dynamo

I have done most of the maintenance service on my girl's 1994 Accord EX (auto), and at this point the only thing I haven't done is the transmission fluid flush.

I was planning on having it done at Jiffy Lube, to do a full-on system evacuation of all old fluid and filling it with brand new Honda ATF. However, when I stopped by the dealer (who does not offer full-flush service), the tech said that Honda does not recommend a full flush and that's why the dealers only offer the "drain & fill" service.

Logically, the "drain and fill" procedure does not make sense to me, because essentially all you're doing is dilluting the used fluid that is already in the tranny with 2 qts of new fluid (the remaining 6 qts do not drain from the tranny/torque converter).

So, does anyone know whether the dealer is correct, and that it's better to do a "drain and fill" rather than a full system flush?

TIA

Stealthman80

change it again 2 more times after a while to get the rest out

P_Adams

I can't speak to Hondas' supposed recommendation not to do a full flush, but it flys in the face of what I was taught by GM.
Perhaps they fear breaking loose any particulate matter which might cause some of the spool valves to stick, or maybe it's more on the dealer level (they don't want to spring for the flush machine).......
My indy Honda shop has been using a Flush Machine supplied by BG Products for over two years now, and if there had been problems I'm quite sure they would have stopped, pronto.
You are correct, a drain & fill gets only about 30%

P

dynamo

The thing is that none of the dealers I called have a flush machine, but only one of them mentioned that Honda does not recommend using one.

Any Honda mechanics in here that could vouch for this?

sj993

I had my tranny flushed at Jiffy Lube using Honda ATF. It was fine and I've had no problems.

efficiencyJunkie

Ive had tranny flushes done, at honda also.

deserthonda

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dynamo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The thing is that none of the dealers I called have a flush machine, but only one of them mentioned that Honda does not recommend using one.

Any Honda mechanics in here that could vouch for this?</TD></TR></TABLE>

dealers do not use a tranny flush all we ever did was drain and refill and it takes 3 qts not 2 ...........but i agree that a complete flush would clean out the tranny much more efficiently ......how often do u change trany fluid ?? i would reccomend every 15k 25-30 dollars can save u a bunch in the long run and make tranny last longer

dynamo

I absolutely agree. Unfortunately, the car has not had a flush in about 50k (I know, totally unacceptable) so I am trying to get it done as well as possible. Once I get it all flushed out, I'll definitely do a drain and fill every 3-4 oil changes to keep it clean.

So judging by everyone's response a complete flush is the way to go. I'll pick up some ATF tomorrow and get it done over the weekend. Hopefully the tranny stays intact - I need this car to run for at least another year!!!

alotawatts

here ya' go: Use Honda ATF if possible
Provided by another forum member. I cannot remember his name and he WILL flame me!

Honda Auto-Trans Flush = 1 case (12 qrts) Honda ATF aprox $50. 1 new drain bolt washer $1.
1) Put the front of the car up on jackstands with the wheels off the ground. Put a large container under drain plug.
2) Remove the transmission drain plug (3/8" drive ratchet works fine). Let transmission drain and wipe sludge off drain plug.
3) Reinstall drain plug and snug (not tighten). Fill transmission with three quarts of ATF.
4) Start engine and shift into drive. Gently accelerate and let transmission upshift through the gears (don't go over 50 MPH).
5) Step on brakes and bring speedo to 0.
6) Shift into reverse and accelerate to 20 MPH.
7) Bring speedo back to 0 with brakes. Shift to park and shut off engine.
8) Repeat steps 2 through 7 TWO MORE TIMES.
9) Drain the transmission once more. Reinstall drain plug and tighten firmly (don't forget to reinstall crush washer).
10) Remove jackstands and put vehicle on level ground.
11) Fill transmission with 2 1/2 quarts of ATF. Start engine. Shift to drive, then reverse, then put back in park and shut off engine.
12) Check transmission fluid level. Top off if needed to bring fluid level to the top of the crosshatch marks on the dipstick.

dynamo

So what is the benefit of doing that instead of a complete flush (which, as it sounds, is what I need) - other than cost?

efficiencyJunkie

I would check the price at your honda dealer. I paid 70 dollars for a tranny flush, and they did the same exact method as above. It may actually cost you less in the end, or it may cost you a extra 20 bucks.

alotawatts

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by carbnjunkie &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would check the price at your honda dealer. I paid 70 dollars for a tranny flush, and they did the same exact method as above. It may actually cost you less in the end, or it may cost you a extra 20 bucks. </TD></TR></TABLE>

If you really got a complete flush (not just a drain and fill) at a dealer for $70 dollars you got a great deal ! That would have to be with the ATF priced at their cost.....and I doubt that unless someone there is your friend/family?

efficiencyJunkie

you know what, it was a coupon, that was sent to me in the mail. Sorry, i forgot about that.