i have a 2001 honda CR-V and i was told that i should only use honda fluid in the trans. is this true? if not what other options do i have that will work. thanks in advance.

sorry forgot to add its an Automatic.

 

I always use OEM fluids. Why would you want to use something else? Unless you had a 5sp tranny and it was grinding i would understand why you would want to try something else. Is it 5sp or auto? If you have no tranny issues I would stick with OEM

 

There are a lot of compatible fluid out there for the automatics, most independent shops use a variant of Dexron III that is compatible with most everything. But for the sake of correctness, use a Honda ATF, its what Honda wants in it.

 

Honda does say you can put Dexron III in the auto tranny in a pinch, but they do recommend that you drain and re-fill with honda ATF as soon as possible if you do need to do that. I'd stick with Honda ATF unless you don't have any other options.

 

This subject has been discussed extensively on crvoc.com. The weight of authority is OEM (purchased online to save $).