Fishbone Fan

2004 Civic Value Sedan 60K original miles, AT.

Just in case anyone is wondering Valvoline Maxlife ATF: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline-...allon/15125768 will work fine in place of Honda ATF fluids. I called there 800 number and spoke to a tech, he assured me it is compatable with ATF-Z1 and DW-1.

I purchased 2 gallons and did the drain and fill three-peat. Transmission shifts smoother than before.

lowlife9

i believe honda says you can use valvoline Dex III temporarily so take that as you may. considering the reputation of the 7th gen transmission im on the fence of whether i would use it year round.

Fishbone Fan

I wouldn't be surprised if Valvoline or a parent company make the ATF that Honda puts their brand on. Obviously, Honda doesn't manufacture transmission fluids or motor oils. There's many post on this same subject, I am just adding to them. From other post I've read the changes from ATF-Z1 to DW-1 are the DW-1 has more detergents/modifiers and is thinner to help the transmission to operate smoother when cold (internal transmission temp.) Other's have stated that Maxlife's consistency is very similar to the DW1's.

Other posts: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=2403116
http://www.odyclub.com/forums/24-199...s-maxlife.html

Valvoline's PDF: www.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_atf.pdf

I will follow up this post quarterly to post results good or bad.