1993 manual trans fluid

[rts9364]

Those of you with early/mid 90s manual trannys, what fluid do you use? Mine has a slow leak; I usually use Penzoil Syncromesh, but apparently my AutoZone quit carrying it. Thanks.

[Nighthawk243]

GM Parts Direct: 12345349

That'll get you to the trans fluid.

[Matt95GT]

I'm using the GM Synchromesh fluid. IIRC, it requires slightly more than 1 bottle.

[rts9364]

Update. I went to the dealership today and asked for GM Synchromesh Fluid (I later found this called for in my book, as Matt suggested). So the old timer there brings back this bottle of "Synthetic Transmission Fluid" that looks to be reddish in color from the window on the bottle. I told him it was for a MANUAL transmission and that it was called Synchromesh. "Yep, this is the stuff," he says.

I dunno, to me it seems logical that if something is called Synchromesh Fluid, it might possibly say "Synchromesh" somewhere on the bottle. The part # of the stuff I have is 12378515. Anyone familiar with this? I am hesitant to put this in my tranny.

I may have to go back tomorrow armed with Nighthawk's part number.

[Matt95GT]

GM Synchromesh is actually synthetic, but I'm not entirely sure what you have. All that I've ever used had "GM Synchromesh, for manual transmissions" labeled right on the bottle.

I did a really quick search on that part number, and I'm seeing...
Transynd Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid GM P/N 12378515
Google is also showing a lot of relation of that to GM Diesel truck transmissions, which apparently the 6-speed manuals on those call for that fluid. I'd take it back.

When I had to do a CV joint replacement in 2001, none of the local auto stores carried it (or generic equivalents) in stock, but were able to special order it. I'd try that.

[ENGGUY]

I was under the impression that the GM stuff was a semi synthetic? I have 2 manual transmission cars that I use the GM in one and Redline in the other, both products are great. The Redline manual transmission oil is full synthetic. I would never use the heavy gear lube again. The EP additives are suppose to be pretty bad for the bronze syncro's. I would also think some power gains from using lighter weight oil.

[Nighthawk243]

Take it back and go to another dealer... that guy is obviously either:

A) Stupid.
B) trying to get you to come in for a trans rebuild.

[rioux602]

ok that'll sound maybe stupid but whatever... where do I change the transmission fluid on my car ? (93 quad4) Can't find any gauge... :S

[rixGAphx]

ok that'll sound maybe stupid but whatever... where do I change the transmission fluid on my car ? (93 quad4) Can't find any gauge... No gage.

For an automatic, you check the level with the tranny dipstick.
You change the fluid by unbolting the tranny pan (oil pan, underneath it) and dumping the contents away, about 5 quarts of dirty tranny fluid. Then clean/replace the filter, install a new pan gasket, and re-bolt the pan. Then fill with fluid thru the dipstick tube.

For a manual, you do nothing.
Never check it, never fill it, never change it.
The oil inside it is 'liftime' and no attention whatsoever is necessary.
Unless a giant leak occurs suddenly (from a blown-out axle seal) or you drive thru very deep water and contaminate it.

Hope this helps,
-Rick

[Matt95GT]

ok that'll sound maybe stupid but whatever... where do I change the transmission fluid on my car ? (93 quad4) Can't find any gauge... :S

You do have a manual, right?

There's a nut to drain it on the bottom... not sure of the exact location on yours, but should be easyto spot from under the car.


For a manual, you do nothing.
Never check it, never fill it, never change it.
The oil inside it is 'liftime' and no attention whatsoever is necessary.
Unless a giant leak occurs suddenly (from a blown-out axle seal) or you drive thru very deep water and contaminate it.

Hope this helps,
-Rick

Actually you are supposed to check the fluid level. Both the Getrag and Isuzu manuals have a dipstick... the gray handle between the brake master cylinder and the fuel lines. There's no fluid change interval though.

[Nighthawk243]

The manual transmissions don't have a change interval since its supposed to last (Easier on a Manual trans anyways since they don't heat up like AT's do...). Usually GM only reccommends replacing it when doing service on the trans that causes it to lose fluid.

[rioux602]

thank you for your answers. Maybe someone can help me there too ! http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1108437#post1108437