I have a 2000 Odyssey with ~135k miles. I've had it over 5 years and never changed the transmission fluid. Didn't realize how easy it was or maybe I would have done it on occasion. Anyway, in talking with a trasnmission shop he said that since it's been years (maybe never) since the fluid has been changed that maybe I shouldn't ever change it. That over time the fluid will change and create a situation where the clutch and metal particles will adhere to the transmission case because the fluid has become more adhesive. And if this has happened then changing the fluid will in effect release all of this debris into the gearing and cause problems. Is this correct/possible? I've never had to topoff the fluid, it's always been right where it should be. And I'm not experiencing any problems, would like to keep it that way.

Looking for opinions...thanks!

 

Change it with Honda ATF , drive it for 2 weeks , and Change it again.(maybe a third time you feel it slipping)

 

In for replies. Is this similar to those who flushed their trans, and then it stated to leak and do all kinds of strange things?

It's almost like trying to do something good end up being something bad (?).

 

so if there's a possibility of slipping why should i change it then?

 

If you don't change it will lead to premature failure on an already delicate transmission. But sometimes if its never been changed it will fail shortly after. Its a touchy situation.

 

is it possible to do a partial drain, fill back with new and do this a few times over the course of a month or so, then do a complete change? since i haven't drained yet i don't know how fast it comes out and if you could get the plug back in easy enough. thanks for the input

 

You can, you'll have to be quick though, honda uses large drain plugs compared to most manufacturers, I don't think it will make much of a difference though. If that transmission is original its already lasted a lot longer than most of them. Most people on their second or third transmission at this point.

 

thanks for all the input. according to the manual pulling the drain plug gets out about 3 quarts while full capacity is 7 (the dealer told me 13). so i think i'll go with the first suggestion which is more or less what i was thinking when i asked about only doing a partial drain. Pulling the plug will get about half out and just do that a few times and hope for the best. I would like to put another 70k on the odometer so i suppose i'll either get lucky or someday will have tranny problems no matter what i do. but this is the last time i'll let this happen with any vehicle. again i didn't know it was this easy to handle, heck it sounds easier than an oil change.

 

I have the same situation. I have a 2000 Odyssey 112,000 miles- I am the original owner and I never changed the fluid. Car runs great.... How did you make out ?