I actually have a 2004 Saturn Vue with the 3.5L Honda with the 5 speed auto transmission.

It had the shudder when I first bought it with 77k miles on it. THe 3x flush and fill solved that. Ive done one more flush and fill recently at 100k miles.

I have two questions:

Has Honda come out with another ATF other than Z-1? I cant remember exactly what its called. Is there anything different about this fluid that would make it any more beneficial than Z-1?

I'm leaning towards NO on this one . . but, is there any store bought alternative that's proven to work just as well or even better than Honda Z-1?

I'm happy with the results of Z1 and Ive had no shudder since the first change. Just seeing if there are other options out there . .

Thanks

 

DW1, it's fully synthetic. Seems to work well for most people. Z1 has been discontinued for at least a couple of years now.

Some people have good luck with castrol ATF for imports.

 

Thanks!

I have gotten my Z-1 (AC Delco Z-1 anyways) from a "Certified Saturn Repair Shop," Ive been buying it by the quart. Im sure its the same as Honda, but they'll never put Honda on the bottle

Is the DW1 ok to mix with Z-1? For when I finally run out of places to find it?

Ill stay with one or the other I guess. The prices seem to be the same, from dealer or store shelves. I got 12 quarts last year for $88 (Z1).

Thanks again

Joe

 

Hmm, now there's an interesting way to get Z1 I never would have thought of.

Yes, there's no real way to get all the fluid out of a Honda trans (you can't or at least shouldn't flush one) so you're always going to end up with a fair bit of residual fluid. I haven't heard any horror stories yet and it's been out for over 2 years.

 

Awesome

Yeah I know theres no way to totally clean out all the old fluid... I'm on a Saturn forum most of the time and I ALWAYS hear DO NOT hook up to a machine, just drain and fill. Its super easy anyway so I don't mind.

I didn't realize these Vues had Honda in them until I bought mine! I had a Cavalier and a Cobalt previously (each got 205k and 220k miles respectively, one was sold, the other was wrecked ). The engine runs great! I just have to deal with GM suspension issues.

If youre looking for Z-1 . . go to a GM dealer with Saturn Tech and ask for Vue 3.5 ATF. They like to argue with me about what I really need (VTi), which scares me a little. They brought out the wrong stuff the first time, thank god for forums!

Thank You