2011 Honda Accord ATF-When to change

[antiqueshell]

Originally Posted By: sayjac

There's no proof (ie. scientific studies) proving that Honda AT's are picky about the ATF used and then concluding only Honda ATF should be used.


There IS proof that the Honda auto transmission design is significantly different than almost all other designs so it makes sense that a different set of friction modifiers and other additives is used in OEM fluid compared to other fluids out there.

The key to keeping those units working well for a long life is to make sure you do a drain and fill with OEM every 30k or so.

 

[Vikas]

Originally Posted By: NorWest5
I own a Mity-Vac and I would not recommend using it for any Honda auto transmission. Honda dealers use a special unit, of Honda's design, for flushing.

We have two Honda's here with AT. If Honda's have a mechanical weakness it is the autotrans.
Why would you use Mity-Van on a Honda? Drain and fill is easy enough.

 

[MajorCavalry]

Did a drain and refill (3.3 qts) at 17k miles to remove break-in wear material. Heavy coating of a grey metallic paste on the magnetic drain plug. Followed this up with another drain and fill at 24k. This time only an extremely fine coating of grey paste. I think I will do this once per 15k miles.

 

[JMHC]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
On the Maint Minder equipped cars, I've seen them call for the first change at around 60k, then every 30k thereafter.

Your 2011 came filled with DW-1, which seems to be a much better fluid than Z1.


My 2007 Accord V6 gave me a "3" for the first time at 79K. I think it takes into account trans temperatures and driving conditions. However, I still change 3 quarts out every 30,000 miles anyway.

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: JMHC
...My 2007 Accord V6 gave me a "3" for the first time at 79K. I think it takes into account trans temperatures and driving conditions. However, I still change 3 quarts out every 30,000 miles anyway.

I have the same year Accord V6 but only now about 52k mi. on it. Did the first single Z-1 d&f at ~27k, just completed the second with MaxLife last week. Got a bit more the 3qts out, about 3qts, 6oz. But I'm following a similar single d&f plan as you. It's also worked for an 01 Civic since new going on 200k, if it ain't broke...

And fwiw, the Accord is shifting fine after it's first single d&ML fill.

 

[Krazymatt]

Thanks for all the info. I will likely do three drain and fills between now and my next oil change probably a week apart. Iplan on using honda dw1.

 

[berniedd]

Originally Posted By: gregk24
Your going to think I am crazy but I do a drain and fill every year/10,000 miles. That way every 3 years/30,000 miles all the fluid has been replaced.


Not really true. Each drain and fill replaces about 33% of the total ATF in the system. This is because about 66% of the ATF is retained in the torque converter and will not drain out.

So, the first drain and fill will replace 33% of the total volume of ATF, and 66% of the old ATF will still be inside the system. The second drain and fill will remove a third of that old ATF that mixed with the new ATF, which will leave 44% of the old, original ATF still inside the system. The third drain and fill will remove a third of that old ATF that's still in there, which will retain about 30% of the original ATF. If you do a fourth drain and fill, 20% of the old ATF will be retained. It's a progressively smaller and smaller retention of the original ATF as you do more and more drain and fill routines.