GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Here's a link to a new manual transmition fluid designed for applications like the Vibe. Their other gear fluids were better suited differentials. These will have less anti-friction adds for better synchro action. If your using the other fluids, your fine, but shifting may get notchier over time as the antifriction additives plate the synchros. This also seems to happen with RP. A fluid change will fix it if it becomes an issue. http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/mtg.aspx I'm going with Specialty Formulations MLT-R http://specialtyformulations.com/ but this Amsoil looks good also.

Thanks for posting on this Goodvibe. I was wondering about this, having received their new product magazine, but just switched to their severe gear lube a couple months ago. I don't want to have to switch again. So you think I'm ok with the lube I'm using? It meets GM's specs, which also had me question the new MTG lube's GL-4 rating (I thought GM spec calls for GL-5?), even though AMSoil states is replaces GM part# 12346190, which is our tranny lube/oil part number....thoughts?

GM specs GL5 to be on the safe side for wear reasons but Toyota requires GL4 in the same tranny so the new Amsoil should be fine. I also think that GM part # refers to a GL4. GL4s usually shift better for the reasons stated earlier and the stuff your using probably isn't as good for the tranny but perhaps better for the diff, The reason I'm going with SF is because everyone that's tried it has improved shifting even if they used Red Line(kind of a standard) previously yet it's still a GL5 designed specifically for transaxles like ours.

Well, I guess I'll be the Vibe guinea pig then! Time to order a case of AMSoil MTG.EDIT: Placed my order, so I'll post my feedback soon

I've got my batch of the new Amsoil MT gear lube, but I'm waiting to raplace it with the clutch, which is still going fine at nearly 50k miles . goodvibe, what are your feelings about Specialty Forumulation's?

My Vibe got totalled before I got it in so I've got no first hand observations for you but everbody that's tried it has loved it.

I just put in the AmsOil for my Vibe. It shifts slippery smooth, a very noticible improvement. Oddly enough, the factory had overfilled my transmission, i removed the fill plug first becuase i ahve a vacumn pump that i use for fluid evacuation and oil came flying out....very odd. Anyways, I have not used the tranny fluid all that long, but so far i am very happy.

A slight overfill shouldn't have been a problem. Glad that the new fluid fixed your shifting issues. I suspected it would. Possibly, the car wasn't level when the factory or you filled it. Thats a good way to get different fluid levels. The fluids do expand a bit when hot also.

I bet the tranny was put together and had some fluid put in it, then was attached. I did put a shade too much in myslef thinking it would be better then starving the tranny for oil, i doubt having 1.95 quarts would windage (i guess thats the right term) to cause damage. So, in short, I agree with goodvibe. Thanks all.

I joined the Amsoil club today, I hope I get smoother shifts as well.

The Factory uses synthetic in the gearbox. Why change it ? Wait till its due service then go with your own brew. Never had a shifting problem.

Quote, originally posted by chrisp »The Factory uses synthetic in the gearbox. Why change it ? Wait till its due service then go with your own brew. Never had a shifting problem. I did wait until 30k to change it.. I have always had a shifting problem since I bought the car.

Quote, originally posted by chrisp »The Factory uses synthetic in the gearbox. How do you know this? I bet this isnt the case. And you can bet that if you ever have the dealer replace the MT fluid it wont be with synthetic.

I believe the manual references a synthetic fluid, but not all synthetics are the same. I've enjoyed smoother shifter ever since I switched, and look forward to even better shifting once I switch to the new AMSoil stuff that's been sitting in my living room for 5 months

The replacement fluid isn't the same as what Toyota supplies with the tranny.

Quote, originally posted by goodvibe »The replacement fluid isn't the same as what Toyota supplies with the tranny.Right. Toyota supplies conventional 75W-90....the GM synthetic is 75W-85...very expensive.

Finally went w/ the Amsoil. Tried the SF fluid in mine. Worked pretty rough (hard to get into 2nd and 3rd) everytime after a cold start. Amsoil is much better...still a little hard to shift into 3rd, but not as bad as w/ the SF. When the engine is warm,...it shifts really nice. Definately will recommend Amsoil.