1998 auto trans fluid change
#1
1998 auto trans fluid change
1998 Accord LX 4 cyl - Auto trans.
A reman transmission was put in about 3-4 years ago. And it's been about 40,000 miles. The fluid is somewhat pink. but a little darker.
I'd like to change the transmission fluid and was shocked to see what the steps were...
Is it really that simple - -Remove drain plug, plug back in, then add 2.6 quarts?
If so I have a few questions.
1) Chilton and Hayes manual says to add 2.6 quarts. Is that everything or am I only draining 1/2 the fluid?
2) Manual says to use Honda Approved ATF trans fluid. I have no idea what the shop put in when they changed the transmission.
At O'Riellys, I see Valvoline ATF+4 synthetic. If the shop put in conventional fluid and I put in synthetic, will that hurt anything?
Or is there a recommended brand I should use?
3) One of the manuals says to replace washer before putting drain plug back in. I thought when I looked a few years ago, the plug was a square for the socket to fit in and didn't see a washer (like I do on the oil drain plug).
Do I really need to replace the washer?
4) Is there anything else I need to know?
A reman transmission was put in about 3-4 years ago. And it's been about 40,000 miles. The fluid is somewhat pink. but a little darker.
I'd like to change the transmission fluid and was shocked to see what the steps were...
Is it really that simple - -Remove drain plug, plug back in, then add 2.6 quarts?
If so I have a few questions.
1) Chilton and Hayes manual says to add 2.6 quarts. Is that everything or am I only draining 1/2 the fluid?
2) Manual says to use Honda Approved ATF trans fluid. I have no idea what the shop put in when they changed the transmission.
At O'Riellys, I see Valvoline ATF+4 synthetic. If the shop put in conventional fluid and I put in synthetic, will that hurt anything?
Or is there a recommended brand I should use?
3) One of the manuals says to replace washer before putting drain plug back in. I thought when I looked a few years ago, the plug was a square for the socket to fit in and didn't see a washer (like I do on the oil drain plug).
Do I really need to replace the washer?
4) Is there anything else I need to know?
#2
A few comments in no particular order:
- A standard fluid replacement (i.e. drain/refill) typically does between 2.5 and 3.0 quarts.
- To do an almost complete replacement of the ATF you should do the above procedure three times (often called a 3x3) with a small amount of driving between changes.
- Do not use ATF+4, that is an ATF exclusively for Chrysler transmissions.
- The correct ATF for your car is Honda DW-1; you can buy it from Amazon and many other online vendors.
#5
Everyone probably has a little different amount they get out keep in mind if your car's sitting flat, on ramps, etc. One simple step I have done is measure what drains in a pyrex measuring cup or anything you have to use then just put back the exact amount of used you took out. Of course still drive and check the level but at least your not just guessing. Kind of a bitch to accidentally put in to much. I've never changed it the "3x3" method but I've been doing it annually since around 60,000 miles so I think I'm good.
#6
Still - I am more concerned about which type of ATF to put in.
If I get Valvoline conventional AT Fluid and the back says " Honda Compatible" that if good enough? Do I need to worry about whether it's synthethic or not?
If I get Valvoline conventional AT Fluid and the back says " Honda Compatible" that if good enough? Do I need to worry about whether it's synthethic or not?
#7
Regarding the base oil for the ATF; most (probably all) contemporary OEM ATF specifications are synthetic; that is the least of your concerns.
#9
Like I wrote above, you can buy it from Amazon or any number of other online retailers.
#10
Also see my sig line.