouldn't have to check it, unless a seal is leaking. Just change it at the recommended interval. If it's leaking then it's warranty time.

 

you should change your transmission fluid every 30k

 

Im a mechanic at a honda dealer here in Salt Lake City Utah and at 30k the fluid still looks clean but it looses its ability to lubricate change it rebuilding a trans after the warranty is up is not cheap it will last easily to 60k on any fluid its the long term I worry about 100k plus

 

I would assume that the change interval is something that the MM would indicate since it does so for the AT. The recommended interval for the 04 and 05 models (no MM, same transmission) is 120K miles or 6 years (for the first time, every 90K after that). I think this is too long (just my opinion), especially if a large percentage of the miles are not highway miles. I would half that, and probably stay on that schedule. Every 30K miles seems a waste to me of time, energy, and transmission fluid, but to each their own. I would probably check it once a year or so just because it would make me feel good. And after all, that's the reason we do much of what we do to our cars.

 

i have all the service done by acura/honda dealers following the maintenance minder. Had the manual transmission fluid changed for the 1st time at 100K miles.

 

Yea i would not wait till 100 to do it i work at acura up north n i diff recom to do it at 30k or 60k it easy to change n i like to be safe n have a peice of mind that it clean i rather change it a lil early like the other member said once the tranny goes it gona be alot of money to fix it

 

Thanks everyone for your reply. Sounds like I should not have to worry about checking the fluid level on a regular basis. BTW, my 09 Subaru WRX does have a dipstick for the MT.

 

as I previously wrote-I have all service done by acura/honda dealers. Seems to work for me. The way you drive also effects the life of the transmission. Never had to replace the manual transmission or clutch on the numerous vehicles I have owned. Almost 143K miles with the original brakes.

 

Those crazy AWD trannies!

 

WOW great job keeping up with your car amazing how you still have original brakes at 143k

 

Original front brakes at 143K... Really? I've owned 18 Honda manufactured autos and have never got more than 55K out of a set of front brakes. Based on my experience brakes are a weak point on Hondas, so this must be some kind of record.

 

Both front and rears aré the originals. Had them checked the end of June-ok still.