FL5 Manual Transmission Fluid Exchange

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PointByPatrol

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Good stuff... completely eliminated the 4th gear lockout issues I had in the FK8.
I had 5th gear tell me "no" twice on track last weekend! Hope this stuff helps!
 

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My FL5 has less than 1k miles but reverse is difficult to get into. Much different that other manual trans cars I've driven from Honda. Maybe I'll try a new fluid.

It's uncomfortable the pressure I need to use to engage reverse.
 


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My FL5 has less than 1k miles but reverse is difficult to get into. Much different that other manual trans cars I've driven from Honda. Maybe I'll try a new fluid.

It's uncomfortable the pressure I need to use to engage reverse.
The trans loosens up with more mileage. I'm just under 4,000 miles.
 

nix6speed

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My FL5 has less than 1k miles but reverse is difficult to get into. Much different that other manual trans cars I've driven from Honda. Maybe I'll try a new fluid.

It's uncomfortable the pressure I need to use to engage reverse.
In the ITS Owner group someone had their trans replaced because reverse gear went out at low mileage. If it gets worse may be worth a dealer visit.
 

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Thanks for the suggestions I'll check into dealer if its still an issue at first oil change!
 

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Shifts fine....Hondas shifters are nochey, its not a slap shifter....track or no track....I'm just under 2800 hundred miles had it a year as of dec 14 2023.
 

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Yep! Exactly as @CaryH said. Some notchiness is to be expected especially with a brand new trans. If it’s cold, the notchiness can be worse. It’s normal to encounter this when the car has sat for hours too.

@svvitch Don’t muscle it into gear. Usually it’s just the gears are a little out of sync. All you need to do is row it into another gear then put it in the gear you’re trying to use. If this happens frequently, even AFTER driving for awhile and the trans is warmed up…then yeah, THAT may be a problem worth looking into.

@PointByPatrol ‘s issue with being locked out of 5th gear on track (with the trans warmed up) is the unusual thing here. He’s been tracking frequently, so it could be that the trans oil is getting toward the end of its usable life. Honda trans oil is not super great to begin with, in my experience. I know AC Delco Sycromesh is excellent. I’ve had GREAT success with Amsoil. LOVE that stuff. Hope it all works out for you!
 


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Yep! Exactly as @CaryH said. Some notchiness is to be expected especially with a brand new trans. If it’s cold, the notchiness can be worse. It’s normal to encounter this when the car has sat for hours too.

@svvitch Don’t muscle it into gear. Usually it’s just the gears are a little out of sync. All you need to do is row it into another gear then put it in the gear you’re trying to use. If this happens frequently, even AFTER driving for awhile and the trans is warmed up…then yeah, THAT may be a problem worth looking into.

@PointByPatrol ‘s issue with being locked out of 5th gear on track (with the trans warmed up) is the unusual thing here. He’s been tracking frequently, so it could be that the trans oil is getting toward the end of its usable life. Honda trans oil is not super great to begin with, in my experience. I know AC Delco Sycromesh is excellent. I’ve had GREAT success with Amsoil. LOVE that stuff. Hope it all works out for you!
Got AcDelco in it now ;)
 

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Like TypeRD stated, shift into another gear like first or third and then it goes into reverse like butta.

it’s a common trick. I do the same with my Corvette. Not unique to the Type R
 

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I've tried the 1st gear then reverse or clutch in out and in again then reverse. Hot or cold. I may have the dealer check it out. This is my at least 10th Honda manual trans just bizarre to me. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

Maybe it just needs some time or new fluid :)
 

TypeRD

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@svvitch Yeah, I’ve had my car since mid Feb and I’ve not experienced any problems with the trans. As you are very familiar with Honda manual trans, it sounds like you have a good feel for what’s an “uncomfortable amount of pressure” to get it in gear. My gut tells me it simply needs more mileage, especially if it’s not happening every single time you put it in reverse. Either way, if something isn’t working correctly, you have warranty. ?
 

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Any issues after changing the fluid? How has it been holding up?
Sponsored

 
 







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