Manual Transmission Fluid

[FusionSi11]

has anyone changed their MTF yet? and if you have....what brand did you use? what do you think would be the best synthetic fluid for our trans? im getting tired of my 3rd gear not going in properly and popping out at times.

[adamhoud]

Yeah I want to go to the dealer, but I'm afraid they are going to act stupid....what should I bring in to show them?

[fa1]

If you go any brand besides oem, put back oem fluid in before going to the dealer. That's all I have to say.

[NBPRudy]

Honda has a new and improved MT fluid now.I would try that first.

It's really new so make sure they sell you the right stuff if you go to your dealer.It says advanced protection in yellow on the bottle.

PN 08798-9031C

[letsgoflyers81]

GM Synchromesh is supposed to be really good. I plan on switching to that when I get the chance. Hopefully it'll help with the dreaded third gear grind.

[Tom1222]

Originally Posted by FusionSi11

has anyone changed their MTF yet? and if you have....what brand did you use? what do you think would be the best synthetic fluid for our trans? im getting tired of my 3rd gear not going in properly and popping out at times.

It's not the transmission fluid. There is an issue with a lot of the 3rd gears in these cars. I have heard so many people complaining about 3rd gear being notchy and not engaging properly etc... A different transmission fluid isn't going to help that issue one bit. Take it to the dealer and have it checked out. I personally never had an issue with my 3rd gear or any gear for that matter. It's the smoothest Transmission that I have ever driven. I guess I just got lucky and got one without the problem.

[airportguy770]

Do a search, someone on here did a DIY on how to change the fluid. I think he used the GM Synchromesh fluid and he said he made a good improve on the 3rd gear issues

[airportguy770]

DIY: Changing Manual Transmission Fluid check this out, Very easy to do

[DumbasSi]

Originally Posted by fa1

If you go any brand besides oem, put back oem fluid in before going to the dealer. That's all I have to say.

Why? Do the 18 year lube guys have ESP or on-site oil analysis equipment? Switching to a different tranny fluid wouldn't be any different then switching your engine oil. They won't know the difference and what could they do anyway?

There are many threads on this board, H-T, ClubRSX and K20.org about the merits of switching the tranny fluid to imporve shifting. I plan on using Amsoil for the engine and tranny during my next change.

[SiRyan]

Originally Posted by letsgoflyers81

GM Synchromesh is supposed to be really good. I plan on switching to that when I get the chance. Hopefully it'll help with the dreaded third gear grind.

+1 I changed mine a couple weeks ago with GM Synchromesh Friction Modified. Its close to perfect now. 3rd feels like every gear. No grinds whatsoever and is silky smooth like whip cream!!

[UncleSid]

+1 for amsoil, its the best. im planning on switching to amsoil in the near future also...prolly when i do my next oil change, sometime this spring.

[BATANG CITY JAIL]

i still recommend the new honda MTF..

[taste]

I second the honda MTF option. I ran redline for awhile, and while it made a difference at first (1k miles) it later began to feel a little crunchy. Enough so where I thought I didn't fill the tranny with enough fluid. Had it checked and it was full.

Running back on the honda fluid now and no problems.

[marecki7]

I did some research on this matter (www.clubrsx.com) and here is what I have learned:

Old Honda MTF = garbage (this is what is in your trans if you have not changed your fluid)

New Honda MTF = better than old, however notch returns in few months.

Redline = same as New Honda MTF (notch returns in few months)

Good reviews: GM synchromesh & Penzoil synchromesh.

Best Reviews Amsoil MTF. Evern after months and over 6k miles the notch problem was significantly reduced.

Bottom line: Almost any other fluid was better than the Old Honda MTF (what is currently in our trans), but Amsoil was the best.

I ordered mine today.

[UncleSid]

Amsoil FTW!!!

[letsgoflyers81]

I just want to make sure, is this the Amsoil MTF people are getting?

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtf.aspx?zo=5931

[marecki7]

Originally Posted by letsgoflyers81

I just want to make sure, is this the Amsoil MTF people are getting?

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtf.aspx?zo=5931

Thats the one.

You will need 2 bottles (the trans takes less) W/ shipping OTD it will run about $26 unless you know somebody and you can get it cheaper.

I got a friend who gets it cheap, but didnt want to bother him for 2 quarts.

I'll bother him when I order a case for the car & case for the bike :-)

[letsgoflyers81]

Nice, thanks. I was going to try GM Synchromesh, but Amsoil seems to be getting better reviews for the Civic Si.

[Tom1222]

Originally Posted by marecki7

I did some research on this matter (www.clubrsx.com) and here is what I have learned:

Old Honda MTF = garbage (this is what is in your trans if you have not changed your fluid)

New Honda MTF = better than old, however notch returns in few months.

Redline = same as New Honda MTF (notch returns in few months)

Good reviews: GM synchromesh & Penzoil synchromesh.

Best Reviews Amsoil MTF. Evern after months and over 6k miles the notch problem was significantly reduced.

Bottom line: Almost any other fluid was better than the Old Honda MTF (what is currently in our trans), but Amsoil was the best.

I ordered mine today.

Now is that your personal opinion or do you have test results to back that up?
Anyone can claim they are the best but proving it is another story altogether.

BTW, I have the old Honda MTF and have no notch or shifting issues.

[All_bets_off]

yeah i am running it, it totally fixed my 3rd gear problem. Shifts like it should off the lot...totally recommend it for any one who has similar problems with 3rd.