FL5 Manual Transmission Fluid Exchange

[PointByPatrol]

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

No issues at all. I know some folks will say that they feel a big difference, but I don't. I used the AC Delco fluid in both my FK8 and now the FL5. The AC Delco fluid is inexpensive, and doesn't cause any issues. I'll be exchanging it frequently based on the 2024 track schedule, and this makes for a great inexpensive option!

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[s2kdriver80]

No issues at all. I know some folks will say that they feel a big difference, but I don't. I used the AC Delco fluid in both my FK8 and now the FL5. The AC Delco fluid is inexpensive, and doesn't cause any issues. I'll be exchanging it frequently based on the 2024 track schedule, and this makes for a great inexpensive option!

Just to clarify, the GM fluid didn't produce any appreciable difference in the smoothness when shifting through the gears. However, my 4th gear lockout did go away. It's held up for a few thousand miles so far, but I expect it to lose its effectiveness eventually. Will keep note of miles lasted and maybe try another oil to see how long that one lasts for comparison.

 

[TypeRD]

You guys should give Amsoil a try and report back. In my old 8th gen Si it made a world of difference. Truly. I’m not one to exaggerate stuff like this. Once I switched to Amsoil I never experienced any notchiness of note. And it was just much smoother overall. On rare occasion it might not want to go smoothly into reverse after sitting in the cold garage (Wisconsin winters). Again, this was rare. I never experienced any lock-outs. I will say that I think the FL5’s shifter is smoother and more precise feeling than my 8th gen’s. So maybe Amsoil might not make as big of a difference in this case. I plan to switch, but it’s going to be a long while unless my shifter begins not feeling right.

 

[rBobby]

I used GM fluids in all my previous Honda transmissions. It felt about the same as stock fluid, but stopped gear grinding and pop outs in my Accord V6 6MT and 8th Gen Civic Si. I feel like it broke down more quickly as gears got crunchy, so I changed it every 15K miles before of street driving.

 

[eric12345]

One observation: the “level hole” is intended to ensure proper level of fluid. However, it appears that only the front is jacked up, which means the car is not level, and could mean that there is too much fluid?

 

[PointByPatrol]

One observation: the “level hole” is intended to ensure proper level of fluid. However, it appears that only the front is jacked up, which means the car is not level, and could mean that there is too much fluid?

Yep. I backed the rear of the car on to a slope so that it was level when lifted.

 

[eric12345]

Yep. I backed the rear of the car on to a slope so that it was level when lifted.

Cool. I haven’t done a transmission fluid change in years, but I do remember painstakingly using a level. (Not that I’m certain it would make a lot of difference. - But as you explained, too much can lead to frothing).
Thanks for a great video!

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