I have a 05 Stewie. I have a problem with notchiness when going from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Someone recommended switching the transmission fluid to AMSOIL MTF 5W30. I don't have the tools or facilities to change my own fluid, so I called around.

The response from the shops that I called was that they couldn't do it, because Honda did not recommend 5W30 for my Stewie.

Is there any validity to their response? If 5W30 is what I should be using, and a certified shop won't do it, I can ask a friend to do it. I just want to make sure that this synthetic transmission fluid will be good for my car.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Jos

 

I suggest going to a GM dealership and asking for Synchomesh friction modified. It is known to take out grinds. As for changing it. It is not hard to do and doesnt require many tools at all.

 

Why not use the new Honda MTF? I believe Indyman is using this currently, maybe we can get him to chime in.

 

Use a fluid with friction modifiers for use in a manual tranny. Engine oil is generally too slippery to allow synchronizers to work properly.

 

That's what I'm using, I like it better than OEM and Redline.

 

the Syncromesh(sp) and OEM Honda MTF is a long standing argument.......Im currently sticking with OEM...but have looked into the GM.....

Really the thing to do is change it and see for yourself. Check out the DIY section for a HOW TO on changing Tranny Fluid. If you are still uncomfortable with it, ask around your community and see if they would like to have a mod day, and surely someone will have done it before and offer up some help and show you

 

The new Honda MTF is excellent. Switch to it before the synchromesh.

 

I've never heard of any shop not putting in whatever you want to use. That's very interesting and disappointing, to say the least.

So far, I've used 3 different fluids:

1st, I used Honda MTF for a couple of fills. I think this fluid was adequate, but nothing special. I had the same complaints as everyone else.

2nd, I used GMSMFM for 3 fills I think. This fluid was an improvement over MTF, but didn't last very long (around 7K miles for me).

3rd, I tried the new Honda MTF. It was awful at first. It felt like someone poured sand in my transmission. So I ordered a quart of AMSOIL MTF and MTG to use as a mix. By the time the AMSOIL arrived, my tranny started to work better and I decided to give the new Honda MTF a little more time. After around 500 miles, I was convinced that the new Honda MTF had no weaknesses. My tranny shifts great and the 1-2 shift when cold is incredibly better than either of the other 2 fluids.

4th, does anyone want to buy some AMSOIL MTF and MTG from me? I don't think I'll be trying it now!

 

It is so nice to have so many people willing to provide assistance. Thank you so much for all your responses. I think that I will stick to OEM or maybe try the new Honda MTF fluid.



Jos

 

Before doing a transmission fluid change check the clutch fluid... a clean fill and bleed of that system will often fix shifting issues.