Greetings,

I have a '98 Accord automatic 4-cyl with 355,000+ miles.

Sometime last year I noticed my engine would rev very briefly when shifting going around 35 to 45 mph. This happened only a few times. My mechanic and I decided we should change the transmission fluid - which had NEVER been done yet. Unfortunately he didn't use Honda transmission fluid.

Everything seemed to be fine but in June I started to get cold shifting problems (the engine would rev a good bit after proceeding through the first and second stop signs on my street) AND I started to get the previously mentioned brief engine revs going around 35 to 45 mph. By July I didn't think my transmission would make it to Christmas.

Fortunately things have gotten much much better. I still have the occasional problems mentioned above, but much less often. At my last oil change I asked if they saw any oil leaks, they didn't see oil but they did see evidence of transmission fluid leaks, however the fluid level was fine and no evidence of any fluid leaks on my carport.

I have recently learned that most would agree he should have used Honda transmission fluid.

Question is, should I have change the transmission fluid again with Honda transmission fluid? Or what other suggestions do you have? Do nothing?

THANK YOU

 

I decided to do a drain & fill with Honda fluid.

 

Wow impressive miles especially since those transmissions have a terrible reputation.
Not using Honda trans fluid is a big no no so what you should do is buy about 10 qts of the Honda ATF.
Drain and fill it about three times to flush out all of the old fluid. You should also drive around a little every time you drain and fill, I think it's about 100 miles each time.

 

Actually my mechanic NEVER changed the fluid. Not sure if he was going to flush the system completely OR just do a drain & fill with 3 quarts - EITHER way he forgot.

So I took it to the Honda place today and they drain and filled 3 quarts. I took another 7 quarts home with me. They said the fluid was black and had bits of metal in it.

After how many miles should I do another drain & fill?

 

Did you get a full flush or just the fluid replacement? Apparently the flush is just as important.

 

I went to my local dealer and just had them drain and fill 3 quarts. I also picked up an additional 7 quarts so my regular mechanic can perform another drain & fill in a few months.

Honda didn't recommend to do a full flush since it has never been done before; they mentioned the real possibility that it would lock up.