fluid change intervals

[free_money]

I have been reading several threads on when to change your oil and transmission fluid and I am still wondering which is the best times because I have heard so many different opinions. I purchased my honda (my first honda) about 9 months ago with 75k and now I am at 108,000. I recently had the major servicing completed with timing belt, water pump, drive belts, and valve cover gasket along with coolant change.

Everybody tells me to change the oil at 3k (I'm using conventional oil), the manual suggests 7.5k, and I have heard several different opinions generally ranging between 5-7k. I have been using castrol gtx 5w-20 and use a fram filter but have read to use anything other than a fram.

The manual also suggests to change the atf at 120k but most people on here are saying every 15k or 20k, which is fine for me. I just do not want to overkill and waste money.

I would appreciate any suggestions!

[Schmoe]

This is, without a doubt, the most popular subject within this forum. I will give you the benefit from my experience with the exact same model year, but with a 6 cylinder and AT. I'm using M1 EP 5W-30 in my engine and running it out to 12-13K miles before I do an oil change. I had the oil tested with this many miles and the results showed that this would be a comfortable amount of miles BASED on how it gets driven. Others will chime in on this subject but the most important thing here is you. What do YOU think is a correct number of miles before changing out that oil? To provide yourself with a good answer, you need data. If your really anal about this, then run a couple of used oil analysis to be sure. They are relatively cheap. Go over to bitog.com and read up on your engine and other analysis that are posted. It is also important to note your driving style. If I did an oil analysis and you did one at the same time, the results would be totally different for said number of miles. Everything must be considered. Temperature, idling times, location, humidity, average driving commute, etc. etc. I look at it this way, if the Honda engineers are confident with the 7500 miles they post in their owners manual, I'd at least go that much with a good coventional oil. If you want to go past that, switch to a good synthetic and take that number out by an additional 50%.
Transmission....boy, that is another scorching subject. Another member here, Benjamming, will see this differently that I, but there are some things you need to know regarding your transmission. That generation is prone to failure. A lot of us have already got new transmissions in our cars. But, Honda has "unofficially" announced that and have been giving almost free transmission replacement as part of their good will warranty. But, it's not guaranteed. When I heard about this problem, I was changing out my AT fluid with Z1 at every oil change. Didn't help one bit. Transmission bit the dust at around 130K. The problem with these transmissions is metallurgy, not bad fluid. I'd say change out the AT around every 25 to 30K.

[benjamming]

What is the history of the tranny? Any leaks currently or red fluid showing up when you look at the undercarriage? How's the shifting? Do you ever tow with your car (I doubt it but some do)? Are you a DIYer? The Z1 fluid really can't handle the design issues the 4-speed has.

I would certainly lose the Fram oil filter. It's overpriced for what you get. A Wix, NAPA Gold (pretty much the same thing), K&N, AMSOIL, etc oil filters are much better & some better than others in that list.

Pay attention to your air filter! Which air filter are you using? I would recommend a cheap Fram or Wix and change more often than Honda recommends.

What is your driving style, etc? As Schmoe said, this will determine a lot about which oil to use. What is the oil history of the car? Does it look clean on the inside? If you want an oil analysis, use Dyson Analysis.

[free_money]

The transmission appears to be in excellent condition. It shifts smoothly without any bumps or slips. There isn't any transmission fluid leaks around the pan or anywhere else. I didn't know the 6th generation honda's had transmission problems other than the v6.

When it comes to driving conditions, I drive approximately 90-110 miles a day mon-fri so I average about 550 miles a week. Most of the driving is highway miles due to my long commute.

[benjamming]

According to the data collected by Consumer Reports, the failure rate is slightly higher for the L4 in the 2002 models vs. the V6 in the 2002 models. Pray that you will not be hit by the transmissionitis bug.

You are definitely a candidate for the drain intervals that Schmoe mentioned. However, I would never go above 7500 - 10,000 miles without a UOA. What oil in particular are you using? Was this one chosen for any special reason?

[Schmoe]

Good info. Didn't know the L4's had a higher failure rate. I wonder how is that? Less torque and power with an L4 versus a V6. Maybe the higher rpm's have something to do with giving up the ghost. That is indeed interesting. Thanks for sharing that Ben.....
I forgot to mention as well, drop the Fram. I use, and have used nothing but, PureOnes on both my Honda's but Motorcraft on the truck (because of bitog website, found out wallyworld was getting rid of them and offered the manager a certain price for a case, he bit. Let's just say I got them UNDER 1.50 a filter and Motorcraft has some pretty good filters!)

[free_money]

I use castrol gtx 5w-20 mainly because a mechanic I know suggested it. Is there a certain transmission fluid I should use or should my local Honda dealership know what to give me.

Should I change the fluid every 25-30k even though my transmission will fail before 150k or is this just a rare 6th generation honda problem?

[according2me]

Since you bought your's used, it may already have a reman installed. The next time you're in the dealer, see if they can determine if it has already been replaced and at what mileage.

Most everyone uses ATF-Z1, but don't expect it to cure the 6th Genititus issue.

The problems were not a rare occurrance. Honda issued official warranty extensions to 2000 and 2001 owners of Accords, Odys and others, good for up to 100K miles. Later because of odometer isssues, they extended it to ~109K I believe. They never recalled the 6th Gen.

[flippco]

The manual also suggests to change the atf at 120k but most people on here are saying every 15k or 20k, which is fine for me. I just do not want to overkill and waste money.


Remember not to flush the tranny, just drain and fill.

[SatinSilver]

Free money,

What were you charged for the t-belt service?

I have 153k on a 6th gen 4cyl auto..of course I make sure the atf is changed every 30k or less.