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I have a 08 TL-S 6MT and got the B13 code. I am attempting to do the transmission fluid flush and front transfer case oil change myself for the first time. I understand there are DIY guide like the one below. Is there any difference in the procedure for a manual transmission? I assume the guides are mainly for auto transmission.
Well for a start automatic trans uses automatic transmission fluid, has cooler lines that go to the radiator, and have torque converter where bunch of fluid is "stuck", so you can drain and fill like 3qt at time, but whole trans takes like 8qt, and on some models there's a external replaceable filter. Some people do flush to hopefully replace all of the fluid at once, some people do so called 3x3 (drain 3 qt, and refill, and do that 3 times).
On the other hand, manual trans uses manual trans oil (who would've guessed?) and has no filter, no cooler lines, and you can drain and fill pretty much everything at once (except for the oil film left on all the gears). There's no separate transfer case oil because there's no transfer case (car is front-wheel drive only) (link you provided is for MDX which must be AWD/4WD). Differential is in the same housing / uses same oil as the trans (if you drain manual trans, you also drain oil from the diff) (that's true for both auto and manual transmissions on TL, and most of FWD cars).
So to change the gear oil on the MT, you will need less than 2.5qt of fluid (so 3x 1qt bottles anyways).
If you manage to get some kind of pump/hose setup, you can fill from the "check" plug. You simply pour gear oil until it comes out from the "check" plug (car on level surface).
Drain bolts most likely have square 3/8 drive (so simply use ratchet without any socket on it).
A lot of guys like GM Friction Modified Synchromesh Transmission Fluid. Pretty sure you can get it on ebay or amazon. It's said to improve the shift quality. I used it on manual TSX and it made it better.
Otherwise get OEM Honda/Acura fluid.
I did not realize there is no transfer case for the TL ,which is great since it is 1 less thing I have to take care off. I will keep this in mind as my wife has the MDX and I might attempt that when her car is due for that maintenance.
From the instruction you posted, it seems relatively straight forward to do the transmission fluid change for the manual transmission and glad that the 3x3 routine may not apply for manual transmission.
1 more question about the differential fluid change. It sounds like that is a code "6" for that maintenance item. Since I only have B13, is it still recommended to change the differential fluid or wait until I get a code "6"?
You don't have separate differential on the TL. It's in the same case as rest of the transmission. If you drain trans, you drain diff. "6" is probably for a rear differential on AWD/4WD cars.
MDX and RL has transfer case and rear diff fluid, if you asking about those I would recommend replace the fluids every 30k miles. 3x3 only apply to automatic trans.
For the Friction Modified Synchromesh Transmission Fluid, is this the ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-4014 Friction Modified Synchromesh Transmission Fluid on amazon?
For the Friction Modified Synchromesh Transmission Fluid, is this the ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-4014 Friction Modified Synchromesh Transmission Fluid on amazon? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1
03-31-2022, 09:10 AM
