I plan on going to the dealer to get the 3rd gear shifting issue resolved after reading all the threads, I was wondering if anyone has a copy of the TSB 1205 so I can show it to the dealer (They seem to be real annoying about warrenty work here in NJ) Thanks

 

I'm not sure what TSB 1205 is since none of the Acura TSB's have numbers like that. They are typically 5 digits with the first two being separated by a dash from the other 3 digits (ie: xx-xxx). If you find it, please post a link. There was the January 07 service report that mentioned the stiff-shifting and the introduction of the revised manual trans fluid (MTF)...

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/B070100.PDF

I brought a copy of this to my dealer when I went in for the Brembo-squeal TSB, and they said they had to test the car to see whats wrong. Of course when I went to pick up the car, they said it drove perfectly normal so they didn't do squat to the trans. I have a hard time believing that one because I have to force the thing into 3rd at least once EVERY time I drive the car. I don't know if it matters anyways. At least one or two members report that the "new" MTF doesn't solve the problem anyways. I plan to bite the bullet and purchase 3 bottles of GM synchromesh "friction modified" to put in the trans myself. There hasn't been one report of stiff shifting after switching to the GM-FM fluid.

There are several write-ups for doing-it-yourself if your not too sure. All you need are 3 quarts of fluid (2.3Q total), a clean funnel, a drain-pan, and a new aluminum washer for each transmission plug that must be removed (drain plug, check plug & fill plug). You have to buy those 3 washers at Acura though...

 

I found that TSB information on this thread
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/fs-stock-2003-16-w-tires-132465/
I did read about the service bulletin, thanks for sharing. I have the same problem, I have taken my car in twice already for the squeaking noise from the brakes, but the dealer can not replicate the problem so wont fix it based on the Service Bulletin 04-019.
And now recently my 3rd gear sticks, very frustrating. I had the rack n pinion replaced like 3 months ago with 10k miles, after several trips to the dealer, for noise from steering. (First they replaced the cable reel twice and finally agreed that it was rack n pinion and its finally fixed now.
I did read on some threads that using the GM synchromesh might void the warrenty, not sure about that though.
Thanks for the feeback

 

My brakes squealed with EVERY single application after the car was warmed up. There was no way for them to avoid that one. If your brakes squeal every once in a while, then your fine as that is the nature of Brembo brakes. Just ask the G35-SC-6MT, EVO or STi guys (same calipers). A little squealing is totally normal...

PS: Routine maintenance for the car is changing the tans fluid out every 30k miles. Used oil analysis indicates sooner, is probably better as well as trans oil tends to sheer down to a thinner viscosity in about 25k (this goes for the GM stuff too). The old Honda MTF might just be broken down and needs to be changed out. I would do it myself and save the dealership hassle.

 

Thanks for the feedback

 

I had a hard time shifting into 3rd and 1st. I put in the GM Synchromesh FM product and it shifts like b utter. 4000 miles later, still no problem. It is amazing!

 

I don't have the same amount of mileage since I switched over, but the change in shifting is immediate. My initial symptom was jumping out every now and then, but I always had to think about it when going into 3rd to make sure it was engaged. Now that's a thing of the past.

The other thing you'll notice if you change the fluid yourself is the amount of 'glitter' will come out with it. Someone in another post speculated that it was syncro filings.

 

I've switched to the GMSFM fluid at 2,000 miles and 10,000 miles later I'm stll very happy with it.

Do a search on "GM Synchromesh Friction Modified" one level up in the Third Generation TL (2004+) forum. Currently you will find 54 threads on the topic. Mostly very happy people after making the switch and the others affraid of using non Honda fluid and possibly voiding the warranty. You'll find the GM product number for the oil and specific instructions (with pictures) to help you do it yourself and lots of opinions. Read through and make your own decision.


Fluid:
GMSM-FM # 12377916

Instructions:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...light=12377916

 

If you REALLY want to know what that is, send a sample of the fluid off for a used-oil-analysis. They will tell you exactly what that is. It's most likely from the gear teeth themselves from break-in. These cars are relatively new, so I'm guessing that was your first trans-fluid change right?