Murphy7019

Need to get my transmission flushed but don't want to do it myself or go to a dealer (I dont even know if they offer flushes?)

Aamco is offering a flush for 99.99 with dextron fluid

The place where I got it inspected offers a flush for 149.99 for the, I believe it's the BGE machine?

Any thoughts/opinions?

Phesto

have you done a drain and fill yet? Why do you want to flush your system?..........this is something I want to be do also,but I swear I read once that its not reccomended for our cars..........maybe someone else can shed some light.
BTW whats your milege

Murphy7019

a little under 90k

optomos

The conclusion has been that you should not have it flushed, but do a drain and fill. If you have it flushed you should only have it done at a Honda or Acura dealer since most places don’t have the proper connections to do an Acura.

MotionEffects

$99 is a awsome deal for a tranny flush. Ask them if you can supply the tranny fluid and get a flush for a cheaper price. Our car needs about 10-12 quart of Honda ATF.

Be advised that if this is your first tranny flush at 90k, the seals might leak. Why? The metal shavings and clutch pack debris will be flushed away at the crack of the seals.

fsttyms1

They recomend against flushing. And you should only use honda fluid.

SodaLuvr

If you’ve read Acura’s latest service bulletin carefully, they clearly outline the reasons why they do not recommend a flush. To sum it up:

1) Adds to customer’s wait time
2) Unneeded
3) Some machines are not “run off of” the transmission’s pump, but by compressed air.
4) Some machines use harsh solvents

So, if you decide to do a flush (which I think is a good idea, but not always needed), just be aware of the machine being used and the solvents/fluids being used.

I disagree with using Honda ATF-Z1 only. Amsoil ATF has done well for the people I’ve recommended it to. It doesn’t turn brown even after >35K of driving and light towing in a heavy ’02 Odyssey 5-spd AT, and shifting is still smooth. A number of ’04 TLs are running this fluid with smoother shifting and no issues to report.

Aamco uses Dexron-IIIH/Mercon fluid and Lubegard “Black” HFM converter at 1oz/qt, as the Lubegard adds the necessary friction modifiers to achieve the correct “shift feel.” Though this combination isn’t the best for the application, it seems to work quite well when changed at shorter intervals (30,000 miles). The newer Dexron-IIIH/Mercon fluids use a basestock (Group II or higher) that is nearly as good as Honda ATF, so the past issue of technicians assuming that they’ve generated an OE-like fluid with GrpI Dexron-III(G) and Lubegard are ancient history. Ironically, I’ve never seen Dexron-III and Lubegard Black turn brown in Honda transmissions at 30,000 mile intervals, nor the multi-vehicle fluids; the Genuine Honda fluid has turned brown or dark brown in as little as 15K.

The BG flush uses a solvent and a conditioner. Personally, the solvent is unnecessary and may be quite harmful to the transmission. Plus, the only transmission cleaner I’d use is Auto-RX, and even then is it rarely necessary.

In this case, it’s a no brainer to go with Aamco’s service. They’ve always done a better job than quick lube shops, and they even pull the magnetic drain plug to wipe off the shavings, refill, prior to running the flush. (At least my local one does) And most use the T-Tech machine, which puts no stress on the transmission.

Ask Aamco if they’ll allow you to bring your own fluid. They’ll probably charge you $50-$75 labor if you do. Ask them how many quarts is necessary; 10 quarts should be enough. I’d buy 10 qts of Amsoil Universal ATF for $75 and bring it to them for the service. Specialty Formulations ATF-Z1 is also a great choice; I actually know the chemist/owner of that company and his fluids are very good as well. (www.specialtyformulations.com) Run this for 60,000 miles before your next service, that is, if your transmission lasts that long.

nathanli

I had my car for tranny recall at the dealer like last year. What did they do? Would they drain and refill the fluid? I should have asked but that dealer is closed...

SodaLuvr

Recall only involved a fluid top-off, no fluid change.

RickRoush03

personally, as fast as these trannies take a dive, i think its a waste of money to touch the fluid unless you need to top it off.

fsttyms1