Is doing a complete ATF change a real bad idea?
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So bascially there is no consensus on this stuff? Lol.
I've been going over Civic forums, other Honda forums, and this forum trying to figure out the best move for my car but I guess there is no "right" answer.
I have a 2000 Civic with almost 180k on the odo. I've been lax with my ATF and only recently have I taken an interest in things like this. The last change was probably 90k ago and was done at Jiffy Lube with some machine. I don't even know what kind of fluid is in there. I know, I know. Bad idea. I was young and stupid.
I'm bringing it in on Friday for brakes and was going to get the ATF done, when it dawned on me to do some research. My plan now is to grab a case of MaxLife for the shop to put in.
The shop pushes BG products, so I am guessing they have a BG fluid exchange unit that uses the transmission pump to move the fluid out. From what I understand, these aren't too harsh on your old transmission and less dangerous than the old "flush".
Yet most Honda and Civic forums say to simply drain and fill and never flush/exchange or anything else.
My transmission performs fine in my opinion. I do not notice any slippage, strange noises, or resistance when moving the gearshift. I've had it for almost 10 years now, so I would notice. I saw on one board the opinion that if your old transmission has a slight problem now, the flush is a bad idea and can do more harm than good. If it seems fine, there is probably no danger in "flushing" (meaning "exchange" in my case). My only reference was my old high school Oldsmobile (3.1 V6) which had a "clunk" when shifting into reverse. The tech said not to touch the fluid in that case and let it ride.
With my old fluid in there, is a simple 3qt drain and fill at this point the best idea? Then do another with the next oil change for the next 4-5 changes? Or should I let them do a fluid exchange with the transmission's own pump to "start fresh" and then get on a 3qt drain and fill interval? I'd have them do the Drain/Fill/Drive, repeat 4x's thing, but at their labor rate, it could get expensive quick. I am not currently equipped to try my hand at this myself and want to address the problem sooner than later. Any additional thoughts? I really wish the DIY mechanic shop near me didn't close a few months ago. I always meant to try my hand in there.
I've been going over Civic forums, other Honda forums, and this forum trying to figure out the best move for my car but I guess there is no "right" answer.
I have a 2000 Civic with almost 180k on the odo. I've been lax with my ATF and only recently have I taken an interest in things like this. The last change was probably 90k ago and was done at Jiffy Lube with some machine. I don't even know what kind of fluid is in there. I know, I know. Bad idea. I was young and stupid.
I'm bringing it in on Friday for brakes and was going to get the ATF done, when it dawned on me to do some research. My plan now is to grab a case of MaxLife for the shop to put in.
The shop pushes BG products, so I am guessing they have a BG fluid exchange unit that uses the transmission pump to move the fluid out. From what I understand, these aren't too harsh on your old transmission and less dangerous than the old "flush".
Yet most Honda and Civic forums say to simply drain and fill and never flush/exchange or anything else.
My transmission performs fine in my opinion. I do not notice any slippage, strange noises, or resistance when moving the gearshift. I've had it for almost 10 years now, so I would notice. I saw on one board the opinion that if your old transmission has a slight problem now, the flush is a bad idea and can do more harm than good. If it seems fine, there is probably no danger in "flushing" (meaning "exchange" in my case). My only reference was my old high school Oldsmobile (3.1 V6) which had a "clunk" when shifting into reverse. The tech said not to touch the fluid in that case and let it ride.
With my old fluid in there, is a simple 3qt drain and fill at this point the best idea? Then do another with the next oil change for the next 4-5 changes? Or should I let them do a fluid exchange with the transmission's own pump to "start fresh" and then get on a 3qt drain and fill interval? I'd have them do the Drain/Fill/Drive, repeat 4x's thing, but at their labor rate, it could get expensive quick. I am not currently equipped to try my hand at this myself and want to address the problem sooner than later. Any additional thoughts? I really wish the DIY mechanic shop near me didn't close a few months ago. I always meant to try my hand in there.
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I'm really happy with BG transmission fluid. A local indy shop I like offers BG transmission products, so a couple years ago I read up on their stuff. The reviews I read online were good, and they were even brave enough at the time to offer a million mile warranty on your transmission (obviously with extensive restrictions, limitations, and requirements). I decided I'd try stepping outside of the Motorcraft box since the indy shop was convenient, had good prices, and did good work. I've had my Ranger's transmission flushed with BG full synthetic twice now. It shifts fine with 112K miles. The shifting has never changed as a result of a flush, so that's a good thing. The current fill of BG synthetic still looks great with 30K on it, but I'm getting it flushed again in the next month or so anyway. Fords are a bit picky about transmission fluid and my Ranger doesn't even seem to notice that it doesn't have Mercon V in it.
Personally, I prefer changing as much fluid as I can at once, and I think it is highly unlikely that you will hurt your car doing that. However, a drain and fill routine is easy to do on your car, so it is a perfectly good option as well. If I remember right, the dipstick/fill hole for the transmission is right on top of it, and it has a drain plug. No mile long dipstick tube and messy pan to drop like on my truck. It probably holds less fluid too, so it would take fewer drain & fills to get mostly newer fluid in it. A wrench for the drain plug, ATF, funnel, catch pan, crush washer for the drain plug, and some paper towels should be all the supplies you need. Maybe some Rhino ramps if you don't have a good curb. That generation of Civic is parking lot repair friendly.
Personally, I prefer changing as much fluid as I can at once, and I think it is highly unlikely that you will hurt your car doing that. However, a drain and fill routine is easy to do on your car, so it is a perfectly good option as well. If I remember right, the dipstick/fill hole for the transmission is right on top of it, and it has a drain plug. No mile long dipstick tube and messy pan to drop like on my truck. It probably holds less fluid too, so it would take fewer drain & fills to get mostly newer fluid in it. A wrench for the drain plug, ATF, funnel, catch pan, crush washer for the drain plug, and some paper towels should be all the supplies you need. Maybe some Rhino ramps if you don't have a good curb. That generation of Civic is parking lot repair friendly.
I had the Honda dealer do a complete transmission fluid change when I went to the Amsoil ATF some years ago. The 1993 Civic had 120,000 miles on it then. Now with 333,000 miles, the transmission still works great.
Had the transmission fluid exchanged at 30k.Had it replaced with a compatable fluid at my local trans shop. Got enough Amsoil transmission fluid this time to get it done in the machine again. About time to get it done again. It's not the miles it's the time. 53k but almost 10 years old. Had a shift kit installed years ago and recently had the u-joints replaces since they were wore out.
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