How To Change Honda Manual Transmission Fluid -EricTheCarGuy

Changing Honda manual transmission fluid is not a difficult task in my opinion. I think the hardest part is figuring out how to fill the transmission. The most important take away however is using the correct fluid, Honda manual or GM Syncromesh fluid. In my experience using other fluids can cause shifting issues or worse bearing issues. This video will take you through the steps I use when changing Honda manual transmission fluid. I hope it helps you get the job done. Here are some links you might find useful.

Stay Dirty

ETCG

Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[youtuber-xnof]

Eric, You just made my day buddy. I am replacing my clutch and i am at a point where i have to drain my gearbox oil, I did not have the right socket for it and was so annoyed and was thinking to take the bus and travel to and back to the parts store to buy the drain plug socket, and then you just mentioned in the video that i can use my ratchet to undo the drain plug . oh my god i cant believe it never cross my mind . it saved my two hours journey going and coming back . such a relief man.lol . thanks buddy been watching your videos for the last three years .

[shasal]

Hey Eric.
When I did this for the first time last year on my 05 Civic, the challenge was indeed getting new MTF back in.
The cheapest and easiest option I found was to buy 2 meters (6 feet) of clear plastic hose (8mm internal diameter) from a local hardware store (>£1 or $1) and drop through the bay as you did

[camerinw.]

Love how casual this is, not worrying about torque specs and perfection. Thumbs up

[vljenewein]

I use Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid 5W-30 by Amsoil. Smoother shifting and many at the Honda CR-V Club forums (and others) highly recommend it. Also, at Auto Value I found some nice 20mm crush washers for around 1.00 I like them better than the aluminum flat washer used as a "gasket" washer.

[modscotsman]

Thanks for the top tip to use a metallic 90degree fitting, it made the job so much easier, it literally popped into the filler hole with my extended funnel and tube and took 2minutes to fill up. I can now go and enjoy a few laps at the nurburgring :)

[DJDevon]

I recently changed out the fluid on my Mazda 626 and used a length of rubber hose. With a long enough hose technically you can fill it no matter what the angle is on the fill port as long as you keep the bottle above the end of the hose. ;) Another great repair video Eric keep 'em coming.

[jonathanlopez]

hey Eric I like working on my accord stoned too

[davidnjennieprice]

Amsoil also makes a 100% Synthetic special synchromesh fluid (that specifically meets the Honda specification) I believe 5W30 that works very well and is use in all of our manual Honda transmissions. Also my friend with a 2008 Honda 2000 uses it with fantastic performance as well. The exact part# is Amsoil Manual Synchromesh Fluid 5W-30 (MTFQT) replaces: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid, P/N 08798-9031. This fluid is backwards compatible with Honda Manual Transmission Fluid, P/N 08798-9016.

[cyrilasfrenchyaz]

Just did that today on my 201, 000 miles Honda Civic and the oil was smelly and black. You can tell the Honda oil is not synthetic, doesn't last too long. I do a oil change for the transmission every 3 years or 30, 000 miles, whatever comes first. Much better shifting now. Thanks Eric!

[ericthecarguy]

That's been a problem with Honda manuals for years. It's usually 3rd gear that's the problem however. The fix is to replace the syncro.

[JPNR]

I bought 2004 TL last December and am the 3rd owner. Being a jet plane mechanic, I plan to keep this car for life.

Like Eric says, when Honda says "Use genuine Honda fluid", they are not kidding. The previous owner(s) put engine oil in the MT, aftermarket coolant and ATF in the power steering. I flushed everything except the engine oil & brake + clutch fluid, which I'll be doing when I'm done rebuilding the front end.

Honda's MT fluid & power steering fluid are crystal clear.

[mkbcoolman]

I love this channel. Educational and entertaining. Even when it's about something I already know how to do, they're still a lot of fun to watch.

Keep up the awesome work, Eric.

[accordinglyryan]

I put ACDelco Synchromesh Friction Modified in my 6 speed Accord yesterday and it shifts buttery smooth now. Really happy with the results.

[idgafa]

Thanks Eric! I really appreciate the time & effort you put into making these videos. I have 2 Honda's; a 1992 Accord & a 1992 Civic. They are each over 223, 000 miles and I really want to keep them going. Your videos are the go to I use to help me do just that.

[ericthecarguy]

A magician never reveals their tricks.

[patrickschliesing]

Hey Eric/Youtube Community, I found this video when searching for a solution to our 2002 Civic 1.7 EX 5 speed manual. Seems to be similar enough to the car in this video, especially the drain/fill procedure. The issue I'm experiencing is when shifting across the shift gate, meaning from left to right and right to left, or when commonly going from 1st to Reverse across the shift gate, or shifting over from 2nd into 3rd, 4th over into 5th, ect. Shifting up and down (such as 1st to 2nd, 3rd to 4th) is no problem. We started by unhooking the shift cable that moves the "up and down" shift lever, and that cable works flawlessly. While under the hood, I can move the cable back and forth by hand and I see the shifter inside the car moving left and right freely. Once you hook the cable back up to the transmission, it takes 2 hands and a lot of force to muscle that shifter over across the gate. Suspecting bad/low fluid levels, we used this video to drain and fill with Honda MTF as seen in the video. No change in issue symptoms. What to inspect and diagnose next? Honestly we're at the point where if we need to remove the transmission to fix this, we're just going to junk the car.

Help!

[DrWodka]

Eric the Car Guy is a genius. He tells you how to do stuff cuz he knows he can't do it all on his own. Yet, at the same time, he knows lots of ppl will actually rather have him do it so... win-win.

[ericthecarguy]

It depends on the situation and application. As for Honda's, go OE whenever possible.

[ericthecarguy]

The gears can churn up the oil adding air to it. Once the fluid becomes contaminated with air it will not lubricate properly.

[sfantupetru]

Your work here is highly appreciated Eric, I learned a lot of things by watching your videos, I wish I was your apprentice.I Will always support your work