About a year ago, when I got my car inspected (I think it's like an '02 with 110,000 miles on it), the dude told me that my transmission fluid was "filthy."

So at my next oil change, I axed them to change the transmission fluid too. According to them, they had two ways to change it--a cheap way and a more expensive way. I picked the cheap way. Nevermind...they couldn't change it cause they didn't have Honda fluid on hand.

I went to go do it again at a different place, and they only offered the more expensive way so I went with that. Again, they didn't have the Honda fluid.

So...how often does transmission fluid need to be changed? What is the difference between the two ways of changing it? What's the deal with people not having the fluid? Is transmission fluid particularly important in cold weather?

12/15/2010 9:12:06 PM

Quote :

"What is the difference between the two ways of changing it?"

AFAIK
1. (cheap) Drain current fluid and top it back off. You're not going to get all the dirt and metalic particulates out of the oil, and there will likely be a little bit of old/dirty oil when they fill it up again.

2. (expensive) Hook up a pump and "flush" out all the current oil and contaminants. Then fill it up with completely new fluid.

[Edited on December 15, 2010 at 9:17 PM. Reason : .]

[Edited on December 15, 2010 at 9:19 PM. Reason : .]

12/15/2010 9:17:09 PM

And as far as I know...which is pretty damn far. You definitely should use the Honda ATF.

Next: Cheap way...pull plug. Drain. Replace plug. Fill to capacity with engine running.

Expensive way...disconnect transmission cooler lines from radiator. Hook up to fluid exchange machine. Run until either old fluid coming out in the bucket starts to look decent or until you've used as much new fluid as your service says you will.

I personally don't give a damn for transmission fluid flush/exchange for several reasons.
1. Most people don't do this until they have a bajillion miles on their car, and the moron service tech says the fluid looks filthy. Sure it does. And so do all the nice little passages in the transmission. Flush, you knock loose all that crap, and the next thing you know the tranny goes tits up from hydraulic starvation or failure because a spool valve got stuck in its bore or some crap blocked off a vital passage. Friction material that has spent its life in crappy fluid also does not fare well when assaulted with new fluid.
2. It's one of those services that places use to fleece you of your money. Stupid service usually done by the low men on the totem pole...and marketed to the hilt.
3. I'd rather follow a regularly prescribed regimen of drain/fill every 30k miles. Much better preventative maintenance, cheaper, safer.

12/16/2010 12:02:49 PM

I had read that a flush after many, many miles without is a bad thing, so what is the best alternative if you've got one already in that situation? Drain/fill every 30k the rest of it's life? Drain/Fill a couple times then flush? Basically, what's the best way to clean out one that's been neglected?

[Edited on December 16, 2010 at 1:14 PM. Reason : .]

12/16/2010 1:13:21 PM

^^does that also apply with manual transmission fluid?

12/16/2010 2:34:32 PM

Nope...manual transmission oil is an altogether different story. Just about all manual transmissions rely on splash lubrication and have no pressurized hydraulic circuits. Automatic transmissions rely on hydraulics and a complicated arrangement of valves and fluid passages for their operation.

Honda recommends replacing manual transmission fluid every 30k miles. Some manufacturers don't even issue a change interval for their manual transmissions. Manual trannies are a LOT more tolerant of neglect.

12/16/2010 2:43:47 PM

i've got an 07 civic w/ about 35k miles...when would should i be looking for a fluid change?

12/16/2010 2:44:08 PM

I usually like to do them every 30k to 50k. But then I drive it like I stole it.

First step...and I recommend this for anybody who takes their car to a clip joint auto repair/stealership/shithead Jiffy Lube...TAKE A LITTLE TIME AND READ YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL!!!

Worst case scenario...follow the severe service recommendations IN THE FUCKING OWNER'S MANUAL. Don't rely on Shit Lube to tell you when your service intervals are. They're in the business of making money...by taking yours.

12/16/2010 2:49:49 PM

^yeah...I was going to after I saw this thread...just figured I'd ask on here before i checked after work...I was thinking I was getting close to needing to, but i'll look just to be sure..thx

also, the reason i asked after your post was b'c i have automatic transmission

[Edited on December 16, 2010 at 2:56 PM. Reason : asdf]

12/16/2010 2:55:51 PM

Thanks for the 411, zxappeal.

My most recent dude told me he wouldn't do the flush/exchange if I had much more than 100k on the car.

I will do the drain/fill, I reckon. Just gotta find a place that has this mysterious Honda fluid.

12/16/2010 10:37:14 PM

Do the drain & fill.
I would think a Honda specialist like Tao Auto would have it in stock, but if you really want that particular fluid you should probably verify before you drop it off that they will be using it.
Or just get the fluid from the dealer or online and have a mechanically inclined friend do it for you. The fluids shouldn't cost more than $10-$15 assuming $5/quart fluid.

If the fluid is really bad do the drain and fill, run it for a couple months, and then do the drain & fill again. It's worth it.

[Edited on December 17, 2010 at 2:48 AM. Reason : s]

12/17/2010 2:48:12 AM