Been reading on here that Honda owners will do a drain and fill on their transmission fluids on a regular basis. currently I have 8,000 miles on my 2009 Honda CRV. what would be a good mileage to do a drain and refill for the first time ? was thinking 10,000 miles may be a good time to do it for the first time. if I read correctly , doing it for the first time I change out the 3+ quarts, then drive for a bit and change out the other 3 +quarts to make sure most of the fluid is exchanged. thinking maybe I would use my fluid extractor but is there an advantage to using the drain plug, as in removing debris from the plug and let it drain out with the original fluid.
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tranny fluid in a Honda
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A thread on a similar topic is currently going on at https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/honda-automatic-transmission-drain-fill-procedure.129184/
I'm at about 30,000 miles and am going to do the "drain/fill x 3" procedure. I'm just trying to decide whether to stick with Honda Z-1 fluid or use something else.
I'm at about 30,000 miles and am going to do the "drain/fill x 3" procedure. I'm just trying to decide whether to stick with Honda Z-1 fluid or use something else.
Hondas I have want the first transmission change at 30K or 45K miles, with changes every 30 K after that. They spec a simple drain and fill. The drain plug has a magnetic extension and every time I've changed fluid (up to 120 K miles) there's been a layer of crud on it.
Do not use Dexron/Mercon, see archives for discussion of alternatives to the Honda fluid.
Steve
Do not use Dexron/Mercon, see archives for discussion of alternatives to the Honda fluid.
Steve
Originally Posted By: barlowc
A thread on a similar topic is currently going on at https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/honda-automatic-transmission-drain-fill-procedure.129184/
I'm at about 30,000 miles and am going to do the "drain/fill x 3" procedure. I'm just trying to decide whether to stick with Honda Z-1 fluid or use something else.
Since the transmission fluid is not changed so often, I's go with the Z-1.
A thread on a similar topic is currently going on at https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/honda-automatic-transmission-drain-fill-procedure.129184/
I'm at about 30,000 miles and am going to do the "drain/fill x 3" procedure. I'm just trying to decide whether to stick with Honda Z-1 fluid or use something else.
Since the transmission fluid is not changed so often, I's go with the Z-1.
thanks for the replies so far guys. I did see the other thread about which fluid to use and that got me thinking about my Honda. the warranty issue is valid as we have the maximum extended bumper to bumper warranty from Honda. was hoping to get the original fluid out before the first called for scheduled transmission fluid replacement. maybe the fluid extractor would be best for warranty issues as the drain plug will still be sealed from the factory and I would have all the fluid exchanged after a couple of extractions.
Originally Posted By: shrooms
Since the transmission fluid is not changed so often, I's go with the Z-1.
Why do you suggest manufacturer spec Z-1?
I can get Valvoline MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF cheaper and have read at least one report where it worked very well in a Ridgeline. Or, I think I can eve get Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF without paying much more than Z-1 from the dealer. Both the Valvoline and Mobil 1 bottles say they're recommended for use where Honda Z-1 is called for.
Since the transmission fluid is not changed so often, I's go with the Z-1.
Why do you suggest manufacturer spec Z-1?
I can get Valvoline MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF cheaper and have read at least one report where it worked very well in a Ridgeline. Or, I think I can eve get Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF without paying much more than Z-1 from the dealer. Both the Valvoline and Mobil 1 bottles say they're recommended for use where Honda Z-1 is called for.
Originally Posted By: barlowc
Originally Posted By: shrooms
Since the transmission fluid is not changed so often, I's go with the Z-1.
Why do you suggest manufacturer spec Z-1?
I can get Valvoline MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF cheaper and have read at least one report where it worked very well in a Ridgeline. Or, I think I can eve get Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF without paying much more than Z-1 from the dealer. Both the Valvoline and Mobil 1 bottles say they're recommended for use where Honda Z-1 is called for.
The car is still under warranty, so I'd play it safe. After warranty, yes, what you say.
Originally Posted By: shrooms
Since the transmission fluid is not changed so often, I's go with the Z-1.
Why do you suggest manufacturer spec Z-1?
I can get Valvoline MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF cheaper and have read at least one report where it worked very well in a Ridgeline. Or, I think I can eve get Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF without paying much more than Z-1 from the dealer. Both the Valvoline and Mobil 1 bottles say they're recommended for use where Honda Z-1 is called for.
The car is still under warranty, so I'd play it safe. After warranty, yes, what you say.
Originally Posted By: shrooms
The car is still under warranty, so I'd play it safe. After warranty, yes, what you say.
But aren't the others warranty-friendly? For example, Valvoline says "MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF is compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties."
The car is still under warranty, so I'd play it safe. After warranty, yes, what you say.
But aren't the others warranty-friendly? For example, Valvoline says "MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF is compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties."
I changed mine at 6k, did a double flush w/AMSoil. After 2 years, at 46k, I did another 2x flush w/MaxLife.
I plan on 1x a year w/MaxLife going forward. I dont' like the double and triple flushes for maintenance because the fluid you drain has no service on it. At least doing 1x flushes, the fluid gets worked somewhat.
btw- I only did the double flushes because I was changing fluid formulas, and I wanted to get the spices right.
