97 Accord Trans Fluid Change?

A couple of questions:
1) Does the 97 accord AT just have a drain plug to change fluid? Any filter?
2) I was told to use Genuine Honda ATF and not NAPA or other generic brands.
Any Thoughts?

 

It does have a drain plug. Mine took a 3/8 rachet . IN VERY TIGHT. And use
only Honda fluid.

Scott

 

Yes.
I had the 105,000 mile service done 2 months ago on my 1997 Accord
wagon. Went to a highly respected independent repair place for the
required timing belt, and a whole slew of other maintenance items. Had
them do a transmission fluid change - that being a flush and 100%
fluid change. It began shifting a little harshly a week or two ago.
Then some slipping when cold the last couple days. I checked the ATF
level - it was okay. So had a look in the owner's manual. It warns
about using only genuine Honda Premium Formula ATF. Service manual
says the same, and both say that Dexron III can be used temporarily
but it will affect shifting quality and should be changed for Honda
ATF as soon as it is convenient. Sounded like my problem. Then had a
look at my 105,000 mi service receipt and it said they used Valvoline
Premium Max Life ATF. Went to the Valvoline web site and it says this
fluid is "compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not
void new car warranties" and is recommended for "Most Import Vehicles"
but doesn't mention Honda. But it also says this ATF is Dexron
III-type. Hmmm. Emailed Valvoline yesterday describing the problem
and asked them if I need to change back to Honda fluid. Their answer
received this morning : "For your application yes." Tomorrow morning
taking the car back to get the correct Honda fluid installed. Wish I
researched this first, but I assumed people who service cars all day
for a living would know what they were doing. My mistake.

Steve Noll | The Glass Block Pond
| http://www.kissingfrogs.tv

 

thanks for taking the time to share this experience! i ended up making
the same enquiries of castrol for their dexron fluid a few years ago and
got the same answer: "not for honda".

 

not that you can get at. don't worry about it.

you were told correct. it makes a significant difference to shift quality.

 

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Take it for a drive to get any 'sludge' into solution. Remove the dip
stick, remove the magnetic drain plug SLOWLY and let it drain most of
the fluid before removing the plug or it will pee on the tire. Wipe the
clump of grey fuzz off the magnet, replace the copper washer. Refill
with the same amount of HONDA Z1 fluid. Drive it a week and do it again.
Filter is internal and doesn't get touched. You'll need to buy 4 quarts,
but will use less unless you drain it overnight and maybe start it for
10 seconds.

'Curly'

 

Yeah, don't fool around with anything but Honda's ATF. Trust me on that

I have an '88 Accord with 239,000 miles and I have always used regular old
Dexron III. It's OK to use aftermarket ATF for Honda's of that era but the
newer models (although I'm not sure where the cutoff is) MUST use Honda's
fluid or you're just asking for problems. I had been using Dexron III in my
'98 CRV for around 40,000 miles without any noticeable problems but it
eventually started having shifting problems and it would ocasionally shudder
when cruising around town in the 38-42 mph range. I switched to Honda's ATF
and the symptoms immediately vanished. I changed it again several weeks later
(as insurance) since only three quarts drains out during fluid change. That
was around four years ago and I haven't had any problems since that time.

The other guys have already given you solid info. Honda's don't use AT
filters. Just throw a 3/8" ratchet into the drain plug to remove it. It
couldn't be any easier.

 

I took my '98 Odyssey to our Tuffy shop for a transmission fluid change
a couple of years ago. After a while the manager came out and said they
couldn't do the change because Honda AFT was specified. That told me I
had a good mechanic.
- Terry

 

Curly:
You state: "and drive it a week and do it again" are you saying to buy 8 gts
of Honda ATF, put new in, run a week, drain, pitch, and refill with new?

 

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You could actually change it twice the same day as long as it goes for a
good long drive, to allow the magnet a chance to catch a bit more metal,
and to mix the new with the old. I like the idea of doing it a week
apart because I drive lots of highway, and the magnet picks up a very
fine 'paint' of grey stuff in seven days.

3 - 4 quarts each time. Some would even say you should do it three
times.

'Curly'

 

So I took the car back Tuesday, showed the Service Advisor all the
documentation proving that they put the wrong fluid it. I insisted
they change it to the correct Honda ATF, and that I want to see a
bunch of empty Honda ATF bottles when I pick the car up. He said he'd
look into it... When I picked the car up that afternoon they had
indeed changed it to the correct fluid. But the SA still argued on
and on about the matter and wouldn't admit that the vehicle is
supposed to take the fluid that Honda requires, even when presented
with written proof from Honda and Valvoline. Most annoying. Anyway,
after a couple days of driving the tranny seems to have recovered and
is shifting normally now. I chose this repair place because it was
recommended on Car Talk's web site. I've left comments and filled out
their survey as to what happened so that some other poor sap doesn't
fall for this place, but so far they haven't posted it. I sure hope
they do.

Steve Noll | The Glass Block Pond
| http://www.kissingfrogs.tv

 

You can change the fluid yourself in less time than it takes to drive
to one of these shops and you will know the correct fluid has been used
and your drain plug has not been cross threaded. Changing ATF on an
accord is easier than changing oil. Drive it for at least 15 miles to
get the fluid hot - better still after coming in off a longer trip -
change the oil. If you turn the steering wheel all the way to the
right - the ATF drain plug is easy to access without jacking up the
car. It takes a 3/8" square drive - be very careful when draining the
ATF - it squirts out and can be well above 200F - will give you third
degree burns - wear heavy gloves and go slow.

And change ATF every 30K and like everybody else said - use only Honda
ATF - anybody sez otherwise is either stupid or trying to damage your
tranny.