Interval for changing manual trans fluid?

[GLM]

I have a 2001 Accord, 4 cyl, manual trans, almost 90K miles on it. How often does everyone change their manual trans fluid? The Service Manual for my year says to do it every 120K miles or 6 years (whichever comes first). Should I wait that long?

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by GLM

I have a 2001 Accord, 4 cyl, manual trans, almost 90K miles on it. How often does everyone change their manual trans fluid? The Service Manual for my year says to do it every 120K miles or 6 years (whichever comes first). Should I wait that long?

What does it specify for lube? If gear oil, 80W90 or whatever, that's fine. Most cars go to the junkyard with the same gear oil they left the factory with. It's not something most people change, but can't hurt.

It doesn't break down very easily, and isn't subjected to much abuse or temperature. It can become moisture contaminated, if the vent is not working right.

Some cars used ATF for gear oil, it should be changed a little more often.

When I change it, I go to synthetic. It seems to improve shifting ease, and will "climb" the gears and lubricate quicker in cold temps.

[Igovert500]

I change mine every 30-40k or so...yes many cars have the same gear oil in the junkyard as they had in the factory...but that doesn't mean it is the best idea to let it go that long. 30k is a bit often, but it only takes an hour tops to jack the car up, drain it all and refill it, so why not do it at least every 45-60k. Your tranny will shift more smoothly and will last longer. It's just a good idea if you are one for preventative maintainence.

[GLM]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

What does it specify for lube? If gear oil, 80W90 or whatever, that's fine. Most cars go to the junkyard with the same gear oil they left the factory with. It's not something most people change, but can't hurt.

It doesn't break down very easily, and isn't subjected to much abuse or temperature. It can become moisture contaminated, if the vent is not working right.

Some cars used ATF for gear oil, it should be changed a little more often.

When I change it, I go to synthetic. It seems to improve shifting ease, and will "climb" the gears and lubricate quicker in cold temps.

Manual transmissions on Hondas take 10W-30 or 10W-40. Honda recommends their "Honda Manual Trans Fluid", which is probably just 10W-30 with some extra stuff in it.

I had a friend that had a 89 Accord Lxi with a manual trans. He took it to a Jiffy Lube type establishment to have his trans fluid changed and they put in regular gear oil (85W). He could never keep it in 5th gear, it kept popping out. It turned the 5th gear blue.

[Ehscrewdude]

I have a similar question, I'm not sure if it's been changed though. Is it part of regularly scheduled maintenance? If not, could this explain why I have to really push it into reverse or first gear sometimes? And lastly, should I have it flushed and then refilled or just drained and refilled?

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by Ehscrewdude

I have a similar question, I'm not sure if it's been changed though. Is it part of regularly scheduled maintenance? If not, could this explain why I have to really push it into reverse or first gear sometimes? And lastly, should I have it flushed and then refilled or just drained and refilled?

Just drain and fill. Yes, it may have some effect on shifting ease, but what you are describing sounds more like a lack of complete clutch disengagement. Make sure there is nothing interfering with the clutch pedal (have had some cars that just the floormat getting pushed up under the clutch would cause this), if cable type (I doubt it) adjust it, and if hydraulic, flush and fill and bleed the slave cylinder. This goes a long way for clutch action. That fluid gets old and full of moisture and contaminates and doesn't work too well, and overheats easily, making the problem worse the longer the car is driven. In heavy traffic where you are using the clutch a lot, it can even make it undriveable until the fluid cools down.

[Smeee]

I WANTED TO DO THIS BUUT WASNT SURE about the process. DOnt you need like a funnel with a long hose on it that fits that plug???

[GLM]

Originally Posted by Smeee

I WANTED TO DO THIS BUUT WASNT SURE about the process. DOnt you need like a funnel with a long hose on it that fits that plug???

Yup a funnel and a couple feet of hose will do the trick.