Most of the respected auto experts on TV, etc. say a complete machine tranny flush is the only way to go. Pat Goss, a well respected/recognized expert (at least here in MD) does a column and 'Live Online' chats for Washington Post and says all the time that a complete flush is the only way to go (people ask him this all the time during Live Online).

However, many Honda/Acura experts say a drain and fill is the way to go (but some say a flush is STILL the way to go, even with Honda/Acura.

Needless to say, I'm confused

So, what should I do? My 98 2.3 has about 70k miles, and all maintenance was brought up-to-date before I bought it. My goal is to keep this car to 130-150k and I want to do everything to keep it driving and looking like new.

As far as a drain & fill goes, I've heard some people say that doing it every 15k isn't enough, and it should be done like in 3 increments over the course of a week or something. Hmmm.....

I really wanted a 3.0 (and still wish I had the extra 48 (I think) hp, --as a 4 cylinder isn't enough to adequately power a heavy-ass near-luxury car like this but....the tranny issues really scared me (or should I say the cost of a new tranny). Don't commute far so gas mileage really wasn't the issue. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this car, but they really shouldn't have made it in a 4 cyl.

Will post pictures soon, I'm forever looking for a deal on a digital camera (yep I'm cheap ).

 

Dude, flush is the way to go. Ignore those people who say drain is better. It's like some of those people who say synthetic motor oil is bad for your car. I've always flushed mine and my car is approaching 100,000 mi. I bought the car brand new and have had it for 8 years. No problems whatsoever.

 

 

I don't know I've went to many local shops including dealerships, and they don't even flush.

When they do FLUSH, they drive your car around 3 times and do a drain/fill 3x. And they call that a flush. I'd just do it yourself...It's really easy if you search you will see detailed insturctions people gave me on how to do it.

And your car isnt new, you don't know when the last time things were done etc. If the tranny has dirt and debris holding it together, the flush will piss your tranny off and probally fail in a few days. I'd go on the safe side and get a drain/fill every couple oil changes. That's my

BTW, The reason people say drain/fill is better is not cause their morons its because they have the same freakin car as you, and know whats best. The RESPECTED auto experts on TV aren't talking about an Acura CL, who tranny sucks. For most cars ya FLUSH would be better, but I'd say for the glass tranny drain/fill all the way.

 

drain and fill...no flush

 

I've said this on many ocasions... "It all depends on the maintenance and condition of your transmission." If your car is up-to-date and having no problems with the transmission... Flush it. But if you are experiencing any kind of shift issue... then by all means.. drain and fill. I've seen both sides. My wife's Accord is perfect. She had it flushed, and it is still perfect. A year ago, my CL was having issues... Acura said flush it, and I did. Well within a week, my transmission failed. It has since been replaced. And now when my transmission service is required, I take it to the shop I had it replaced at and they are old-school Honda/Acura and they only drain and fill.

So.. Good condition... FLUSH
Bad or unknown condition... Drain and fill.

Oh, one other thing. If you drain and fill just to get a sense of what condition your transmission is in... look at the fluid closely. If it is pink or mildly orange, you are probably in good shape and could flush without a problem. If it is graphite colored or burned smelling... definately stick to the drain and fill... and start a transmission replacement fund.

Just my two pennies worth.

p.s. I didn't vote because it is a conditional situation. Not all transmissions are created equal and what is good for the goose may not be so hot for the gander. Good luck.

 

Very well said! Man you are like the new generation dustbuster4 (a very knowledgable member who knew tons and was extremely helpful).

Right now I'm following CLpower's regimen and draining and filling every 3-4 months. I figure it can't hurt to always have fresh fluid?

 

uh oh!!!! after reading this im backed up on maintenance

 

Can we use synthetic oil?
I saw a coupon from a local transmission specialist charging $129 for transmission flush with synthetic oil.

 

nope...only honda ATF

 

Thanks bro...

And yeah, I've heard of people using other fluids, but I would stick to Honda ATF.

 

Nothing wrong with having a 4 cyl, you'll save tons in gas $$$. Especially with prices rising daily.

 

Even for Manual Transmission?

 

I just had my car serviced at the local Acura dealer. I asked the service manager this same question and he said flush is always better than drain&fill.

 

Good, glad you made your point, you go girl!

 

in your case its good to flush.. cause youve done it from the beginning. however had you only done a drain and fill once a year since new, once you flush your asking for trouble. theres just too much sediment settled on the bottom of the tranny and in the filter screens on your valve bodies to risk it, especially on a reverse flush.. my advice is to flush every other time its scheduled for a fluid change, ONLY IF YOU HAVE A FRESH TRANNY (NEW OR REBUILT) if your sittin at 100k miles with no problems with your tranny and youve never flushed it, a drain and fill every other oil change is the way to go.

 

Actually, I'm not a noob. I've been on the forums before the "acurazine" days. I just don't post much these days.

Anyways, I've asked 2 different Acura service managers at different locations about this. They both said a complete flush is always better than drain and fill, regardless of tranny condition. If your tranny is on the brink of oblivion, nothing can really save it.

But if you want to just do a drain and fill, it's up to you since it's your car. I'm just repeating what the Acura service managers told me.

 

Gulibal Customer + Stealership = happy, well-paid service manager. Just you.

 

^Dude, whatevers.....

I've enquired about the flush or drain question to lots of mechanics (including my old auto mechanics teacher who was a pitstop mechanic), not just the Acura people. I've even asked the people at Art Carr when they were working on the transmission on my old Mustang. All of them said flush was better.

 

they are all dealing with semi reliable trannies. with the exception of the ford guy.. that aode tranny sucks bout as much as ours do.. i agree that on most trannies, a total flush would be prefered, however our trannies suck balls to begin with so if its workin ok before you flush it, and you know there is a possibility of ruining your tranny with a flush, why would you do it just to say i told you so. then if your wrong, your out 2500$.