| yogi799 |
Can I just use a standard Dextron III ATF for the tranny?
Also, where is the drain plug on the MDX (tranny). Just bought mine and am unsure. Please provide the exact location. Appreciate it, dudes! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by yogi799
Can I just use a standard Dextron III ATF for the tranny?
Also, where is the drain plug on the MDX (tranny). Just bought mine and am unsure. Please provide the exact location. Appreciate it, dudes!
Negatory! Use Honda Z1 ATF only. Don't you have the owner's manual with the fluid recommendations?
Read it carefully. Is this a new or used one? Take it that it's used since you are anxious to change the fluid already?
You should get the shop manual from www.helminc.com also if you plan to do maintenance yourself.
It's kind of hard to just 'explain' where the drain plug is, without pictures. The reason for a manual. If you have done similar service on a car before, it should be apparent where drain is I would think. |
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| yogi799 |
Thanks for a reply. I guess I have to get that ATF from Honda. No, it so happens that my used 03 MDX did not come with an owner's manual. Is there a site anywhere on the Internet where I could download a free copy?
Also, just tell me what side of the tranny is it on, just roughly... left, right, front, rear, etc.. I looked in there when I was changing my engine oil and just wanna be sure with your direction. |
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| DaleB |
Driver's side front. You can order the owner's manual from the same link I believe. They used to have it downloadable on Acura's Owner's Link (from the www.acura.com website).
Not sure it still is. You should have the owner's manual at very minimum. |
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| JL_SS |
| Starting with 2003, Acura stopped offering the owners manual as a free pdf file via the owners link site. Now they link you to Helms and make you pay for it. |
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| yogi799 |
Yeah, apparently they think we're all so rich we just go there and buy everything :-) Free PDF wouldn't cost them a dime! That's what Internet is for :-)
Hey, DaleB, thanks a bunch! You've helped a lot!
I may have some questions later on too, now I know I can count on you guys!
Chris |
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| BlueStreak |
Yogi,
ou might want to make a couple calls on the price of the fluid before you head out. My Honda dealer sells the ATF and VTM fluid about $4-$6 a gallon each cheaper then my Acura dealer. |
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| Gregc |
The owners manual for the 2001 states The following:
"Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) preferred, or a DEXRON III ATF as a temporary replacement (see page 271)."
Then Page 271 has this information:
"Always use Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid). If it is not available, you may use a DEXRON III automatic Transmission fluid as a temporary replacement. However, continued use can affect shift quality. Have the transmission drained and refilled with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is convenient."
I read that to say the Honda ATF-Z1 fluid is compatible with DEXRON III, but Honda has added friction modifiers in their fluid to affect the shift feel of the transmission. You could probably duplicate the friction modifiers with an additive such as Lubeguard (http://www.lubeguard.com). I too have asked the same question, why can I not use good Synthetic such as Mobil ATF ? The problem is Honda has not given the Specs of their fluid so you could make a comparison. The DEXRON III standard was developed by General Motors and I suspect that has something to do with it.
I had a 1991 Honda Accord that I changed the fluid with Dexron II and then later with Dexron III and it continues to shift fine with over 250,000 miles on the transmission. I think you would be fine using a good quality Dexron III fluid. The Honda and Acura dealers make a huge profit from selling the ATF-Z1 fluid and are not going to tell you to use anything else. I would like to see the specs for the Honda ATF-Z1 and compare them to the Dexron III specs. I doubt there is any difference.
Greg |
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| yogi799 |
| You make perfect sense, Greg... I also think it's mostly for the $$$$, that whole idea of a different ATF. I will call and ask how much they want for that fluid.... I know Toyota has the same ideology - their fluid is also special; says something like Toyota ATF IV - something... A 5-gallon can cost me 25 bucks... I almost fainted :-) But still - it's worth the peace of mind.... (and THEY KNOW THAT :D :D :D ) |
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| Gregc |
quote:
Originally posted by yogi799
You make perfect sense, Greg... I also think it's mostly for the $$$$, that whole idea of a different ATF. I will call and ask how much they want for that fluid.... I know Toyota has the same ideology - their fluid is also special; says something like Toyota ATF IV - something... A 5-gallon can cost me 25 bucks... I almost fainted :-) But still - it's worth the peace of mind.... (and THEY KNOW THAT :D :D :D )
I bought the Honda ATF-Z1 Fluid and it was $4 a quart!! For that price I would rather have a Mobil 1 Synthetic Fluid. I am planning on changing mine over to Mobil 1 at the next change. I will let you know if it seems to change the shift feel. I plan to add the lubeguard additive at the same time (http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/...f_platinum.html). I have no doubts this will be fine.
Greg |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Gregc
I bought the Honda ATF-Z1 Fluid and it was $4 a quart!! For that price I would rather have a Mobil 1 Synthetic Fluid. I am planning on changing mine over to Mobil 1 at the next change. I will let you know if it seems to change the shift feel. I plan to add the lubeguard additive at the same time (http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/...f_platinum.html). I have no doubts this will be fine.
Greg
Unless it's changed, Amsoil was the ONLY synthetic oil manufacturer to say their fluid is a recommended replacement for "HONDA/ACURA Z1 ATF".
Others might have a general statement like "Honda and Acura vehicles"...not good enough for me. But I use LubeGuard also.
When Tim reported he had 3 qts of different ATF fluids outside overnight in freezing temperatures, and Honda Z1 was the only one to flow with ease from the bottle then next morning, I thought that was significant if not scientific proof that Z1 is not just any ATF. |
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