2006 Acura TL Manual Transmission Fluid Change

The 2006 Acura TL with manual transmission requires periodic fluid changes to maintain optimal shifting performance and transmission longevity. This procedure involves draining the old transmission fluid and refilling with Honda/Acura Genuine MTF or equivalent manual transmission fluid. Below are key sections for safety precautions, required tools and materials, step-by-step procedure, fluid specifications, and troubleshooting tips.

1. Safety Precautions 2. Required Tools & Materials 3. Step-by-Step Procedure 4. Fluid Specifications 5. Torque Specifications 6. Common Issues & Solutions 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Professional Service

Safety Precautions

Always work on a level surface and use proper safety equipment.

Precaution	Description
Vehicle Support	Use jack stands; never work under vehicle supported only by jack
Hot Components	Allow transmission to cool before starting procedure
Fluid Disposal	Collect used fluid in proper container; dispose at recycling center
Eye Protection	Wear safety glasses to prevent fluid contact with eyes
Gloves	Use chemical-resistant gloves to protect skin

Required Tools & Materials

Gather all necessary items before beginning the fluid change procedure.

Transmission Fluid: Honda/Acura Genuine MTF (2-3 quarts)
Drain Pan: Capacity of at least 4 quarts
Socket Set: 3/8" drive with 17mm socket for drain/fill plugs
Ratchet & Extensions: Various lengths for access
Fluid Pump: Hand pump or transmission fluid pump
Funnel: For clean fluid transfer
Jack & Jack Stands: For vehicle lifting and support
Torque Wrench: For proper bolt tightening
Shop Towels: For cleanup

Step-by-Step Procedure

Follow these steps carefully for proper transmission fluid replacement.

Vehicle Preparation: Park on level surface, engage parking brake, and chock wheels
Lift Vehicle: Lift front end and support securely with jack stands
Locate Plugs: Identify drain plug (bottom) and fill plug (side) of transmission
Remove Fill Plug: Remove fill plug first to ensure drain plug can be removed
Drain Fluid: Place drain pan under transmission and remove drain plug
Inspect Fluid: Check for metal particles or unusual debris in drained fluid
Clean & Reinstall: Clean drain plug and reinstall with new washer
Refill: Use pump to add new fluid through fill opening until it runs out
Final Check: Reinstall fill plug, lower vehicle, and check for leaks

WARNING! Transmission fluid may be hot; wear protective gloves and eyewear.

Fluid Specifications

Use only recommended fluids for optimal transmission performance.

Fluid Type	Specification	Capacity
Honda/Acura MTF	Genuine Manual Transmission Fluid	2.2-2.4 quarts
Equivalent	API GL-4 or GL-5 rated 75W-90	2.2-2.4 quarts
Premium Option	Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid	2.2-2.4 quarts

Note: Do not use automatic transmission fluid or motor oil in manual transmission.

Torque Specifications

Proper torque values ensure leak-free operation and component protection.

Drain Plug: 36 lb-ft (49 Nm)
Fill Plug: 36 lb-ft (49 Nm)
Drain Plug Washer: Replace with new copper washer each time
Fill Plug Washer: Replace with new copper washer each time

CAUTION! Overtightening can damage transmission case threads.

Common Issues & Solutions

Troubleshooting guide for transmission fluid change problems.

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Fluid won't drain	Drain plug stuck	Use penetrating oil and proper tools; avoid stripping
Fluid overfill	Incorrect fill level	Drain excess fluid until level at fill hole
Leaking after change	Damaged washer or threads	Replace washer; inspect threads for damage
Hard shifting after change	Wrong fluid type	Drain and refill with correct Honda/Acura MTF
Fill plug inaccessible	Limited clearance	Use extensions and universal joints for access

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended intervals for manual transmission fluid service.

Normal Driving: Every 30,000 miles or 3 years
Severe Conditions: Every 15,000 miles or 18 months
Racing/Track Use: Every 5-7 track events or annually
First Change: Consider at 15,000 miles for new break-in particles

Tip: Check transmission fluid condition during oil changes for early detection of issues.

Professional Service

When to seek professional automotive service.

If you encounter stripped drain/fill plugs, significant metal debris in fluid, persistent leaks, or lack proper tools/experience, consult a certified Acura technician. Professional service ensures warranty compliance and proper diagnosis of underlying transmission issues.

Acura Service: 1-800-382-2238; www.acura.com