CAR GUYS: HONDA TRANSMISSION SERVICE

[justint]

My 98 cr-v with an automatic transmission and around 65k miles on it has started shifting really hard, shifting late, etc. The dealer recommends a transmission flush (as opposed to a drain and fill) to the tune of $150 + tax , shop fees etc. This seems a little high as most
other service shops (non-dealer) will do this for about $80. The only problem is that they won't use genuine OEM honda automatic transmission fluid. Anyone know of any problems using non Honda transmission fluid? Suggestions? Should I just go with the dealer and eat the
$$$$


Thanks

 

[Jerboy]

<< My 98 cr-v with an automatic transmission and around 65k miles on it has started shifting really hard, shifting late, etc. The dealer recommends a transmission flush (as opposed to a drain and fill) to the tune of $150 + tax , shop fees etc. This seems a little high as most
other service shops (non-dealer) will do this for about $80. The only problem is that they won't use genuine OEM honda automatic transmission fluid. Anyone know of any problems using non Honda transmission fluid? Suggestions? Should I just go with the dealer and eat the
$$$$


Thanks >>




I heard Honda is the one that use proprietary fluid in their automatic transmission and that it is essential to have the Honda type fluid for proper transmission operation.

 

[goodoptics]

<< The only problem is that they won't use genuine OEM honda automatic transmission fluid. Anyone know of any problems using non Honda transmission fluid? Suggestions? Should I just go with the dealer and eat the
$$$$ >>

Can you just bring them (non-dealer shops) the genuine OEM honda ATF and let them do the work? That way, you can just pay them labor.

 

[goodoptics]

<< I heard Honda is the one that use proprietary fluid in their automatic transmission and that it is essential to have the Honda type fluid for proper transmission operation. >>

I fully agreed. I believe the Honda recommends use only genuine OEM Honda ATF for all Honda vehicles.

 

[Lucky]

<< << I heard Honda is the one that use proprietary fluid in their automatic transmission and that it is essential to have the Honda type fluid for proper transmission operation. >>

I fully agreed. I believe the Honda recommends use only genuine OEM Honda ATF for all Honda vehicles. >>





Another person fully in agreement. From all that I have heard it is very important to use honda's genuine fluid. DONT skimp on this.

 

[justint]

Okay, it seems like genuine OEM fluid seems to be a neccesity. However, what do you all think about going for the "power flush" at $150 verus the drain and fill for around $60 at the dealer?

 

[Sluggo]

You are welcome to visit this thread to refresh yourself on the perils of taking your Honda to a neighborhood shop.

Since I was thrashed from head to toe on that thread, I will keep my opinions to a minimum here, but I would recommend the Honda dealership.

Power flush isnt a bad idea, although I really would consider it imperative. Might as well while it is there, of course dont do it without a lengthy tongue lashing of your service advisor as to why your Honda needs such expensive work after only 65,000 miles. Maybe you can get them to cut you a break if you argue well enough.

 

[Lucky]

you make a good point in that thread sluggo. Its hard to see it, but you make a good point.

 

[iamwiz82]

bring your own fluid to them and have them use that.

 

[Vegito]

I check over at accordv6.com and honda, for some reason does need oem fluid, lots of people confirmed...

many have tried mobil 1 sync atf fluid and weird thing happens, slipping, etc.etc.

Most of the do-it-urself drain some, refill, drive around, drain, refill, up to 2-3 times

But bringing your own fluid to another place might be better.

Honda dealer are a rip...

And BTW, the folks at accordv6, which includes me, we do tranny fluid every 15k cuz we're paranoid...

 

[Thegonagle]

I can confirm the same thing: Honda ATF is better. My 87 Accord ("drain and refill" partial fluid change recommended every 15,000 miles) started shifting better with the Honda ATF, after I had used some other brand once. Definitely have it done at the dealer, or just do it yourself 3 times in a row, and then never neglect this essential service again. My Honda's original transmission was still doing well at 247,000 miles because it had regular service as recommended in the manual it's entire life, starting at 15,000 miles. I know this because I got all the service records when I bought it with 208,000 miles.

 

[freebee]

The flush is necessary because of the non-drainable nature of many torque converters and will help you get more complete fluid changes. (My subaru is the only car i've seen with a trans drain plug and spin-on trans-oil filter).

The dealer is your best bet, but if your transmission is already shifting in that manner, dmamge may have occured. Also, it may not necessarily be a fluid issue but failure of some other component.