I have an 03 Pilot. Whats a good replacement for Honda ATF Z1

 

Honda ATF DW-1.

 

I quess I should have been more clear.....aftermarket ATF

 

I believe the 2003 Pilot uses tranny fluid to lube both the transmission and the transfer assembly. They were separated in 2006 and the TA is now lubed by hypoid gear oil. That being said, I do not know the fluid capacity of the 2003-2005 Pilot automatic tranny. If it's the same as the 2006 and on, then the following should be very close..

I would be very hesitant to use anything other than Honda fluid. Is there any real cost advantage in doing so? And if the '03-'05 models are like 2006 and on, you'll need to do at least 4 drain and fill operations (with some driving in between exercising all gears including reverse) to effect a change over to the new fluid. If the fluid capacity is 8.5 US quarts and if you drain and fill 3.5 US quarts, then 4 d&f operations will get you to about 88% DW-1 as you can see by the chart.

Of course this warning was issued prior to the release of DW-1 which is a direct replacement for ATF Z-1:

 

Its unwise to use aftermarket options, as they aren't designed to the same specifications as the Honda fluid. What's your reservation with using Honda fluids?

 

Another very emphatic vote for DW1 only only only.
DO not listen to anyone running other fluids, they are either LUCKY or just haven't destroyed their trans yet.
Valvoline MaxLife Synthetic is pretty close to Z1. But DW1 is unicorn blood, has a purple hue and is thinner/flows easier, smells funny. Definitely not like ANY other fluid I've ever seen, and it is magical in Honda transes.

 

Im assuming the DW1 can also be used in the '06 Odyssey Trans? I think the book said to use the Z1 in the Odyssey.

 

Z1 is no longer made. Yes, DW-1 is completely compatible and a better fluid.

 

Red Line D4 or D6.

I use D4 in my Odyssey and my TL and D6 in my wife's '12 Pilot.