Acura MDX Fluid Changes

[concordealex]

So I just bought a 2004 Acura MDX and was planning on doing some fluid changes. This vehicle has 280,000 miles, and I want to keep it going. So here's what I'm planning on doing.

1. Replacing transmission oil with Valvoline Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF, which claims to meet the Honda Z1 Spec as called for in this car. Has anyone used this ATF before, and is it any good, or should I just buy some OEM Honda fluid?

2. Replacing the transfer case oil. It calls for an "SAE 90" gear oil in the manual, except from what I can tell, such a straight-90 oil does not exist and all I see are 75w-90, 80w-90, etc. Should a 75w-90 or 80w-90 synthetic work okay in the t-case?

3. The engine oil has always been Valvoline 5w-20 conventional, and I see no reason to alter this.

4. Finally, I was planning on replacing the diff oil with the Honda VTM-4 oil, which appears to have no interchanges, so that is fine.

Answers to the first two questions would be much appreciated.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

IIRC, anything I've read here tells me that Honda Z1 is unique enough that using aftermarket fluid gives mixed to poor results. I'd go with OEM stuff just to be sure.

 

[Phishin]

What engine does it have?

1.) As far as ATF goes, I'd suggest you use Honda DW-1 instead. Much better stuff, and it's perfect for your application. Go to any Honda dealer to get it. It's not that expensive. Get a case (12 bottles) and do 3 drain and fills with 2k miles inbetween each. Do you know the service history of the transmission?

2.) If it was mine, I'd use any 75w90 you want. Mobil 1 makes decent stuff, but so does Valvoline. Redline if you want to get fancy.

3.) Valvoline conventional is decent stuff. With that many miles on her, you could probably run 5w30 instead. And if you wanted to run synthetic (not much more money at Walmart), get Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30. I'd suggest a Wix/Napa Gold filter, or get a Fram Ultra and change it every other oil change if the engine is clean.

4.) You will be safe here.

 

[concordealex]

Thanks a ton. I'll look into the DW-1 for the trans. As for the engine, it's a 3.5 v6 of the Honda "J" family. It calls for premium fuel on the cap, but the previous owner told me he's used regular since day 1 so I've kept doing that.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

You don't need to use the dealer's ATF.

We don't see it often, but the Valvoline Synthetic multi is good stuff, but Maxlife is better and more widely available.

Those V6 automatic transmissions suck regardless of what ATF you use.

 

[Phishin]

Many people run Valvoline Maxlife ATF in their Honda without problems. It's about the same price as Honda DW-1. Probably a few dollars cheaper for 12 quarts at most.

Also, when is the last time the timing belt and water pump was changed? I'd hate to see that belt snap on ya....

 

[pbm]

Honda Z1 fluid was NOTHING SPECIAL.....I'd prefer the full synthetic Valvoline if it were my vehicle.

 

[2010Civic]

Might want to check the brake fluid. If it hasn't been done in the last 2-3 years do it.

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: pbm
Honda Z1 fluid was NOTHING SPECIAL.....I'd prefer the Full Synthetic Valvoline if it were my vehicle.

True that. Information on bitog showed Z1 sheered quickly and reading here, it was one of the most criticized ATF's on this board. I ran it and paid the dealer premium price. But as soon as it was superseded by DW1, I switched MaxLife Full Synthetic and been using it in two Hondas with good results, no issues. One a V6 Accord and one an 01 Civic. You can check the latter on car complaints.com, it's #1 not in a good way. And yet over 235k miles and original trans. ML pretty good value too.

And 5w20 conventional or synthetic should be fine.

Leave the T-case to others, but I believe your thoughts on 75w90 syn or 80w90 is correct.