I read this on another forum.

While changing ATF, let it drain. When it's all "done." Start the engine. More ATF will come out.

We all know the AT holds like 7 or 9 qrts. But when we do the drain and fill, only 3 will come out. Not saying that starting the engine will force all of it out, but at least a bit more.

There is no harm to the AT because you are not driving it, and much of the ATF is still in there where it needs to be. So it's safe.

HT experts, tell me. What do you think?

 

Go the normal drain and fill every 20k miles, not need to run it.

297k miles on my 91 Civic, original tranny, Castrol ATF for the past 3.5 years I've owned it.

 

the atf is in the torque converter

 

is it fine to run the engine while draining? wouldn't hurt the torque converter?

 

I would not recommend draining while the engine is running. just drain the normal amount and do a drain and refill every 20k like mista bone said.

 

I just did the 3x3 drain and fill on my fathers 05 TSX auto with the new DW-1 fluid. At each drain 3 quarts came out. After the first drain, I filled it up with 3 new quarts of fluid. Left the car on the jack stands with the rear wheels chocked and e-brake on. Ran the car in reverse for a minute, then went and ran the car in Drive, and M mode through all 5 forward gears. Drained and re-filled with new ATF, repeated above process. On the 3 drain the fluid was much much cleaner especailly towards the end of the drain. Refilled and ran again. Checked the fluid and it was brand new.

No need to try to damage the tranny while it's missing 3 quarts. Just do the 3x3. I've been doing it this way for years on many Honda/Acura cars and never had any issues.