I just bought my fit with 44k, and it is a 5spd MT. I was just wondering when to do the trans fluid flush, and also is the "notchy shifting" normal in these cars? I'm sure there is a post somewhere else on the forums about this, but I could not find a search window. Any advice would be great as I am very anal when it comes to car maintenance. Thanks!

 

Man! I have been reading a ton about these transmissions..... what can I do to prevent tranny failure besides fluid. Did I make a mistake getting a fit??

 

I never heard any complaints the Fit manual having notchy shifting. Maybe u just need to change the fluid?
I changed mine at 25k mi to Redline MTL GL-4. Makes for buttery smooth shifting.


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What MTF do you use? Honda's MTF seems best.

I replaced mine with Royal Purple Synchromax. Royal Purple themselves do not recommend Synchromax for the transmission and I understand why: shifts got notchier and it takes more care to avoid gnashing of the synchromeshes as compared to Honda's MTF.

Anyway it's pretty easy to let go of the clutch too early and muck up a shift...I'm not immune to that and most often it happens to me when hustling a 1-2 shift.

 

I've always used Honda MTF when I had my civic, I will probably just use that, maybe I will use the Redline fluid. I bought this car so I have a reliable commuter and daily driver.... I wanted a civic si but the gas mileage is not that good on those I seen, I was surprised. When I pay off this car, I would love to do a K20 swap, but for now I just need it to be reliable.... I do not want to blow a tranny or clutch prematurely though... I have been babying this car since I got it just to be safe.

 

The manual gearbox is one of the least problematic areas on a Fit. Some Indonesian guy has posted here before saying that the gearbox can handle up until 400 WHP - that's because he's boosted his Fit to that kind of power.

If you got your hands on the belt-drive CVT, that's a different story. The first thing that goes on those are the clutch packs, and they're going to wilt if you boost the engine (120 WHP has the CVT crying "uncle!"). Fortunately for you, CVT-equipped Fits were never sold in the US.

 

Honda recommends to use only their transmission fluid. If you're looking at some other brands, I have read somewhere in the forum that Amsoil or Redline is the only approved brands. So you might want to check that out before you do it. I would go for original Honda MTF. You don't wanna screw up a gear box you knw...

 

I have been using amsoil with no issues. What I would like to know more on how to do is tighten the "bolt" that can cause the damn tranny to fall apart. Supposedly its pretty easy to do, just not sure where it is. I have searched and found a small amount of info but nothing that gives super detail.

 

I have never heard of a FIT have any tranny problems. And have seen plenty of 90+k miles on Fits on here that have no tranny problems. Worry more about protecting ur AC condensender than the tranny

 

You have a very reliable, near bullet proof MT as can be had. The tendency is to hear all the horror stories on line. Most owners have no issues at all. I would say follow Honda's recommendations on fluid changes.

 

Yea I've been on this forum For about a year and have yet to hear of transmission failure on the MT

 

yeah, if you find out which bolt that is to tighten please let me know too...... I seen that a few times on the forums but do not know where the bolt is located

 

any suggestions on protecting the ac condenser??

 

Thanks all for the help! I really appreciate it... Honestly

 

search "DIY lower mesh grill" (or grille)

 

I am going to do mine when i put my J's Grill on

 

just changed mine wasnt bad being this was the second time around pep boys sells this funnel that meaures and has a plactic clear tube that is very flexable and a lid once its all lined up twist and away it goes this way if you screw up just twist it shut.

 

what fluid did u use sonic??

 

Just make sure you dont use gear oil. They tend to have Sulfur which is not good for the synchros at all.

MTF is what you are looking for.

 

Honda fluids