Automatic Transmission Flush Opinions

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ThirdeYe

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I've recently been debating about whether or not I should just do another drain/fill or actually paying a reputable transmission shop to do a full flush. My car's always had its fluid drained/refilled with Honda Z1 (3 quarts) every 30k, but it still doesn't feel as smooth as it should be, in my opinion. The smoothness always deteriorates after the first few hundred miles again. I want to switch to having all synthetic in the transmission. The last drain/refill I did with Amsoil ATF and it shifted nice and smooth for the first 100 miles or so, then it was back to being normal again. I'm thinking that since the car's well taken care of, never raced, and always been drained/refilled at 30k I won't have any problems with my transmission crapping out after a full flush. Anyone have any thoughts on what I should do? Anyone have a transmission stop working on them after a flush, on an otherwise well maintained car?
 
I'd be doing it more as preventative maintenance than fixing a problem. It shifts fine for my standards right now, it doesn't slip or grind or anything like that. It's just that Honda isn't known for making great automatic transmissions and I love the car, and want it to last as long as possible. I'll give the shop a call sometime tomorrow and see what they say, perhaps they've had first hand experience with Amsoil's ATF as well.
 
I'd do the complete flush. Just did that with my CR-V, replacing Dexron (that shouldn't have been in it, but was all that was available) with a Universal Synthetic that meets Honda spec as well as others. Tremendous change in performance.
 
Hey Widman, how much fluid did it take? The CR-V is almost identical to the Integra under the hood, and I'm assuming it would be a similar amount.
 
Perhaps the shift quality issue resurfaced after the drain and fill with Amsoil because only 1/3 of the Z1 was replaced? I suspect that a complete flush with Amsoil ATF will yield the results you are looking for. I have read that the flush machine contains ~1 quart of residual ATF, so you may want to be sure that the shop drains and replaces any residual ATF in the flush machine to ensure that you end up with 100% Amsoil. Search other posts for more information on this issue. If you can't find anyone to do a flush with Amsoil you can always do the 3x drain and fill.
 
I would also go with a flush, you want as much out as possible. There are flush options where you can do it yourself listed in this forum. I would not go with multiple drain & refills if you want to get to a high percentage of new Synthetic ATF, too expensive to dump out fluid containing expensive synthetic. A flush is more cost effective.

The place I went to was surprised to find almost 3 QT of fluid remaining in the new fluid container they pumped out and then filled it with Amsoil ATF. So important that the place agrees to do it. You will probably need to bring in a few (like 2 to 4) extra quarts of ATF for their machine.
 
Quote:

Perhaps the shift quality issue resurfaced after the drain and fill with Amsoil because only 1/3 of the Z1 was replaced?

Click to expand...
Here's another thought: does this Honda have adaptive programming like a lot of Fords? Maybe the shift quality is "relearned" because you always drive the same way.

If your driving style isn't "spirited", then doing a drain-and-fill every 30k should be more than adequate, but doing a full flush at this point isn't a bad idea either.
 
I drive like a reasonable human being, it's never seen redline. I just checked the fluid today (at operating temperature, as per the service manual & owner's manual) and it was right on the full mark, and still a nice red color. Not brown or burnt smelling. I think I'll end up getting it completely flushed out with Amsoil ATF in 7k miles or so (I last did a drain/fill 8k miles ago)
 
A drain/refill every 30k miles on the nothing special since Honda fluid isn't anything to brag about. I would start with a full flush.

Even if you drive like a human being, the transmission still beats itself to death, just a little less so.

Either shorten your drain/refill intervals with Z1, or stick with the Amsoil for future drain/refills.

I recommend a yearly or ~10k drain/refill intervals OR full flushes every 30k or 3 years, whichever comes 1st.
If you want to go longer, you need to invest in decent full flow filtration and temperature control.
 
I don't remember exactly how much it took, although I'm sure I have the papers at the office. I was so impressed that I bought a machine to do the flushes.
BTW, According to the instructions (haven't received the machine yet) there is no fluid left so you can put in as much as whatever type you want without draining. But I will get a chance to see soon.
 
We have had good results on Honda's with a drain and fill at 15k. Honda reliability for automatic transmissions is spotty. We have some Civic Hybrids true CVT cars and use Eneos CVT transmission fluid. It made enough of a difference that is was noticed by drivers that were not told a transmission service was done.
 
the inegra's and most honda's that vintage don't have the smoothest shifting transmissions. They are very reliable though. With the age of the vehicle,I would not do a full flush, just drain and refills with amsoil atf.
 
I was thinking of doing a flush with the vehicle in my sig, it takes dex III, what colour is it supposed to be? (What shade of red).
 
If the Honda tranny is going to go, it's going to go. Frequent changes of ATF won't make a difference at all. Believe me, I tried that on my 02 at every OCI, didn't make a bit of difference. Save your money for a replacement tranny.
 
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