Hi, I've been lurking here long enough and decided to get some useful and helpful inputs. I have a 2006 Acura TL 6-speed that I bought 2 months ago, with the Fidelity powertrain extended warranty. It is having the intermittent 3rd gear popping out. And also non related internal gearbox issue (Needs clutch replacement - clutch pedal getting hard to depress and slow to return during sprited shifting or hard acceleration). Here are some details:

1. I called a 25+ year local Honda dealer regarding the issue. They confirmed over the phone that the issue is a faulty 3rd gear synchronizer or a 3-4 shift sleeve (Acura TSB 08-018). They will test drive it and with authorization will breakdown the tranny and show insurance the defective synchronizer.

2. I called Fidelity and they said that the synchronizers are covers since they are part of the powertrain warranty - but the tranny needs to be broken down to be confirmed that they are faulty, then will cover the breakdown, repair, and parts involved.

Questions:

1. Should I have Honda dealer or an Acura dealer tear down the tranny and do the repair? I was going to throw in the clutch set and flywheel since it is already broken down = $550.00

2. Should I just use the GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid Friction Modified part# 88900399 and just have the clutch replaced? (Labor = $900, Parts = $550).

The reason I asked these questions is because I don't feel too comfortable with anybody tearing down the tranny (after reading some threads). I do need to get the clutch replaced because I couldn't really enjoy some spirited driving with the clutch pedal feeling like a 500lb leg press. So tranny fix by the mechanics would cost less than me replacing the tranny fluid + clutch replacement. Thanks in advance for any response.

 

I would start with the Syncromesh and see what does for the 3rd gear pop out. Maybe your clutch pedal has something to do with your slave cylinder

 

I want to rule out the slave cylinder and just focus on what I had mentioned. The master and slave have been checked out already. Thanks..

 

+1
I still would do the GM Synchromesh Friction Modified fluid change now and see how it works on your 3rd gear popout. There is a very good chance it will completely resolve, or nearly completely resolve, it. I would share your hesitation about having your gearbox torn down. Others my disagree but I would do the least invasive, less complex, thing first. So dump and refill the box and see how it goes. Better yet if you can even do yourself. It will be very noticeable very quickly if it's going to work. If it doesn't then pursue the TSB and whatever else you need to do with the clutch.

Make sure you get the right GM MTF. It needs to be the "Friction Modified" one.

 

GM fluid and new clutch and that tranny will be like brand new!!! When people say that fluid is amazing it really is. Some say its a mask of the problem, but people have seriously gone to that fluid and never experienced a problem again. I have used it in multiple 6spd manual Type S's I have including one that I purchased with known 3rd gear issue. I changed the fluid and it was perfect and never did it again. I am so confident in the fluid that I put it in my mint Type S 6mt at only 5700 miles that wasn't even experiencing 3rd gear issues.

 

Thanks for the reply. I was actually leaning towards this. I've also seen some posts where people had the 3rd gearset replaced and they ended up having other issues. I just dont know any good mechanics that I trust around here in Maryland/DC area. When I lived in LA I took my car to my best friend's shop and he let me use his lift and all his tools, and just paid him for things I was too lazy to do. Now Im just too old and too lazy to do a major DIY like a clutch replacement.. Lol..

But I saw a shop in Alexandria, Va. with good reviews and probably take it there for a clutch kit, flywheel swap. Probably get some new engine mounts, steel braided clutch lines and have them remove the dampener as well while I'm at it.. maybe sneak in a J-pipe..

 

Yeah I feel confident about the GM fluid. I have the 3 quarts of it on hand it will probably get rid of the intermittent 3rd gear popping. But keep in mind, the clutch pedal stiffness is a separate issue and Im starting to think I should check the dampener, hydro clutch lines, and engine mount.

 

I know its been a while but I wanted to do an update on what I ended up doing - it might help others who have the same issue.. I had a friend do the labor at his shop and he did it for only $300 . Kinda felt bad because it took him a long while because it was a pain in the rear. The car needed a clutch so I had the whole clutch set, rear main seal, and flyhwheel replaced. I opted to not go with the warranty and have the dealer break open the tranny. I had my friend change the tranny fluid with the GM stuff.. Man, what a simple fluid swap does. Clutch pedal doesn't get stiff anymore and 3rd gear goes in and doesn't pop anymore ..

 

Thanks for the update, yeah that stuff works really well.