89 Acura Legend Manual Transmission

The 1989 Acura Legend with manual transmission features a 5-speed gearbox paired with a 2.7L V6 engine producing 160 horsepower. This luxury sports sedan offers precise shifting, smooth clutch engagement, and excellent driving dynamics. Below are key sections covering specifications, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for the manual transmission system.

1. Transmission Specifications 2. Operation Guidelines 3. Maintenance Schedule 4. Fluid Requirements 5. Clutch System 6. Gear Ratios 7. Common Issues 8. Troubleshooting 9. Repair Procedures 10. Technical Service Bulletins

Transmission Specifications

The 1989 Acura Legend manual transmission is a 5-speed fully synchronized unit designed for smooth shifting and durability.

Specification	Details
Transmission Type	5-speed manual, fully synchronized
Gearbox Code	M5A
Clutch Type	Hydraulic, single disc dry clutch
Fluid Capacity	2.1 quarts (2.0 liters)
Fluid Type	Honda MTF or equivalent 10W-30 motor oil
Final Drive Ratio	4.266:1
Shift Pattern	5-speed H-pattern with reverse left and up
Case Material	Aluminum alloy
Weight	Approximately 85 lbs (38.5 kg)
Manufacturer	Honda/Acura

Operation Guidelines

Proper operation ensures longevity and optimal performance of the manual transmission system.

Clutch Engagement: Press clutch pedal fully to floor before shifting gears.
Shifting Technique: Smooth, deliberate shifts; avoid forcing into gear.
Rev Matching: Downshift while matching engine RPM to road speed.
Hill Starts: Use parking brake for assistance on steep inclines.
Cold Weather: Allow transmission fluid to warm up before aggressive driving.

WARNING! Do not rest hand on shift lever while driving as this can cause premature wear of shift forks and synchronizers.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is crucial for transmission longevity and performance.

Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Clutch Fluid: Check reservoir level monthly; change every 2 years
Shift Linkage Inspection: Every 15,000 miles
Clutch System Check: Every 25,000 miles for wear and adjustment
Transmission Mounts: Inspect every 30,000 miles

CAUTION! Use only recommended transmission fluids to prevent damage to synchronizers and bearings.

Fluid Requirements

Primary Fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
Alternative: 10W-30 high-quality motor oil (API SG or higher)
Capacity: 2.1 quarts (2.0 liters) including torque converter
Change Interval: 30,000 miles under normal conditions
Fluid Type: Mineral-based gear oil not recommended
Clutch Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Bleeding: Required after clutch master/slave cylinder replacement

Clutch System

The hydraulic clutch system consists of master cylinder, slave cylinder, clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing.

Components: Clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, clutch fork, pilot bearing.

Operation: Hydraulic pressure from master cylinder activates slave cylinder, which moves clutch fork to disengage clutch. Adjustment: Self-adjusting hydraulic system; pedal free play should be 0.4-0.8 inches. Wear Indicators: Slipping during acceleration, difficulty shifting, clutch pedal sticking to floor, fluid leaks at cylinders.

Gear Ratios

Optimal gear selection for various driving conditions and fuel efficiency.

1st Gear: 3.307:1 - For initial acceleration from stop
2nd Gear: 1.850:1 - City driving and moderate acceleration
3rd Gear: 1.272:1 - Highway merging and passing
4th Gear: 0.954:1 - Cruising at moderate speeds
5th Gear: 0.795:1 - Fuel-efficient highway cruising
Reverse: 3.000:1 - Low speed maneuvering

Tip: Shift between 2,500-3,500 RPM for optimal fuel economy and smooth operation.

Common Issues

Typical problems encountered with the 89 Acura Legend manual transmission.

Grinding Gears: Worn synchronizers or low transmission fluid
Difficulty Shifting: Worn clutch components or hydraulic issues
Transmission Noise: Worn bearings or insufficient lubrication
Clutch Slipping: Worn clutch disc or pressure plate
Fluid Leaks: Damaged seals or gaskets
Vibration: Worn transmission mounts or unbalanced components
Stuck in Gear: Bent shift forks or internal damage
Hard Shifting: Contaminated fluid or linkage problems

WARNING! Continuing to drive with grinding gears can cause catastrophic transmission failure requiring complete rebuild.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Grinding when shifting	Low fluid, worn synchros	Check fluid level; replace synchronizers if needed.
Hard to shift into gear	Clutch not disengaging	Bleed clutch system; check master/slave cylinders.
Clutch pedal to floor	Hydraulic failure	Inspect for leaks; replace master/slave cylinder.
Transmission noise	Bearings, low fluid	Check fluid level; inspect bearings for wear.
Gear pops out	Worn shift forks, detents	Inspect internal components; replace worn parts.

Diagnosis: Systematic inspection of hydraulic system, linkage, and internal components.

Repair Procedures

Basic repair procedures for common transmission issues.

Fluid Change: Drain old fluid, refill with recommended MTF
Clutch Replacement: Remove transmission, replace clutch components
Seal Replacement: Address leaks at input shaft, output shaft, or selector shafts
Shift Linkage Adjustment: Ensure precise gear engagement
Bearing Replacement: Address whining or grinding noises

CAUTION! Transmission removal requires proper support equipment and technical expertise.

Technical Service Bulletins

Manufacturer-issued updates and recommendations for the manual transmission system.

TSB 89-012: Updated shift linkage bushings for improved feel
TSB 90-005: Revised clutch master cylinder design
TSB 91-018: Improved transmission mount specifications
TSB 92-007: Updated synchronizer material for 2nd and 3rd gears
Recall 89-T-114: Clutch hydraulic line routing modification

For technical support, contact Acura Customer Service at 1-800-382-2238 or visit www.acura.com.