[Charleyx]

I plan to do a 4x atf change soon in my '17 Accord EX-L V-6.

If I was to use a brand of aft other than Honda, does anyone have a recommendation.

This looks tempting. But, I'm reluctant to experiment.

Amazon.com

 

[Lexus2Honda]

I'm assuming yours is a V6?

You'll get 50/50 responses on this. A lot will (reflexively I think) say "OEM only for Hondas" but many others will tell you they've had good experiences with Valvoline Maxlife or Idemitsu.

My coupe is a manual transmission but I do plan on using Maxlife on my dad's 2012 CRV soon. If you research through the forums a lot of people have had good results with Maxlife on J and K series engines. I put it in a 2015 Camry I had for a while and it was good.

 

[0dyfamily]

We're using Idemitsu ATF H Plus in a pair of 9th Gen Civic sedans, two 8th Gen Accords (J35 V6, and a K24, both sedans), and was using that ATF in two other Civics taken out in accidents (one hit by an 18-wheeler at low speed, one hit by a 1-ton dually towing a triple-axle farm trailer, both times my kids were okay after their respective not-at-fault accidents.)

Years of good service by this ATF. So, in a half dozen different Hondas, the ATF H Plus has performed very well.

However, I bought my stockpile when a 5-quart jug was $37. Given that ATF DW-1 is less expensive, and actually kind of reasonable in cost, that's what I'm getting next when I run out of the Idemitsu product.

Ran my old Odyssey for over 40,000 miles on Valvoline MaxLife until it became impossible to find in my locale. Right now I'm finishing up a stash of NOS Mobil 1 ATF.

EDIT (added) ... Forgot to mention, when Valvoline MaxLife became ultra popular and tough to get, I bought several gallons of AmSOil ATF and used that for easily over 100,000 miles in my old Odyssey, and I did a LOT of towing with that van (still do), and I credit the AmSOil ATF with helping that brittle early H5 transmission still function well as it approaches a quarter million miles.

Using Valvoline MaxLife ATF in my 2003 Acura TL Type S.

You can probably tell that I just buy whatever compatible ATF is available at a good price point for the most part. Been doing that for over 20 years. The Acura & Odyssey are well over 200,000 miles on their transmissions.

OF

 

[97trophy]

MaxLife ATF for me.

 

[desertres21]

I'm quite picky about what I put in my Accord... and I've used Pennzoil Platinum LV ATF for 3 years with zero problems, I decided to switch to Honda ATF earlier this year to see if there was any benefit or difference and I haven't noticed any. They feel identical.
Says its for Honda/Toyota transmissions.. It's not the cheapest stuff you can buy but most Home Depots carry it.

Amazon.com: Pennzoil Platinum Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 qt. - Case Of: 6;6 : Automotive

Buy Pennzoil Platinum Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 qt. - Case Of: 6;6: Transmission Fluids - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[KW2004Accord]

Amsoil $$ which is a real synthetic, more important if you live in a very cold climate like up on the Canadian border. I used it in my 2004 & at 600K the transmission shifted as good as new. More importantly is doing regular fluid changes based on your driving situations, like doing changes more often under severe driving conditions (driving in mountains, towing, extremely hot outside temps.). Changing the transmission filter (if accessible) can be beneficial. Look here - https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/

 

[Charleyx]

Great advice, folks. Thanks. I've done some poking around now that I have a direction. Has anyone tried Valvoline Import Multi-vehicle Full Synthetic Fluid?

 

[KW2004Accord]

Great advice, folks. Thanks. I've done some poking around now that I have a direction. Has anyone tried Valvoline Import Multi-vehicle Full Synthetic Fluid?

That fluid only covers the older Honda Z-1 spec. You want a fluid that covers the DW-1 spec. - Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fl

 

[Charleyx]

That fluid only covers the older Honda Z-1 spec. You want a fluid that covers the DW-1 spec. - Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fl

The information sheet says it's good for both DW-1 and ATF-Z1 (Except CVT). I assumed it meant it was okay for my six-speed tranny.

That fluid only covers the older Honda Z-1 spec. You want a fluid that covers the DW-1 spec. - Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fl

The information sheet includes DW-1. It's a lot cheaper than the MaxLife and Extended.

I went to Wally's and bought a couple of gallons of the MaxLife. Lots of good comments on it.

 

[Charleyx]

That fluid only covers the older Honda Z-1 spec. You want a fluid that covers the DW-1 spec. - Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fl

Information sheet includes DW-1. I bought a couple of gallons of MaxLife anyway. Lots of recommendations.

 

[Rygrego]

We're using Idemitsu ATF H Plus in a pair of 9th Gen Civic sedans, two 8th Gen Accords (J35 V6, and a K24, both sedans), and was using that ATF in two other Civics taken out in accidents (one hit by an 18-wheeler at low speed, one hit by a 1-ton dually towing a triple-axle farm trailer, both times my kids were okay after their respective not-at-fault accidents.)

