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what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic

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Old 06-20-2011, 07:00 PM
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Default what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
I don't want to buy transmission fluid from dealership. What kind ATF fluid we can use? Did anyone here try using other fluid and had no problem?

Thanks
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Old 06-20-2011, 07:42 PM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
Honda ATF Z-1 can be purchased online for cheaper then at the dealership. I wouldn't recommend straying from the OEM fluid, as it can cause issues.

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Old 06-20-2011, 09:36 PM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
I second what, Matt stated. Honda automatics are very picky about fluids, so anything but OEM is a risk on an already delicate transmission.
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Old 06-21-2011, 05:00 AM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
Originally Posted by toyomatt84
Honda ATF Z-1 can be purchased online for cheaper then at the dealership. I wouldn't recommend straying from the OEM fluid, as it can cause issues.

Where can it be purchased online cheaper, plus shipping?
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Old 06-21-2011, 06:49 AM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
Originally Posted by MarkM01
Where can it be purchased online cheaper, plus shipping?
Most of the links that are at the bottom of the FAQ's will work.

Here's one for an example:
http://www.handa-accessories.com/civmaint01.html
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Old 06-21-2011, 07:54 AM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
Z1 is not listed, and I believe no longer made.

DW1 is now recommended by Honda for previous Z1 applications.

Shipping still seems like it takes the price right up to local dealer prices, or over if you only need a few quarts.
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Old 06-21-2011, 07:58 AM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
I bought a case of Z1 from the dealer just yesterday. You sure it's discontinued? Maybe I just got leftovers or something.
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Old 06-21-2011, 08:08 AM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
Originally Posted by slomofo
I bought a case of Z1 from the dealer just yesterday. You sure it's discontinued? Maybe I just got leftovers or something.
No, I'm not 100% sure. I read it over on bobistheoilguy.com
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Old 06-21-2011, 10:18 AM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
DW1 is better fluid, to be honest, as it handles a bit more strain then the Z1 fluid.
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Old 06-21-2011, 12:14 PM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
Originally Posted by toyomatt84
DW1 is better fluid, to be honest, as it handles a bit more strain then the Z1 fluid.
oh ya? but DW1 is a lot thinner.

I picked up 9 bottles just now.
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Old 06-21-2011, 12:45 PM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
Originally Posted by Fuzbal
oh ya? but DW1 is a lot thinner.

I picked up 9 bottles just now.
Its far more heat resistant, from what I have read.
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Old 06-21-2011, 04:01 PM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
Originally Posted by Fuzbal
oh ya? but DW1 is a lot thinner.

I picked up 9 bottles just now.
How do you know it's thinner? From analysis?

DW1 is said to be synthetic, Z1 was not.
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Old 06-21-2011, 07:37 PM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
Originally Posted by MarkM01
How do you know it's thinner? From analysis?

DW1 is said to be synthetic, Z1 was not.

Maybe it's thinner to the touch, like the way you can tell that 20w50 is thinner than 5w30 just by touching it.

I hope it's not thinner though. I always assumed that Honda transmissions went bad quicker than any other car out there because their thin fluid breaks down a lot quicker, but that's just a guess.
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Old 06-23-2011, 12:33 PM
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Default Re: what kind ATF transmission fluid for 2003 civic
Originally Posted by MarkM01
How do you know it's thinner? From analysis?

DW1 is said to be synthetic, Z1 was not.

Gearbox on civicforums isnt a fan of the new DW1 fluid and says it will be worse for the Honda trannys over time than Z1 because its thinner and will be even thinner when used in hot weather making the wear on the gears faster because fluid wont be able to stay in between the gears.

Heres a video comparing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Pw4fwnMDY
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