I'm starting to wonder, since I'm changing my ATF so frequently (7500 miles), if I might not be just as well served by the Dexron3 fluid. In my '01 users manual it states that this can be used if their Z1 product isn't available.

Anyone out there using non-Honda fluid successfully in a 98-02 Accord automatic?

Now that I'm a little past the heeby-geebees with this replacement trans, I may extend out to 10K replacements. The replacement shifts as well as the original (before the meltdown) and no leaks or driveability issues so far.

I guess everyones using the Honda ATF-Z1. I have to this date also, but with these more frequent changes I'm tempted to try the Pennzoil, Castrol, Valvoline products.

I have changed my ATF only once & that was with Z1. I will be changing it again before long at 30k miles with Z1 again. After that I'm going to try AMSOIL & maybe Neo just for kicks & grins. I'm doing UOA to know for sure the effects of different ATFs.

Just did 2nd change at 75k ATFZ1 and will do again in another 15k
Not much metal on the plug this time around and for less than 10 bucks I think I'll stay with it until 100k at least(warranty runs out).

according2me, I'm keeping my fingers crossed, Hope I'm in that 95% category of no tranny problems...... How's your's holding up??

I1:)

I1...So far, so good. I'm really going overboard on my ATF fluid drain/refills though. I'm finding it hard to go to 10K before replacing it, especially after talking with the local Honda shop foreman.

It seems all Honda techs I've spoken to follow Princess's routine. Very frequent drain/refills.

Hopefully yours will be the traditional 200K+ mile drivetrain Honda built their reputation on in the mid/late '80's-'90's.

The fluid looked really good this last time, I check it with every oil change on a piece of printer paper for color, like I said just keeping my fingers crossed. I added lube gaurd on this change for temperature protection.

I1

Which lube guard? Don't they have a red bottle & black bottle? BTW, why are you using this stuff? Z1 is a pretty good spec.

Red bottle.
I have used this product for almost 10 years.
Got 180k plus out of my 5th gen tranny w/original fluid.

We used it in all of our a/trans replacements and comebacks dropped off significantly!!

I1:)

Did a quick search before asking this, I hope I'm not asking an FAQ.

Is the crush washer for the transmission drain plug the same as the crush washer on the oil drain plug?

on my 02 V6 Oil drain plug washer(gasket) 14mm
trans 18mm ....

Give Tim a call @ HondaAcura world for 7th gen.
I would guess it's larger also..

I1:)

Found this out regarding Trans Fluids, per amsoil's site

APPLICATIONS
AMSOIL Synthetic Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid is completely compatible with other synthetic and petroleum automatic transmission fluids. AMSOIL ATF is a universal, multi-functional fluid that greatly reduces the need for specialized fluid inventories and the possibilities of misapplication.

AMSOIL ATF is recommended for transmission, hydraulic and other applications requiring any of the following specifications:

* GM DEXRON® II, III & VI
* Ford MERCON®, MERCON® V & SP
* Chrysler ATF+ through ATF+4®
* Honda Z-1 (Not for use in CVT transmissions)
* Toyota Type T and T-IV
* Mitsubishi/Hyundai Diamond SP II & III
* Allison C-3, C-4
* Caterpillar TO-2
* Voith G607, G1363
* ZF TE-ML 14A, 14B, 14C
* Mercedes Benz 236.1, 236.2, 236.6, 236.7, 236.9
* BMW 7045E
* NAG 1 & 2
* JWS 3309
* LT 71141 (ESSO)
* Nissan Matic D, J & K
* Vickers I-286S & M-2950S

Excellent for power steering units that use ATF.

Not for use in CVT transmissions.

SERVICE LIFE
AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended for use up to 50,000 miles under severe service* and up to 100,000 miles under normal service* or according to the vehicle manufacturer recommended intervals, whichever is longer. AMSOIL recommends thoroughly draining the transmission and flushing with new AMSOIL ATF to achieve a minimum 90% purity of new transmission fluid. Drain intervals may be extended further with oil analysis.

* As defined by the vehicle or transmission manufacturer.

Found this out regarding Trans Fluids, per amsoil's site
I wonder if it changes the shifting character of the AT .

Talk about a blast from the past, I first posted this in 2004. Recently I've tried the maxlife ATF and haven't noticed any shift or driveability issues. I've only done one drain/refill, so the majority is still Z1. Soon I'll be doing my 2nd drain/refill with Maxlife, so at that time the fluid will be close to 50/50. I'll report if any negative issues arise.

BTW, the new Maxlife has all the recommendations as the list for the AMSoil above, but it's not fully synth like the AMSoil, just a grp3 blend I believe.

If this fluid continues to keep my shifts and driveability unchanged, it will become my preferred ATF for my 10K drain/refills. Also, I use it in my daughters Protege, so I'll only have to stock one ATF and with it's availabiity at Walmart the price is right.

How does the price of the Maxlife compare to Castrol Import multi-vehicle ATF? If same or close, I would use the Castrol for a better fluid.

I'm using the Castrol Import ATF and haven't noticed any shifting issues.

How does the price of the Maxlife compare to Castrol Import multi-vehicle ATF? If same or close, I would use the Castrol for a better fluid.

I don't know the price difference, I haven't seen Castrol Import at Wallys.
Is "Import" using better than Group 3?

unlikely.
Also, I should take back my statement about Castrol Import over MaxLife.

Benjamming, what info do you base your Maxlife recommendation on?

I was leaning toward the Castrol since in actually says "for Honda" and the Maxlife doesn't.

D'oh! Yep, my bad I got 'em mixed up. Thanks for the catch.

Red bottle.
I have used this product for almost 10 years.
Got 180k plus out of my 5th gen tranny w/original fluid.

We used it in all of our a/trans replacements and comebacks dropped off significantly!!

I1:)

How much do you add per quart of AFT ?
Does the red lubeguard firm shifts much with Honda AFT-Z1 fluid.

I was thinking of trying like 3-4 oz for first dose and see how it affects things if at all.

I have use Valvoline Maxlife ATF + Lubegard red in my 1999 Accord for 2 years . It seems fine (shifts great, never the burned (burnt) odor or color . I add about 4-5 oz at the final fill of of a cooler line flush procesure . I will be switching to Castrol Import ATF + Lubegard red on the subsequent ATF changes because the nearby retailer now sells it instead of Maxlife. I use Lubegard red ATF supplement in my other vehicles too . I think that it is beneficial . Lubegard is available and NAPA and www.bulkpart.com .