ginahoy

I have an '03 Odyssey with 45k miles. It's time to have transmission fluid changed. The shop I normally use for routine maintenance (brake masters) said they use a synthetic fluid that's 'better than original'. I didn't ask the brand, but I recall seeing some past threads here that strongly advise to only use Honda transmission fluid.

Advice would be appreciated.

ginahoy

BTW, the oem fluid for this vehicle is Honda ATF-Z1, which has been replaced by ATF-DW1.

90 Si Hatch

i would also like to know if it is okay to use Synthetic in my cable jdm b16 lsd trans?

tony_2018

They state that dw1 is compatible but you'll need to do a 3x3 flush and drain.

Mista Bone

Maxlife DEX/MEC is Full Syn, use it in my 2001 CRV.

"Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT), Mercedes NAG-1, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III and many others are required."

ginahoy

Thanks for pointing that out. Assume you mean 3x3 drain & fill. I read elsewhere in this forum that flushing isn't a good idea as it can create problems, especially with older vehicles. Shops invest big bucks in the equipment, so they push this service to recover capital cost.

I plan to do 3x3 drain & fill in any case because it's been so long since my last change (<24k miles, but that's 8 years for this vehicle!). So I searched for procedure to see how much driving is necessary between fills to ensure good mixing. I found one comment that claims fluid cleans up nicely by just running engine in place, engaging gears between each ATF change. Is this the generally recommended practice when doing multiple fills?

slowcivic2k

Flushing a 3 shaft 4/5 speed is not a problem at all, and if you believe it is, please state why. The fluid schematic dictates fluid flow from line pressure to the rear of the differential, there is zero percent chance of problems unless your tech is a douchebag. This goes for nearly all cars with non-thermostatic cooler circuits.

The Odyssey 5 speed has a lot of known transmission problems, most of which start at around 75,000 or so. Clutch pressure control is very poor, causing 3rd to burn up in the 5 speeds, and 2nd in the 4 speeds. NO FLUID WILL FIX THIS!!!!! It is a mechanical problem, and with larger vehicles (meaning not an Accord or 3.0CL) is more problematic. Spray all the brake cleaner you want into the solenoids, the code WILL return.

I use Valvoline Max fluids. It has slightly better shift feel than OE or "off brand stuff". The additional shift feel may feel different or too harsh for you, but it certainly beats ruining clutches in a 5000+ lb van with weak clutches (due to poor pressure) to begin with.

94EG8

Honda had a TSB for years explicitly stating not to powerflush a Honda automatic. The filter is buried inside the transmission and you run the risk of dislodging all the dirt and debris trapped in it.

ginahoy

Thanks! I was just looking for a previous thread with this information since I'm the one who raised the issue slowcivic2k was responding to.

slowcivic2k

Flushing generally includes an additive which will disrupt material that has settled within the unit. I use a flushing machine to exchange fluid only. Eventually, the new fluid will absorb debris into the filter element anyways. There is no harm in the procedure itself.

I am of the personal belief that if you seriously have enough material to clog the filter assembly after a simple fluid exchange, you have a larger problem that requires correction. (IE junk clutches, which Honda is famous for.) At any rate, your unit is a time bomb of sorts.

ginahoy

My wife has a 2006 CR-V. Do I use Honda DW1 on her car as well?