The great "change or don't change" tranny fluid debate
 

Well, I know that there is a huge debate about changing automatic transmission fluid... some people swear if it has been too long and you do it, it'll make the transmission go out. I've personally experienced that one, so I believe it.

Now I was going to change the fluid in this manual transmission Accord and I've heard it both ways - most people swear it'll be fine - but a couple of people swear it's just like it is for automatics

So how do I know which it is and who to believe? I'd love to change it to see if it shifts easier.. but I can't afford a transmission.. :confused:

For a manual transmission, I would say to change it.

X2, I agree with PA.

In an auto it has pumps and seals and valves that new fluid can clean up and cause to leak. In a MT there are actual gears meshing together. Change the fluid.

Ah, I see. The one I remember most is doing a drain and fill on my exes little mazda car- the next day it was slipping. And I'm pretty sure they put the right stuff in because I bought what the om called for and watched them dump it in..

It sounds like in a MT if I DON'T change it I will be pretty likely to end up with a failure, then? So I pretty much have to do it.. Is there really no filter in these?

There is no filter on the manual transmission. The honda manual transmissions are pretty bullet-proof. It is rare to see a thread where a manual transmission was shot on this forum. It does happen from time to time.

If you don't change MT Tranny Oil there is no mechanism for getting the inevitable fine metal wear particles out of the tranny oil.
There's no filter (like on an AT) and no magnetic tipped plug either (like on a motorcycle).

Plus, reports say multi-grade oils break down their viscosity additives thru use.

Your choice, I'm going to retire.

I had no idea there was no filter or magnet or anything. I can see why it must be changed. Plus, I definitely know you're right about motor oil. That stuff just can't be used forever because the additives are depleted/break down over time / due to heat.

Also what you said about it not being dangerous like an auto because it's actual simple gears meshing, that also made a lot of sense!!

I really appreciate the help from all of yas and I hope you never think that I ignored anything!!!! I am a hard headed old (*&#% but I do listen :D