GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified
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GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified
By way of thanks to the various folks in various threads who have recommended GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified (GM Part #12377916) for fixing the tricky third gear problem and making the transmission on the 6MT silky smooth, I thought I'd offer one thing which has been missing from them all (and isn't easily found on the web): a picture.
443 x 431 JPEG
If someone would attach this pic to the thread, that would be helpful.
I called my nearest GM dealer - Pohanka Chevrolet - and asked their parts department if they had it in stock, which they did. I went there and picked up two for $25.16 including tax.
I'll report back on the results when I have the fluid flushed and filled.
443 x 431 JPEG
If someone would attach this pic to the thread, that would be helpful.
I called my nearest GM dealer - Pohanka Chevrolet - and asked their parts department if they had it in stock, which they did. I went there and picked up two for $25.16 including tax.
I'll report back on the results when I have the fluid flushed and filled.
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I was young and I needed the money
Originally Posted by Yurand
Why did you only get 2 when 2.3qts are required?
Originally Posted by Road Rage
We poured in the 2 quarts of GMS FM
Thanks for letting me know in such a timely manner. This saved me turning up at the mechanic's ill supplied.
If you'll excuse me, I'm off the the Chevy dealer.
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One transmission fluid change later...
[Warning: the following contains terms which indicate the cluelessness of the writer]
and I'm ready to join the snake oil salesforce, insofar as when I say "snake" I mean the "GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified".
The old (and, as far as I know, original to my 2005) transmission fluid was drained and observed to be very clean. Two quart bottles were carefully emptied into a funnel with a long tube - necessary to reach the opening - and about 10 floz from a third container (based on the fact that the level on the container reads around 22 floz) until the fluid just started to drip from the middle hole.
Having driven several times since the change, the difference is very noticable and tricky to describe well. When shifting into a gear slot [gate?], there is a more confident and precise "thunk" in all gears and so far I have not missed a single third gear - a problem I had previously experienced.
In conclusion, I concur with everyone else who recommends the solution to the third gear engagment problem and improvement in thunkiness is three of these:
and I'm ready to join the snake oil salesforce, insofar as when I say "snake" I mean the "GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified".
The old (and, as far as I know, original to my 2005) transmission fluid was drained and observed to be very clean. Two quart bottles were carefully emptied into a funnel with a long tube - necessary to reach the opening - and about 10 floz from a third container (based on the fact that the level on the container reads around 22 floz) until the fluid just started to drip from the middle hole.
Having driven several times since the change, the difference is very noticable and tricky to describe well. When shifting into a gear slot [gate?], there is a more confident and precise "thunk" in all gears and so far I have not missed a single third gear - a problem I had previously experienced.
In conclusion, I concur with everyone else who recommends the solution to the third gear engagment problem and improvement in thunkiness is three of these:
Now with i-Vtec
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: VA
Originally Posted by tyger
Can GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified (GM Part #12377916) also be used for 2004+ A/T TL's?
No! It's a manual transmission fluid. Auto transmission fluids are a completey different formulation.
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07 NBP TL-S
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Fort Hood, Texas
Originally Posted by evoman
is this better then the honda fluid? Will this void the warranty?
I have a new 2007 TLS..should i swap the fluid?
I have a new 2007 TLS..should i swap the fluid?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 450
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From: Fremont, CA
Originally Posted by evoman
is this better then the honda fluid? Will this void the warranty?
I have a new 2007 TLS..should i swap the fluid?
I have a new 2007 TLS..should i swap the fluid?
Just don't tell your dealership that you changed it to GM synchromesh tranny fluid when you bring your car into the dealership.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
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new type S 6spd
Originally Posted by trancemission
evo, do a search on this. there are many many threads on this subject
Thanks!
2006 TL MT RJ BodyKit
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Canada
I changed to GMSMFM last week...muuuuuch better. All gears now shift perfectly.
Just do it
I read in one of the threads that an Acura dealer gave the "OK" to do this after confirming with head office or whoever is above.
