Synth ATF for Accord 2.3L?

[nawlins]

Sorry if this has been discussed. I searched but couldn't find anything on the 2.3L.

I've done regular drain/refills with Z1 on my 02 Accord (73K miles). Trans still shifts good, but knowing that these have problems I'd like to go with a synth. Is anybody running Redline D4 in a 98-02 Accord? Any thoughts good/bad on this or any other synth ATF for my car?

 

[Sayjac]

Not trying to talk you out of it but if the Z-1 is working why change? I've used only Z1 for 3 drain-refills on an 01 Civic with 130k which is noted for transmission issues, I've had none.

That said, many here have recommended Amsoil transmission fluid as a replacement for Z-1 in Hondas.

My attitude, if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. JMO

OH, and

 

[Johnny]

I have had excellent results with the Red Line D4 in one of my Honda Elements. I will continue to use it.

 

[ryland]

Originally Posted By: Johnny
I have had excellent results with the Red Line D4 in one of my Honda Elements. I will continue to use it.


Do you think that it makes the elements trans shift better Johnny? I have amsoil in mine now. I'm surprised that you dont use pennzoil multi vehicle?

 

[FZ1]

Use Honda brand ATF. The Trans can be particular re the ATF.

 

[ryland]

Originally Posted By: FZ1
Use Honda brand ATF. The Trans can be particular re the ATF.


All my other hondas have been manual except for my element and I hated the way it shifted and would crash into drive even with normal z1 changes. So I have a severe dislike for z1 but like I said I only have this one car to judge it by. The amsoil is much better.

 

[Johnny]

Originally Posted By: ryland
Originally Posted By: Johnny
I have had excellent results with the Red Line D4 in one of my Honda Elements. I will continue to use it.


Do you think that it makes the elements trans shift better Johnny? I have amsoil in mine now. I'm surprised that you dont use pennzoil multi vehicle?


It shifts great with the D4 in it. My wife's Element has Amsoil in it, and I personally prefer the way my son's Element shifts with the D4. Next fluid change, both will have D4 in them. The Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle is a good product, but I wanted a 100% synthetic so I could double or triple my change intervals.

 

[FZ1]

Good luck on getting the dealer to participate fully if your transmission should fail.

 

[Johnny]

Both of mine are long out of warranty. Could care less what the dealer does.

 

[ryland]

IMO warrantys are not worth the paper their printed on! The only way I've seen anything covered is when something eats it in the first year of ownership.

 

[Gary Allan]

Originally Posted By: ryland
IMO warrantys are not worth the paper their printed on! The only way I've seen anything covered is when something eats it in the first year of ownership.


That's more or less my take. They're more a curse than a relief. People have and induced "fear factor" ..that they're magically liberated from after it expires. It's like being let out of a cage.

 

[jmb106]

Originally Posted By: nawlins
Sorry if this has been discussed. I searched but couldn't find anything on the 2.3L.

I've done regular drain/refills with Z1 on my 02 Accord (73K miles). Trans still shifts good, but knowing that these have problems I'd like to go with a synth. Is anybody running Redline D4 in a 98-02 Accord? Any thoughts good/bad on this or any other synth ATF for my car?


I really like the Amsoil ATF in my Civic and I have 3 qrt's of Redline D4 in my 07 Accord w/ no problems, and have Maxlife ATF in my 95 Accord. I would recommend the Amsoil ATF you won't be disappointed.I have tried Castrol Import Multi ATF and Redline D4 & Z-1 in my 95 Accord, none of them stopped the 1-2 and 2-3 torque converter shudder. The Maxlife ATF in the 95 is the only one i have tried that has stoped the torque converter shudder, I have yet to try the Amsoil ATF in the 95 and don't think i ever will as I am very happy w/ how the Maxlife is working!
Joe

 

[AzFireGuy79]

I had a similar experience to johnny running the Redline D4 in a Acura TL. It actually eliminated the gear whine in this trans. Also works very well in my Camry which calls for T-IV. The TL still has the shifting issue which is attributed to the pressure sensors. Replacing those in a couple weeks. Honda transmissions=FAIL

 

[pbm]

I have an 01' Accord with the BAXA A/T and I plan on using Redline D4 the next time I change the fluid. I also plan on installing a Tru-Cool self regulating cooler. According to the Honda forum I visit this combo is the best way to go.

 

[wgtoys]

I'm not crazy about Honda's Z1 because by 30k miles I can really tell a difference in shift quality from when the fluid is new. The local dealers around here keep jacking the price up ever higher. Last time I checked it was knocking on $10/quart with sales tax. That just seems like too much for a fluid which isn't even a synthetic.

Up until recently I stuck with the Honda fluid out of fear, but on my latest change I tried the Castrol Import "universal" ATF. So far it seems to be shifting perfectly. Not super soft, but also no delayed feeling shifts. So far, so good and about $5/quart including sales tax at Wally's World. At around 11 quarts for a full change out I'm happy so far about having the extra $55 in my bank account instead of Hondas. I also buy high quality name brand aftermarket replacement mechanical parts instead of going to the dealer. So far, so good. ('03 Accord '97k miles)

 

[ryan2022]

My Dad has the same engine, and we just did his transmission. We went back to Z1 because it has worked quite well for him.

For a Honda, I'd say Honda fluid. Others have had great luck with synthetic, Hondas I've had have just seemed to like the OEM stuff.

 

[PandaBear]

Molakule once said in his post that Z1 is different by having ZDDP that other more modern/universal fluids do not use anymore. The ZDDP plugs up the porous clutch pack materials but seems to help Honda's Manual like automatic transmission.

He also mentioned that there are other additives that can replace ZDDP in a transmission and that's what most fluids use nowadays.