Honda Manual Transmission Tips
I know Hondas better than just about anything, so they get their own section here. As for fluid, I know that the Honda manual says you can used 5W30 or 10W30 motor oil in their transmissions. I do not recommend this. In fact, I recommend that you only use Honda fluid in your Honda manual transmission.
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There is one exception; I have found one other fluid that works well and that’s GM’s Syncromesh fluid. I’ve actually had luck fixing stubborn synchronizers using this fluid, so it’s something to be considered. In fact, I know some GM guys who call it “transmission rebuild in a bottle.” If you have a shifting problem with your Honda manual, check the clutch hydraulics for leaks, particularly the clutch master. These have been known to leak, and when they do they can cause shifting problems, usually grinding into gears.
In addition to checking the hydraulics, check the shift linkage for worn bushings. This is also a common problem with Hondas. This linkage is often located above an exhaust shield. You might have to drop that down to do a proper inspection. If the bushings are worn, replace the linkage; it’s much easier than trying to mess with new bushings.
Lastly, Honda third-gear synchronizers are known for faults. If you only have a shifting issue going into third gear, you might need to replace the third-gear synchronizer.
If you put a performance clutch in your Honda and you have a hydraulic clutch, be prepared to replace the clutch hydraulics often. Performance clutches have pretty stiff pressure plates and the already-weak Honda clutch hydraulics don’t hold up well under the extra load.
Here’s a video on changing Honda manual transmission fluid.
Video Title: Honda Manual Transmission Tips – Solving Transmission Problems – EricTheCarGuy Video Description: In this Article we talk about Honda Manual Transmission Tips.
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5 thoughts on “Honda Manual Transmission Tips”
Alan C.
June 4, 2022 at 9:38 pm
I’d followed your civic manual transmission rebuild video to refresh the input shaft and axle seals, plus a couple of bearings. After successfully putting the transmission back together, I’d tried to hand spin the input shaft to see if it would turn freely. Unfortunately, it does not. Is it normal to have this much resistance? The shift crank seems click between gears easily.
Red Pickering
April 7, 2020 at 3:19 pm
I’m having this same exact issue on my 2004 Civic with the 5th gear. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thinking I can maybe adjust where the linkages connect on the top of the transmission or something. I’m sure you probably know more about these Honda’s so if you know what it could be and what would help, I would greatly appreciate any help and advice.
Rob Williams
October 6, 2021 at 1:43 pm
Red, Did you ever receive an answer regarding this issue? I’m presently in the same boat on my ’05 Civic EX. Thanks!
Benny Morales
March 14, 2020 at 5:44 am
I have a 99 Honda Prelude with a h23a motor and the transmission from an F-22a and the trash transmission works fine shifts into gear correctly through all the gears but fifth gear when I put it in 5th it feels like it almost goes in but then when I let the clutch out it grinds a little bit and then I tried again I get nothing I am currently running GM synchromesh fluid in the transmission I am open to any suggestion that don’t require cracking the transmission open possibly LOL probably not going to happen but at least like to know where I should start to look at and when I do crack it open if you could help me that would be wonderful thank you very much
Benny
Rob Williams
October 6, 2021 at 1:44 pm
Benny, Did you ever receive an answer regarding this issue? I’m presently in the same boat on my ’05 Civic EX. Thanks!