Honda Accord 97 LX Automatic transmission 81K Miles

I have some questions about this car which i just purchased from a private seller.

Is it normal for this car when you driving, the car kind of shock up as it changes from first gear to second gear and third gear? Also the steering wheel kinda heavy to turn compare to other cars i have used.

The Honda manual recommends to use Honda's oil (can't be found anywhere in stores) and gives some warning about using any other manufacturers. I wonder what does Honda oil has and other don't ?? Last week i purchased 10W-40 Chevron for engines oil and DEXRON III for the tranmission. I am still not sure if those are alright for my car but the manual say that i can only temporarily use the DEXRON III for my transmission then should change to Honda's later.


Thanks!



Modified by NAN at 10:07 PM 8/28/2004

 

for your transmition you can use dexron type 2 atf.
this is what we use at work with no probs at all.
you might find that it has not been changed for a while so fluid is in poor condition.
when you change it see what color it is and if it smells burnt.

 

hi!
Thanks for replying!
One more question.... Is it ok to use other brand oil instead of Honda oil as the manual recommended, from your experiences?

 

You can use any oil you want. I have never used honda oil and my car runs just fine.

 

thanks!
Now i am really its owner. *)

 

Despite what some people say, you need to listen to what Honda tells you about their own cars. It's important to use Honda ATF, Honda power steering fluid, Dual Pump fluid (CR-v), Honda rear diff fluid (Pilot) OR AN EQUIVALENT. The problem with using an equivalent fluid from the aftermarket is you never know what you're really getting.

If you want a factory shift, you should only use Honda ATF or, if you want to save a dollar or two, an aftermarket equivalent. Most aftermarket ATF made for Honda is simply Dex III with an additive (kind of like Chrysler ATF).

You have to understand many manufactures recommend a certain type of fluid for their system. Volkswagen has a special power steering fluid, almost all manufactures has a specific weight of PAG oil for different compressors. Obviously, the correct weight of engine oil is important. I could go on and on. Just because you dump a generic fluid in your car and "it runs just fine" doesn't mean you're doing yourself or your car a favor.

 

The honda transmissions thru 98 shift under positive pressure, so you do feel a little push. The idea of this pressure shift as opposed to the GM 'mush' shift, is there will be less wear on the clutch packs if they engage quicker.
If you are feeling a 'bang' shift the trans has problems.
The honda transmissions use very close fitting shift valves, steel on steel. Imagine a peg in a hole with .001" clearance. When varnish from cheap ATF builds up, the "peg" will not slide in the hole as easy.
Honda ATF has very small molecules for lubrication and excellant cleaning properties. It is well worth the extra cost, compared to replacing a trans.