av8r

Just passed 120k miles... did the "book" service for the transmission (drain, refill, drive, X3, then drain and refill again). What a difference. Shifting is almost imperceptible now. Hard to explain, but accelerating from a dead stop to cruise feels much smoother.

Took a case of fluid. By the way, Honda has replaced ATF-Z1 with a "new and improved" product (ATF DW-1)

99blackhatch

Any pictures or notes to know for the process?

I've been wanting to do this as well, but haven't had the time to do much research on what is needed.

av8r

I didn't think to take pictures.... but a search will probably turn up some pictures on this forum.

It's really simple. Biggest challenge is finding the drain plug. The oil drain is labeled, but the tranny drain is not. Best way to describe finding it is this: Tranny is directly behind the engine, the drain plug is pointed toward the passenger side, and can be identified because it has a 3/8 inch square hole in the center. You loosen the plug using a 3/8 drive ratchet (without a socket on the end). Just drain, fill through the tube where the fluid check stick is located, in the engine compartment. Use a funnel to keep the fluid where you want it. Each drain is about three quarts.

Without a lift, it would be a pain. You need to get under the car, drain, drop the car, fill, drive, repeat X3.

99blackhatch

Sounds good. Thank you for the help and the advice.

Something for me to do this weekend.

OhaiOh

So ive been having some transmission problems, mostly really rough shifting (jolts, clunks, sometimes something that sounds like a grind, amongst other things), would doing this alleviate some of my issues or my transmission about to fall out of my car. Looking through the previous owners service records (theyre complete) I see nothing about transmission fluid changes, and Im at ~154k miles.

jmsmiff

I'm having the same issues. I changed the fluid with results. Found out the tranny mount went bad but there are 3 I believe

OhaiOh

Its a pretty bad noise and feeling when it makes it and Ive had a really hard time diagnosing it myself, its at its worst coming out of 1st gear into second, especially if im pushing it, or if im not extremely consistent on the throttle right as its about to shift. I guess i just need to have it looked at in person and formally diagnosed, I just dont want to hear the words "transmission replacement"

99blackhatch

Check the mounts of course and looks for an option or something that can be a replacement mount and then silicone hardened.

It'd be nice if Energy Suspension made things for our cars.

MyBabysBaby

Crazy question: in between drain/fill, is a quick drive around the neighborhood good or would I have to get thru all the gears?

OhaiOh

Well I had the tranny flushed out by acura just to make sure it was a complete and thorough job done, and all i can say is wow! So much of a difference, my shifts are buttery smooth now, no noises, no lurching, its like night and day

holyabish1

Definitely, after the 100k mark a transmission flush will help with a number of issues. Including surging, clunking shifts, and delayed shifts. A 4x flush is the best way to go, if you are just doing the flush DIY style.

The rear transmission mount is usually the worst. After it goes, you can feel the hard shifts pretty easily, it'll also help smooth the transmission out!!