Hi guys. I have a 2005 TL with a clutch and boy is it an awesome car. Lately it's been shifting kind of funny, especially 1-2 and 2-3 a little, when cold.

I've done a lot of searching about this issue and I take it it's a good idea to change the fluid. The leading contender seems to be the GM Synchromesh-Highly Friction Modified fluid.

I also see references to some Amsoil, Royal Purple, and Red Line products.

Most of the threads I've read are from several years ago. What I'm looking for is confirmation that down the line, the replacement fluids worked out fine.

At the auto parts store today I saw a Pennzoil Synchromesh bottle. It was the only gear oil type product that had "Synchromesh" in the name. I'm wondering if it would do.

Thanks and I've enjoyed what I've read on here so far.

Oh one other thing--I'm a long time member of BITOG and I've done some research on there but I figured I'd come to the specialists in Acuras for the straight dope.

 

Hey, welcome to AZ. Many people use the Pennzoil MTF because it's much cheaper than the GM stuff. However, Pennzoil's MTF is not friction modified fluid. GM's fluid is friction modified. I've had it in my car since I've had 10k on it. I currently have 47k, and my car shifts like it should. NOTHING works like GM's fluid. As a matter of fact, I've never heard of even ONE singular story where GM's stuff hasn't worked. Not one.



100% success rate, AFAIK.

 

I've had the GM fluid for 75k. Everything is good.

 

<--- Amsoil!! Smooth like K-Y lmao

 

Breaking news! While I was waiting for some replies I did some more research and survey says:

GM Synchromesh, Pennzoil Synchromesh, and AC Delco Synchromesh are all just three different names and packages for the EXACT SAME PRODUCT.

This is alleged on a Mitsubishi forum:

http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showpo...51&postcount=2

Also a high rating for the Pennzoil stuff:

http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=17

What say you, oh Lords of the TL?

 

GMSMFM for only 15K but no problems, just silky smooth

 

More evidence that Pennzoil Synchromesh is GMSMFM:

http://www.stealth316.com/2-pennzoil-synchromesh.htm

 

That would be sweet because I get Pennzoil shit for free.

 

There is no evidence at all on this link that the Pennzoil product is the GMSFM fluid. None whatsoever.

The proper name for the GM product is "General Motors Synchromesh Friction Modified Transmission Fluid" and its part number is 12377916. Check the part number on your link that is the cross reference for the Pennzoil product and you'll see they are NOT the same.

Incidently, all manual automobile transmissions are "synchromesh" and are actually referred to as "constant mesh" transmissions because the gears in in fixed positions and do not move.

BTW, while I never had any of the problems with my '04 manual that others have reported, I use the GM product anyway and have since 15,500 miles. The car now has 69,200 miles on it with two drain and fills of the GM stuff.

 

I was told by a really good source that the MTF fluid from Acura is really good.

 

The confusion is that there are two types of GMSM fluids. One is Friction Modified and one isn't.

 

well i have the gm stuff in mine and it works great! no 2nd to 3rd grind anymore!

 

I believe this is true. Some parts counter personnel have never heard of the 12377916 stuff.

 

there are 3 GM dealerships in my city (that I know of) and none of them carry this product. My dad came home and got me the non-friction modified one. So he went back and they knew it was for a Honda right away but they didn't have it. Is there a place online where I can order this from?

 

I live just outside Halifax, NS and none of the GM delaers had it-or would bring it in. They said nobody would buy the rest of the case. The delaer can search online to see who has it. I had to road-trip 2 hours up the road to get 3 litres ($17 a litre). I have had it in car for over 10,000kms now and no grinding or popping out of third anymore!
Call your GM guy and get him to check who has some in stock---good luck.

 

the new reforumulated stuff is good, but not as good as the GM stuff!

 

The new formula of the Honda MTF worked in my tranny for exactly 1000 miles. Then just like that the 3rd gear prob started up again. I got fed up and had Acura check it out one more time. They must have found it right away cause they swapped out the 3rd gear synchro with no issue. Haven't had a problem since...

If I was out of warranty, I would have definitely tried the GMSFM. In fact I still plan to in my wife's Element since some botched dealer work has left us with a similar 3rd gear issue (though much less severe)...