Hi,
I have a 02 Accord EX-V6 sedan with 126k miles. My trans was replaced @ 98k by honda dealer under extended warranty. I was thinking of adding a trans cooler as insurance on my 2nd trans.

Is it worth the time and effort to install one. Will the cooler increase the life of my 2nd trans? I was looking at a Hayden.

What do you guys thinks. Thanks.

 

Just keep on top of fluid changes and you'll be fine.

 

The transmission oil warms up mostly when the torque convertor is not locked-up: during moderate to heavy acceleration, uphill driving or towing a trailer.

Under normal driving conditions the torque convertor is locked-up which means there is no power loss due to the slipping internals (vane/stator) in the torque convertor. It is this power loss that could cause the warming up of the transmission fluid.

 

Go for it. It will DEF increase the life of your transmission. I need to get one sometime.

I've seen firsthand tranny coolers extend the life of transmissions, especially on mid 90's chrysler transmissions. Don't forget you'll have to add a bit more tranny fluid since there is more tubing.

 

an external tranny cooler would definitely help. you should also make sure they install an inline filter in the tranny lines. this filter will help clean the transmission fluid better.

 

If you want your tranny to last longer, ditch the Z1 for some high-quality Dex/Merc III. The Z1 is garbage unless your only goal is soft shifts and short tranny life.

If you do want to use the Z1, I would change it ever 5-7.5K.

 

CASTROL DEX/MERC DOMESTIC MULTIVEHICLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID IS FOR USE IN OLDER FORD & GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES.

per: http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7027043

NOT Honda's - stick to Honda ATF

 

Sorry I couldn't let this pass. 95 EX 4 cyl auto trans....361,xxxx miles on orig trans, it has only seen OEM fluid. Part of it's life it towed a bass boat. Now it just gets me to work and back every day, got the Pilot for towing now.
An added cooler will help. I personally would stay with OE Fluid.

 

Thanks to all. I always change trans fuild every 30k with honda ATF. I think I will add trans cooler for piece of mind - cant hurt?

 

I might only have 300K on my tranny, but it has only ever seen dex/merc III. The honda fluid is just dex/merc III with a bunch (even more since dex/merc already has some) of Friction Modifiers added for soft shifts. The Z1 is OK as long as it doesn't get too hot and is changed regularly - it is a medium-quality base, as best. The Honda Recommended change interval is way too long. Switch to a high qualiy dex/merc and see how much the metal shavings are cut down on your drain plug.

...but soft shifts ride nice when selling a car.

I said high quality, not Castrol. It matters.
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=51&pcid=9
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

BTW - Honda doesn't make their own trans fluids. If you search around well enough, you can find out exactly what it is, as a base, and what is put in at at the fluid converter.