96 Civic Transmission Oil?
 

Hi, I had spoken to some different people as to whether I am supposed to use transmission fluid or my regular motor oil for my manual transmission? I had received conflicting answers so I wanted to ask here just to be safe. Also whichever it is, what would be recommended for this? I want to add some more to what is already in the transmission. Thanks for your time.

Use motor oil or Honda manual transmission fluid (typically sold only at Honda dealers). If you use motor oil I think the manual calls for 10W40.

Do not use heavy gear oil or automatic transmission fluid.

For 96-00 Civics, the service manual clearly states to only use Honda MTF, not motor oil in the transmission.

but in a pinch, the manual says 10W-40 is acceptable

Incorrect. Not for 6th gen Civics.

For 5th gen Civics, the service manual states that 10W-40 oil can be used ONLY temporarily until the Honda MTF can be found.

RonJ,

I trust you RonJ. But I had to double check and here is what I found on p. 162 in the owner's manual for my 98 sedan:

"If Honda MTF is not available, you may use an API service SG, SH or SJ grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a temporary replacement. An SG grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ grade may be used if SG is not available. However, motor oil does not contain the proper additives and continued use can cause stiffer shifting. Replace as soon as convenient."

I'm not suggesting that 10W-40 be used. I am trying to say that Honda permits its use when MTF is not available.

Yeah, I had not looked in my owner's manual. I based my comments on the service manual:

Attachment 14217

what I use
 

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtf.aspx

that is what I use and have had no problems.