trans fluid 03 passport??

[jsnyder49090]

I am suppossed to do a trans filter in a 03 passport i thought it would spec merc V or something it says if honda fluid niot used can use DEXIII ? Would i be ok to use the WM fluid or should i use maxlife?

 

[chubbs1]

I would definitely spend the extra few bucks on the Maxlife. It is pennies over the length of the OCI. Maxlife is a good fluid.

 

[Ramblin Fever]

Do NOT use Maxlife in this auto transmission.

WHICH transmission do you have for sure?

I too have an Isuzu Rodeo, which is what your Honda Passport is; the 91-03's came with the GM 4L30 auto transmission, but some of the 03-04's came with the Aisian Warner.

It's very important to know which one you have.

The GM 4L30 does NOT like the Maxlife ATF fluid; however Castrol Import ATF is fantastic in this transmission.

I believe the Aisian transmission can use the Castrol Import as well; but I'm not 100% sure.

Your Honda Passport, don't let anyone tell you different, is 100% an Isuzu Rodeo, simply rebadged in the Honda name to sell for higher dollar, with less warranty for the original owner.

Your transmission will last a long time if regular fluid intervals are followed; I have a 91 rodeo with 355k miles, and a 97 with 205k miles both having the GM 4L30 transmission with fluid changes every 10-15k miles tops.

Do NOT use a Merc V fluid in either transmission, Merc fluids are for newer fords.

 

[jsnyder49090]

its a customers car its an 03 i looked in the book and it said to use honda but dexIII was ok.Must be the GM trans then huh? For some reason the parts stores do not even list a 03 Passport but a rodeo is the same right? thats what i ended up looking up the filter kit for.Please advise this is for tomorrow.I thought merc V cause some hondas spec for that dont they ?? I am using DEXIII i am not taking any chances with the maxlife it is good fluid but specs for too many apps if you ask me.This has been a few years back 4-5 but a friend owns a trans repair business specialized he uses DEXIII in them all.That was a few years ago and most likely not rebuilding the newer vehicles.

 

[Ramblin Fever]

Does the truck have a transmission dipstick, or does it have to be filled from underneith?

This will help me decipher whether it's the GM transmission or the Aisian...I can't answer as to which one it could be, and the book probably will not be accurate, cause that was around the year that they switched transmission types.

Yes, do NOT use the Maxlife if this is the GM 4L30.

The Castrol Import fluid has numerous specs as well; however I've been using it for over 6yrs with excellent results.

Forgot to add, yes, the Passport IS the exact same as the rodeo; it's simply a matter of which transmission it is based off which filter and fluid to use.

 

[bourne]

Last production year of the Honda Passport in US was 2002. You might want to run the VIN through the system to check on the year. If it is an 02 then it specs Z1. In that case use Maxlife freely and without worries.
Honda Auto Trans + Maxlife = Good Things

 

[Ramblin Fever]

Bourne - You could be right, in regards to the last *labeled* passport being built in 02, however, again, they're all Isuzu Rodeo's.

That Honda Passport of yours is an Isuzu Rodeo; Honda had nothing to do with their build quality, other then the name on the frame.

Your transmission is either an Aisian Warner or the GM 4L30, those are the ONLY 2 transmission options used in either the Rodeo or Passport.

In shorter words, there is NO HONDA transmission in these trucks, period. Or engine's for that matter.

And you have to be careful, not all 02-03 models came with the same transmission; one could have the Aisian, the other could have the GM.

The only year that came strictly with the Aisian was the 04 Isuzu Rodeo models, which was the last year for Rodeo's.

 

[jsnyder49090]

i am hoping its a 16 bolt pan with the GM trans if its aisian i wont use the dex and will likely have to order the filter kit.Thanks guys i hope its GM the book saying it was ok to use DEX III kinda suprised me.I will make sure i know what it is.You guys saved me a potential bad day so thanks.

 

[Ramblin Fever]

Great to be of help.

I'm very partial to the Rodeo's/Passports, I've had 2 over the years and just love them, great trucks.