Transmission flush and fill question (jan)

[Kilroy Bass]

I have a 94 Honda Accord, automatic. I called my Honda service
mechanic and asked for an estimate on a transmission flush and fill.
The response I got was that the dealer doesn't do flush and fill, but
a DRAIN AND FILL.

Basically, is there a difference between flush and fill vs drain and
fill?

I've never dealt with transmission fluid ever in the lifetime of my
car, only regular oil changes. I thought it was high time to change
the fluid since it's been quite long time driven.

 

[CaptainKrunch]

uhmm..well the fluid is supposed to be changed every 15k I believe but
basically you just drain and fill. That is what the owner's manual, service
manual and Honda recommends. So the flush is a moot point.

CaptainKrunch

 

[Tom Wilson]

I have a 94 Honda Accord, automatic. I called my Honda service
mechanic and asked for an estimate on a transmission flush and fill.
The response I got was that the dealer doesn't do flush and fill, but
a DRAIN AND FILL.

Basically, is there a difference between flush and fill vs drain and
fill?

I've never dealt with transmission fluid ever in the lifetime of my
car, only regular oil changes. I thought it was high time to change
the fluid since it's been quite long time driven.

Yes, there is a difference. A local transmission shop advertises a flush
and fill. However, it's just a way to get you to go to their transmission
shop instead of the car dealership or some other transmission shop.

A drain and fill works just as great as a flush and fill.

 

[Barry S.]

Yes, there is a difference. A local transmission shop advertises a flush
and fill. However, it's just a way to get you to go to their transmission
shop instead of the car dealership or some other transmission shop.

A drain and fill works just as great as a flush and fill.

Not exactly. A drain and fill only gets about 1/2 of the fluid out.
Half of it is still sitting in the torque converter. (Which isn't
easily drainable without removing.) A flush is a complete fluid
transfer. It completely displaces old fluid with new fluid. They
pump in new fluid until the fluid that comes out is clean, it can take
10 or 15 qts of transmission fluid..

Also, considering what flushes cost (usually about a $100+ service) --
I'd rather drain and fill twice a year. The end result is essentially
the same.

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[Grumpy au Contraire]

Not exactly. A drain and fill only gets about 1/2 of the fluid out.
Half of it is still sitting in the torque converter. (Which isn't
easily drainable without removing.) A flush is a complete fluid
transfer. It completely displaces old fluid with new fluid. They
pump in new fluid until the fluid that comes out is clean, it can take
10 or 15 qts of transmission fluid..

Also, considering what flushes cost (usually about a $100+ service) --
I'd rather drain and fill twice a year. The end result is essentially
the same.

You mean to say that Hondas do not have a converter drain plug?

Another reason to keep driving my 1963 Studebaker...

 

[Barry S.]

You mean to say that Hondas do not have a converter drain plug?

Mine doesn't.

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N38.6 W121.4

 

[Tom Wilson]

You mean to say that Hondas do not have a converter drain plug?

Another reason to keep driving my 1963 Studebaker...

Eventually, your 1963 Studebaker will develop serious engine
problems--that happens to ALL motors eventually--at that point in
time--what sort of vehicle will you buy? A Honda might not be a perfect
vehicle but it's one of the best vehicles presently for sale. I hope that
you will at least consider a Honda if your Studebaker quits running. I
should also congratulate you on keeping the Studebaker running for so many
years. You must really take great care of that car.