Acura TSX Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity

The Acura TSX manual transmission requires specific fluid types and capacities for optimal performance and longevity. Below are key sections covering fluid specifications, recommended fluids, replacement procedures, maintenance intervals, and troubleshooting tips for manual transmission fluid maintenance.

1. Fluid Specifications 2. Recommended Fluids 3. Fluid Capacity by Model Year 4. Replacement Procedure 5. Maintenance Intervals 6. Tools Required 7. Safety Precautions 8. Troubleshooting 9. Frequently Asked Questions 10. Professional Service

Fluid Specifications

Manual transmission fluid requirements for Acura TSX models with manual transmission.

Specification	Description
Fluid Type	Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
Viscosity	SAE 10W-30 or Honda/Acura Genuine MTF
API Rating	API GL-4 or higher
Color	Amber when new, darkens with use
Temperature Range	-40°F to 300°F (-40°C to 149°C)

Recommended Fluids

Manufacturer-approved transmission fluids for Acura TSX manual transmissions.

Honda/Acura Genuine Manual Transmission Fluid - OEM recommended
GM Manual Transmission Fluid - Alternative option
Red Line MTL - High-performance synthetic
Royal Purple Synchromax - Synthetic blend
Amsoil Manual Transmission Fluid - Full synthetic

WARNING! Do not use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in manual transmissions.

Fluid Capacity by Model Year

Transmission fluid capacities vary by model year and transmission type.

Model Year	Transmission Code	Fluid Capacity
2004-2008	M2W5	2.2 quarts (2.1 liters)
2009-2014	M2UA	2.4 quarts (2.3 liters)
2004-2008 EU Spec	M2YA	2.3 quarts (2.2 liters)
2009-2014 EU Spec	M2UB	2.5 quarts (2.4 liters)

Note: Actual capacity may vary slightly during refill.

Replacement Procedure

Step-by-step guide for manual transmission fluid replacement.

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
Locate transmission drain plug (bottom) and fill plug (side).
Place drain pan under transmission drain plug.
Remove fill plug first to ensure proper drainage.
Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely.
Clean drain plug and reinstall with new washer.
Refill through fill opening until fluid reaches fill hole.
Reinstall fill plug with new washer and tighten to specification.
Check for leaks and test drive vehicle.

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

Maintenance Intervals

Recommended service intervals for manual transmission fluid.

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

Severe conditions include: Towing, frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty environments.

Tools Required

Essential tools for transmission fluid service.

Tool	Specification
Socket Set	3/8" drive, 17mm and 24mm sockets
Torque Wrench	10-100 ft-lb capacity
Fluid Pump	Manual or electric transmission fluid pump
Drain Pan	Minimum 3-quart capacity
Jack Stands	Pair of 3-ton capacity
Floor Jack	2-ton minimum capacity
Safety Glasses	ANSI approved
Gloves	Chemical resistant

Safety Precautions

Important safety measures when working with transmission fluid.

Work in well-ventilated area to avoid fume inhalation.
Use jack stands - never work under vehicle supported only by jack.
Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from fluid splashes.
Use gloves to prevent skin contact with used fluid.
Allow transmission to cool before draining hot fluid.
Dispose of used fluid properly at recycling center.

WARNING! Used transmission fluid may contain harmful contaminants.

Troubleshooting

Common transmission fluid-related issues and solutions.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard shifting	Old/wrong fluid	Drain and refill with correct MTF
Grinding noise	Low fluid level	Check and top up transmission fluid
Fluid leaks	Worn seals/plugs	Inspect and replace seals/washers
Transmission overheating	Inadequate fluid	Verify proper fluid level and condition
Poor fuel economy	Wrong viscosity	Use manufacturer-recommended fluid

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Acura TSX manual transmission fluid.

Q: Can I use regular motor oil in my manual transmission?
A: No, use only approved manual transmission fluid.
Q: How often should I check transmission fluid level?
A: Check every oil change or 5,000 miles.
Q: What happens if I overfill the transmission?
A: Overfilling can cause foaming and seal damage.
Q: Can different MTF brands be mixed?
A: Not recommended - stick with one brand/type.
Q: Is synthetic MTF better than conventional?
A: Synthetic offers better temperature stability and longevity.

Professional Service

When to seek professional transmission service.

Contact Acura dealership or certified transmission specialist for:

Transmission fluid flush services
Transmission repair or rebuild
Warranty-related service
Complex diagnostic issues
Clutch replacement services

Acura Customer Service: 1-800-382-2238
Website: www.acura.com
Warranty: Consult your vehicle's warranty documentation