Honda ATF Z1 in VTM ?

[youdontwannaknow]

It was brought to my attention recently that Honda has started using their ATF Z1 in their VTM rear diff, in place of their dedicated VTM-4 fluid.

Am not quite clear yet as to whether they made this transition when they first came out with the SH-AWD system (which I believe was the '05 RL, but I could be wrong), or only in '07 after some modifications to the already existing SH-AWD system ? It does seem that the basic design & functioning of the VTM is still the same.

Anyway, the question I am opening for debate is whether Z1 can be used without any concern in their pre-SH-AWD VTMs as well or not ?

 

[nthach]

We still use the VTM-4 fluid at work. I've haven't seen anything out of the ordinary - yet.

 

[youdontwannaknow]

you mean using VTM-4 fluid in a vehicle that calls for Z1 in the rear diff ?
actually I am asking the other way around - using Z1 in a vehicle that calls for using VTM-4.

 

[nthach]

IIRC, Honda says specifically NOT to use ATF in a VTM-4 diff, there's a white sticker on the subframe warning that use of ATF or any other fluid except for VTM-4 stuff may cause diff damage or noise.

 

[youdontwannaknow]

can you please specify which year model are you talking about ?
I am pretty sure the '07 SH-AWD models specify ATF Z1 in the rear vtm diff.
I am trying to find out if Honda always specified ATF Z1 from the beginning ('05 Acura RL) or something changed in '07.

 

[youdontwannaknow]

confirmed from the '05 RL manual - Honda specifies to use the ATF Z1 in the rear differential.

So what changed ? The fluid ? The differential(I know there is a difference but not a major redesign) ? or both ?

 

[vinu_neuro]

VTM is the center diff used in the MDX/Pilot. SH-AWD is completely different. The plantery-gearset and clutch design used there is similar to that of an auto trans.

 

[Mau]

rdx with sh-awd specs atf-z1 in rear diff.