drjoe

MT 2006 computer says i need A13 service, so i took it to Firestone where I do my oil changes, but they said "you don't need a transmission fluid flush on a manual transmission." don't knock Firestone -- they offer a great price on oil changes (with semi-synthetic as their basic service) and i've always had good luck with them.

so anyway, i check the owners manual and see that we're supposed to refill with Honda MT Fluid. i ask Firestone if they'll switch it out if I buy the Honda MTF, but they say no.

my question is should i go buy some Honda MTF or GM synchromesh, and where should I get my fluid changed? not going to do it myself, and not planning to pay my acura dealer $220 for the service. shouldn't any oil change kind of place (ex lub, jiffy, etc.) be able to do this?

01tl4tl

you would think so but...
Ck the DIY Garage section so you know whats involced- then look in the phone book for a smaller shop that does hondas-acuras listed in the ad

Its a fairly normal drain and refill of MT fluid, a drain, a fill, and a sight glass for the level,
no flushing involved (thats an a/t issue)

01tl4tl

acura will do whatever you request of them- not the full service- just a trans fluid change- no problem

subinf

Any shop will be able to do this. It is really simple. Just find one that you like.

drjoe

yes, i know it's pretty simple -- i was surprised firestone wouldn't touch it.

i'm sure i can find someone to do it at a better price than the dealer is charging, but i gather i need to buy the correct fluid and take it in since shops will likely not have the right kind in stock?

is there a good source for the proprietary honda stuff?

subinf

I use GM fluid. Most 6spd members stay away from the Honda fluid. Runs about 13/qt but never given me any problems.

drjoe

might call the honda dealer across the st. from acura to see what they say.

$10.28 for GM here:

http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...D&ProdID=41510

then i just need to find someone to change it out...

SouthernBoy

That's a great price, about $7 less than what a Chevy dealer charges. You'll need three quarts. Your transmission takes 2.3 quarts on a drain and fill (that's 2 quarts, 10 ounces). It is best if you can do this yourself. But if you are not of a mind to do this, find a reliable shop that is familiar with your car and its transmission. DON'T use a quicklube type of service.

drjoe

$10 for shipping, so more like $14/qt.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Firestone's always done right by me. But, they're wrong in that they say you don't need to change the tranny fluid out. Like others have mentioned, buy the GM fluid if you can swing it, and I'd advice doing the 3x3 drain/fill.

SlowDown

amsoil fixed the 3rd gear issues with my civic. still have 4 quarts.

SouthernBoy

He's got a manual so the 3x3 drain and fill is not suggested. However, if his fluid is really cruddy, this would be fine. But with a manual, other than synchronizer shavings and some other like debris, there is no sludge or acid buildup to worry about.

subinf

Just go with a shop that you are comfortable with. If you know someone at a jiffy lube or other type shop, and trust them, then that is fine.

drjoe

ok, thanks everyone. i ordered my SynchoMesh and found a shop who will put it in for a not-too-unreasonable fee. he stocks Honda MTF, but for $20 more i'll go with the GM per the recs here.

i was wrong about the acura dealer -- it's $220 for AT, but "only" $135 for the MT change. honda dealer wouldn't touch it at all. i called another shop, and the guy said he's just fill it with 10w30. i said, i'll bring in the fluid. no, he says, he has some kind of pump to put the fluid in, and he can't use a different fluid.

what a headache, but eventually i found someone very reasonable who said, "what's the big deal? sure i can do it..."

drjoe

new syncromesh has been in for a month or so... no more difficulty shifting into 3rd gear whatsoever! thanks, guys!

db78

How much did you get it done for?

nj2pa2nc

how many miles on your car. When my 06 tsx showed the A13 code the dealer said I did not need to have the MTF changed then. I have almost 100,000 miles on the car now so I plan to get the MTF and brake fluids changed in the next few weeks.