By the way, for Canadian TLers that want to do this mod, it turns out to be that the GMSMFM is also ACDelco Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified Part #10953509. This is the EXACT same oil but for some reason, it has a different label. I confirmed this by removing the sticker on the bottle as I had noticed there were 2. The sticker underneath is in fact the original GM label...go figure!
Just do it
I read in one of the threads that an Acura dealer gave the "OK" to do this after confirming with head office or whoever is above.
By the way, for Canadian TLers that want to do this mod, it turns out to be that the GMSMFM is also ACDelco Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified Part #10953509. This is the EXACT same oil but for some reason, it has a different label. I confirmed this by removing the sticker on the bottle as I had noticed there were 2. The sticker underneath is in fact the original GM label...go figure!
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Automatic for the people (Manual for the drivers)
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is different from Manual (MTF).
There is no magic fluid like the GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified for the automatic, but since you auto "drivers" don't tend to change your own gears, it doesn't really make much difference.
There is no magic fluid like the GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified for the automatic, but since you auto "drivers" don't tend to change your own gears, it doesn't really make much difference.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
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Another 6MT owner here, wondering if this would help the "notchiness" going into 2nd. I notice that most of the tranny hesitations here involve the 3rd gear, but I swear that mine is happening in 2nd. I'm thinking about having the fluid swapped with Synchromesh while my car is at the dealer for its next oil change. Do you think that the Acura dealer will stock this and if not will they change it if I bring it in myself? I have also heard of people recommending a 3X transmission drain and fill as opposed to a flush... any opinions?
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From: VA
Originally Posted by jeff442
Another 6MT owner here, wondering if this would help the "notchiness" going into 2nd. I notice that most of the tranny hesitations here involve the 3rd gear, but I swear that mine is happening in 2nd. I'm thinking about having the fluid swapped with Synchromesh while my car is at the dealer for its next oil change. Do you think that the Acura dealer will stock this and if not will they change it if I bring it in myself? I have also heard of people recommending a 3X transmission drain and fill as opposed to a flush... any opinions?
No your Acura dealer will not stock this as it is a GM product not a Honda/Acura. They most likely won't do the swap for you with it either. If they do they will probably tell you that it will void your tranny warranty as well. Just do the swap yourself. It's easy and shouldn't take you more than 15 mins. If it's your first time doing something like this I would say absolute max it should take you is 1 hour and that is more than enough time.
The 3x drain and fill is only for those with Auto's and they can't use GM Syncromesh FM.
Instructor
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Originally Posted by JDM5lugHatch
No your Acura dealer will not stock this as it is a GM product not a Honda/Acura. They most likely won't do the swap for you with it either. If they do they will probably tell you that it will void your tranny warranty as well. Just do the swap yourself. It's easy and shouldn't take you more than 15 mins. If it's your first time doing something like this I would say absolute max it should take you is 1 hour and that is more than enough time.
The 3x drain and fill is only for those with Auto's and they can't use GM Syncromesh FM.
The 3x drain and fill is only for those with Auto's and they can't use GM Syncromesh FM.
Now with i-Vtec
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: VA
Originally Posted by jeff442
I live in an apartment complex and have street parking, and hence, no auto shop tools. If I buy the stuff at a GM dealer, where should I get it done?
any mechanic can do this for you. Hell there might even be some local members that wouldn't mind doing it for you.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: San Mateo
Originally Posted by jeff442
I live in an apartment complex and have street parking, and hence, no auto shop tools. If I buy the stuff at a GM dealer, where should I get it done?
Head a da Family
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,505
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From: New Friggin Jerzy
Originally Posted by evoman
trancemission, sorry i should be more clear. What i should have asked is IF it is worth changing the tranny fluid from stock to GM on my new Type S, it only has 125 miles on it?
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
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Jeff442;
I'm having the same problem - shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Like you said, most of the complaints have to do with shifting into 3rd.
So far, the dealer is saying they know about the issue, know about the GM fluid being successful, but the area Acura rep is being very tight-lipped. Supposedly a fix is due sometime in the next 3-6 weeks.
the problem I have with this whole deal is this:
1) I have an '04 TL which has exhibited the same problem since the day I bought the car.
