MaxLife ATF in 09 Honda transmission?

[sciphi]

Read about MaxLife ATF in another thread. Then checked out Valvoline's website where it listed Honda Z-1 as a fluid that MaxLife could replace.

I'm looking down the road in 10k miles when my fiancee's Honda Fit Sport with the 5-speed automatic hits 15k miles and I sort of anally want to drain and fill the pan with new fluid to keep it fresh. I've heard horror stories about Honda transmissions, and want to be cautious. Is MaxLife a good fluid to use?

 

[jmb106]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
Read about MaxLife ATF in another thread. Then checked out Valvoline's website where it listed Honda Z-1 as a fluid that MaxLife could replace.

I'm looking down the road in 10k miles when my fiancee's Honda Fit Sport with the 5-speed automatic hits 15k miles and I sort of anally want to drain and fill the pan with new fluid to keep it fresh. I've heard horror stories about Honda transmissions, and want to be cautious. Is MaxLife a good fluid to use?


Hi, i have used Maxlife in my 95 Accord w/ 209,000 miles on it,(calls for DexronII ) but would not install it in my 07 Accord. I would use either the Z-1 or I would recommend the Amsoil ATF for the Fit. I do a drain and fill every 10K on my 07 Accord just to cover the bases!
Joe

 

[nthach]

The new Honda Z-1 fluid has a healthy dose of zinc in it - I'd stick to it.

 

[rszappa1]

Just use OEM and you will be fine....very simple....

 

[unDummy]

Maxlife is a good fluid to use.
Once a year or 10-15k is anal. Its simple maintenance that should be considered a must.

 

[bubbatime]

In a new car I would use Honda Z1. In an older car, like a 95 Accord, I would be more likely to try the maxlife.

 

[unDummy]

I don't practice that new/old car mentality, or preach the in or out of warranty fear.

Pick a fluid and use it for your maintenance schedule.
If Maxlife is what you want to use, then use it.

 

[rszappa1]

I agree with you thats why I would stick to OEM....

 

[gogozy]

i did 2 drain and fill with MaxLife on 04 TSX 5AT, shift and engagement is firmer. so far i have 2500km and i like maxlife. however, now i got new job and don't need to drive anymore so can't really "test" the car beyond after 2500km. i was planning to experiment with Amsoil atf after maxlife before the i got the new job. i was thinking of change to Amsoil atf if i found way and time to disconnect external filter before.

 

[rszappa1]

I dont like to "Experiment" with a new car tranny...especially if it is working fine and under warranty...

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: rszappa1
I dont like to "Experiment" with a new car tranny...especially if it is working fine and under warranty...
+1 Have an 01 Civic with 130k, and seen nothing but Z-1, shifts fine. If you want to experiment I'd wait till out of warranty. JMO

 

[unDummy]

Funny, almost as bad as words from politicians. Maintenance isn't experimenting.

 

[DeeAgeaux]

Originally Posted By: unDummy
Funny, almost as bad as words from politicians. Maintenance isn't experimenting.




Trying a fluid that is not recommended by the manufacture without a long proven track record is experimenting.

 

[rszappa1]

Please "Test" all you want and let us know....for me I will use OEM...no test needed....

 

[unDummy]

Actually, with OE, the testing is done by you also. Thats why there are recalls, TSBs, and warranty repairs.

And, a manufacturer won't recommend anything that doesn't positively affect the stockholder. Overzealous parts departments charging too much for a pathetic performance fluids benefits who???

 

[rszappa1]

Dont remember to many recalls for Z1 fluid....from honda...

 

[Sayjac]

Funny, almost as bad as words from politicians. Maintenance isn't experimenting.

Huh? To each their own. Using other than the recommended tranny fluid during the warranty is "experimenting" to me.

I gave my opinion based on use of Z-1 over 130k and 9 years of maintenance, with no issues. Zero politics to it.

 

[unDummy]

Then stick with it. But, don't assume that no other fluid will work just as well or better(and many aftermarket fluids work better).

Thread starter wanted to use Maxlife, and he has that option. And he wanted to know if it was a good fluid. Its an excellent fluid with a pretty robust additive package.

Honda has enough issues with transmission recalls, bulletins...and other substandard engineering that many have too much faith in(as with any automaker). I didn't mention any fluid recalls so don't put words in my mouth. But, they've had their issue with fluid confusion.

So Z1 worked for you, great. That wasn't the question that the thread starter asked now!

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: rszappa1
Please "Test" all you want and let us know....for me I will use OEM
+1 Yep, if isn't broke no need to fix it. Z-1 working just fine.

Originally Posted By: DeeAgeaux
Trying a fluid that is not recommended by the manufacture without a long proven track record is experimenting.
Exactly, I agree with you.

 

[bubbatime]

I buy ATF-Z1 by the case for not too much dough. I also change the ATF every 15K Miles. It only takes 5 minutes to drain and refill. It is easier than an oil change. I see no reason to try a different oil (even if they are better) since my transmission shifts perfect and runs great. It is a 2005 Accord with 145K miles. I believe that I will see over 200K miles without the need for a rebuild.