Acura Integra Manual Transmission Oil Change

The Acura Integra manual transmission oil change is a critical maintenance procedure that ensures smooth shifting, proper lubrication of transmission components, and extended transmission life. This guide covers the complete process for draining and refilling manual transmission fluid, including recommended fluid types, tools required, step-by-step procedures, and important safety considerations for Acura Integra models with manual transmissions.

1. Tools and Materials Required 2. Safety Precautions 3. Transmission Fluid Specifications 4. Step-by-Step Procedure 5. Inspection and Verification 6. Common Issues and Solutions 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Fluid Disposal 9. Troubleshooting

Tools and Materials Required

Essential tools and materials needed for a successful manual transmission oil change on your Acura Integra.

Tool/Material	Description
Manual transmission fluid	Honda MTF or equivalent (see specifications)
Drain pan	Capacity of at least 3 quarts
Socket set	8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm sockets
Ratchet and extensions	3/8" drive with 6" extension
Fluid pump	Hand pump or transmission fluid pump
Jack and jack stands	For safe vehicle lifting and support
Wheel chocks	For safety when working under vehicle
Funnel	For clean fluid transfer
Shop towels	For cleaning and spill containment
Gloves and safety glasses	Personal protective equipment

Safety Precautions

Important safety measures to follow during the transmission oil change procedure.

Park on level surface and engage parking brake completely.
Use wheel chocks on both sides of rear wheels.
Allow transmission to cool completely before starting work.
Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect from hot fluid and sharp edges.
Use jack stands - never work under vehicle supported only by a jack.

WARNING! Transmission fluid can be extremely hot after driving. Allow adequate cooling time to prevent burns. Ensure vehicle is properly supported before crawling underneath.

Transmission Fluid Specifications

Recommended fluid types and capacities for Acura Integra manual transmissions.

Fluid Type: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) or equivalent
Capacity: 2.2-2.6 quarts (2.1-2.5 liters)
Viscosity: SAE 10W-30 or manufacturer-specific MTF
Change Interval: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
API Rating: GL-4 or GL-5 (check manufacturer recommendation)
Color: Clear to amber when new, dark brown when worn
Smell: Slight petroleum odor - burnt smell indicates problems

Step-by-Step Procedure

Detailed instructions for draining and refilling manual transmission fluid.

Raise vehicle safely using jack and secure with jack stands.
Locate transmission drain plug (bottom) and fill plug (side).
Place drain pan under transmission drain plug.
Remove fill plug first to ensure fluid will drain properly.
Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely (15-20 minutes).
Inspect drain plug for metal particles - small amount normal, excessive indicates wear.
Clean drain plug and reinstall with new crush washer if available.
Use fluid pump to add new transmission fluid through fill hole until it begins to overflow.
Reinstall fill plug with proper torque (29-33 ft-lbs).
Lower vehicle and check for leaks.

CAUTION! Always remove fill plug before drain plug. If fill plug cannot be removed, do not drain fluid as transmission cannot be refilled.

Inspection and Verification

Post-service checks to ensure proper transmission operation.

Visual Inspection: Check for leaks around drain and fill plugs. Operational Check: Start engine, depress clutch, shift through all gears. Test Drive: Verify smooth shifting through all gears, check for unusual noises.

Proper fluid level is critical - too little causes premature wear, too much can cause foaming and overheating.

Common Issues and Solutions

Typical problems encountered during manual transmission fluid changes.

Stripped drain/fill plugs: Use proper socket size, apply steady pressure.
Difficulty removing fill plug: Use penetrating oil, proper breaker bar.
Fluid leaks after service: Check plug torque, replace crush washers.
Hard shifting after change: Ensure correct fluid type, proper fill level.
Metal particles in old fluid: Indicates internal wear, consider transmission inspection.

Tip: Always use six-point sockets on drain and fill plugs to prevent rounding.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for manual transmission fluid service.

Condition	Service Interval
Normal driving	Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Severe service	Every 15,000 miles or 1 year
Racing/track use	Every 3-5 events or 1,500 miles
New transmission	Initial change at 1,000 miles
High mileage	Inspect fluid condition every oil change

Fluid Disposal

Proper disposal methods for used transmission fluid.

Used transmission fluid is hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Do not pour down drains or on ground. Take to authorized recycling center, auto parts store with recycling program, or hazardous waste facility.

CAUTION! Transmission fluid is harmful to environment. Store in sealed containers until proper disposal. Avoid skin contact and inhalation of fumes.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Leaking from drain plug	Stripped threads or missing washer	Replace drain plug and crush washer; use thread sealant if necessary.
Hard shifting after change	Wrong fluid type or level	Verify correct MTF specification; check fill level per procedure.
Gear grinding noise	Low fluid level or wrong fluid	Check fluid level immediately; drain and refill with correct fluid.
Fill plug won't budge	Corrosion or overtightened	Use penetrating oil, proper breaker bar; apply heat carefully if needed.
Fluid won't drain	Clogged drain hole or cold fluid	Use wire to clear obstruction; ensure transmission is warm but not hot.

Professional Help: If problems persist after fluid change, consult qualified Acura technician for transmission diagnosis.

Service: Contact Acura dealership or certified transmission specialist for complex issues.