Havoline Multi-Vehicle + BG additive, interval?

[The Critic]

My gf has a 2007 Accord, I4, with about 103k miles.

When I met her, the car had about 96k on it and the ATF looked like it had not been serviced in a very, very long time.

So, I did three drain-and-refills using Havoline's full-synthetic multi-vehicle fluid. The car shifted a bit smoother afterwards but the shifts were on the harsh side.

Note: Havoline's site does list Honda ATF-Z1 and DW-1 compatibility.

Since I still had 3 quarts of Havoline fluid left, I did another drain and refill using the same fluid and also added a small bottle of BG's ATC Plus additive. I found the product on my parts shelf and figured that I would give it a try. After all, it is the girlfriend's car, right?

The transmission shifted better after adding the additive, but it still does not shift quite as smoothly as I would prefer. The shift quality does not bother her, but I should probably service the fluid with Honda ATF-DW1 fluid or something different...eventually.

My question to you folks is -- how long should I run this "mix" for?

 

[Greasymechtech]

If she complains, change it this weekend.

If she doesn't complain, run it for 30k.

 

[Dave Hess]

Stick with Honda ATF.

 

[Rolla07]

Yeah I would try the Honda ATF. Though give the additive some time to work. Change it when you next change the oil.

 

[3800Series]

Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
Stick with Honda ATF.


This, I've always been under the impression that Honda transmissions where very finicky with fluids.

 

[bdcardinal]

Maybe this time change out the filter internal to the trans and the inline one when you try the Honda ATF.

 

[vssjim]

We use Havoline/Chevron lubes at work and have for many years Honda-Z1 is the same as Havoline Multi-Vehicle ATF and Honda DW-1 is Dexron 6 as far as my Chevron Havoline Guide. I don't think that using Havoline causes problems as we have used over thousand cases and had no trouble at all in any car.

 

[CT8]

Get a GF that maintains her own car.

 

[bvance554]

You just measured your relationship in miles. 7k on her so far.

 

[Vikas]

Originally Posted By: bvance554
You just measured your relationship in miles. 7k on her so far.
Where is that Dave Barry essay on this?

 

[The Critic]

Update -

Just got in from flushing out the "concoction" with about 9 quarts Genuine Honda ATF DW-1. Also replaced the in-line filter.

For future reference, on the Gen7 Accord four-cylinder, the supply line to the ATF cooler is the line closest to the L/F corner of the vehicle.

I drained about 4 quarts -- added 4 quarts of new fluid -- started the car and allowed 4 quarts to drain out -- added another 3 quarts -- started the car and allowed 2 quarts to drain out (fluid was bright-red by this point) -- reconnected line and r/r the in-line filter -- topped off with another 1.75 quarts (after waiting for the radiator fan to come on twice).

Impressions? Overall, it shifts a bit quicker and more noticeably, but the 1-2 shift is a lot smoother than before. Oh, and I'm about $80 poorer...

 

[bdcardinal]

Is the gf happy? That is all that matters at this point.

 

[zach1900]

What do toy mean by smoother? The smoother the shift the more clutch slip.

 

[zach1900]

I still don't get what smooth means in reference to an automatic transmission. Smooth in that context means clutch slip and heat,no?