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Dear Honda Guru(s),
I am not sure whether you ever have dispelled the myth surround ATF for Hondas.
I have seen topics varying from only using OEM ATF to Valvoline synthetic MaxLife mixed ATF Modifier such as Lubegard in order to make it to OE specs.
Will MaxLife + Lubegard be harmful to the transmission in the long run?
I live in Phoenix, AZ where in the summer the high temperature really castigates the cars. Would using OEM ATF + ATF cooler be better?
Please clarify this nagging topic once and for all if possible.Thank you in advance.
MB
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Drain and fill only using OEM ATF and don’t flush the system. That’s per the book. As for a cooler, not unless you plan on towing.
Thanks Tods213!
I just found Aisin atf-dw1 (supposedly the Honda’s ATF maker) costs $4.32/quart at RockAuto (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8369636&jsn=3&jsn=3).
That is much cheaper than the Honda branded one.
It ways at the container that was “specifically engineered for Honda and Acura vehicles requiring DW-1 type transmission fluid”.
I supposed it is safe, right?Thank you,
MB
PS: I have no relationship with RockAuto.
That would appear to be true, according to Rock Auto. Can’t say I’ve ever used it but i would think it is right.
The only thing I could think of now is whether or not your trans has ZF1 in it now and whether you should mix it with the newer fluid. Of course, there’s no easy way to tell the two apart.The DW1 fluid is “backwards compatible” with the Z1 fluid, so there should be no issue with mixing the fluids.
I’ve seen Beck/Arnley branded Z1 fluid, probably along the same lines as the Aisin fluid. I personally wouldn’t worry (unless the shipping cost is larger than the dealership price).
Tangent: I’ve heard of substituting a flush with 3 consecutive drain-and-refill procedures, which probably originated from a TSB for one or two vehicles a long time ago. IMHO, that procedure seems excessive given the cost of the fluid. It would be better to spread the drain-and-refill procedures over time (e.g. annually) if the vehicle’s maintenance was suspect or overdue.
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