Designed to minimize gear wear while providing smooth synchromesh shifting performance in certain manual transmissions and transaxles used by GM* and Chrysler.* Provides excellent performance at temperatures from -40°F (-40°C) to 300°F (149°C). Applications include manual transmissions and transaxles such as New Venture* NV T350, NV 1500, NV 2550, NV 3500, NV 3550, NV 5600, and Tremec* T4, T5, T18, T56, T176, TKO500, TKO600, TR 3450 and TR 3550. Replaces MTF-94 fluid for Land Rover,* MG* and Mini Cooper.* Replaces Honda Genuine MTF fluid for manual transaxles and Shell* or Texaco* MTX fluid.
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Product data sheets
View, download, or save a copy of the Product Data Sheet or Safety Data Sheet for AMSOIL 5W-30 Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid.
AMSOIL 5W-30 Synthetic Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (MTF) is a 100 percent synthetic gearbox lubricant for manual transmissions and transaxles that call for a non-extreme-pressure synchromesh fluid in this viscosity range. The 5W-30 grade targets passenger-car and light-truck applications listed by GM, Chrysler, Honda, and other manufacturers, and replaces multiple OEM-branded synchromesh fluids with one part number.
Synchromesh shift quality and brass-component protection
Manual gearboxes rely on brass and bronze synchronizer rings to match shaft speeds during a shift. The 5W-30 synchromesh formula conditions seals and protects brass components so synchronizers stay clean and slip into engagement smoothly across the service interval. The result is consistent shift feel and reduced cone-clutch wear in transmissions where a heavy GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil would attack the yellow metals.
Anti-wear protection for gears and bearings
The synthetic base stocks support a strong lubricating film at high gearbox temperatures and high contact loads. Mechanical-shear resistance keeps the 5W-30 viscosity in grade through extended service, holding film thickness on gear teeth and bearing rolling elements. That stability is what carries the fluid past the early-life additive depletion that thins conventional manual transmission oils and shows up as gear noise.
Cold-weather flow and shift feel
The 5W-30 grade pairs a low-temperature pumping range with a high viscosity index of 196 (ASTM D2270) and a pour point of -48°C (-54°F) (ASTM D97). Below freezing, the fluid pours and channels through synchronizer hubs faster than thicker conventional gear oils, which is what owners notice as easier first-gear and second-gear engagement on a cold start. The protection envelope runs from -40°F (-40°C) up to 300°F (149°C).
Heat, oxidation, and varnish control
Long urban traffic miles, towed loads on a manual pickup, and high-rpm sport driving all push gearbox sump temperatures into the range where conventional oils oxidize. The 5W-30 synchromesh formula resists oxidation, acid buildup, and varnish so the gearbox stays clean inside, shift forks move freely, and the synchronizer surfaces are not glazed by deposits.
One part number for multiple OEM specifications
The 5W-30 synchromesh fluid carries a broad slate of OEM approvals, which lets a shop or owner consolidate inventory. The specification list includes GM 9985648, GM 9986105, and GM 9985535, Chrysler MS-9224 and MS-9417, Honda Genuine MTF fluid for transaxles, MTF-94 for Land Rover, MG, and Mini Cooper, and Texaco MTX fluid. Confirm the required spec for the gearbox in the AMSOIL Vehicle Lookup Guide before ordering.
Recommended applications and service intervals
The 5W-30 synchromesh fluid is designed for automotive and light-truck manual transmissions and transaxles that specify a synchromesh fluid in this viscosity range. Listed applications include New Venture NV T350, NV 1500, NV 2550, NV 3500, NV 3550, and NV 5600, plus Tremec T4, T5, T18, T56, T176, TKO500, TKO600, TR 3450, and TR 3550. The fluid also replaces Honda Genuine MTF in manual transaxles and Shell or Texaco MTX in covered platforms.
Normal service: change at 50,000-mile intervals, with extended capability up to 150,000 miles where the owner's manual permits.
Severe service (towing, mountain driving, heavy commercial cycles): follow the shorter interval listed for that platform.
Not for use in engines, hypoid rear axles, limited-slip differentials, or wet-clutch motorcycle and ATV transmissions.
Outside the United States and Canada, confirm the OEM specification matches one of the approvals listed on this page before ordering.
For sealed transaxles, drain through the fill plug at the indicated mileage and refill to the level port. Aftermarket additives are not required and are not recommended; the synchromesh additive package is balanced for synchronizer brass and seal compatibility, and adding friction modifiers can change shift feel.
Typical technical properties
Property
Value
Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C, cSt (ASTM D445)
10.1
Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C, cSt (ASTM D445)
49.4
Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)
196
Flash Point, °C (°F) (ASTM D92)
218 (424)
Pour Point, °C (°F) (ASTM D97)
-48 (-54)
Order AMSOIL 5W-30 Synthetic Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
Works great on Honda Civic LX coupe 2L 4cyl, 6-speed manual. Shifting is smooth and firm in gear.
By Andy from SOCAL on June 19, 2026.
Would recommend this to a friend.
Great product
I decided to put this in my g56 transmission due to hard shifting with another brand put in by the previous owner, it now honestly feels like a completely different transmission it shifts as smoothly as a new one .
Which vehicles use AMSOIL 5W-30 Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid?
Listed applications include manual transaxles in many Honda and Acura models, GM transmissions covered by GM 9985648, 9986105, and 9985535, Chrysler manual gearboxes covered by MS-9224 and MS-9417, plus New Venture NV1500, NV2550, NV3500, NV3550, NV5600, and Tremec T4, T5, T18, T56, T176, TKO500, TKO600, TR3450, and TR3550. The fluid also replaces MTF-94 in Land Rover, MG, and Mini Cooper and Shell or Texaco MTX in covered platforms.
Is this a direct replacement for Honda Genuine MTF?
Yes. The 5W-30 synchromesh formula is approved as a replacement for Honda Genuine MTF fluid in manual transaxles. Owners of Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, Fit, S2000, and Acura manual transaxles that specify Honda Genuine MTF can run this fluid at the recommended drain.
Can it be used as a gear oil for differentials or limited-slip axles?
No. The 5W-30 synchromesh fluid is formulated for manual transmissions and transaxles that call for a non-extreme-pressure fluid. It is not for engines, hypoid rear axles, limited-slip differentials, or wet-clutch applications. For axle and transfer case use, see the AMSOIL Manual Transmission Fluid Guide for the correct GL-4 or GL-5 product.
How often should the manual transmission fluid be changed?
Normal service is 50,000 miles, with extended capability up to 150,000 miles where the owner's manual permits. Severe-duty operators (towing, mountain driving, heavy commercial cycles) should follow the shorter interval published for that platform.
Will the 5W-30 synchromesh fluid help with cold-weather hard shifting?
Yes. The 5W-30 grade has a viscosity index of 196 and a pour point of -48°C, so it pours and channels through the synchronizer hubs at low temperatures. Owners typically report easier first-gear and second-gear engagement on cold starts after switching from a thicker conventional fluid.
Can it be mixed with the existing fluid in the gearbox?
The fluid is compatible with mainstream synthetic and conventional manual transmission fluids, but the cleanest result comes from a full drain and refill at the listed change interval. Topping off between services is acceptable when needed to reach the fill port.
Does running AMSOIL synthetic transmission fluid void the new-vehicle warranty?
No. Using AMSOIL synthetic lubricants does not void a new-vehicle or equipment manufacturer warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, provided the fluid meets the specification listed by the OEM. The 5W-30 synchromesh formula is covered by the AMSOIL Limited Warranty when used in approved applications.
