DIY: Changing Manual Transmission Fluid

[RN Yip]

This is my first time changing MTF. I've had Amsoil for the past few days, temp is about the mid 40s in the morning, shifting gear is amazingly smooth. No notchiness as of now. Thanks Amsoil!

[SteveOFG2]

Originally Posted by RN Yip

This is my first time changing MTF. I've had Amsoil for the past few days, temp is about the mid 40s in the morning, shifting gear is amazingly smooth. No notchiness as of now. Thanks Amsoil!

i dont care what anyone says that amsoil is like sex butter.......and thats a good thing!

[Elusive8]

I, like many of you, already had purchased the Amsoil because it was recommended. I still didn't feel like it was going to harm my tranny so I changed it out. I have close to 31k on my car. I was somewhat notchy and already had 2nd and 3rd gear replaced last year by Honda. Felt somewhat better but still issues going into gears sometimes and still notchy, worse when cold.

Immediately!!! upon putting the Amsoil in my shifting became buttery smooth and felt amazing. Its so much fun to shift again. I really didn't think I'd see as much impact as some led me to believe on here but driving is believing Thanks Amsoil. Next time I change though, I will give Redline a try.

[azndriver]

2007 civic coupe lx:
I have never replaced my manual transmission fluid. I have 30,000+ miles on it. Do i need to replace the fluid? and can't warranty on it? I been experiencing the shifting to reverse is not clicking in as it use to. So should i bring to dealer or an independent shop to get it serviced?

[PainIs4ThaWeak]

Originally Posted by azndriver

2007 civic coupe lx:
I have never replaced my manual transmission fluid. I have 30,000+ miles on it. Do i need to replace the fluid? and can't warranty on it? I been experiencing the shifting to reverse is not clicking in as it use to. So should i bring to dealer or an independent shop to get it serviced?

Its easy enough to do it yourself - (as you can see in the first post) - So why not do so?

Unless of course, you simply do not have the tools/equipment to get it done - Honestly, any two-bit shop will be able to change your tranny fluid - it really just comes down to who you trust with your vehicle, its up to you.

[pittfan08si]

change it yourself. this way you know it was done and done properly. besides you'll feel good and accomplished in the end. just my .02

[SteveOFG2]

Originally Posted by pittfan08si

change it yourself. this way you know it was done and done properly. besides you'll feel good and accomplished in the end. just my .02

Agreed, its a great feeling. Like you just pleasured your gf or bf. Just feels good to dominate and do work

[SkyeLai]

Ah can someone help me out, even with the pictures I can't seem to locate the two bolts Thanks in advance.

[06NaviEX]

Originally Posted by Senge Si

GM synchromesh is 75w-90 if memory serves me correctly... we require 10w-30 or 10w-40. IMO the risk of running a fluid that MAY not be correct is too high for my preference. All due respect to Amsoil/Redline dealers... the majority of them are not certified mechanics/techs. They just sell the products to make money off the margin. Amsoil's site says in red letters not to use it for LSD's, they're the manufacturer so I'll believe them 1st and foremost. Not lookin' to argue and/or go against you man. Take care.

Some not correct info here. 75W-90 gear oil and 10W-30 motor oil are the same viscosity. Click here to see the viscosity chart.

Our LSD isn't a clutch type, it's a Torsen type with gears. Amsoil is saying not to use their fluid in a clutch type LSD tranny. No problems using it in ours. I use Redline and read the tech info on MTL here and here. I have been running MTL and it works fine. I have spoken with engineers at Redline and the guys at Taylor Race Engineering (local company where I get my Redline, they build racing trannys for F1, NASCAR, and really rich people building cars LOL) about this issue (not sales guys) and they assured me that my tranny will last as long if not longer on MTL as it would on Honda MTF.

Use Redline MTL with confidence, I do!

[2point]

~22,600 miles on my 08 Civic Si now and it's a late 08 make so the Vin # is not within the TSB 3rd gear range.

@ 15K changed tranny oil at dealer, shifting didn't feel any more smooth than before
@ 17K changed to GM synchromesh friction modified back around 10/22/09

ever since, my tranny feels great, much better in any situation than the Honda MTF did. We'll C how GM synchromesh FM takes the Arizona heat. I am still rockin OEM 3m window weld filled motor mounts. The front one needs redone though. no shifter mods or anything else effecting shifting.

[Zeuceone]

The GMSFM fluid is the best I've used in the 60k. OEM was crap, Amsoil was crap, Motul was crap.

[2point]

Originally Posted by Zeuceone

The GMSFM fluid is the best I've used in the 60k. OEM was crap, Amsoil was crap, Motul was crap.

coo coo, so far I'd endorse it over the miles I've put on it (5,600 miles) the feel of the shifts has seemed to get better. They were never "really bad" persay, it's just been more consistent and less notchy at all rpms and temperatures.

but like I said, I'm still waiting to see if summer time heat and the 10-12K mile marker on fluid still brings sweet butta bliss shifts. I've heard that the GM synchromesh and the AC delco and Penzoil sisters run out of life quick but they are not synthetic blend like the ""Friction Modified" oil is.

my rule of thumb on oil though is, if it's a year old in the car, and you really like to keep your car in good shape, change that oil no matter how many miles are on it.. . I'll be changing my tranny oil every year in this car for sure. I plan on upgrading to a 335i in about a year though

[SteveOFG2]

I am currently running AMSoil still, but will make the change to Redline MTL next change. But unlike others my shifts are still nice, im pleased with AMSoil so far with about 12k since the last time i changed it

[RockyMtnFBPSi]

I just took the Amsoil plunge. I found a local dealer and picked up the MTF for $10.75 a qt. I changed the MTF myself in my garage using two jackstands. I will probably use 4 next time to make sure I get the level just right. At least I didn't splii anything on my garage floor.

After three days of driving, I have not had the third gear grind. I used to get it once or twice a day and my car had the third gear fix two years ago.

[SteveOFG2]

Originally Posted by RockyMtnFBPSi

I just took the Amsoil plunge. I found a local dealer and picked up the MTF for $10.75 a qt. I changed the MTF myself in my garage using two jackstands. I will probably use 4 next time to make sure I get the level just right. At least I didn't splii anything on my garage floor.

After three days of driving, I have not had the third gear grind. I used to get it once or twice a day and my car had the third gear fix two years ago.

awesome

[06NaviEX]

Originally Posted by RockyMtnFBPSi

I just took the Amsoil plunge. I found a local dealer and picked up the MTF for $10.75 a qt. I changed the MTF myself in my garage using two jackstands. I will probably use 4 next time to make sure I get the level just right. At least I didn't splii anything on my garage floor.

After three days of driving, I have not had the third gear grind. I used to get it once or twice a day and my car had the third gear fix two years ago.

Good to hear!

[LudeAEM]

Just did a change and put Redline in it. Immediate difference. Much smoother but sadly not quite as smooth as my 89 lude.

[kcivic si]

what is the "new honda tranny fluid" is it a new "type" or just new clean fluid?

[kcivic si]

what is the "new honda tranny fluid" is it a new "type" or just new clean fluid?

[AllShowNoGo]

Originally Posted by kcivic si

what is the "new honda tranny fluid" is it a new "type" or just new clean fluid?

it's "improved" formula