Drain and fill vs. complete flush

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you ever replaced one??? the newer hondas have an inline external filter but thats it and only from 06 or 07 on. i am a honda tech, hondas have no trans pan and have no internal filter, they do have a non serviceable screen on the pick up.
 
Originally Posted By: mopar_monkey
you ever replaced one??? the newer hondas have an inline external filter but thats it and only from 06 or 07 on.


They sure do. Some of the V6 Honda AT's have an externally mounted cartridge style filter, at least up to 2006. My 2008 Ody transmission shows a cartridge filter on the bellhousing side, but you can't get at it with out removing the trans from the vehicle.

In regards to the original topic, I just don't see why you'd do anything other than a drain/fill given how ridiculously easy these ATs are to drain/fill. It's easier than an engine oil change on my 2008 Odyssey.

Joel
 
As the OP speaking, I'll make it clear again. This car is for my father. He drives it. He has cancer and can't get underneath a vehicle. He wants the transmission service. We've both decided that a full flush is OK. NOT a power flush. He has taken it to a Honda only garage. They recommend this. Its far more economical to do this then a drain/fill 3X. They use Honda only fluid as well.
I really do appreciate all the passion and advice that has gone on it this thread.
 
Do the flush, now knowing your dad's condition, and the need to have his car for work. Once that's done he can probably do a drain and refill every 25,000 miles and be GTG.
 
Honda should never recommend against something without giving the reason. No one should recommend against anything without giving an explanation. If there's no rational reason given, people of rational thought are going to do it if it seems appropriate and there's perceived benefit.

Here it's savings and a more complete job.

People really need to dump the term "flush" ..it usually instills visions of chemicals. "Exchange" is a term no one can misinterpret.

If you say "exchange" and someone perks up and says, "You mean a flush? I heard they kick up all kinds of stuff and will ruin your transmission" ..bean them over the head and say, "no, I said what I said. A fluid exchange".
 
Originally Posted By: unDummy
If you consider wasting fluid and money a winner.... I'd choose the flush method, thumb my nose at Honda, and use a non-Honda ATF.

At least one member here has the right idea:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/2009891/


I've done this exact thing on our bought-new '00 Accord and it's easy as pie... er cake (anyone get it?). I also do drain & fills in between and have a Magnefine installed. I am still using Z1 but will switch once I've used up the last of the case I bought. After that, and it's a while off, I don't know. Yes, I have Honda Owner Transmission Paranoia (HOTP), so I'm extra vigilant with the trans maintenance.

To the OP, I reiterate what Gary Allan just said about "flushes" vs "exchanges." Many of the machines you see are merely exchange machines, therefore are not to be feared. The term "flush" seems to be cemented in the general public's mind as a good thing.

With that many miles, I would recommend an exchange. I vote to start with new fluid.
 
Originally Posted By: mopar_monkey
you ever replaced one??? the newer hondas have an inline external filter but thats it and only from 06 or 07 on. i am a honda tech, hondas have no trans pan and have no internal filter, they do have a non serviceable screen on the pick up.
Thanks for the info.
 
Originally Posted By: VicL
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
where is ANYONE getting a "powered" flush? Every single machine I see is completely passive, your trans pump does the work.

I have yet to see one, and it is becoming a personal quest of mine!

Anyone?

If you really want a power ATF flush, try AAMCO. AAMCO Transmission Flush
Their description of ATF flush sounds like the power flush.
On the good side, Jiffy Lube's description of their flushing machines sounds like your version, which should be safe. Now, whether or not Jiffy Lube does a good job (or does it at all) is another question....

Vic


Thanks for the link, Vic.

BTW, I stopped in at my local Aamco and they had a standard passive machine. No "power" anything. Just a bladder and a receptacle for the old oil.

Looked suspiciously like an old B&G!
 
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Honda should never recommend against something without giving the reason. No one should recommend against anything without giving an explanation. If there's no rational reason given, people of rational thought are going to do it if it seems appropriate and there's perceived benefit.

Here it's savings and a more complete job.

People really need to dump the term "flush" ..it usually instills visions of chemicals. "Exchange" is a term no one can misinterpret.

If you say "exchange" and someone perks up and says, "You mean a flush? I heard they kick up all kinds of stuff and will ruin your transmission" ..bean them over the head and say, "no, I said what I said. A fluid exchange".


Exactly! To many people toss the word flush around all to freely.
Nothing wrong with a fluid exchange,in fact Infiniti recommends the line off exchange method.
In literally hundreds of line off exchanges on every make of vehicle imaginable i have yet to have any issues.
 
Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: mopar_monkey
you ever replaced one??? the newer hondas have an inline external filter but thats it and only from 06 or 07 on.


They sure do. Some of the V6 Honda AT's have an externally mounted cartridge style filter, at least up to 2006. My 2008 Ody transmission shows a cartridge filter on the bellhousing side, but you can't get at it with out removing the trans from the vehicle.

In regards to the original topic, I just don't see why you'd do anything other than a drain/fill given how ridiculously easy these ATs are to drain/fill. It's easier than an engine oil change on my 2008 Odyssey.

Joel


Interesting. The J35 Honda V6 + Honda 5sp AT in my 2006 VUE didn't have any filter at all....just an internal screen that requires disassembly of the trans to service. So I just did the dump and fill method every couple of oil changes.
 
Originally Posted By: Familyguy
Interesting. The J35 Honda V6 + Honda 5sp AT in my 2006 VUE didn't have any filter at all....just an internal screen that requires disassembly of the trans to service. So I just did the dump and fill method every couple of oil changes.


That is interesting! It's not a very obvious filter. It's kind of a cylinder cast into the trans case with a flat, bolt on cover and a tube/line coming out of the cover. A royal PITA to change because of space and whatnot. AFAIK, the only ones in the Ody that didn't have a filter were up to 2003. Here's some pics I mocked up some time ago of the Honda Odyssey 5spd ATs, with filter P/Ns:

05thru06odytrans.jpg


Here's the 2004:

99thru04OdyTrans.jpg


Here's the 2007+:

07onOdyTrans.jpg
 
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Just an update to all. My dad went to the shop and had the Transmission fluid "exchange" done today. Says it shifts buttery smooth and has made a difference.
Now he's all set. Sets my mind at ease as well. I simply bought the car for him because of the great shape and service history records it had. Plus with his condition of progressing cancer, I need to be sure he has simple, reliable, and easy to use transportation.
Thanks for everyones input.
Now someone tell me what a good son I am...LOL!
 
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Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: Familyguy
Interesting. The J35 Honda V6 + Honda 5sp AT in my 2006 VUE didn't have any filter at all....just an internal screen that requires disassembly of the trans to service. So I just did the dump and fill method every couple of oil changes.


That is interesting! It's not a very obvious filter. It's kind of a cylinder cast into the trans case with a flat, bolt on cover and a tube/line coming out of the cover. A royal PITA to change because of space and whatnot. AFAIK, the only ones in the Ody that didn't have a filter were up to 2003. Here's some pics I mocked up some time ago of the Honda Odyssey 5spd ATs, with filter P/Ns:

05thru06odytrans.jpg


Here's the 2004:

99thru04OdyTrans.jpg


Here's the 2007+:

07onOdyTrans.jpg


the filter on 5AT between 2007 and 2009 on J35 and J37 were moved inside the AT housing. it is no longer accessible for DIYer. the new 6AT does have an external filter.
 
Originally Posted By: gogozy
..the filter on 5AT between 2007 and 2009 on J35 and J37 were moved inside the AT housing. it is no longer accessible for DIYer. the new 6AT does have an external filter.


Yep. That's exactly why I do ~6qt drain/fills on my 2008's trans on a yearly basis at a minimum. Probably not going to help that filter clog up any slower though.
smile.gif


Joel
 
Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: gogozy
..the filter on 5AT between 2007 and 2009 on J35 and J37 were moved inside the AT housing. it is no longer accessible for DIYer. the new 6AT does have an external filter.


Yep. That's exactly why I do ~6qt drain/fills on my 2008's trans on a yearly basis at a minimum. Probably not going to help that filter clog up any slower though.
smile.gif


Joel


The odds of the filter clogging are probably fairly remote. But it's nice to keep "refreshing" that additive package. My Honda 5AT had this issue with getting confused between 4th and 5th around 45mph. After I started doing the drain/fill things, the problem disappeared.
 
Originally Posted By: Familyguy
.. My Honda 5AT had this issue with getting confused between 4th and 5th around 45mph. After I started doing the drain/fill things, the problem disappeared.



I had the EXACT thing with my 2008's 5AT!! It could get crazy between 4/5 or the TC would go out/in/out/in of lockup. The first drain/refill with Maxlife stopped it. About 6mo later I got a notice to bring it in for an ECM reflash to address an AT concern with my particular model. I never noticed a difference afterwards, but it's been great ever since.

Joel
 
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