This is for those with a 6 six speed manual
 

I just recently got my 2010 with the 6MT and have about 500 miles on it. I have found when shifting from 5th to 6th the shift lever often has difficulty moving into 6th, it hits resistance and wont grab the gear. Sometimes its very smooth and goes right into gear and other times I have to move it back to 5th and down to 6th before it engages. Also the 1st to 2nd shift is notchy at times as well but does not hit the resistance I have when going from 5th to 6th. I am used to the smooth shifting of Honda manuals I have had two cars with them. Does anybody else notice this issue?

I've noticed when going from 5th to 6th at first I had to make sure I "aimed" it into the gate at the right angle. Now I don't even notice it, but it sounds like you might be hitting the edge of the gate.

1-2 did have more notch when I first got the car. I've noticed after a little while things became much smoother. It's like a rifle bolt now, I love it!

I was a bit concerned about the initial notchiness but ever since roughly 600 miles it's been smooth, real smooth. It's likely just a break in characteristic. It's to the point now that I can easily say this is the best Honda shifter I have ever experienced and it's unanimously one of the best 6MT's on the entire market.

Can't say that I have experienced the issue with the 5th-6th shift. Hopefully it's nothing or just the shift gate like Pete said. Since it's still has relatively low miles, give it some more time and try giving 5th and 6th a few more reps than usual while driving.

I find when I shift from 5th to 6th, the back of my hand it pointed towards me, my elbow pointed away, and I move my arm back and away from me, so it's not like a straight down motion, more down and away. The reverse lock out keeps you from shifting into R.

This is my first manual, so I don't know how the motion is on other cars. I actually look forward to driving other MT cars to see the difference.

Petec2010's shifting motion from 5-6 is what I do as well. If your hand is directly on top of the shifter and you try to shift 5th-6th, you may yourself "blocked out" at times. Try pointing your forehand away, with the palm area touching the shifter's left side, and shift with more emphasis on your finders. The shift from 5-6 will be smooth, quick, and seamless. Don't worry, you won't shift into reverse.

The 1-2 shift is the hardest shift, IMHO, to master, b/c the change in gear ratio is the greatest of all gears. Plus, as I've recently learned here on AZ, the 4G TL's accelerator is very sensitive to touch. When you shift from 1-2, and as you let out the clutch very GENTLY touch the gas pedal. You'll find the shifting to be very smooth and quick. The wife will appreciate a smooth ride :thumbsup:

Of course, when you want to race, one doesn't mind the abruptness as much as long as you win :yum:

Exactly. :-)

Angle is everything. I have 12000 miles on my 2010 TL SH-AWD 6MT... yes, about 2500 miles a month... and have found that shifts are very smooth in my normal solo driving position. When my girlfriend has her hand on mine, into 6 can be jarring.

Am approaching 15,000 miles on mine and haven't noticed anything like what you've reported. Only problem I'm having is after driving the Vet, the clutch isn't as smooth until I get a few shifts into it.

As others have said, the 5-6 shift takes a little practice to get it done effortlessly. I've found that putting my palm on the shifter with the back of my hand facing me and pushing back and away makes for a smooth shift every time. I was having a little trouble making that shift smoothly at first, but now it's perfect. I agree with the earlier post - this is the best MT I've ever used as far as smooth, accurate shifting and overall "shift feel." Acura did its homework on this one.

The 1-2 shift was tricky in my 3G as well. I shift into 6 the same way as George, docboy, and petec; it's really no big deal. The 6MT is pretty smooth.

I find I do this on both 1-2 and 2-3. Maybe it's just me, but I find going to 3rd I have less time to complete the shift. I think that's mainly a psychological thing since going from 1-2 you have lots of time to shift and engage the clutch, then going from 2-3 you have much less time.

But who knows... I bought this car and then had my friend teach me to drive stick (That and SouthernBoy's Posts - he's an MT god here). I love cars and always wished I knew how to drive them. By the time I was old enough to drive my Dad was done with with his standard cars (he couldn't believe I wanted an MT car).

Having bought it, I have yet to regret it, even when I'm stuck in horrible traffic. Rowing these gears is a dream.

I've driven stick all my life. My previous included a 2000 s2k. The shifter seems just as smooth if not smoother. I don't find resistance as you describe, but then again, maybe you can test drive another 6-speed tl? Or have someone else who has a tl-6sp drive your car?

Thanks for the advice everyone. I did the 5th to 6th with the back of my hand pointed towards me, my elbow pointed away, and I move my arm back and away from me, so it's not like a straight down motion, more down and away. it worked perfectly thanks for the help

:thumbsup: