I have a 1989 Accord EXi that I inherited from my dad who bought it new. I got it when it had 40,000 KM (25,000 miles) on it and it now has 300,000 KM (186,000 miles). I know for a fact that the transmission has never been serviced. Yes, I know, BAD Honda owner.

I have just invested $1,000 in new tires, battery and a tuneup and am thinking it might be time to deal with the transmission (which is and always has worked perfectly).

I have read there are two types of transmission service, one where they pump out the old fluid, replacing it with new and the other where they drop the pan, gravity drain most of the fluid, check the magnet, replace the pan and top off the fluid.

My question is - which method is best? I don't like the first method because the magnet is not checked and I don't like the second because not all the fluid is changed.

 

To add to the confusion... My local tire store with "Transmission Service" on the sign wants $130 Can / $98 US and they say they change the filter. My local Honda dealer wants $99 Can / $75 US and they do not change the filter. I asked about this and was told the filter was a mesh inside the housing and to change it involved "splitting" the transmission, a very expensive process. The service adviser says neither he nor the mechanic he consulted have ever seen a filter replacement.

He was also incredulous that the transmission had never been serviced.

 

Oh yes, Honda says the magnet is on the drain plug and is checked. I am thinking I will just go with the $99 Honda dealer job.

 

All your Honda dealer should recommend (most do) is a drain/refill. Not sure how mechanically inclined you are but this process is as easy (or even easier) than a home oil change. It's just what it says pull the drain plug, let come out whatever wants to replace plug washer and refill, you can refill through the dipstick tube "holder." Because it's been awhile for this service and if it makes you sleep better at night you can even change it once go for a ten minute drive then drain/refill again after the new fluid mixes with the old. Swapping it out back to back like that is something some folks do just to get out a little more of the old stuff. I've never done it twice but I started doing fluid changes yearly at around 50,000 miles so I felt on that schedule that was over-kill. Good luck...

 

Thanks dgp1961, I am booked for the drain/refill at the dealer. I used to do all my own oil changes so I am sure I could do it, only problem is, the cars are closer to the ground than they were when I was younger (71 now) :-)