I plan on 1x a year w/MaxLife going forward. I dont' like the double and triple flushes for maintenance because the fluid you drain has no service on it. At least doing 1x flushes, the fluid gets worked somewhat.
btw- I only did the double flushes because I was changing fluid formulas, and I wanted to get the spices right.
One thing to note in making your decision is that the folks (like me) doing more frequent transmission fluid change intervals have the Honda V-6 automatic transmissions. I haven't heard of the manual and 4 cyl auto having problems.
Also, if you're following the Honda guidance on flushing, it's 4x drain and fill. Honda has a procedure for running on the lift. I drove it to accomplish the same thing.
Also, if you're following the Honda guidance on flushing, it's 4x drain and fill. Honda has a procedure for running on the lift. I drove it to accomplish the same thing.
Originally Posted By: barlowc
Originally Posted By: shrooms
The car is still under warranty, so I'd play it safe. After warranty, yes, what you say.
But aren't the others warranty-friendly? For example, Valvoline says "MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF is compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties."
Well, that's what THEY say to sell the product. Again, why fool around with it? Why risk and let the car company say "your warranty is void because you used such and such".
I say, use the Z-1 under warranty and something else AFTER warranty. Is it worth saving a few dollars on ATF, only to have the company throw it at your face for not using Z-1? Why bother?
I'd rather spend a few dollars more on Z-1, play their game and then get whatever AFTER warranty.
Originally Posted By: shrooms
The car is still under warranty, so I'd play it safe. After warranty, yes, what you say.
But aren't the others warranty-friendly? For example, Valvoline says "MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF is compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties."
Well, that's what THEY say to sell the product. Again, why fool around with it? Why risk and let the car company say "your warranty is void because you used such and such".
I say, use the Z-1 under warranty and something else AFTER warranty. Is it worth saving a few dollars on ATF, only to have the company throw it at your face for not using Z-1? Why bother?
I'd rather spend a few dollars more on Z-1, play their game and then get whatever AFTER warranty.
Originally Posted By: flttester
Also, if you're following the Honda guidance on flushing, it's 4x drain and fill.
Yes, you're right. The stuff I'd read until today talked about doing the procedure 3 times. But today I saw an excerpt of a Honda manual of sorts someplace (wish I'd bookmarked it) that talked about repeating the procedure 3 times and then again as the final step.
I've spend a good part of the day searching for and reading information on this topic, and whether right or wrong, the majority position is to stick with Z1 in Honda transmissions when that's the spec. Apparently they're more finicky than what we all might think.
Since I'm trying to resolve a small issue that Saturn forum folks have resolved before by simply changing the transmission fluid, it's probably best that I don't add a variable by changing fluid type too. If it solves the problem and once I've done the procedure a couple times and am comfortable with it, then maybe I'll try something else in the future.
Also, if you're following the Honda guidance on flushing, it's 4x drain and fill.
Yes, you're right. The stuff I'd read until today talked about doing the procedure 3 times. But today I saw an excerpt of a Honda manual of sorts someplace (wish I'd bookmarked it) that talked about repeating the procedure 3 times and then again as the final step.
I've spend a good part of the day searching for and reading information on this topic, and whether right or wrong, the majority position is to stick with Z1 in Honda transmissions when that's the spec. Apparently they're more finicky than what we all might think.
Since I'm trying to resolve a small issue that Saturn forum folks have resolved before by simply changing the transmission fluid, it's probably best that I don't add a variable by changing fluid type too. If it solves the problem and once I've done the procedure a couple times and am comfortable with it, then maybe I'll try something else in the future.
Originally Posted By: barlowc
Originally Posted By: flttester
Also, if you're following the Honda guidance on flushing, it's 4x drain and fill.
Yes, you're right. The stuff I'd read until today talked about doing the procedure 3 times. But today I saw an excerpt of a Honda manual of sorts someplace (wish I'd bookmarked it) that talked about repeating the procedure 3 times and then again as the final step.
I've spend a good part of the day searching for and reading information on this topic, and whether right or wrong, the majority position is to stick with Z1 in Honda transmissions when that's the spec. Apparently they're more finicky than what we all might think.
Since I'm trying to resolve a small issue that Saturn forum folks have resolved before by simply changing the transmission fluid, it's probably best that I don't add a variable by changing fluid type too. If it solves the problem and once I've done the procedure a couple times and am comfortable with it, then maybe I'll try something else in the future.
They are not finicky in any sort of way, not at all. I post this stuff way too often because no one bothers to read previous posts in this section.
I ran Amsoil ATD for 75,000. I ran D4 for 10,000. Now I'm running the dreaded Redline racing non FM Type F fluid and it shifts better than ever. I've owned it since new and it now has over 90,000 miles on it.
You guys need to do your research before you go around recommending the [censored] Z1. This nonsense is getting really old. "Playing it safe" is going to get bump shifts and lots more wear. I would swap the Z1 out as soon as possible.
