Honda Honda Honda...

Instead of Honda ATF Z1 or DW1 what other types of transmission fluid can I use?
Castrol Transmax™ Import Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid is for use in most Honda, Toyota, Nissan and other imported vehicles. It exceeds the requirements of the JASO-1A performance standard created by Japanese Automobile Manufacturers. This standard is recognized by Japanese OEMs in certifying ATF for use in their vehicles.

Instead of Honda Power Steering fluid, are there other brands I can use?
Prestone Honda Power Steering Fluid: Designed for use in Honda and Acura vehicle

Instead of Honda Coolant, another brand I can use?
Type 2 Green

Also, do I have to put Honda Genuine Air in my tires?


I know that 80% or more of auto shops(not Honda shops) do not use the "Honda" brand fluids.. So is this "Honda Brand Only" a money making scare tactic or ??

I'm a first time Honda owner and I've been searching the internet looking for different information about this.. Some people say "Use Honda ONLY" --- Some say "I use X-Brand and it works great" --- so okay, they stated they use a different brand... but, how is their car doing now?

If I had a Honda dealer close to me, I'd just go buy Honda, its not that expensive really... But I have to look online for Honda brand fluids, and people charge an arm and a leg for it, especially since X-Brand made FOR Honda/etc is at my auto supply store..

Feedback?
Thanks

 

I've used aftermarket PS fluid (prestone, etc) and aftermarket coolant (prestone, etc) for some time. I just installed about 8 oz of Lucas PS Sealer to see if I can stop leaks in both ends of rack, a very slow leak.

I've always used Honda ATF because 1) it seems to have a beneficial effect on trans from numerous reports and 2) cost diff is not huge, maybe even zero. I checked amazone for castrol and it was $63 for 12 qts. Not bad, but a case of Honda ATF DW1 was only $71.

good luck

 

ATF is unique. Similar to Dexron, but I hear lots of people talk about harsh shifting & worse when they use non-Honda ATF.

Power steering fluid is unique, but you can find more than one brand "FOR HONDA/ACURA cars". I've seen that at AutoZone, Advance Auto, & WalMart. Has to say Honda/Acura so don't use the stuff that says "all makes".

Antifreeze isn't very unique. Look for non-silicate, but that's pretty easy to find. Normal Prestone is OK. The one to avoid is DexCool - it doesn't play well when mixed with other types.

Brake fluid is normal DOT3 or DOT4.

 

Thanks for the replies.
I just bought this used car from a private seller, and I'm not sure exactly what fluids he had been putting in this car. I know he would take it for oil changes (sticker in windshield and date wrote on filter -- 2012 lol) (car was in storage) but as the other fluids, not real sure on the upkeep/flushes/etc

So my goal is to completely service the car
Oil change, ps flush, trans flush, coolant flush, fuel filter, belts, cap, plugs, wires, etc
267k miles on this car, I'm hoping I can give it a "fresh" life

 

Whatever you do, DO NOT "flush" the trans. If you want to refresh the ATF, drain and refill a few times over a short period.

 

"Flushing" to me means forcing fluids through the trans w/ external pump.

However, some refer to flushing as simple complete drain using ATF coolant lines to allow AT pump to push all fluids, including torque converter fluid out to a catch pan. I don't see any harm and some benefit to this procedure.

For an Accord procedure, see following link for Accord procedure:

When you have a AT w/ unknown maintenance history, this procedure has appeal. Once you've established a maintenance schedule, this procedure is unnecessary and simple drain/refill AT reservoir is fine.

good luck

 

Sounds like a great project, best of luck with it.

In my old '98 V6 I used Honda ATF because I had heard of bad experiences by others who used different brands. But today I think I would not hesitate to use some of the ones you mention above. You could check with a local transmission shop and see what they use in older Honda's.

I used plain old prestone coolant but I flushed the system with water before I used it the first time. I used it for many years changing it every three years or so, no problems.

I always used Honda PS fluid because I have heard that Honda uses some natural rubber seals in their PS systems and petroleum based fluids can cause leaks. Either Honda fluid or the Prestone fluid made for Hondas is probably what you need.

 

Thanks, Yes when I said, I mean
Trans - Drain, 3 quarts, drive, drain, 3 quarts, drive, drain, 3 quarts - done
PS -- Drain, turn wheels, drain, refill
Coolant -- drain

I never trust those machines to "force" fluids out.. I'd rather gravity and normal movement to do so.

This way I'll know whats in the car and when it was put in there

 

Even the Honda shop manual (Helm) calls it a "flush" when the actual text of the procedure says to drain/fill the transmission.

If you have reason to think the ATF is already Honda, then look at the old fluid drained out & use your judgment whether 3x is needed. Use the dipstick for level, because I think it's somewhat less than 3 quarts.

 

Changed the distributor cap, opened the trunk and noticed one of the almost empty quart bottles of ATF was a gas station store brand