Honda Civic PS and ATF + Lexus

[lucas01230]

Hi all,

2010 Civic coupe

Owners Manual begs for Honda PS. Says you can use other brands but not to use ATF.
But can I use ATF, perhaps this is referring to Z1? I have Valvoline Maxlife sitting on my shelf waiting to be used.

On the topic of the ATF...Ive read from a few people that say Z1 is some awful ATF that Honda has used. Again, can Maxlife be used?

And on to the brake fluid. Again it asks for Honda DOT3 BF while other brands are to be temporary.

Is this secret Honda advertising. I've read a thread on the BF but it wasn't conclusive.

Thanks all

Also....
2003 Lexus GS300 147K- ATF
Asks for T-IV - again...maxlife ok? (Ive changed the PS with maxlife @ 144K)
I am unaware of any fluid maintenance on ATF nor PS, so im considering it factory fill. Does not seem to be any issues with transmission

 

[lucas01230]

Lastly im looking for some info on the Differential for the Lexus.... any problem with changing it? Ive seen people putting 75W-90 and 80w-90. I see nothing in my owners manual.

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: lucas01230
...2010 Civic coupe

Owners Manual begs for Honda PS. Says you can use other brands but not to use ATF.
But can I use ATF, perhaps this is referring to Z1? I have Valvoline Maxlife sitting on my shelf waiting to be used.
You should not use ATF, ML or DW1 or any ATF for PS in Honda. Based on my long time use, aftermarket 'for Honda/Acura' PSF, including the current Prestone PSF for Honda/Acura works quite well. 2001 Civic with original pump and 2007 Accord are personal anecdotes with use. Bardahl for Honda Power Steering Fluid used before that in 01 Civic. But stay away from ATF as PSF.

Quote:
On the topic of the ATF...Ive read from a few people that say Z1 is some awful ATF that Honda has used. Again, can Maxlife be used?
It's true Z1 ATF was nothing special, sheared quickly. After Z1 discontinued went to MaxLife in both vehicle anecdotes, and both with extensive miles now on ML doing just fine with simple 25-30k mile single d&fs. Some seem to prefer current DW1, but ML has worked just as well as spec'd Z1 so for me no reason to pay more.

Quote:
And on to the brake fluid. Again it asks for Honda DOT3 BF while other brands are to be temporary
IME any DOT3 or DOT3/4 works fine. I prefer to stick with a name brand like Prestone DOT3 or Valvoline DOT3/4, but that's just me.

 

[JC1]

I have a 97 Civic and I'm using Max life ATF on both the PS and ATF. No issues using either.

I had a 98 Toyota Sienna and I used Max life on the Transmission for the last 6 years that I owned the Sienna. No issues using Max life on the Toyota.

 

[mehullica]

You can use T-IV or maxlife as the ATF in the Lexus PS & 75/90 or 80/90 in the diff.

 

[Dave Hess]

Advance Auto parts sells their brand 'Honda PS' fluid.

I bought bottles and used the AAP discount code and did drain / refill on our cars.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

You MUST use Honda power steering fluid. It doesn't have to be from the dealer, but it NEEDS to say Honda on the bottle. Walmart has Prestone Honda PS at a good price. The parts stores usually have something you can use, too.

Brake fluid is less strict. You can use any DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid and be fine. With brake fluid, it's more important that you flush it regularly.

 

[lucas01230]

Im thinking I might stick with T-IV in the GS300 - I think it makes me feel better

Unless someone convinces me its not necesarry

 

[SatinSilver]

You can also try Mobil 3309 atf which is the exact same thing as the T-IV. It may save you a few bucks and available online via Amazon etc.

 

[artificialist]

Honda Power Steering Fluid has a different additive package and viscosity than ATF.

Maxlife ATF performs well in Honda and Lexus transmissions of all kinds. Also, you can use it to replace the power steering fluid in the Lexus.

As for the Lexus differential oil, it probably left the factory with SAE90 GL-5 oil, and that can be replaced with 80w90 or 75w90.

 

[lucas01230]

It appears to actually be cheaper to get "T-IV" on amazon compared to Mobil 3309 if getting 1qt bottles. Case is barely anymore expensive.

1qt bottles
T4: $7.66
3309: $9.38

Case (12qts)
T4: $69.88
3309: $68.87

Ill have to check walmart to see what they have

I was looking at Castrol TIMV ATF too... opinions anyone? $2.47/Qt! (add on item) max is 6 qts in an order

The GS300 has a great engine and transmission but ATF likely hasnt ever been changed and im just not sure what to do. Money is on the tighter side for us. Some mechanic said that suspension work needs to be done on it and I gotta look into this to avoid labor $$$.

No transmission flush for an almost 150K mi transmission

 

[lucas01230]

Originally Posted By: mehullica
You can use T-IV or maxlife as the ATF in the Lexus PS & 75/90 or 80/90 in the diff.


Forgot to add in my post....
but which oil for the diff?

Does climate affect this choice? Chicago so some nights it goes below zero in winter. Driver is my 46 year old mom is drives very carefully and slowly...with a GS300.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: lucas01230
Originally Posted By: mehullica
You can use T-IV or maxlife as the ATF in the Lexus PS & 75/90 or 80/90 in the diff.


Forgot to add in my post....
but which oil for the diff?

Does climate affect this choice? Chicago so some nights it goes below zero in winter. Driver is my 46 year old mom is drives very carefully and slowly...with a GS300.

Diff is the one that takes 80w90 or 75w90.

The Lexus probably took SAE90, so even using 80w90 would be an improvement in cold weather. Since you need to save money, just buy a store brand conventional oil.