DIY: Changing Manual Transmission Fluid

[Bobbert]

Mixed reviews, weird. Some guys say they had the problem, switched to Amsoil and it went away, then came back. So they switch back to the better honda mtf and now it's ok? But since the 07's have the better MTF...

[bluetroll]

i'm gonna get the amsoil mtf today... i've got an 07...

i'm currently using the factory mtf oil... i find some days it's good, but sometimes, 2nd gears like crazy or 3rd pops out quite often.

i'll check back in with a review in a few days.

[DakidzSi]

Originally Posted by kkim

For peace of mind, change it. If you do the job yourself, it will only cost you $20 max and you'll know it was done right. I'd suggest changing to a synthetic gear lube... Amsoil or Redline seems to work well in these cars. I changed mine to Redline MTL in my 07 sedan.

Where did you pick up your oil?

[Bobbert]

07 guys, whats your build number (last 5 #'s of vin). I'm having a hard time with the fact that this tranny is going to start acting up, it seems like even as the weather gets colder it just gets sweeter and sweeter.. It feels like it's getting better as the days go by, not worse. And per the post your vin # thread in the Si forum I'm one of the top 5 or so newest vin #'s.

[Grimey]

I took my Si to the dealer to get switched, only cost $26.

Muuuch better shifting, except 6th. 6th I now have to give a lil extra 'umph' to get into gear, but not much. Overall, it's great and 2nd-3rd feel like melted butter. I'm really surprised at the difference it makes.

[GlxyGry06Si]

my amsoil is still holding up great.

[pkthang]

Originally Posted by GlxyGry06Si

my amsoil is still holding up great.

how long have you been using it? and if other users can post how long they been using amsoil mtf and is working great, that'll be cool thx

[GlxyGry06Si]

about 2 weeks. not terribly long but i already like it. i have used rp and the new honda stuff and this feels the best. i have gone about 300 miles and abused it a lil and still doing great.

[Tom1222]

I have the new Honda MTF in mine now and it is shifting like butter. No 2nd gear grind at high rpms, yet. I only changed it about 2 weeks ago so I guess time will tell if it holds up. So far so good!

[ErichPryde]

I've been running amsoil in mine since 07-03-07, so, a little over two months. the only times I have an issues with the transmission whatsoever is when I'm being an idiot. the grinding issues I was having before are totally gone.

I saw in here that someone wanted to know what size crush washers you need? the fill hole is a 17mm crush washer, and your drain hole is a 14mm crush washer, which is (conveniently) the same size you need for the oil drain plug. You should be able to purchase the OEM aluminum washers from your local honda dealer parts department for around 30-40 cents per washer. OR you can buy the uberexpensive pack from password JDM. your call. I went down to my honda dealership the other day and bought several, so that the next time I change my oil I will have a replacement.

[Macvtr]

Reply a long time coming, but... I just did the fluid swap on my '07 Si and...um it's only the right wheel if you're facing the front of the car. Removing the driver's side wheel will make all of this mich easier and visible.
you will be able to reach the drain plug with your hand easily from the wheel well, as well as see when you reach full level. Makes it easier for the initial tightening of the fill plug, too - especially with a ratchet extension and a flex joint.

[pkthang]

heylo, just throwing this out there....do you think the notchiness and grinding had anything to do with the fact that honda overfilled the mtf in the first place? some ppl went back to honda mtf and it works nicely. i still have honda mtf in my 07 si coupe....about 400miles and i get notchy shifts from 1st to 2nd .....and sometimes a grind (slight grind that i can feel but not really hear) from 1st>>2nd AND from 2nd>>>3rd....i make sure clutch is all the way to the floor....and i don't shift at high rpm's....i never gone over 5,000 rpms.....(i bet some of you guys are shocked right now, lol)....but i think im still gonna switch to amsoil pretty soon....i'm sure this has been covered....but it's okay to change mtf at low miles? <1,000 miles? thx in advance

[kkim388]