Etohprn247

iTrader: (6)

Quick question, just changed my 6spd tranny oil to Amsoil but I put more than 3qts 1/2 I dunno will this be a problem? And where the HEEZAY is the Dipstick for the manual tranny to check? I haved less than 60k and fluid was very clear and clean when drained. Hope I didn't screw anything up. TIA

SouthernBoy

The 3G manual takes 2.3 U.S. quarts on a drain and fill. And manuals don't have dipsticks.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

you check by the check bolt...unbolt and if fluid is dripping out or when you stick your finger in there you can feel fluid then you're good

94eg!

The check bolt is a tiny little bolt on the front of the MT case (#27 in pic below). It's so small you cannot possibly put your finger in. The fill bolt is on the top, so it should not be used as a level check.

To set the fluid to the right level, you simply remove the check bolt and let the excess fluid dribble out into an oil pan. When the oil stops running in a steady stream, then the level is good to good. I'm pretty sure you need to remove the splash pan under the car to let the fluid run out...

The check bolt is very small and soft, so be sure to use the recommended torque when reinstalling it. If you torque this bolt off, you will be in a world of hurt.

http://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/o...igPicture=True

Etohprn247

iTrader: (6)

Thanks fellas! My dumbass was waiting for it to spillout of the (fillbolt) lol. It's soo hot now, can I leave excess oil in there till the weekend? Will I damage anything? Will it start leaking etc. If not I do it later...thanks for such quick replys fellas.

and thanks 94eg!!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

THanks 94eg

JORTS

when is it recommended to change the 6spd tranny fluid??? at what miles?

SouthernBoy

Good question. I did mine at 15,500 miles and will probably do it about every 40,000 miles thereafter (last time was around 55,000 miles). I would imagine you might want to do your first drain and fill perhaps between 6-10,000 miles since that is when you will get the bulk of the synchronizer filing debris as they wear in.

nj2pa2nc

depends on what kind of driving you do. I do mostly highway and had the MTF changed when the car was 3 years old. It had almost 100K miles. I also had the brake fluid changed.

01clsstock

the price on the website now is 16.95 a quart

01clsstock

i can find the amsoil syncro mesh fluid for 10.75 a quart vs 17.00 for the gm fluid. Is there any difference in quality?

I hate cars

I don't know the answer to this but I can guess. The Amsoil likely has the better base oil. This can make a difference in cold shifting quality. The amount of FM is likely why the GM fluid cures the 3rd gear shifting issues. Amsoil's FM amount is unknown so it may or may not help with the 3rd gear shifting issue. More than likely it's going to give positive results.

01clsstock

so if money is no object which would you buy for the smoothest shifting transmission?

I hate cars

We know the GM fluid works. I *think* the Amsoil will do well. If money were no object I would start with the Amsoil to try and take advantage if it's better base oil and if that doesn't work, swap it for the GM stuff. I know this doesn't help at all.

SouthernBoy

I can attest to no cold weather problems when using GMSFM fluid. But my case may not be that solid since I keep my car in my garage when not in use. However, when I was working, I did park under cover so cold days were even colder because no sun reached my spot. I never experienced sluggish shifting in the cold, and that includes temperatures into the teens.

94eg!

The GM Synchromesh FM does work great if you have occasional shifting difficulties. It cured a third gear issue in my wife's Honda Element after a dealership rebuild. I've been loving it ever since...

I remember there were a few threads a while ago saying the stuff was being discontinued. Is that no longer the case? Has anybody had difficulty finding GM Synchromesh FM lately?

DMZ

Now $16.95 per quart PLUS shipping.
.
.

94eg!

In case anybody is wondering, you can get the Honda/Acura MTF for $4.99/qt if you shop online. I use this link to get part numbers and shop at other online dealers as well. Honda MTF part number is 08798-9031:

http://www.hondapartsdeals.com/advan...=fluid&x=0&y=0

Here's another link for GM Synchromesh FM 12377916 at $9.80/qt (they want $8.50 shipping for 3 qts to my house):

http://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm...-12377916.html

Legend2TL

94eg! thanks for the info. I had previously used the original and improved Honda MTF's and had notchyness in 3rd that spread to 5th, 6th and 1st in the last year despite changing the MTF at 15-20K miles.

I order three quarts of the GM Synchromesh, changhed the MTF in my 2005 TL and within a few miles was shifting much better. Now I wonder why I waited 5 years