Honda says in the owners manual that you should always use Honda ATF-Z1 automatic transmission fluid but can use Dextron III automatic transmission fluid as a temporary replacement but to flush it out and refill with Honda fluid to not affect the shift quality. How important is this ? Is it just Honda wanting to sell their fluid ? What are you using with success ?

 

Just stick with the honda fluid... ATF is the one main fluid I'll stick with oem stuff. What's to gain using non oem? Probably not much, what's there to lose, a $2k+ transmission.

 

I've used Amsoil, no problems with it, but it's too expensive now. Switched to Honda's new fluid, DW-1.

I personally wouldn't use any other fluid besides these two. But if money isn't a problem, I would choose Amsoil. I've had mine for 80K+ miles and I love the smooth shifting. Honda's fluid? Meh!

 

I just talked to my neighbor who has been an automatic transmission mechanic for many years and he said that they don't use Honda specific fluid , they buy a fluid from Advance Auto parts which is specifically for imports and is synthetic but it is just used when someone wants a fluid change. He said in all of his years as a automatic trans specialist they see very few Honda transmissions that need a rebuild and he also said that contrary to what some people believe , it does not ruin a transmission to change the fluid. Many years ago it was true with some of the domestic cars , GM for one.

 

I know it's not an auto, but I'm using Honda tranny fluid in my 00 GSR with 180k miles and the tranny shifts like new. OEM fluid can't be beat, regardless of the hype you might read about this or that fluid.

 

I would use OEM for the tranny fluid. Honda know what it's doing!