2007 Honda Civic LX, Experience with Amsoil ATF

[Matt89]

The only thing I've noticed on my Honda 5-spd (2006 Civic) is that if I hit the gas quickly from a stop it seems to slip a bit...like I can feel it 'catch'. If I'm lighter on the gas it spools up cleanly.

Of course, I don't know if it was like that before I shifted to Amsoil. I had a '98 Civic that behaved similarly on OEM fluid. The 5-spd in my CR-V seems completely normal.

 

[BuickGN]

I've got a few things to add. I started with the Amsoil ATF and ended up with the ATD. What I've noticed is crisper shifts but far from harsh. It shifts the way I feel it should've from the factory. Not that much difference from the Z1. This may have to do with the TL's torque management where it closes the throttle during shifts. Either way I would gladly give up a little shift quality in exchange for less wear.

The only drawback I can think of is the braking assist where it downshifts when you let off the gas or hit the brakes on a decline. It was sometimes harsh with the factory fill and has only gotten worse with the ATD. Not a lot worse, in fact my friends don't notice it at all, but I notice everything with the car. It's too bad it doesn't blip the throttle on downshifts like the new models do. Not the ATD's fault of course and I'm leaning to drive around it. I know the car well enough that I find myself predicting the downshifts and slightly hitting the gas.

 

[mfisher1967]

The hesitation between stepping on the accelerator pedal and gear engagement when coasting, or starting from a full stop, appears to be a common theme with Honda transmissions. This issue is also present with Z1 ATF, but the gear engagement is much smoother. The first time I really began to worry was after I performed the 2nd drain/fill with Amsoil ATF. I was driving ~35 mph and had to stop a little faster than I wanted to when the car in front of me failed to use a turn signal. After saying a few choice words, I stepped on the accelerator and felt the "dead" spot I have described above before the gear engaged. When the gear did engage I heard a "clunk" sound which was fairly alarming. I too began modifying my driving habits to prevent this from happening. I figured that this was worth the reduced wear that Amsoil ATF would bring. I then began to notice something else. My car began to feel somewhat sluggish. I know that I am talking about a Civic here, but prior to using the Amsoil ATF my car seemed to be more responsive and smoother. These qualities quickly returned after reverting back to 65% Z1 and 35% Amoil ATF. The nail in the coffin came when I saw the amount of material that was present on the magnetic drain plug after only 150 miles of driving with a 65% Amsoil and 35% Z1 mix. The material cannot be from a "cleaning" affect, as my 2007 Civic LX's transmission had only ~2,300 miles all told at the time.

Things to keep in mind:
1) I did not modify the Amsoil or Z1 ATF in any way.

2) I checked the ATF level several times after each drain/fill. Typical fill used 2.5 quarts.

3) All funnels and measuring cups were spotlessly clean

4) I performed each drain/fill as per the Helm shop manual's instructions. I also allowed the motor to reach operating temperature before cycling through each gear several times . Only then did I back the car off of the ramps/

 

[Hermann]

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The first time I really began to worry was after I performed the 2nd drain/fill with Amsoil ATF. I was driving ~35 mph and had to stop a little faster than I wanted to when the car in front of me failed to use a turn signal. After saying a few choice words, I stepped on the accelerator and felt the "dead" spot I have described above before the gear engaged. When the gear did engage I heard a "clunk" sound which was fairly alarming. I too began modifying my driving habits to prevent this from happening.

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Have experienced this just once in 36K miles.Nearly a identical experience. Never has happened before or since. It was also a bit of a shock! When I depressed to re-accelerate it seemed to not know what to do, and after a long second it just seemed to jam into 2nd gear. Very Odd

 

[Pablo]

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Have experienced this just once in 36K miles.Nearly a identical experience. Never has happened before or since. It was also a bit of a shock! When I depressed to re-accelerate it seemed to not know what to do, and after a long second it just seemed to jam into 2nd gear. Very Odd

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It's hard to catalog this stuff - so you are using 100% Z-1?

 

[wgtoys]

"Amsoil ATF was the very first ATF to get an approved for honda transmissions"

I don't believe Amsoil got an "approval" for it's ATF in Honda application. They self declared that their product is suitable for Hondas, just as they declare it is suitable for almost everything.

Personally I don't buy the universal fluid sales pitch at all. Different transmission designs assume different fluid characteristics. One-size-fits-all fluids are no more reasonable than one-size-fits-all bathing suits.

My Honda owner's manual says that Dexron type fluids can be used in an emergency, but that shift quality might be affected. No surprise that this is exactly what some people are finding to be true.

The Honda AT is a completely different design than most any other as it is built more like a manual transmission with automatic shifting than is a traditional autobox.

"Either way I would gladly give up a little shift quality in exchange for less wear."

Ah, but how do you know your are getting less wear? Assuming that Amsoil ATF/D is going to give longer transmisison life than Honda ATF-Z1 is a big assumption with no hard data to back it up. Honda has certainly had some automatic transmission issues in recent years, and you might well be voiding your warranty is something goes wrong and Honda can demonstrate that you were not using an approved fluid.

 

[BuickGN]

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"Amsoil ATF was the very first ATF to get an approved for honda transmissions"

I don't believe Amsoil got an "approval" for it's ATF in Honda application. They self declared that their product is suitable for Hondas, just as they declare it is suitable for almost everything.

Personally I don't buy the universal fluid sales pitch at all. Different transmission designs assume different fluid characteristics. One-size-fits-all fluids are no more reasonable than one-size-fits-all bathing suits.

My Honda owner's manual says that Dexron type fluids can be used in an emergency, but that shift quality might be affected. No surprise that this is exactly what some people are finding to be true.

The Honda AT is a completely different design than most any other as it is built more like a manual transmission with automatic shifting than is a traditional autobox.

"Either way I would gladly give up a little shift quality in exchange for less wear."

Ah, but how do you know your are getting less wear? Assuming that Amsoil ATF/D is going to give longer transmisison life than Honda ATF-Z1 is a big assumption with no hard data to back it up. Honda has certainly had some automatic transmission issues in recent years, and you might well be voiding your warranty is something goes wrong and Honda can demonstrate that you were not using an approved fluid.

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I guess I'll be the first to find out. The shifts are snappier. The tach actually falls faster than it did with the z1. Shifts are quicker which I'm hoping means less wear. I guess only time will tell. I'm at 51K miles right now and at the rate I'm going I'll be at 100K in another 2 years or less so I'll have something to report back.

 

[Pablo]

I just want to add a couple more things.

Amsoil and I do NOT recommend Amsoil ATD in Honda Transmissions.

Amsoil ATF does NOT produce harsher shifts in ALL Honda transmissions. There have been some very few reported cases of slightly sharper shifts in some Honda transmissions. Indeed Honda AT's are step transmissions and the Amsoil ATF works well in the application.

 

[BuickGN]

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I just want to add a couple more things.

Amsoil and I do NOT recommend Amsoil ATD in Honda Transmissions.

Amsoil ATF does NOT produce harsher shifts in ALL Honda transmissions. There have been some very few reported cases of slightly sharper shifts in some Honda transmissions. Indeed Honda AT's are step transmissions and the Amsoil ATF works well in the application.

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Do you not recomment the ATD due to shift quality issues or for other reasons? I'm getting ready to buy some more Amsoil today so any input would be appreciated. Personally, I have only seen good things with the ATD other than the stupid braking assist.

 

[The Critic]

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Do you not recomment the ATD due to shift quality issues or for other reasons? I'm getting ready to buy some more Amsoil today so any input would be appreciated. Personally, I have only seen good things with the ATD other than the stupid braking assist.

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Like I said in the other thread, the effects of ATD on the friction material in the long run are unknown. A harsher shift may or may not equate to less wear. I would just play it safe and use Universal ATF.

 

[BuickGN]

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Do you not recomment the ATD due to shift quality issues or for other reasons? I'm getting ready to buy some more Amsoil today so any input would be appreciated. Personally, I have only seen good things with the ATD other than the stupid braking assist.

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Like I said in the other thread, the effects of ATD on the friction material in the long run are unknown. A harsher shift may or may not equate to less wear. I would just play it safe and use Universal ATF.

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If I don't hear back from Pablo, I'll probably order a couple gallons of ATF to be safe. But just to clarify, the shifts are far from harsh. Passengers can't feel the difference, only I can. It doesn't throw your head back at all, just no more sloppy shifts.

If I get the extended warranty, maybe I should try out some type "F" and really freak people out.

 

[The Critic]

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Do you not recomment the ATD due to shift quality issues or for other reasons? I'm getting ready to buy some more Amsoil today so any input would be appreciated. Personally, I have only seen good things with the ATD other than the stupid braking assist.

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Like I said in the other thread, the effects of ATD on the friction material in the long run are unknown. A harsher shift may or may not equate to less wear. I would just play it safe and use Universal ATF.

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If I don't hear back from Pablo, I'll probably order a couple gallons of ATF to be safe. But just to clarify, the shifts are far from harsh. Passengers can't feel the difference, only I can. It doesn't throw your head back at all, just no more sloppy shifts.

If I get the extended warranty, maybe I should try out some type "F" and really freak people out.

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You aren't eligible for the extended warranty anyway, as you've passed the 50k mark.

Besides, if you purchase a Honda extended warranty after 6k miles on the clock, forget it. The prices goes up so much that it isn't worth it.

 

[BuickGN]

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Do you not recomment the ATD due to shift quality issues or for other reasons? I'm getting ready to buy some more Amsoil today so any input would be appreciated. Personally, I have only seen good things with the ATD other than the stupid braking assist.

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Like I said in the other thread, the effects of ATD on the friction material in the long run are unknown. A harsher shift may or may not equate to less wear. I would just play it safe and use Universal ATF.

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If I don't hear back from Pablo, I'll probably order a couple gallons of ATF to be safe. But just to clarify, the shifts are far from harsh. Passengers can't feel the difference, only I can. It doesn't throw your head back at all, just no more sloppy shifts.

If I get the extended warranty, maybe I should try out some type "F" and really freak people out.

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You aren't eligible for the extended warranty anyway, as you've passed the 50k mark.

Besides, if you purchase a Honda extended warranty after 6k miles on the clock, forget it. The prices goes up so much that it isn't worth it.

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Superior Acura in Bakersfield has offered $1,400 for the extended warranty anytime before 100K. The car has to be brought down to be checked out so I can't have a major prolbem like the transmission and buy the warranty just to have it covered. It's a lot of money but would be worth it just to get rid of my ulcer.

 

[Pablo]

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Do you not recomment the ATD due to shift quality issues or for other reasons? I'm getting ready to buy some more Amsoil today so any input would be appreciated. Personally, I have only seen good things with the ATD other than the stupid braking assist.

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I don't recommend ATD because I and Amsoil have no testing experience in Honda. In GM and other vehicles, you are correct, nothing but good about ATD! I mean - you are 100% free to use it. Just Amsoil won't back you, that's all.

 

[The Critic]

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Do you not recomment the ATD due to shift quality issues or for other reasons? I'm getting ready to buy some more Amsoil today so any input would be appreciated. Personally, I have only seen good things with the ATD other than the stupid braking assist.

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Like I said in the other thread, the effects of ATD on the friction material in the long run are unknown. A harsher shift may or may not equate to less wear. I would just play it safe and use Universal ATF.

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If I don't hear back from Pablo, I'll probably order a couple gallons of ATF to be safe. But just to clarify, the shifts are far from harsh. Passengers can't feel the difference, only I can. It doesn't throw your head back at all, just no more sloppy shifts.

If I get the extended warranty, maybe I should try out some type "F" and really freak people out.

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You aren't eligible for the extended warranty anyway, as you've passed the 50k mark.

Besides, if you purchase a Honda extended warranty after 6k miles on the clock, forget it. The prices goes up so much that it isn't worth it.

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Superior Acura in Bakersfield has offered $1,400 for the extended warranty anytime before 100K. The car has to be brought down to be checked out so I can't have a major prolbem like the transmission and buy the warranty just to have it covered. It's a lot of money but would be worth it just to get rid of my ulcer.

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Then it isn't a factory, Acuracare warranty program. Acuracare clearly states in the contract that it must be purchased before the expiration of the 4-yr/50k bumper to bumper warranty.

 

[BuickGN]

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Do you not recomment the ATD due to shift quality issues or for other reasons? I'm getting ready to buy some more Amsoil today so any input would be appreciated. Personally, I have only seen good things with the ATD other than the stupid braking assist.

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I don't recommend ATD because I and Amsoil have no testing experience in Honda. In GM and other vehicles, you are correct, nothing but good about ATD! I mean - you are 100% free to use it. Just Amsoil won't back you, that's all.

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In that case I'll probably continue to use it. I would never expect an oil company to back me in case of a problem anyway. Even though I really don't want to have a transmission failure, I've got the money to fix it if need be. My car sees 90% freeway miles. The total number of shifts are probably very low for the mileage anyway. I'll literally drive 4 hours at a time without the torque convertor clutch ever disengaging and and transmission never downshifting. My reason for going with the ATD is I thought it would be better for high temps and since my car had no real cooler until a couple days ago I thought I would give it a try. Am I on the right track with the ATD as far as temperature is concerned?

 

[The Critic]

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In that case I'll probably continue to use it. I would never expect an oil company to back me in case of a problem anyway. Even though I really don't want to have a transmission failure, I've got the money to fix it if need be. My car sees 90% freeway miles. The total number of shifts are probably very low for the mileage anyway. I'll literally drive 4 hours at a time without the torque convertor clutch ever disengaging and and transmission never downshifting. My reason for going with the ATD is I thought it would be better for high temps and since my car had no real cooler until a couple days ago I thought I would give it a try. Am I on the right track with the ATD as far as temperature is concerned?

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Why would the ATD be better for high temperature use?

They are both PAO based and contain little or no VII as far as I know.

 

[Hermann]

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Have experienced this just once in 36K miles.Nearly a identical experience. Never has happened before or since. It was also a bit of a shock! When I depressed to re-accelerate it seemed to not know what to do, and after a long second it just seemed to jam into 2nd gear. Very Odd

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It's hard to catalog this stuff - so you are using 100% Z-1?

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Pablo, I am using 100% Z-1. I have 9+ qts left. Will be a while before I am using anything else.

 

[Steelers]

If you're not interested in extended drains I see little to be gained by using the Amsoil over Honda's Z-1. Amsoil is twice the price and with Honda's handy drain plug a drain/fill every 15K-30K is a snap.

Just as a person who buys Motorcraft Mercon V instead of a universal fluid for their Ford can do no harm, someone who uses Z-1 in a Honda/Acura can't go wrong. Its the safe play.

That said I'm glad we've got members willing to experiment with different fluids, gives us something to talk about and learn from.

 

[Hermann]

The Z-1 I have, was acquired at $3.65 a qt. The same place now charges $4.95. So if the Z-1 goes up some more before I run out, I might try a d&f of Amsoil.