1994 Civic automatic transmission.
I understand that a "flush" is a bad thing.
I realize that the system holds about 9 quarts.
Many have recommended 3x drain/fill.
This is to make sure ALL fluid is clean and new.

Is a 3x drain/fill the same as a flush or not?

Can someone explain the difference between a "flush" and a "drain & fill"?

 

Avoid the flush. It's too harsh for old transmissions because it can dislodge debris that will ruin the hydraulic system. Stick to the drain and refill approach.

 

A flush implies you're forcing fluid through the system, possibly dislodging debris in the filter and making the transmission even worse. A 3x3 drain/fill will swap out most of your old fluid without disturbing any debris.

 

DYI or professional?

 

Unless you can't tell the difference between a ratchet and a screw driver, do it yourself. It's just like doing an oil change, you just don't have to replace a filter.

 

Found it!

 

http://www.clubcivic.com/board/showp...7&postcount=15

 

If there is only 3 qts, why drain and fill 3x?
I was told there was 9 qts.

 

RonJ@HT, I thought you were big on the Honda ATF.

 

When you drain an automatic transmission, 1/3 of the ATF remains in the torque converter, so you need to do the procedure 3 times in order to remove the vast majority of the old ATF.

See link in my last post for detailed procedure.

 

Yeah, it's great. The Valvoline is also fine and is much cheaper. It's your choice.

 

Do it yourself. The volume in question is approx 2.65 quarts PER
drain/fill. I think 3 drain/fills replaces appox 85% of the original total
tranny fluid.

Do it once. Drive on it for a few 100miles. Then do it again.
Rinse and repeat. Use a new crush washer when you replace
the tranny drain plug the last time.

An auto tranny is really easy to do. Order fluid online from
Bernardi Honda.