Should I change my transmission fluid???

[chansen]

Strangely intriguing debate. I think I'll pass.

My question is: Is synthetic ATF worth it? I put some in my car at about 70,000km. I'm now in the 150,000 range and assume I should change again soon.

 

[Evadman]

Psylence:

Instead of asking us, why do you not ask your dealer / auto shop owner what he/she thinks.

It is next to impossable to know who is who online. As you can see, this thread has turned into the usual "flamer" thread. People who have no clue what theya re saying come out of the woodwork and offer up explanations that they "read somewhere" or myteriously "remember".

Just beacuse I say that I went to school for 5 years on and off and am ASE Master Certified does not make it so.

 

[Thegonagle]

I'd just change it, unless it is dark brown, in which case, it won't matter. You'll probably need a rebuild before too long anyway.

This car, unlike most, should be checked with the engine already warm, but not running.

Marlin's right, it won't have a filter. Just drain and refill at your next two or three oil changes. You'll need 2.7 quarts, I believe, but it could be 3.7. It's been awhile since I had my Accord.

You're supposed to change the aluminum press washer on both the oil and transmission plugs during each change, but I usually let it go for two changes. It's not always convenient to go to the dealership for a 50 cent washer.

I recommend Honda fluid because the head mechanic at a local non-dealership Honda/Acura only garage said so, and it's not much more money, maybe $3.75 per quart. I had changed it once already before I talked to him, but not with Honda fluid. When I changed to Honda fluid, I noticed it shifting more smoothly.

 

[Tominator]

I can post links to folks saying the world is flat and with college degrees. The internet has as much misinformation as fact.

I'll stick to my own experience and that of those I know in the business as well as my informal training from various sources.

 

[chickendinner]

I use a clutch so dont listen to me.

 

[DDad]

Tominator said:
I can post links to folks saying the world is flat and with college degrees. The internet has as much misinformation as fact.

This much I agree with. In fact, I'm putting much of what Tominator has posted on this subject in that area.

I've been a auto mechanic for over 20 yrs, and from practical experience I'd recommend you do the following:

1st, check the Transmission Fluid. Hold the dipstick to your nose- I've seen "discolored fluids" that were just fine- but I've also seen "normal" fluids that smelled "burnt". If your fluid has no, or a petroleum type smell, LEAVE IT ALONE!!!!
2 If it smells burnt, I'd recommend you see if any shop in your area knows of, or does Oil analysis. This takes about an ounce of fluid and does a breakdown of what material is floating around in the fluid, and may point to a problem area. Or it may say everything is OK. In that case, LEAVE IT ALONE!
3 If the analysis comes back with possible problems, you can make an informed decision on what to do next.

As a general rule, I NEVER change the fluid and filter on my own where I don't know the complete history of the car- seen too many situations where a week to a month later the car would be back (behind a wrecker) with a shot tranny. Not saying they might not have had problems to begin with that caused the owner to think they needed to change the Filter/Fluid, but I've seen it too many times where it will happen. Given that the last time I had to deal with it, it was a $900 repair (note, it would probably be MUCH higher for a Honda) I wouldn't recommend changing the Fluid/Filter just based on the milage alone. Suggest you talk with several reputable mechanics (not just Transmission shops) and get their $.02 worth.

 

[tcsenter]

I can post links to folks saying the world is flat and with college degrees. The internet has as much misinformation as fact.

Sure you could, but then we're not discussing the shape of the earth...at least I wasn't. I'm not sure what you were discussing.