Hey guys, bought an '05 6MT TL about 2 weeks ago, and I've just been lurking ever since. I recently changed the shift knob to the Missimo weighted shift knob, but lately I've noticed that sometimes shifting can be a little...notchy for lack of a better word.

If I go from neutral to first, it feels like something's sort of in the way to first, but if I move the stick from first to second a few times, then it feels like butter. Anyone else have this kind of issue or any advice? Thanks in advance!

 

yup!

you'll need a drain and fill of the transmission fluid!
we have great luck using GM Synchromesh Friction Modified fluid in our acura six speed tranny's.
it usually gets rid of the notchiness.
usually, meaning if your synchcro's are far too destroyed changing the fluid wont really help.


to hoping a change a fluid to the GM synchromesh stuff will cure your issues!

 

As with any fluids/oils, it needs changing.
I am running Honda MTF with zero problems. It is supposedly a bit less viscous than GM Synchromesh FM as well from what I read.

 

The 1st gear syncro is worn. That's going to happen in any manual, and yours is not new. The majority of the wear comes from people not double clutching 1st gear downshifts coming out of a higher gear. And of course 1st typically just plain gets used more than the other gears.

A fluid change is a reasonable idea since most people neglect transmission fluids, and it might help. The GM Syncromesh FM fluid is rather popular for these kinds of problems, give it a try.

 

I guess I'll try changing the MT fluid with GM Synchromesh then. I've read the DIY post on how to drain, but would using a pump instead of draining work out ok as well?

 

Why would you use a pump to drain? It's really, really easy. Easier than an oil change since you don't have a filter to worry about breaking loose. You could get most of it pumped out, but not any of the junk thats going to be heavier and sink near the drain. You're going to want a funnel to fill, preferably with a tube on it or a really long funnel. Otherwise it's no big deal. Probably don't even need a jack if you have a low pan.

Just look at a few of the guides, take your time and be sure you're removing the right bolts. It should be fairly clear if you look at things a few times.

 

it's a very simple drain and fill process.


manuals are not like automatics where you have fluid hiding in clutch packs....

1 drain will drain MOST of your old fluid out of your manual transmission.


^like ZOMG, said....its like an oil change.
remove the drain plug and let it out.
re-install drain plug and FILL transmission


That's it.

 

Finally had a chance to do this, and I think that this has solved my issue, but it could just be my mind playing tricks on me. Regardless, my last question for this would be how long should I wait to change this fluid out? 5k miles? 10k miles? 20k? TIA!

 

your mind isn't playing tricks....

20Kmi is early I'd say. 25-30K perhaps.

Check out this thread.
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...ed-mtf-620194/

This one too
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...-often-730265/