Synthetic ATF Fluid?

[cristphoto]

Is it safe to convert to Mobil 1 synthetic automatic transmission from the standard fluid? I have a new Acura TL with automatic, and after the first service was planning on using Mobil 1 5-20 oil in the engine. I was wondering if I could safely use synthetic in the transmission also. The owners manual says to use the factory Honda fluid which is non-synthetic, but owners manuals typically always say stick with the factory parts. I simply want to treat this car to the "good stuff" and don't want to void my warranty by using something that would do damage. Thanks for any experienced comments on this. Steve

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

Check with ExxonMobil-I don't remember if they recommend their fluid for that application or not. You could use AMSOIL ATF.

 

[Blokey]

You should really use ATF-Z1 compatible fluid in your TL's trans. The only synthetic Z1 compatible I know of is from Specialty Formulations, I don't remember the name of it though. Give Molakule a shout and he'll give you the details.

I'm running the factory fluid in my TL but I may try the SF fluid soon.

 

[cristphoto]

Thanks for the replies guys.

 

[Pablo]

Amsoil ATF is a synthetic ATF recommended for and works great in Honda Z1 applications.

I don't think there are any Honda "licensed" 3rd party Z1 fluids, including Mobil 1, Speciality Formulations, Scheafers, etc.

 

[keith]

With a new car, I'd use the same fluid as whatever the manufacturer puts in there at least until the warranty expires.

If you have a transmission problem, and are not running manufacturer approved fluid, be prepared for the possibility that warranty coverage will be denied. It's not a question of how good your replacement fluid is. Acura won't care if it's Amsoil ATF or Peanut Oil - either one will be a problem for you.

 

[harry j]

I have used Amsoil Syn Fluid in my Civic for the last 88,000 miles, now with 186,000 miles logged, Trans shifs like (better than?) new and the magnetic drain plug shows little if any wear debris.

 

[muddawgs]

assuming they now have a better trans than previous years the m1 would probably be just fine but i'd stick with the z1 until your warranty expires. you wont see any mpg or wear increase with either. better heat resistance maybe. keep it cool and clean and you'll be fine.

 

[ChromiumSteel]

I sold a '92 Civic to my 17 yr a couple of years ago It now has 240,000 miles on it and has had nothing but M1 synth ATF since changing from Honda ATF at 70,000 miles. it is changed every 30,000 miles and this car shifts the same as it did when it was new. I heartily endorse this product.

 

[jhc]

I had a 2004 TL with an automatic and because this particular transmission has a flawed design involving 2nd gear, I changed over to Amsoil Universal ATF at ~ 1500 miles. I sold the car with 13,000 miles on the clock and in my opinion the tranny ran better than new (crisp shifts and no flare).

I also use the Universal ATF in my wife's '01 Pathfinder and it too runs like a champ.

 

[Colt]

I'm very happy with Amsoil ATF in my '05 Explorer.
Over the 7/4 holiday I'll change the fluid in our '05 Corolla to Amsoil ATF I just bought from MSparks.

 

[Steelers]

I've only used Z-1 in my wife's RSX, will try Amsoil next drain and fill. Is it my imagination or is Z-1 thinner than Dex III/Mercon fluid? I wonder if this is reason people complain of hard shifting when not using Honda's fluid.

 

[H20024.6L]

cristphoto: I have a 2004 TL and have drained and filled the auto trans with Amsoil ATF. I've completed three drain and refils. Shifting is fine and the drain/refill process is simple. PM if you need info.