T Ho

Yikes! Fanboy much?

While his comments were a little abrupt, he's probably right. Wear can't really be the issue, because many (I might even say most) of the posts here are in new cars. My issue with 3rd gear (notchiness & grind, no popping out) made it self known on the 2nd day I owned it- had <100 miles. I learned to deal with it very quickly, and pay close attention to 3rd gear engagement. I wonder if those who've spent less time driving manuals miss the subtle feel of 3rd gear not quite engaging, and then it pops out- inexperience, if you will.

GM synchromesh has made the 3rd gear issue go away, but now I'm not happy with 2nd gear when it's cold. C'est la vie- it's still an awesome car, otherwise.

T Ho

The Pennzoil is the Friction Modified Synchromesh? GM has two types- regular, and "Friction Modified." The FM is what everyone recommends for us.

TLin05

No, actually GM spells it without the first "h" ... "Syncromesh."

Anyhow, it's worked perfectly for me: not one bad shift into 3rd (or any other transmission issue) for over 15,000 miles now. I've driven sticks exclusively since '83, treat my car at least as well as Southern Boy , and my otherwise perfect 05 used to have the "3rd gear problem" several times a week since it was brand new. Since the famous "cure in a bottle," not one single time.

fish008

Is that right?

Glad to hear that it is working for you either way.

TLin05

Oops!! I should've listened to that little voice saying "better double check that!" I could have sworn they spelled it wrong, but obviously not...

trancemission

yeah but its not friction modified. I was almost going to buy that as well.

trancemission

who gives a shit?........ really.

it is what it is. just use it and we shall never hear of this again,

when I picked up my bottles from the GM dealer their parts manager said, "we send cases to BMW every week"

darksom1

I'm glad you are going to take the advice and try the GM stuff OP. You'll be glad you did! I get sick and tired of people asking for advice and then keep whining once you give them a viable and simple solution to the problem!

Like Nike: Just Do It!

bmaczo6

iTrader: (1)

What??? Southernboy has never experienced the problem and continues to post that he can not understand how some people experience the problem and others don't. I have first hand experience with the problem. If someone was to follow the threads closely as I have you will find that it occurs on brand new cars from day 1. This is not something that slowly develops. You might want to read a few more threads about the 3rd gear problem so you can speak with a little more authority.

You really need to read his post a little closer. The statement in his orginal post was "I would say perhaps it might be found in too much mating surface material being worn off of the 3rd gear synchronizers." This is simply not a reasonable conclusion for a brand new transmission.

I agree with his follow up to my post. "This would lead me to believe a problem in one of three initial areas: design, installation, or materials."

Xx06SickspdTlxX

I had a problem with third when I first got the car, I changed the fluid with new Honda mtf and I now change it every oil change and haven't had a problem since!

SouthernBoy

Yes, I have never experienced the problem in my TL. As far as not understanding how some people experience the problem and others don't, the implication here is not so much of an owner problem as that of a possible difference in equipment problem. That is what is hard to accept. How some of Acura's manuals seem to do just fine while others in the same car models have problems.


I seem to recall, recently even, where someone had this occur during a test drive of a new car. This would almost certainly point to some sort of manufacturing error from design to assembly to installation.


You left off the rest of rest of the paragraph! The sentence I wrote which immediately follows the one you quoted says, "However, that would tend to result in greater difficulty in shifting into 3rd as well as grinding." In other words, I would find it hard to imagine how premature synchronizer wear might in and of itself result in popping out of a gear.


I would add to that list of three a fourth item. That of assembly.


I still find it hard to imagine how some owners have the problem while others don't. For qualification purposes, this simply means what I said above. And that is how Acura/Honda can manufacture and install some manuals which deliver dependable and predicted service while others act in peculiar and strange ways.

trancemission

very well said Ray.


GM FTMFW

SouthernBoy

Yeah, he's right. One of the primary reasons I have not gone the route of the new TL-S is because my '04 TL runs and works like a gem. There is that fear that you might give up something in hopes of getting what you think you really want, just to find out you made a mistake. It has happened to me.

aznbo187

iTrader: (1)

After a bit of research, I think you are right. Although I can't confirm that it's not friction modified, it's not the exact replacement as the GM friction modified version everyone is talking about.

I have a picture of it, not the best but it states that it replaces GM "12345577", and "12345349" (as stated on their website)

So it's not the "friction modified" version, but honestly, I've had the horrible 3rd gear pop outs prior to the flush with Pennzoil. After the flush with Pennzoil, it's only been about 5 or 6 times total that it's popped out. So to me, it works. I don't prefer either one, I just happen to have a Pepboys thats easier to access and I haven't had any problems Pennzoil. I guess it really depends on whichever is more convenient for you, or if you have to have your piece of mind...just go with the GM Friction Modified stuff.

trancemission

well 5 or 6 times as opposed to none since I put the GM in. Ive never even felt a notch.

