1997 Acura Integra Manual Transmission Fluid

The 1997 Acura Integra manual transmission requires specific fluid types and maintenance procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This guide covers fluid specifications, capacity, change intervals, procedures, and troubleshooting for the 5-speed manual transmission found in the 1997 Acura Integra models.

1. Fluid Specifications 2. Transmission Capacity 3. Change Intervals 4. Tools Required 5. Step-by-Step Procedure 6. Troubleshooting Common Issues 7. Safety Precautions 8. Recommended Products

Fluid Specifications

The 1997 Acura Integra manual transmission requires specific Honda/Acura-approved fluids for proper operation and gear protection.

Fluid Type	Specification
Honda MTF	Genuine Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
Alternative	GM Synchromesh Friction Modified
Viscosity	10W-30 or equivalent manual transmission fluid
Capacity	2.2 quarts (2.1 liters)
API Rating	GL-4 or GL-5 (GL-4 preferred for synchros)

Transmission Capacity

The manual transmission fluid capacity for 1997 Acura Integra is 2.2 quarts (2.1 liters).

Total Capacity: 2.2 quarts (2.1 liters)
Drain & Refill: Approximately 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters)
Transmission Model: S80 5-speed manual
Case Material: Aluminum alloy

NOTE: Always check fluid level at fill plug opening.

Change Intervals

Recommended manual transmission fluid change intervals for optimal performance.

Normal Driving: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Severe Conditions: Every 15,000 miles or 1 year
Racing/Track Use: Every 5-7 track events or 5,000 miles
First Change: 1,000 miles on new/rebuilt transmission

WARNING! Using incorrect fluid can damage synchros and gears.

Tools Required

Essential tools for manual transmission fluid change procedure.

Tool	Specification
Socket Set	3/8" drive, 17mm socket for drain/fill plugs
Ratchet	3/8" drive with extension
Fluid Pump	Hand pump or transmission fluid pump
Drain Pan	2.5+ quart capacity
Jack & Stands	For safe vehicle lifting and support
Torque Wrench	For proper plug tightening

Step-by-Step Procedure

Complete procedure for changing manual transmission fluid in 1997 Acura Integra.

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Safely lift vehicle and support with jack stands
Locate transmission drain plug (17mm, bottom of case)
Place drain pan under transmission
Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely
Clean drain plug and reinstall with new washer
Locate fill plug (17mm, side of transmission case)
Remove fill plug and pump new fluid until it drips out
Reinstall fill plug with proper torque (29-36 ft-lbs)
Lower vehicle and check for leaks

CAUTION! Transmission fluid may be hot; wear protective gloves.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common manual transmission fluid-related problems and solutions.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard shifting	Old/wrong fluid, low level	Change fluid, use Honda MTF, check level
Grinding gears	Worn synchros, incorrect fluid	Use GL-4 fluid, inspect synchros
Transmission noise	Low fluid, worn bearings	Check fluid level, inspect for wear
Fluid leaks	Worn seals, loose plugs	Replace seals, tighten plugs properly
Poor cold shifting	Wrong viscosity fluid	Use recommended 10W-30 equivalent

Safety Precautions

Important safety measures when working with transmission fluid.

Always work on level surface with parking brake engaged
Use jack stands - never work under vehicle supported only by jack
Wear safety glasses and gloves to prevent fluid contact
Dispose of used fluid properly at recycling center
Avoid skin contact - transmission fluid may irritate skin

WARNING! Used transmission fluid is hazardous waste - do not pour down drain.

Recommended Products

Approved manual transmission fluids and related products.

Product	Manufacturer	Specification
Genuine Honda MTF	Honda	Original equipment specification
Synchromesh FM	GM	Friction modified for smooth shifting
MT-90	Red Line	GL-4, 75W90 synthetic
Manual Transmission Fluid	Royal Purple	Synerlec additive technology
Drain Plug Washers	Honda	Crush washers for proper sealing