Originally Posted by pkthang

heylo, just throwing this out there....do you think the notchiness and grinding had anything to do with the fact that honda overfilled the mtf in the first place? some ppl went back to honda mtf and it works nicely. i still have honda mtf in my 07 si coupe....about 400miles and i get notchy shifts from 1st to 2nd .....and sometimes a grind (slight grind that i can feel but not really hear) from 1st>>2nd AND from 2nd>>>3rd....i make sure clutch is all the way to the floor....and i don't shift at high rpm's....i never gone over 5,000 rpms.....(i bet some of you guys are shocked right now, lol)....but i think im still gonna switch to amsoil pretty soon....i'm sure this has been covered....but it's okay to change mtf at low miles? <1,000 miles? thx in advance

I thought about this, too, but when I went under to check the fluid, I just went ahead and changed it out instead of lowering the fluid to the correct level. Using Redline MTL and it has been a change for the better.

I don't think 1000 miles would be too early to change, but if you do, why not just do the correct level thing and see if that gets rid of some of your problems? It's just a matter of raising the car up level on jackstands and undoing the fill bolt with a catch pan under the tranny to catch the overfill.

Good luck.. let us know how it turns out either way.

[GlxyGry06Si]

Originally Posted by pkthang

heylo, just throwing this out there....do you think the notchiness and grinding had anything to do with the fact that honda overfilled the mtf in the first place? some ppl went back to honda mtf and it works nicely. i still have honda mtf in my 07 si coupe....about 400miles and i get notchy shifts from 1st to 2nd .....and sometimes a grind (slight grind that i can feel but not really hear) from 1st>>2nd AND from 2nd>>>3rd....i make sure clutch is all the way to the floor....and i don't shift at high rpm's....i never gone over 5,000 rpms.....(i bet some of you guys are shocked right now, lol)....but i think im still gonna switch to amsoil pretty soon....i'm sure this has been covered....but it's okay to change mtf at low miles? <1,000 miles? thx in advance

overfilling was i BIG BIG reason y it was notchy but i have been through a lot of diff. tranny fluid in this car and amsoil is the only thing that has fixed it. i went to royal purple and it worked great and then took a crap and went for worst. then i went to the new honda stuff and it was just average. amsoil has held up great for the past 3 weeks. you are fine to change the tranny fluid.

[pkthang]

thanks for in inputs....i just wanted to see if anyone tried the correct level of new honda mtf....i'll try it when i have more time..but yes...theoretically...the more advanced amsoil product should perform better....thanks...now to order amsoil.....only way is through amsoil.com? ....i'm from the bay area of california. thx

[wandero]

I just replace mine yesterday with amsoil. I could feel the difference rightaway. no more grind and smooth shifting

[Tom1222]

Originally Posted by pkthang

thanks for in inputs....i just wanted to see if anyone tried the correct level of new honda mtf....i'll try it when i have more time..but yes...theoretically...the more advanced amsoil product should perform better....thanks...now to order amsoil.....only way is through amsoil.com? ....i'm from the bay area of california. thx

I am on the new Honda MTF now and so far I have no complains. It did take care of my 1-2 shift grind. Of course it is still fresh in there. Only have about 500 miles on the new stuff but so far so good

[GlxyGry06Si]

Originally Posted by Tom1222

I am on the new Honda MTF now and so far I have no complains. It did take care of my 1-2 shift grind. Of course it is still fresh in there. Only have about 500 miles on the new stuff but so far so good

i did what you did. you went from rp right? now im with amsoil and it feels like the rp or new honda stuff when it was brand new. great stuff.

[Tom1222]

Originally Posted by GlxyGry06Si

i did what you did. you went from rp right? now im with amsoil and it feels like the rp or new honda stuff when it was brand new. great stuff.

Yup, I did switch from RP. We will see how long the new Honda stuff will last.

[06RALLYREDSI]

i did mine today on a lift all 2 quarts went in..none came out the overfill drain is this right?? ...and yes it was completely even