I've spent the last 2 weeks searching and searching for reasons why and ways to fix this and other than the GM Synchromesh I haven't found anything. And I talked to a buddy who is an acura mechanic and said don't use the GM synchromesh because it only covers up the problem and will lead to more down the road.


So my problem is shifting through all the gears 1-6 is just not smooth, very notchey and not what I expected at all from a luxary sport car. 3rd gear is what is the worst and will pop out every once in a while. Now I've read that 3rd gear has been a problem for all acura/honda MT but I can't figure out why in two older cars with over 150,000, neither had problems in 3rd gear. My 03 accord with 160,000 and 94 accord with 280,000 on the odometer shifted smoother and better than this. So what can you guys tell me or help me out with. I'm staying away from the GM synchromesh unless someone can show me that they have used it for 10 years and didn't lead to any tranny problems. Do I just need to rebuild the transmission and get a new clutch? Help me out guys!

 

Good luck with that bro, I think it's very unlikely that you'll find anyone who bought an 04 or 05 brand new, put in GM Synchromesh on day one, and still has it.

Your current transmission fluid has obviously led to some problems but you won't stop using it? I'm not sure why, even after reading all of the miracle stories of this divinely majestic lubricant, you put the burden of proof on this side. I say prove to us that your transmission fluid isn't the problem first, then ask a question like this. I've had mine in for almost 2 years. The shifter turned into butter on day one and has been immaculate since.

Maybe our transmissions have an inherent design flaw. But putting in $30 of fluid is a much more desireable fix than a transmission rebuild.

Edit: forgot to mention that it's probably not a clutch issue since your 3rd is popping out.

 

I just bought the car about a month ago so I'm not stuck on using the fluid that's in there. I just don't want to do that and then have to pay thousands to rebuild a tranny because I put some GM fluid in there.

 

JLsTypeS:
Have your Acura mechanic buddy look up TSB 08-018 - Transmission Grinds When Shifting Into 3rd Gear, Pops Out of 3rd Gear, or Is Hard to Shift Into 3rd Gear.

TSB 08-018 - Transmission Grinds When Shifting Into 3rd Gear, Pops Out of 3rd Gear, or Is Hard to Shift Into 3rd Gear.
Applies To: 2004-07 TL with M/T - ALL
2008 TL with M/T - From VIN 19UUA75..8A000001 thru 19UUA75..8A029085
http://techinfo.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/B08-018.PDF

See this thread for instructions on how to access the links.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...57&postcount=1

 

Ok thanks, I will.

 

If you stay away from the GM fluid your only screwing yourself. Just because someone is an Acura mechanic doesn't mean they know everything and more often than not you can get better and more accurate information right here on these forums.
I am a pretty picky and anal guy when it comes to my cars and I have no problems using the GM fluid in my Type S. I have had three manual Type S's and used it in all of them. Even my recently acquired gem of a Type S with 4,900 miles. It didn't need the fluid, but I switched anyway and it even smoothed out my transmission with under 10,000 miles on it.
On my other type S's it eliminated my third gear grinding problem indefinately. I never experienced a problem after switching to the GM stuff. Hey if you want to pay for a transmission rebuild be our guest, but we swear by this GM stuff on the forums.

Oh and btw, your mechanic friend probably has no clue about how us forum guys use the GM fluid and just instinctively says do not use it because it isn't what is recommended by Honda. For what it's worth, the GM vehicles that use the synchromesh fluid have more power than 3 Type S's combined, and actually see track use and very hard driving frequently.

 

I don't get it. You'd rather rebuild than try the fluid that's been very successful as reported on AcuraZine?

Good luck in your rebuild.

 

Never said I was going to rebuild it guys, just asking for opinions because I know you all have the car and have first hand experience. I was never invalidating the fact that you all swear by the GM synchromesh, I just want what's best for my car. And I think you all know what's best for it since you are all owners of acura or have owned them.

 

Soooo does that mean your going to take our suggestion and try the fluid and live happily ever after?
I can only imagine a new clutch and tranny rebuild will cost thousands. Or spend 40 bucks or whatever on fluid and about 30 minutes of your time and love shifting ;-)

 

I purchased my 6mt type s about 6 months ago with 80k miles the tranny fluid was changed with acura mt fluid around 65k miles and I had the 3rd gear issues then I changed to syncromesh and shifting has been like butter ever since. I was sceptible at first it I am now a beliver.

 

I will give it a shot guys! I'll let you know how it is after. One last question. Anyone used redline or royal purple? Is that not as good as GM synchromesh?

 

I've used GM syncromesh on numerous Hondas. no issues to report. Should work fine in the TL.

 

make sure you pick up the friction modified GM synchromesh ...

 

What's the exact name of the fluid? Friction modified GM synchromesh? And where can I buy this stuff?

 

It's Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified.

Should be ACDelco #10-4014.

You can probably get it any place that sells OEM fluids for GM products, like a Chevy dealer, or online.

 

Awesome glad to hear you'll give it a shot. Trust us, your gonna love your new Type S after you try it out.
I have purchased from online and at a Chevy dealership. Not all dealerships stock it so call around first. I think online was a better price anyway.

 

Amazon

 

I recently bought an 05 6MT and it had all the common 3rd gear problems you are describing. Per the advice of this forum I flushed the trans fluid with 2.5qt of GM syncromesh. It was by far the best "mod" i've ever done for drivability on any car i've ever owned. Havn't had a single issue since the fluid change. Yes, it does make the gear selection a bit more notchy, but it sure as hell beats getting kicked back out of 3rd gear multiple times a day.

 

What do you mean that it makes it more notchey, I thought everyone said it makes it a lot smoother.

 

It feel like the new fluid is less viscous. The feeling of each gear selection is more pronounced. But because of that, it gets into gear easier, just with more feedback. That has been my experience at least. Totally worthwhile to try it, i'm sure you will appreciate it.