I have a '95 with almost 249k miles. Previous owner gave me receipts and one of the things done was a transmission flush and refill with detergents added. I've read that Honda transmissions are really picky and only like genuine Honda ATF. Also read that flushes are bad for them too. Mine always shifts into gear with no problem but sometimes it doesn't want to drop down a gear when it needs to. You wind up giving it more and more gas and all of a sudden it finally kicks down and the engine screams. Occasional "hard" shifts, nothing crazy, it may just be typical Honda shifts but I don't have the experience to tell.

How should I tackle this situation? Just drain what's in there and refill with genuine Honda fluid, or do I need to get the old stuff out first?

 

Flushes aren't bad for transmissions...when performed regularly (like very 50k) and yes genuine honda ATF is the best choice. At 249k I personally would consider myself lucky to have had the auto make it that far, but if you wish the drain and refill may help, or just as easily do more damage if it hasn't been done regularly. However it isn't that unusual for the transmission to take a moment to kick down

 

Not to contradict 95accord^ I had an auto in my CD5 (275k) with minimal fluid changes. Going with the OP I have also been told by reputable honda shops to not flush the tranny as it aids in not disturbing the trans for whatever reason. My oil was pretty nasty but she still worked fine when I did a 5sp swap. That tranny will take some time to down shift but those are dam good transmissions. Obviously if the oil looks like crude it would not hurt to change it out. Def use honda fluids

 

Just looked at the receipt again. Was taken in at 228,107 miles for hard shifting, fluid was burnt. Completely changed to Versatrans fluid with industrial grade cleaner and conditioner added. Now at 248,900 miles. Looks like my transmission is operating fine, just was concerned about the non-genuine fluid used. I'll check the fluid soon and see how it looks/smells. Next refill will be with Honda ATF when needed. This car seems to have been well cared for, which explains why the transmission is still good with almost 250,000 miles, pretty amazing.

 

Not really. As long as you don't beat on the trans relentlessly the H4A will last ~200K miles with no attention given to it. Biggest complaint of death is that the transmission no longer functions. This is from the fluid never being changed and the filter becomes clogged. But there is no pan on the H4A, so the only way to get to it would be to drop the trans, open the case.

As for fluids, meh. I just look at what the dipstick says. And it says "DEXRON II". I've done the Honda Fluid, both the old and new types. And I have used both Dexron II and Dexron III. With the older Honda fluid and Dex II, the shifts can be very firm at times. With the newer Honda fluid and Dex III the shifting is smoother and not as harsh.

Save your money, use Dexron III. Most stores have it for ~$20 for a gallon, vs Honda Fluid which is usually in the ~$8/quart range. I use Mobil1 engine oil, thus my oil changes are every 10-15K, that is when I usually just drain and refill the trans sump.

As for flushing, do not have the trans flushed. Honda automatics use a lower pressure than typical automatics. Using a flush machine may damage the internal seals.
Simply drain from the sump bolt, and refill at the dipstick. Don't use 'conditioners' or 'seal fixers' nor 'shift improver' fluids. They are snake oils. Only use a quality detergent/cleaner such as SeaFoams TransTune to break up any gunk and varnish build up.

 

Mad mike I've been using Mobil one in my manual too. Good stuff. I figure the auto trans are a bit more touchy though