fan25100

Hi. I have 2004 CRV with AWD, 107k miles. Have a question about the transmission fluid. I heard, that only Honda ATF-Z1 should be used. However, I found a full synthetic Valvoline ATF, which says is compatible with Honda ATF-Z1. The Valvoline is cheaper and also synthetic, whereas Honda ATF does not say it's synthetic.
Does anyone know for sure if it is safe and / or advisable to use the Valvoline ATF mentionned, or ONLY HONDA ATF-Z1. Of course, I want to save some money, but also want the car to last for a long, long time without any problems.

ALSO, I had an older Toyota before, and used "Lucas Transmission Stop Slip" as lubricant/enhancer to the synthetic ATF that I used, which worked very well for me. Is it safe/advisable to use this Lucas product in the 2004 CRV AWD? What about Bar's Leak Transmission Stop Leak & Treatment," and what about "Trans-X Slip Stop and Leak Fix" ?

Thank you very much!

HondaPartsHero

Stick with Honda. Actually its DW1 now as ATF-Z1 has basically been discontinued. It is backward compatible with Z1.

fan25100

Thank you for the reply.

But what would you advise about the transmission additives? Are they safe to use? (the reason to use them is the tranny kinda shifts hard, esp. when cold, and I hear a loud humming noise from the front at speeds over 65 mph)

HondaPartsHero

Not sure about the humming noise, could be tires? I'd stay strictly with Honda, I know others will say I used so and so and its fine but really you only need 3.5 qts for a drain and fill and its cheap insurance. A true drain and fill to change out a good amount of fluid is drain and fill drive around, drain and fill, drive around drain and fill. It'll be around $100 for the fluid but a flush on other makes could be that price any how. At your mileage it'll be good to do this. Then every 30K you can just drain and fill once.