Confused About My Automatic Trans. Fluid help!
 

I am going to change my ATF and filter. The car is a 1989 Honda Accord. Has anyone else here used Dexron II in the 3rd gen Accords?

The Owners Manual does not lie it says use Dexron II, and Dexron is a GM ATF. I just want another 3rd gen Accord Owner to tell me or anyone who knows about this surely. I believe the Accords from 1990 and on starting using the Honda ATF. But apparently not mine.

Personally, yes I have used Dex in my 3rd gen's (86-89) I have two auto's, two manuals. As far as a filter, unless someone has installed an aftermarket "in-line" filter the isn't one-at least one you can change without rebuilding the trans. These are a "drain and fill".

Now I do believe the official answer is that the older 3rd gens should be retro'd to Z1 (meaning at change time, go back with Z1). However I have not done that in either of mine-one is at 245K (88 LXi) the other is at 190K (89 LX). I might do the LXi to Z1 in the future, only because it has the "lock-up/overdrive" trans and seems to have a small shutter at a stop while in gear - mounts are good and everything is fine, so this is a guess. Just my personal experience....

EDIT: The 95 and the 07 have only seen Z1 in their life.

OKay so I should forget about the filter (the part itself is available for around 20 bucks) because I'd have to dismantle the whole thing...and I should just drain it and fill her up.

The car only has 80k on it, I am very sure the ATF in it is very old, dirty, and burned up as it looks this way . (Car recently became my responsibility the ATF cap was glued shut had a hard time getting it off) This worrys me, that is why I was considering changing the filter too.

EDIT: Is it possible to just drop the pan and clean it out as well wont hurt will it?

Honda auto trans doesn't have a pan. You have to open the whole case.

You must have the ones where the dipstick is screws in.....they are a pain. Made a homemade tool to un-screw mine.

Yes, I really wish it was the 5 speed, I'm worried the tranny is damaged because sometimes it shifts hard but all I can do is drain it and fill it hope that makes it better.

You seem to like the 3rd Gens which one of yours do you like the most?, the carb or LX-i I bet your fav is the 5 speed LX-i....

Shifting hard, check the mounts and the "kickdown" (I always forget the proper name) cable. That cable needs to have the proper adjustment. EDIT: it is the one from the carb down to the trans. Adjustments are made at the trans end of the cable.

I actually like the 87 LX 5 spd the best (yes, I prefer a stick). Of course I haven't had the 89 LXi that long (Oct-Nov or so). The oldest drives it most of the time. He is going off to OCS this summer so I've already decided to drive it more when he is gone...if nothing else it gets better MPG than the 95 I drive everyday.

Anyway for the future or anyone that might read this down the road trying to get that thing loose. I bought a piece of 1/2 in by 24 in black pipe from the hardware store. Cut a slit into one end, then was able to place that slit over the dipstick, used pliers on the other end of pipe to break the dipstick loose....if you have one of these it will make perfect sense.