@c3kay: Glad it worked.

What I am about to say is going to sound like insanity to you and many others here, but think seriously about changing your MT fluid more often. Once every 10k miles or once with every other oil change. If you do it yourself, it's a small pain in the tush, but will cost less than $10.00. Most forum-istas let cost decide their car-care choices. And yet they insist that they love their cars. I don't get this.

Now, I'm going to repeat the story I've told a million times here and on s2k forums: When the guy who designed the S2000 was asked on a youtube video what owners should do to care for their cars, the guy said to change the MT fluid with every other engine oil change. The s2k had a gearbox made by Aisin. I believe that our sweet-as-can-be Fit gearbox is also an Aisin product. Think about it.

 

What he said,

The "recommended" interval is based somewhat on marketing to get the "cost to own" lower.
No doubt it will be fine if you just commute with the interval but fluid degrades viscosity lowers and honda MTF is loaded with zinc which protects against metal to metal contact but it is a consumable additive. I did my first change at 15k an notice significant improvement in shifts and less vibration overall just smoother feel.

 

FWIW the Celica happily went over 100,000km without a fluid change. No discernible difference before or after either.

And I drive the bollix out of that one.