Hi, any recommendations of fast/easy/reliable places to go get my tranny drained and filled? Going on a trip this weekend and don't have time to make an apt w/ a dealer or mechanic...noticing a little hesitation b/t 1st and 2nd gears. And it's definitely ready to be drained.

Should I be cautious of what type of tranny fluid they're putting in my car? Should it definitely be Honda brand?

thanks!:)

car's 119K miles and going strong!

Where to go except a dealer or mechanic? I guess you might try AutoZone's parking lot:D I live in an apartment complex & can't do maintenance work here. I usually change fluids when I visit my in-laws or go to AutoZone's parking lot early Saturday morning. They also take my old fluid so I don't have to bottle it up. :D

I would use Honda ATF-Z1. It's the cheapest that will do a good job. You could probably use Neo or AMSOIL but they are more expensive for me. Z1 fluid from my dealer is $3.25/qt.

thanks Ben! yah, i was asking for recommendations on places like Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys, you know, large chains that offer simple services like tranny drain/fill and oil changes......of course these chains are infamous for ripping you off trying to sell you services you don't need (i've been a victim but NO MORE!!); that's why i'm asking for a recomendation.

thanks:)

I can't recommend any quick-lube place to do anything besides watch me change the fluids in my cars. Now if it was a car that I didn't have any use for anymore or didn't want it, then any quick-lube place would do fine. Sorry for the sarcasm, but I don't feel sorry for people who know better than taking their vehicles to a quick lube place but do it anyway & then have problems. If it's someone that doesn't know better then shame on the quick-lube place. If you know better, then shame on you.

I recommend DIY! Best way, plus you can do it at anytime, especially if you have a garage or driveway. Some people go to the mass transit station parking lots at night to do it too (taxi drivers lol). Honestly, especially the ATF change, is not hard. You don't even have to deal with a filter!

Oh yeah some dealers are on a walk in basis. Check around see who'll take ya :)

this is all true. sorry, it was kind of a stupid question....especially to a board of experts who DIY on everything. I'm not worthy! Thanks for the help though. Those chains are TERRIBLE!

For a '96 Accord I would just use Dexron II/III (whatever's newest). I changed my '96 Accords tranny fluid about 9k miles ago and used Walmart Supertech Tranny Fluid that cost a little over $2 a GALLON. A '96 doesn't specify Z1 fluid. 9k miles and it shifts great, with 120 k total on the car. I do use the Z1 fluid in my 2000 Odyssey because it calls for it in the manual.

So, any chain should be able to change your tranny fluid. Just check your fluid level after you leave.

thanks Walt!