I just drained and refilled the tranny on both my '01 EX 4 Cyl (30,000 mi.) and '01 VP 4 Cyl (18,000 mi.)

Since the first day I bought both cars, the ATF color on the EX was brownish, while on the VP, it was red. Never was concerned at that time, since both cars were brand new.

I previously had a '96 and '99 Odyssey, and both vans had the same brownish ATF color. (they were both leased, so the ATF was never changed)

The old fluid in the EX did not have a burnt smell to it, nor were there any metal shavings on the dipstick. The AT is running quite smooth and shifts flawlessly.

After the drain and refill, the color sequence remains the same.

I was wondering if I should drain and refill the EX again(how many more times?) because of the brownish color, and also due to the problems with this particular year's tranny's in general.

Any suggestions would be appreciated, as I am not sure that even if I do drain and refill the tranny, would the color ever be truly "red".

 

Since you only have 30k miles, changing the fluid 2 times should be ok.

 

Thanks, would that be an additional two more times, or two in total?

 

Make sure your replacing it with honda ATF only.

 

Two total. Your supposed to drain/refill the fluid every 30k. So, at 30k if you do it once and drive around a little and repeat a second time, then it could only help the color not hurt it in any way. Use HONDA fluid ONLY!

 

Thanks, and yes, I am using Genuine Honda ATF.

Also on a sidenote, getting the drain plug off was rather easy with the 3/8" rachet-one shot with the heel of the hand and off she came!

BTW, 15" breaker bar with the 1/2" to 3/8" dr. adapter did not fit onto the drain plug-part of the car frame(?) was in the way-difference being the adapter!

 

two time should be good, since you cannot completely drain out all the atf in on drain(atf getting stuck in torque convertor, etc).