If given the choice Id go with the GM everyday and twice on Sunday

darksom1

Someone else argued this point about the Pennzoil being the same. But it's not. In fact, when you call the place and ask the guy, (I think his name starts with an A, Al or something) he will tell you that based on the part number you give him, that there are more than one types for that batch and the one that goes with the part number we give him for the GM we use, is NOT a match. I personally called and talked to them myself. It was in another discussion (of the many) about the GM fluid.

Ha! I just did a search and found it for you (I was right about the name too - yay me!) :

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=call+Pennzoil

Absolutely NO pop outs or notches after the GM fluid change, by the way so why go with an "alternative"? Get the good stuff the first time! Oh yeah, thanks for bringing that up Mike!

bmaczo6

iTrader: (1)

I agree. I believe the problem is primarily of design or materials and that very precise assembly or installation is needed to make it work properly.

aznbo187

iTrader: (1)

Next transmission change will be with GM, I'll take your word trancemission.

gauravp123

lol

how many times are we going to debate the same shit? get the GM stuff and stfu!

nfnsquared

Don't jump the gun on a lock. We all want to hear what happens after he puts the elixir in. He'll be a believer then

trancemission

yeah Ill keep this open for now. But please if you just got here, start at the beginning.

trancemission

you wont regret it az

I couldnt fucking believe it when I started driving it.

trancemission

which is the exact reason Im keeping my car for a very long time


when I turn 40 Im getting an NSX

DMZ

We already know what the answer's gonna be. There's enough testimonials about the GM stuff here on AcuraZine to write a book as long as War and Peace.

darksom1

Yo Ethan, take that damn little lock thing away from his ass! He uses that damn thing every other post! I think he just loves locking down threads or some shit!

gauravp123, lock it up! (excuse the pun)

trancemission

you two shut up...

SouthernBoy

Nice mouth. Does your momma know you talk like that?

Adobeman

Absolutely. No 3rd gear thread would be 1/4 as fun if you jumped in the middle. You need to read all of the setup and character development to make the payoff as exciting. I used to hate new 3rd gear posts but now I'm a junkie. I was jonzing for a thread and this gave me a fix. It's just like watching the movie Groundhog Day...hilarious ! Over and over and over again.


I'd bet there are plenty that just don't notice it or think they are doing something wrong to make it happen. Especially if this is their first MT car. Lastly SouthernBoy, I'm glad to see you're not going to take any shit on this. You certainly don't deserve any.

darksom1

Haha...I always took you for a hacker!

DMZ

I therefore hereby designate February 2nd as

GM Synchromesh Friction Modified Day on Acurazine.

All those in favor, Say "I"

darksom1

Yo Tone, know what I told da people that don't wanna try the stuff? Fugedaboutit! I fuckin' got ya Honda product right 'ere!! Yous frikkin' sleepin' wid da fishes if ya don't!

gauravp123

stop bum lickin' the mods!!!!!!!

noob!!!! first learn your Internet terms & acronyms! then learn how to e-fight!!!

internet noob - we won't forget the NOOB questions you asked a few weeks ago

gauravp123

I haven't seen/spoken to her in about 7.5 years, she disowned her children back in 2001!

so, to answer your question, nope!

violarx

My problem is difficulty getting into 3rd. Never has it popped out but perhaps the problems are related.

Here's the angle from my particular dealer that I haven't seen in this thread:

Push the clutch solidly to the floor & make a deliberate shift. Might be the placebo effect, but it seems to work, at least some of the time.

He says that the design basis from their F-1 racing trannies was used for our 6MT

Anyone care to weigh in on this explanation?

darksom1

Lol... e-fight? You serious? What noob question? Dude I don't care. Why you mad about this internet shit? Calm your ass down. What question? If it was funny then laff at me I don't care...lol...u need to mellow out! You are like waayyy too uptight about this GM shit!

But hell, if it makes you feel better, go ahead and attack me...if it's funny I'll laff too!

Damn...you actually said e-fight!

hollandca12

Synchromesh! Nuff said

jchcmax

I've tried the GM synchromesh and Amsoil for the trans fluid. The Amsoil is a lot better than the GM sh*t.

3rdGenHybrid

Gm Synchromesh Fluid.....$9 Bucks A Quart....

Labor For Fluid Change.....free...i Work At The Damn Dealership...

Having 3rd Gear Catch Everytime....priceless....so Far So Good I Guess...its Been About 20 Degrees Outside...and It Still Catches Smooth....i Could Even Put It Into First Without Having To Come To A Complete Stop...

SouthernBoy

LOL! Great answer! Glad you showed a sense of humor there.

SouthernBoy

I leave for work around 4:45am every day. This morning when I went into my study to grab my keys and things, I checked the outside temperature (I have one of those remove wireless units for inside/outside weather info) and it was 9.5 degrees. In my garage, it was 26 degrees. I wanted to pay strict attention to my gearbox behavior under these conditions so that I could report on this thread what I found.

From the moment I backed out of my garage (about 45 seconds after starting the engine), the shifting action was smooth and as expected with no notchiness, grinding, or sluggishness. In other words, the cold temps had no affect on its operation whatsoever. The same held true all the way into work.