Again, THEY ARE NO FINICKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To answer the original question, if you want to do the first drain and fill at 8k, go for it and the good thing is you could get away with just one drain and fill at such a low mileage. Do it again 8-10K later and so on. That way you avoid the 3x3 and instead do a 1x3.
Originally Posted By: flttester
Also, if you're following the Honda guidance on flushing, it's 4x drain and fill.
Yes, you're right. The stuff I'd read until today talked about doing the procedure 3 times. But today I saw an excerpt of a Honda manual of sorts someplace (wish I'd bookmarked it) that talked about repeating the procedure 3 times and then again as the final step.
I've spend a good part of the day searching for and reading information on this topic, and whether right or wrong, the majority position is to stick with Z1 in Honda transmissions when that's the spec. Apparently they're more finicky than what we all might think.
Since I'm trying to resolve a small issue that Saturn forum folks have resolved before by simply changing the transmission fluid, it's probably best that I don't add a variable by changing fluid type too. If it solves the problem and once I've done the procedure a couple times and am comfortable with it, then maybe I'll try something else in the future.
They are not finicky in any sort of way, not at all. I post this stuff way too often because no one bothers to read previous posts in this section.
I ran Amsoil ATD for 75,000. I ran D4 for 10,000. Now I'm running the dreaded Redline racing non FM Type F fluid and it shifts better than ever. I've owned it since new and it now has over 90,000 miles on it.
You guys need to do your research before you go around recommending the [censored] Z1. This nonsense is getting really old. "Playing it safe" is going to get bump shifts and lots more wear. I would swap the Z1 out as soon as possible.
Again, THEY ARE NO FINICKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To answer the original question, if you want to do the first drain and fill at 8k, go for it and the good thing is you could get away with just one drain and fill at such a low mileage. Do it again 8-10K later and so on. That way you avoid the 3x3 and instead do a 1x3.
I went with Mobil 1 in my wife's 09 Pilot at 25,000 miles, drain and fill.
With the factory fill, her transmission didn't shift quite right from reverse to drive. Now with the M1 that is gone. It also seems to shift better when driving.
Maybe just refreshing the add pack??? It was only 3.75 qts for the drain and fill and the magnetic rod on the plug was covered in crud!
With the factory fill, her transmission didn't shift quite right from reverse to drive. Now with the M1 that is gone. It also seems to shift better when driving.
Maybe just refreshing the add pack??? It was only 3.75 qts for the drain and fill and the magnetic rod on the plug was covered in crud!
Thanks for all of the opinions so far to all that have replied. I like the idea of doing a one time flush / fill with my fluid extractor and doing it every 10,000 miles so I do need to do a 3x flush at 30,000. I drive approx 10,000 a year do that would be once a year for me. the only thing I am concerned about would be cleaning off the drain plug as I am sure the local Honda dealer would know that it was not the original factory seal. do you thing that replacing the fluid every year will offset the fact that the plug will not be cleaned off.
I have a 2003, 2.4 Accord EX, auto transmission with 117k miles. Since the ATF fluid is so easy to change, I have been doing a transmission drain and fill at each 7.5k OCI since it had roughly 15k miles on it. I use either Maxlife Dex/Merc, Royal Purple Max ATF or Castrol Import Multi Vehicle..........That's right, no Z1, AND a mix of "other" fluids! My transmission has been problem free and shifts better then when it was new.
I only used RP one time due to the high cost, and poor availability to me. Then I went to Maxlife for a few drains, and now I use Castrol IMV due to it's reasonable cost and availability to me..........Don't listen to all of the doom and gloom regarding the non use of Z1.
I only used RP one time due to the high cost, and poor availability to me. Then I went to Maxlife for a few drains, and now I use Castrol IMV due to it's reasonable cost and availability to me..........Don't listen to all of the doom and gloom regarding the non use of Z1.
Originally Posted By: D Bone
My transmission has been problem free and shifts better then when it was new.
That's good to hear! When you say it shifts better, how so exactly? Smoother? Crisper?
The shift-quality of my vehicle's Honda 5-speed auto was very nice to start with. It was very soft and smooth and made it pleasant to drive. Whatever fluid I use, I'd like to take it back to that, even if it means using Z1 to get that "buttery" feel again.
My transmission has been problem free and shifts better then when it was new.
That's good to hear! When you say it shifts better, how so exactly? Smoother? Crisper?
The shift-quality of my vehicle's Honda 5-speed auto was very nice to start with. It was very soft and smooth and made it pleasant to drive. Whatever fluid I use, I'd like to take it back to that, even if it means using Z1 to get that "buttery" feel again.
I've used Z1, amsoil ATF and Castrol Import Multi vehicle and my vote goes to Castrol IMV without a doubt. The Z1 seemed to slowly drag into the next gear, the amsoil seemed to shift very quick like a bicycle and the castrol is just smooth not notchy or slow but perfect. It's also availible at walmart and not too expensive. My guess but its only a guess is that the amsoil is less friction modifyed than the castrol. Also castrol has the JASO A1 or whatever they call that designation. A little disclaimer though is that my honda has a four speed not the new fancy 5 speeds.
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