Transmission Fluid Change

[yardman43]

This afternoon, I changed the automatic transmission fluid in my 1998 Honda Accord EX four-cylinder with 91,000 miles. The fluid was dark red, not brown, and did not smell burnt. To my surprise there was a 1/4" diameter by 1/2" long magnet built into the drain plug. On this magnet, I found a 0.020" - 0.040" film of metal particles. There were no slivers or chunks just fine particles between the size of flour and sugar. Because the magnet is built into the drain plug, I suspect some amount of metal is to be expected. Has anyone else had similar experience? Is there an acceptable amount or an amount that should cause alarm?

[Wardsweb]

This "film" of material is to be expected due to the nature of the operation of a transmisison where you have friction plates and metal gears meshing. I would only be alarmed if there was metal shavings or heavy grit.

[according2me]

Just drained/refilled mine last week @89K miles. This just couldn't be any easier. I did my first drain @ 50K, yeah I know too far, but have done it every 20K since. Can you believe Honda is recommending 60K for severe usage and 120K for normal usage for the first drain of the 01 model autotranny? Thereafter they recommend 30K/90K respectively. They REALLY believe in their ATF-Z1 product. And how about the 120K for the coolant. I have a hard time believing these lifetime fluids and will continue my own "over-maintenance" procedures.

Ok guys, report in, this site needs the hits to get on the map.

[benjamming]

Well, I changed my transmission fluid last weekend. My poor 3/8" rachet with a 3/8" drive wouldn't budge the drain bolt. We had to use a 12" open-end wrench over the rachet to break it loose. Anyone know what the bolt is torqued to at the factory? 300 ft-lb?

Added 3 quarts of ATF-Z1 bought for $3.24/qt with tax at dealer. Re-torqued to 36 ft-lb.

[BenjiBoy650]

Honda over-torques everything from the factory. Odyssey owners are reporting the same thing for their first oil and tranny change.

[Mercury3]

Me too mine were so tight that it twisted right off the square part of my 3/8ths ratchet extention. Had to go buy a new one.

Both my CRV and Accord were tighter than hell.

[princess]

Welcome to the bunch Mercury3!:) Hope you find this an informational & fun site to visit!

[Mercury3]

Originally posted by princess
Welcome to the bunch Mercury3!:) Hope you find this an informational & fun site to visit!

Thanks, Yeah I'm finding some good information already!

[princess]

Great to hear!

[PBMW]

Where could I find a spec sheet with proper torque settings for my 2001 EX V-6? I have tried to google it but to no avail.
I know there are manuals but I'd rather not throw down for one if I don't have to. TIA

[princess]

In a repair manual....there's a thread about where to get them somewhere in here!

[PBMW]

I was afraid of that. I was hoping for some quick reference online data. Oh well.... Thanks anyways.

[jakes29]

has anyone tried using Amsoil ATF? My dealer said I should think about using it bc it lasts longer or something. I need to change out my ATF this weekend. Should I just stick to the Z1? Thanks everybody!!!

[benjamming]

By dealer, I assume you mean your AMSOIL dealer? Can they show you any used oil analysis with AMSOIL ATF in a Honda AT? If they can't, I would pass on it. Even if they could, I might still pass on it if I were you b/c the Honda Z1 fluid is cheaper than the AMSOIL ATF.

That being said I will probably run (2) 15k mile intervals with the AMSOIL ATF on the next two changeouts (45k & 60k miles). I will do a UOA on both. I will have (3) UOAs on Honda Z1 by that time. Of course, that will be a while since we don't put many miles on the car.