2) Cold weather - 25-30 degrees F and below makes the problem more pronounced. No problems over that temp range. Being from the Boston area, we're in the teens and 20's and the 1-2 shifts are notchy as hell until the car warms up - say 2-3 miles or so.
3) Acura replaced the original fluid under warranty with a new fluid back in August 07. Not much difference was noted. (not the GM fluid)
4) After 4 years, who's to say I haven't worn a synchro, a gear or a shift fork prematurely?
The GM fluid may make the 1st to 2nd shifts better, BUT HOW RELIABLE WILL THIS TRANSMISSION BE WHEN THE CAR HITS 50, 70, OR 100,000 MILES??
I think everyone who has experienced this problem should consider the POTENTIAL LONG TERM EFFECTS - NOT JUST THE SHORT TERM FIX.......
I'm having the same problem - shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Like you said, most of the complaints have to do with shifting into 3rd.
So far, the dealer is saying they know about the issue, know about the GM fluid being successful, but the area Acura rep is being very tight-lipped. Supposedly a fix is due sometime in the next 3-6 weeks.
the problem I have with this whole deal is this:
1) I have an '04 TL which has exhibited the same problem since the day I bought the car.
2) Cold weather - 25-30 degrees F and below makes the problem more pronounced. No problems over that temp range. Being from the Boston area, we're in the teens and 20's and the 1-2 shifts are notchy as hell until the car warms up - say 2-3 miles or so.
3) Acura replaced the original fluid under warranty with a new fluid back in August 07. Not much difference was noted. (not the GM fluid)
4) After 4 years, who's to say I haven't worn a synchro, a gear or a shift fork prematurely?
The GM fluid may make the 1st to 2nd shifts better, BUT HOW RELIABLE WILL THIS TRANSMISSION BE WHEN THE CAR HITS 50, 70, OR 100,000 MILES??
I think everyone who has experienced this problem should consider the POTENTIAL LONG TERM EFFECTS - NOT JUST THE SHORT TERM FIX.......
Head a da Family
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,505
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From: New Friggin Jerzy
Originally Posted by Harrry
Jeff442;
I'm having the same problem - shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Like you said, most of the complaints have to do with shifting into 3rd.
So far, the dealer is saying they know about the issue, know about the GM fluid being successful, but the area Acura rep is being very tight-lipped. Supposedly a fix is due sometime in the next 3-6 weeks.
the problem I have with this whole deal is this:
1) I have an '04 TL which has exhibited the same problem since the day I bought the car.
2) Cold weather - 25-30 degrees F and below makes the problem more pronounced. No problems over that temp range. Being from the Boston area, we're in the teens and 20's and the 1-2 shifts are notchy as hell until the car warms up - say 2-3 miles or so.
3) Acura replaced the original fluid under warranty with a new fluid back in August 07. Not much difference was noted. (not the GM fluid)
4) After 4 years, who's to say I haven't worn a synchro, a gear or a shift fork prematurely?
The GM fluid may make the 1st to 2nd shifts better, BUT HOW RELIABLE WILL THIS TRANSMISSION BE WHEN THE CAR HITS 50, 70, OR 100,000 MILES??
I think everyone who has experienced this problem should consider the POTENTIAL LONG TERM EFFECTS - NOT JUST THE SHORT TERM FIX.......
I'm having the same problem - shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Like you said, most of the complaints have to do with shifting into 3rd.
So far, the dealer is saying they know about the issue, know about the GM fluid being successful, but the area Acura rep is being very tight-lipped. Supposedly a fix is due sometime in the next 3-6 weeks.
the problem I have with this whole deal is this:
1) I have an '04 TL which has exhibited the same problem since the day I bought the car.
2) Cold weather - 25-30 degrees F and below makes the problem more pronounced. No problems over that temp range. Being from the Boston area, we're in the teens and 20's and the 1-2 shifts are notchy as hell until the car warms up - say 2-3 miles or so.
3) Acura replaced the original fluid under warranty with a new fluid back in August 07. Not much difference was noted. (not the GM fluid)
4) After 4 years, who's to say I haven't worn a synchro, a gear or a shift fork prematurely?
