96 Acura Integra Manual Transmission Fluid

The 1996 Acura Integra manual transmission requires specific fluid types and maintenance procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Proper fluid selection, regular changes, and correct filling procedures are essential for smooth shifting, reduced wear, and extended transmission life. Below are key sections covering fluid specifications, capacity, change intervals, procedures, and troubleshooting.

Recommended Fluid Types

Proper fluid selection is critical for 1996 Acura Integra manual transmission performance and durability.

Fluid Type	Specification
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)	Recommended OEM fluid - part #08798-9016
GM Synchromesh Fluid	Alternative option - part #12345349
Red Line MTL	High-performance synthetic option
Royal Purple Synchromax	Synthetic manual transmission fluid

WARNING! Do not use automatic transmission fluid or motor oil in manual transmission.

Transmission Fluid Capacity

Understanding proper fluid capacity ensures correct filling and prevents damage.

Total Capacity: 2.2 quarts (2.1 liters)
Drain & Refill: Approximately 1.9 quarts (1.8 liters)
Transmission Model: Cable-operated 5-speed manual
Case Material: Aluminum housing

NOTE: Capacity may vary slightly depending on transmission condition and drain method.

Change Intervals

Regular fluid changes maintain transmission health and performance.

Normal Driving: Every 30,000 miles or 30 months
Severe Conditions: Every 15,000 miles or 15 months
Racing/Track Use: Every 5-7 track events or 5,000 miles
First Change: 15,000 miles for new transmission break-in

Severe Conditions Include: Towing, frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, aggressive driving.

Tools & Materials Required

Proper tools ensure safe and efficient fluid change procedure.

Tool	Specification
Transmission Fluid	2 quarts Honda MTF or equivalent
Drain Pan	2-3 quart capacity
Socket Set	3/8" drive, 17mm socket for drain/fill plugs
Fluid Pump	Hand pump or squeeze bottle with tube
Jack & Jack Stands	For safe vehicle elevation
Torque Wrench	20-30 ft-lbs range
Gloves & Safety Glasses	Personal protection equipment

Step-by-Step Fluid Change Procedure

Follow these steps for proper transmission fluid replacement.

Park on level surface, engage parking brake, and chock wheels.
Elevate vehicle safely using jack stands - never work under jack only.
Locate transmission drain plug (bottom) and fill plug (side).
Place drain pan under transmission drain plug.
Remove fill plug first to ensure drain plug can be removed.
Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely.
Clean drain plug and inspect magnet for metal particles.
Reinstall drain plug with new washer, torque to 29 ft-lbs.
Pump new fluid into fill hole until fluid runs out.
Reinstall fill plug with new washer, torque to 29 ft-lbs.
Lower vehicle, check for leaks, test drive.

CAUTION! Transmission fluid may be hot after driving. Allow to cool before servicing.

Checking Fluid Level

Regular fluid level checks prevent transmission damage.

Park vehicle on level surface.
Locate transmission fill plug on driver's side of transmission case.
Remove fill plug - fluid should be at bottom of fill hole threads.
If fluid drips out, level is adequate.
If no fluid appears, add fluid until it runs out fill hole.
Reinstall fill plug with proper torque.

NOTE: There is no dipstick for manual transmission fluid checking.

Common Symptoms of Bad Fluid

Recognize when transmission fluid needs replacement.

Symptom	Description
Difficult Shifting	Hard to engage gears, grinding noises
Transmission Noise	Whining, buzzing, or grinding sounds
Gear Pop-out	Transmission pops out of gear during operation
Fluid Leaks	Visible fluid under transmission area
Burning Smell	Overheated fluid odor from transmission
Discolored Fluid	Dark, black, or metallic-looking fluid

Troubleshooting Transmission Issues

Common transmission problems and solutions.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Hard shifting when cold	Wrong fluid type or worn fluid	Replace with Honda MTF or Synchromesh
Grinding in 2nd or 3rd gear	Worn synchronizers or low fluid	Check fluid level, consider transmission rebuild
Transmission leaks fluid	Worn seals or loose plugs	Replace axle seals, input shaft seal, or plug washers
Noise in neutral	Worn input shaft bearing	Transmission disassembly and bearing replacement
Will not go into gear	Clutch or hydraulic issue	Check clutch master/slave cylinders, bleed system

Safety Precautions

Important safety measures when servicing transmission fluid.

Always use jack stands - never work under vehicle supported only by jack
Wear safety glasses to protect from fluid splash
Use gloves to prevent skin contact with transmission fluid
Work in well-ventilated area
Dispose of used fluid properly at recycling center
Allow exhaust system to cool before working underneath vehicle

WARNING! Transmission fluid is slippery - clean spills immediately to prevent falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about 1996 Acura Integra manual transmission fluid.

Question	Answer
Can I use automatic transmission fluid?	No, use only manual transmission fluid specified for Honda/Acura
How often should I change fluid?	Every 30,000 miles under normal driving conditions
What happens if I overfill?	Excess fluid can cause leaks and seal damage
Can different fluid brands be mixed?	Not recommended - stick with one type for best performance
Is synthetic fluid better?	Yes, synthetic offers better protection in extreme conditions