After having the Acura dealer check out but not fix the 3rd gear issue, I've decided to change the transmission fluid to the GM Synchromesh. My dealer won't use the GM stuff so I'm going to go to an independent mechanic. Does anyone know how much it will cost to have it changed (I'm going to buy the Synchromesh transmission fluid myself)?

 

it has to be FM MTF

 

Probably looking at being billed an hour labor - so whatever the going rate is

 

Yea i am guessing about an hour labor which is usually a little under $100! Or you can do it yourself which is pretty much like changing your oil, just drain and fill, i usually over fill and then pull out the check bolt on the trans and let it drain until it stops pouring fluid, its pretty simple and will same you some cash.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I figured it would be around $100 or so although I was hoping it would be more around the same cost as an oil change. I'm not mehcanically inclined at all so I'd need someone to do it for me.

 

It does not take much longer than changing the oil. The bottom plate has to be removed but it is pretty easy. $100 sounds a bit steep.

 

Most places won't bill for the 37 minutes it will take and will round up to an hour. Or they will have a flat rate for it and it will be at least an hour.

 

If you take your time it is 20 minutes.

 

Ok, but my point is that you are not going to find a shop that bills the actual time. 20 minutes doesn't make them any money. If you have ever read a labor book you will notice that nearly all of the times quoted are high and most mechanics finish the job much quicker. Point is the OP is probably not going to find a shop that will charge less than an hour labor.

 

my local guy did it for 10 dollars.

 

FWIW....If I could only find someone to do it for $100 I'd pay it. I did mine myself but after experiencing the difference it made I'd be willing to pay $100 if I couldn't have done it. I think you may find someone to do it for less.

Just remember to tell whoever does it that the MT does NOT take all 3 qts of the GM FM fluid. It takes in the area of 2.5 qts (give or take)

 

a fair price would be 30 bucks for labor + cost of oil.

My car had sometimes notchy 3rd gear, and popped out like only 2 times...At the 1st oil change, asked the dealer to perform a TSB..the dealer had replaced the fluid with Honda/Acura synthetic fluid...shifter works like a butter now, no issues with any gears...

 

I had Acura change out my transmission fluid too with the new Acura transmission fluid. It was awesome for about a month then the issues returned. I'm going to go pick up the GM synchromesh FM today and get it changed by my Dad's trusted mechanic. I'll see how it goes!

 

Got the transmission fluid changed out. The shifting is smooth as silk again. The fluid ran me $40 and the mechanic charged me $20 for a grand total of $60. Well worth it!

 

Perfect ! Good news. Enjoy it.

 

Where did you guys all order it from?

 

This past weekend I went in for my first oil change and mentioned the 3rd gear issue to the service guys. They said they'd be willing to switch the tranny fluid for the GM stuff for me during my next service. There was no mention of extra cost, but I'll keep you posted once I know more. I get my stuff done at Acura of Auburn, in Mass. I was discussing this with the service manager (Jim) who has always been great to deal with (I've been going there 6 years or so). So if you're looking for a place, I'd recommend them. Though I don't know how far of a drive it is for you since you're in CT, but it's close to the border.

 

I called my local GM dealership parts department and bought it from there. Around $12 per bottle (you need three bottles - three quarts) plus tax which came to $40 for me. Be sure to ask for GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified part #12377916. They come in one quart black plastic bottles with blue stickers.

 

Read further into my post and you will see that I did it myself. I was just saying if one couldn't then ....
Anyway Schaller Acura in Manchester CT supposedly will fill it w/ GM. At least that's what I've heard.