j894

2004 Accord Ex - sedan
2.4L Auto
124k miles

Looking for advice on ATF replacement, but first a little background.
Just bought this car and its in good shape. Checked the transmission fluid prior to buying the car and it seemed red, but smelled the tiniest bit burnt and in need of a change - I was expecting this as the car is used and was driven by a little old lady(who seemed to take car of it based off the service records).

The seller did tell me the ATF was changed at least once. Going through the service records I got with it I found the following:

• 78K Miles - Drained/refilled ATF - 3 Quarts replaced
• 115K Miles - Both Axles changed at 115k Miles (+topping fluids) - I can't imagine they wouldn't loose any ATF or would put the same stuff back in.. so maybe another 3 quart drain/refill?

To keep up with maintenance I wanted to drain/refill the transmission fluid using the 3 quarts, 3 times method. I went to drain it the first time and the fluid is a bit darker than expected and whats apparent on the dip stick. Pics:

Fluid:
Pic 1 - ATF captured in bottle - still has redness but is dark
Pic 2 - What new fluid looks like - obviously it would never be like this after coming out of the car
Pic 3 - Fluid spilled to compare - Top = New fluid, Bottom = Fluid that came out of the car.

Drain Plug Magnet Pics:
Drain Plug 1
Drain Plug 2
Drain Plug 3
Plug fell into a rag so part of the 1 side was wiped off. There doesn't appear to be a a whole lot of metal on the magnet. I'm not sure if this is because of the transmission filter.

Judging by the old fluid condition I'm definitely nervous about the car now, and I know replacing old fluid with new sometimes will cause issues when the old fluid has all the transmission material in it. It's hard to even tell if the fluid actually has crap in it, or is just broken down and discolored. The manual calls for replacing the fluid at 120k, how can it be this bad if it had at least one drain and refill in the past, possibly 2.

I already refilled it with new stuff and it seems to drive fine around town for now.. But should I do another drain/refill procedure, or just let it go and hope its OK? I replaced the first 3 quarts of the 6.9.

Any experts on here that can advise on this? Should I just run away?

johnnyb588

I'm not an expert by any means. Very much a noob, but if it were my car I'd do a few drain and fills to get all the old fluid out and just keep an eye on it. I've seen plenty of brown fluid that didn't mean a transmission was on its last leg.

You could also get the old stuff tested, I'm sure, if you're really worried about it.

DCFIVER

Good advice. I agree.

BLKFLSH

Drain and fills will not hurt anything. Doing a "power" flush with a machine is a big NO NO. Are you using DW-1? You might want to change the filter at the last drain and fill also.

j894

Yep, DW1 the latest and greatest from Honda.

In the past I've seen where changing the contaminated fluid (loaded with friction material from the worn clutches) causes shifting and slipping issues as the old fluid was essentially holding things together. This what I fear with continuing to do 2 more drain and refills, not knowing if my internals are in this situation.

j894

OK I just went ahead with it since I'm already "all in".

Just got done with round 2 of draining, and here are updated Pics of what came out of the transmission.

-Drain Plug 1 - looking cleaner for sure
-Drain Plug 2

-ATF In bottle - looking clearer
-Spilled on paper towel to show color- Far left = New fluid from bottle, Middle = original fluid (from 1st draining) , Far Right = Fluid from Fill #1.

It's starting to look better, and of course has a tiny hint of "burntness" smell. Just put the 2nd round of new fluid in and will probably change it again on Saturday when I have the filter. I Like that there's just enough room to undo the drain plug without raising the car... I wish oil was this easy.

rebsimoneaux

was wondering what the end result was with the 3.6.9 flush. I have an '04 accord that is almost 120k (only milage listed in manual for fluid change) and to my knowledge has not had a fluid change. I am experiencing some hard shifting - especially between 2nd & 3rd. Fluid looks brownish/pink coming off dipstick. Was hoping a change is all that is needed...

j894

The end results was the transmission continued to function as normal and no issues arose. After the whole series of ATF fluid and filter change the trans shifted slightly better/quicker. Though it didn't have shifting issues originally.

After 2 years and nearly 60k miles later I've had no issues. With the mileage I put on, I've been doing 1 drain and fill (3 quarts) every 6 months/15k miles. It's very easy and cheap insurance. Out of curiosity I recently sent in a ATF sample to blackstone labs for an oil analysis ($30). They told me the ATF actually showed less wear than normal, there was less metal than average for the milage, and there was no indication of any mechanical issues.

The shift issue doesn't sound good. I supposed a fluid and filter change can make it better, but I've heard of it making it worse if the unit is well worn. It's a shot in the dark. Maybe take an ATF sample and see if blackstone can tell you anything about whats in the fluid? Or hit up a transmission shop for diagnostics.

rebsimoneaux

Thanks for the update. I plan on draining a bit tomorrow. Fluid from the dipstick doesn't seem gritty or anything. I'm curious to see what it looks like drained. If i don't like the looks of it I may bring it in before doing any more draining. Fingers crossed!

chanwood

Interesting to read about your technique. What are your total miles at this point? Any indication of temperature increase in the transmission?