The GM fluid may make the 1st to 2nd shifts better, BUT HOW RELIABLE WILL THIS TRANSMISSION BE WHEN THE CAR HITS 50, 70, OR 100,000 MILES??
I think everyone who has experienced this problem should consider the POTENTIAL LONG TERM EFFECTS - NOT JUST THE SHORT TERM FIX.......
How reliable after 100K miles?
Haven't you seen enough testimonials on Acurazine already?
The GMSFM fluid IS A PERMANENT FIX.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,096
Likes: 414
From: Scarborough, Ontario
Originally Posted by Steeve
I changed to GMSMFM last week...muuuuuch better. All gears now shift perfectly.
Just do it
I read in one of the threads that an Acura dealer gave the "OK" to do this after confirming with head office or whoever is above.
By the way, for Canadian TLers that want to do this mod, it turns out to be that the GMSMFM is also ACDelco Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified Part #10953509. This is the EXACT same oil but for some reason, it has a different label. I confirmed this by removing the sticker on the bottle as I had noticed there were 2. The sticker underneath is in fact the original GM label...go figure!
Just do it
I read in one of the threads that an Acura dealer gave the "OK" to do this after confirming with head office or whoever is above.
By the way, for Canadian TLers that want to do this mod, it turns out to be that the GMSMFM is also ACDelco Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified Part #10953509. This is the EXACT same oil but for some reason, it has a different label. I confirmed this by removing the sticker on the bottle as I had noticed there were 2. The sticker underneath is in fact the original GM label...go figure!
Thread Starter
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Originally Posted by o4Komodo
Thanks a lot! I just bought the wrong tranny fluid and it says ACDelco on it. Wrong fluid anyways so I have to return it.
So you may not want to bother exchanging the bottles just to get a different sticker.
I was thinking to myself just this morning on my drive in how perfect the gear shifts are. I've have still to miss a single gear since changing the fluid.
I went searching for the GMSFM fluid today, but the 2 parts counters came back with that Ac delco stuff. I'm going to call around with the part number tomorrow and see what I can turn up/order.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,096
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From: Scarborough, Ontario
Originally Posted by AJ_Z0
As you'll see when you search for other posts about it, this is allegedly the same fluid, just different branding. Don't take my word for it, though.
So you may not want to bother exchanging the bottles just to get a different sticker.
I was thinking to myself just this morning on my drive in how perfect the gear shifts are. I've have still to miss a single gear since changing the fluid.
So you may not want to bother exchanging the bottles just to get a different sticker.
I was thinking to myself just this morning on my drive in how perfect the gear shifts are. I've have still to miss a single gear since changing the fluid.
04Komodo, have you found any of the Friction Modified stuff? I called a local dealer here with the part number that's listed on this site and he said it's american and they may not ship it here.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,096
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From: Scarborough, Ontario
Originally Posted by The Dougler
04Komodo, have you found any of the Friction Modified stuff? I called a local dealer here with the part number that's listed on this site and he said it's american and they may not ship it here.
There might have been another post, I don't remember, but the "Canadian Version" is the exact same thing.. just with a new label placed over the Original label. The part number is: 10953509
I'll get a picture for you at aprox 3:40pm.
thanks 4komodo, I got tired of talking to GM parts guys on the phone and actually went to another dealer. Person was helpful, I gave them the US part# and he said that #10953509 was a supersession to it. However they did not have any, nor did the GM distribution center. He found me some in the city that my brother is picking up tonight, They had 16 bottles in stock.
Well, if they don't have squat around you, I could get my bro to pick up 2 more bottles, as he didn't get mine last night anyways. I'll ship them to you monday via whatever method you want to pay for. Just let me know asap so I can pass the word on.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,096
Likes: 414
From: Scarborough, Ontario
Thanks but it's okay. I'm goin to go find the next island. I have nothing to do these days anyhow.
By the way I noticed it says you are from toronto/windsor. Do you know anyone with a 6G Celica? He posts on 6gc.net .. I forgot his screen name, think his 6GC was red
By the way I noticed it says you are from toronto/windsor. Do you know anyone with a 6G Celica? He posts on 6gc.net .. I forgot his screen name, think his 6GC was red