Years of good service by this ATF. So, in a half dozen different Hondas, the ATF H Plus has performed very well.

However, I bought my stockpile when a 5-quart jug was $37. Given that ATF DW-1 is less expensive, and actually kind of reasonable in cost, that's what I'm getting next when I run out of the Idemitsu product.

Ran my old Odyssey for over 40,000 miles on Valvoline MaxLife until it became impossible to find in my locale. Right now I'm finishing up a stash of NOS Mobil 1 ATF.

Using Valvoline MaxLife ATF in my 2003 Acura TL Type S.

You can probably tell that I just buy whatever compatible ATF is available at a good price point for the most part. Been doing that for over 20 years. The Acura & Odyssey are well over 200,000 miles on their transmissions.

OF

Idemitsu is the manufacturer of DW-1 for Honda.

 

[Charleyx]

Idemitsu is the manufacturer of DW-1 for Honda.

Thanks, good to know.

 

[slimm1469]

Why would you want to use anything other than Honda AT fluid?

 

[Charleyx]

Why would you want to use anything other than Honda AT fluid?

$11/qt for 12+ quarts = $130+ Three gallons of MaxLife runs about $78 at Walmart.

I love my car but will economize if I get the same performance.

 

[0dyfamily]

Idemitsu is the manufacturer of DW-1 for Honda.

I've heard that, anecdotally, but I've never seen that on any Honda or Idemitsu Lubricants document, e-document or web page.

However, I've got a lot of Idemitsu ATF H Plus (about three cases) for our family vehicle maintenance needs. It works!

I'm pretty sure that Idemitsu provides the factory fill for 0W-20 oils used in a lot of Japanese cars, but I'd have to look around to see where I got that from.

OF

 

[KW2004Accord]

Idemitsu is the manufacturer of DW-1 for Honda.

While this is true from my reading over @ BITOG, the formula had been "tweaked" between the two but nothing to make a real difference. NAPA branded oil is supplied by Valvoline. NAPA's reg. oil has a little less zinc than what is found in the Valvoline, it is so the mfg. can claim theirs is a different product (perceived as having more value). The time when the mechanic ran out of Valvoline but told the customer that he had the NAPA brand which was the same (minus a little less zinc), the customer refused the oil change. Guess that is called brand loyalty.

 

[Petey j]

I'm assuming yours is a V6?

You'll get 50/50 responses on this. A lot will (reflexively I think) say "OEM only for Hondas" but many others will tell you they've had good experiences with Valvoline Maxlife or Idemitsu.

My coupe is a manual transmission but I do plan on using Maxlife on my dad's 2012 CRV soon. If you research through the forums a lot of people have had good results with Maxlife on J and K series engines. I put it in a 2015 Camry I had for a while and it was good.

Wolfshead full synthetic had good results but I have a 2002 Honda Accord with a notorious bad transmission. I went back to Honda dw1 which you can get online for 12$ a quart. Tomorrow I'm adding Lucas additive to see if the shifting and torque shudder softens. This is my last option before a transmission replacement because I've repaired everything else and have 173k on engine.

 

[Rob in AZ]

I used the Valvoline Maxlife...on fuel injector O-rings when I changed out fuel injectors and the O-rings swelled up so huge that I had to buy new ones, which were tough to find without having to buy another injector with new ones. After that, I was reluctant to use Maxlife in a transmission, especially as the only fluid. If it wasn't for the "stops leaks" aspect of this high mileage ATF, I'd go for it.

Rob in AZ

 

[KW2004Accord]

Wolfshead full synthetic had good results but I have a 2002 Honda Accord with a notorious bad transmission. I went back to Honda dw1 which you can get online for 12$ a quart. Tomorrow I'm adding Lucas additive to see if the shifting and torque shudder softens. This is my last option before a transmission replacement because I've repaired everything else and have 173k on engine.

Lubegard may be a better alternative.

 

[desertres21]

Wolfshead full synthetic had good results but I have a 2002 Honda Accord with a notorious bad transmission. I went back to Honda dw1 which you can get online for 12$ a quart. Tomorrow I'm adding Lucas additive to see if the shifting and torque shudder softens. This is my last option before a transmission replacement because I've repaired everything else and have 173k on engine.

@Petey j
Try this.... I've used it...

Pro-Line Automatic Transmission Cleaner

A highly effective formulation developed for safe internal cleaning of automatic transmissions during maintenance service. Eliminates problems and restores proper shifting performance in automatic transmissions. Allows the fresh oil to immediately develop full performance. Maintains operating...

www.liqui-moly.com