I just recently purchased a 1993 Honda Accord EX with a manual transmission. I'm wanting to change the oil in the transmission. The manual says use 10w30, 10w40 or SAE 30. I live in Montana and we are heading into very cold weather so I'm planning on using 10w30. Looking around to see what other people think on the forum I have found old threads from 8 or so years ago where people are disagreeing stating use Honda MTF and other people are saying always use 10w30. Some people saying use 10w30 are stating it cant have detergents in it. What do I really need to use? High quality 10w30 and just leave it at that? Conventional, Synthetic blend or full Synthetic? Thanks a ton in advance.

 

I am surprised the manual recommends 10w30 or 10w40 for the transmission, but I did a quick check and it does. .

I have a 1990 Nissan Maxima with a Manual Transmission. I have always used a synthetic (Mobil 1) 75w-90w, which is transmission oil for manual transmissions. I live in ND / MN.
It works well all the time.

For your car, I would suggest you use 10w30 because it will lubricate well in warm (85 to 95 degree) weather and it won't get thick and make shifting hard in cold weather. You will want a synthetic because it remains fluid even in temperatures way below zero (-25 to -35F) - at least this has been my experience.

 

Ok cool! Ill just stick with the 10w30 and full synthetic then. I appreciate your input.

 

I still go to the Honda parts counter and buy the Honda brand. Just habit. I do hate doing that job though. The refill process is weird. Better to have a helper pour slowly while you monitor the check hole.