Honda ATF-Z1

[CK1]

Hello all, I just purchased a 1998 Corolla and just happen 2 have 4 qts of the Honda ATF-Z1 laying around. Ive read on these forums quite a debate about mixing or using Dex III with the Honda ATF-Z1 in Honda vehicles. What I havent been able to determine is if you can use the Honda ATF-Z1 in other cars that require Dex III trans fluid.

Does anybody out there have any info they can share about this? Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[Rand]

dex III and z1 are 2 different types of fluid..
one is highly friction modified one isnt.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: Rand
dex III and z1 are 2 different types of fluid..
one is highly friction modified one isnt.


According to Valvoline, they're at least similar enough that their Dex III can be used where Z1 is specified.

 

[barlowc]

I don't think I'd use Honda Z1 in anything that isn't a Honda AT. Now, using something other than Z1 in a Honda AT, that's a different debate/discussion. I see the two being different issues.

 

[CK1]

Thanks for the quick replies. Normally I would never even need to ask this question, I would just buy the correct new fluid. But I consider this car a Hoopdy, Sled, Beater ect so I figured I would just ask and get some feedback.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: barlowc
I don't think I'd use Honda Z1 in anything that isn't a Honda AT. Now, using something other than Z1 in a Honda AT, that's a different debate/discussion. I see the two being different issues.


I do believe that Rand is correct earlier: these are two different fluids with different frictional properties.

However, that said, Valvoline says you can use its Dex III fluid in a Honda. If Dex III is suitable for a Honda and for a Chevrolet (for example), what makes Z1 suitable for a Honda but not for a Chevrolet?

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
If Dex III is suitable for a Honda and for a Chevrolet (for example), what makes Z1 suitable for a Honda but not for a Chevrolet?

My thought, and that's all it is, is that Honda transmissions are designed to operate with the additional friction modifiers in Z1 and results in those smooth, buttery shifts which eventually feel sloppy IMO as the fluid breaks in. That fluid may result in sloppy shifts right out of the gate for transmissions not designed for it.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I see where you're going with that. There does seem to be a fair amount of "consumables" in Honda fluid, that either degrade or break down or whatever over time.

 

[PandaBear]

DO NOT use Z1 in non Honda.

I remember Molakule said that Z1 uses a zinc based additive that could plug the pores on the friction material on non Honda transmission. Honda seems to be fine as they use friction material that doesn't have this problem.

The universal ATF uses non zinc based additive that works with both Honda and non Honda.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Cool, thanks for that explanation.