ATF for honda Acccord

[Voltmaster]

Hey guys,

Just bought an 2000 Honda accord SE (2.3 V4) with auto transmission ,

Not sure beside Honda stuff what else could go in there ,
Not changing filter because it has only 88k on it.

I was thinking MAXLIFE or HONDA.
What is your recommendation? Since Honda stuff is expensive anyway , Switching to synthetic couldnt hurt.

 

[nicholas]

Maxlife

 

[dogwood1300]

Use Honda genuine transmission fluid only.

Also if you are thinking about bleeding brake fluid, I'd use Honda genuine one only, too.
Same with coolant

 

[randomhero439]

Honda DW-1

 

[Hokiefyd]

I'd use Honda DW-1 as well, unless it gives you a reason to not like it.

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: nicholas
Maxlife

+1 Currently using an 01 Civic, soon to be in an 07 3.0L V6 Accord.

 

[bourne]

Maxlife for ATF. Any quality DOT 3/4/5.1 for brake fluid. Use only Honda Genuine Power Steering fluid. Zerex Asian Vehicle chemistry for coolant.

 

[Voltmaster]

Thanks guys ,

Going to stop by Honda dealer today and see what their prices are. unless they want more than $1.25 more per QT for dw-1 , would like to use Honda's own stuff.

 

[yesthatsteve]

The Honda DW1 fluid is a big improvement over the Z1 your Accord had from the factory. That or Maxlife should serve you well with regular maintenance. If you don't know the maintenance history of that trans, I'd recommend a cooler-line flush to replace all the fluid with new. Here's a video showing that gen. Accord: http://youtu.be/MsdPAadc9fY

 

[Quest]

if no fluid leaks, then try either DW-1 or PC Duradrive MV ATF ....

I would absolutely refuse to use any HM fluid unless I have a seal-related leak or similar.

Q.

 

[Donald]

Amsoil.

 

[martinq]

There are plenty of DW-1 (or better) fluids out there but my absolute go-to is Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc. Would only go different if I found something better for cheaper and that's not likely to happen.

 

[antiqueshell]

Honda DW-1.

If you insist on using an aftermarket product go for Castrol IMV. It meets BOTH the old Z-1 spec AND the latest spec, DW-1.

 

[nicholas]

I see no mention of DW-1 Spec on Castrol's product sheet for IMV.

 

[antiqueshell]

Originally Posted By: nicholas
I see no mention of DW-1 Spec on Castrol's product sheet for IMV.


Here:

Castrol Data Sheets

 

[Hokiefyd]

That link to Castrol's PDS didn't work for me, but this one does.

Castrol Transmax IMV PDS

Z1 and DW-1 are also both printed directly on each bottle of Transmax IMV.

 

[nicholas]

Interesting,

What is transmax though?

I have seen Castrol IMV at stores in my area, but no transmax IMV?

 

[Hokiefyd]

Transmax is Castrol's ATF "brand" in the United States. Castrol may offer a different product in Canada. The "Transmax" brand is relatively new. I am unsure if the product changed along with the new name, or if it was a change in name only.

 

[martinq]

It sounds to me that Castrol Transmax IMV is a lower-performance, rapid-shear formula like the Dex/Merc of old. If this is the case then I'd certainly not recommend it over a more modern/performance spec like DW-1 and certainly MaxLife.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2946556
Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
Originally Posted By: pbm
Originally Posted By: PandaBear
I'd use Castrol Import Multi Vehicle over Maxlife for Z1, it is thicker and closer to the Z1 viscosity. I'm using it right now in my Integra and it is fine.

I agree with the using Castrol IMV because it starts out thicker than Maxlife....

The problem is that it shears like a big dog too. There are a few UOAs here that show the Castrol IMV shearing to around 5.2cSt in under 20K miles. These UOAs are some years old, so it's possible there have been improvements since. My thought is that it's better to have a fluid whose viscosity stays stable longer that one that shears quickly to a low number, i.e one that starts at 6cSt and stays there than one that starts at 7.9 and drops to 5.2 in 20K.

 

[martinq]

After looking over the PDS I'd have to say that this is definitely a low-performance spec. There is no listing of any of the current-gen specs here that you expect to see in a modern high-performance fluid. Definitely would not recommend for unless it was unique situation (only product available, exceptional value, etc).

Castrol Transmax Import MV PDS

This chart shows the move from older fluid specs (low-performance) to the newer ones. The Castrol Transmax IMV belongs in the upper-right group.