Wondering if anyone recommends going to Valvoline's Maxlife ATF instead of Honda's DW-1 ATF.

I have a 96 Accord EX I2.2 VTEC coupe, 243k miles, in great shape. I’m running a used OEM auto Tx that came with new Dexron in it. I’ve had it for 50K mi now, haven’t changed the tx fluid because of a bad past experience with using Honda’s Z-1 atf, trashed that tx in 500mi. after 3x fluid changes back to back to get rid of the Dexron in it (a Honda Tx “flush”). My original Tx got 145K mi. I changed the atf every 15K mi., even though it didn't need it (it's so easy to change I figured why not).

My current Dexron is turning brown after 50Kmi. Wondering whether to go with Honda’s DW-1 or do the Maxlike AFT, which I’ve read good things about, even compared to the DW-1. I know most everyone says stick to Honda atf, whatever is current since it’s supposedly backwards compatible to older cars.

I don’t have any current problems with this Tx, except it doesn’t quickly shift into first gear from park when cold, takes about two seconds to fully engage. Once warmed up it’s fine. No slipping in any gears.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

This question will go better in General Tech, so I'll move it.

 

Thanks, Jim.

 

The shop manual for the 94-96 accords says to use Honda premium formula ATF, or and equivalent Dexron II ATF.

The 97 shop manual says to use Genuine Honda premium formula ATF. Using a non-Honda ATF can affect shift quality.

The 94-97 had the same transmission, so Honda switched to recommending Honda ATF in 97.

I would consider using Valvoline Maxlife ATF only if it is backwards compatible for transmissions requiring Dexron II.

 

I've waited to respond, hoping someone might post who's tried non-Honda fluid.


Thanks PAhonda for your input. Yeah, my manual says Dexron II, so I'm thinking a Dexron III equivalent should be fine, which I have in storage. I was hoping someone had tried the MaxLife Tx fluid since it's backward compatible per everything I've read. In theory, at least, the DW-1 should be even better since it's the latest tech of Honda's fluid. Since I'm on my third Tx I'm wanting to be careful to not have to soon get another.

 

In '97 AT Accord I've been using Global ATF (Oreilly house brand) for 85,000 miles. Although I was reluctant to try it (prior owner's mechanic double drained and filled using this); I got to say - it's worked fine.