Best auto trans fluid for Honda calling for Dexron II

[McKittrick]

Hello

I would like some opinions on the best fluid for a change out for an older (1996 Honda 4 speed automatic). The manual calls for Dexron II.

The car has about 76,000 miles currently, and I was planning to do a drain and fill at each of the next 3 oil changes.

Thanks

 

[Mr Nice]

I would only use Honda ATF, its only $3.79 per quart. Some Honda auto trans are very picky when it comes the fluid.

 

[unDummy]

If this is an older transmission that doesn't require the special honda ATF z, use any DexronIII-h you want.

RoyalPurple/Mobil1 make excellent synthetic ATF's if thats in your budget.

 

[McKittrick]

I have used Mobil 1 in Ford and Chevrolet transmissions, but this is my first Honda, and the current synthetic fluids are Dexron III. I am not sure of the difference in III and the older II version. Would not mind using Mobil 1 if it will not cause problems.

Thanks

 

[Ray H]

Read the back of the bottle! Dexron III is listed as fully backward compatible with Dexron II applications. I had a '96 Accord I-4, too. I changed out to Dexron III with six drains and refills and poured in a bottle of Lubegard "black" on the advice of my selling dealer's trannie tech. The abrupt shifting my box had developed at 30,000 miles smoothed right out just as he said it would. The box still shifted quickly, but slipped into and out of the various gears with minimal fuss. That Honda dealership thought highly enough of Lubegard that their parts department stocked it.

 

[Ken2]

Honda is the only brand I know of where Dexron-III is not backward compatible with Dexron-II. As Ray said, Lubegard black is needed. You'll find that the cost makes the Honda ATF Z-1 a better deal.

Schaeffer #204SAT would be my first choice if you can find it. It is "recommended" for Hondas of all years.


Ken

 

[Big Jim]

Dexron III is also no backward compatable to Dexron II for Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai.

 

[SilverGGA]

Why use anything else when Honda ATF-Z1 has good results in Honda transmissions for everyone?

 

[Ray H]

Every Dexron III bottle I've seen states plainly that it's backward compatible for applications calling for Dexron II. GM's own information also states such. For other makes originally allowing use of Dexron II, that's simply the minimum acceptable fluid type/quality requirement. Dexron III will interchange just fine for top up or complete service fill in any automatic transmission originally specified to use Dexron II. Why some folks persist in making rocket science out of every jot and tiddle is beyond me.

 

[Winston]

Big Jim,

If Dexron III is not backward compatable with Dexron II, what would work? One cannot buy Dexron II anymore.

 

[wavinwayne]

quote:

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Originally posted by LT4 Vette:
I would only use Honda ATF, its only $3.79 per quart. Some Honda auto trans are very picky when it comes the fluid.

---

Ditto. I would only use the Honda fluid in this case.

 

[doitmyself]

Ray,

The wording on Valvoline's bottle is somewhat confusing for the OCD types.

This is from an "old" bottle, the formulation preceding the new "H" spec.:

- supercedes and replaces General Motors Dexron, Dexron II, and Dexron IIE, and Fords Mercon.......automatic fluid specifications.

-Approved for all GM and Ford vehicles,.... except....Mercon V or Type F......

-APPROVED FOR USE IN GM, HONDA, MAZDA, NISSAN, TOYOTA, SUBARU, AND OTHER IMPORT VEHICLES REQUIRING A DEXRON III SPECIFICATION.

So, if you read "between the lines", that last line is saying it is not approved for foreign vehicles specifying anything other than III (not II).

Please don't flame me, I'm just the messenger.