I know this has been a long debated topic, but I would like some feedback please. I have an 05 Auto with 38000 miles and I am going to change the fluid in the trans. My question is should I 3x3 Flush or drain and fill? This is the first fluid change in the car with no issues thus far. I have read the other threads and there doesnt seem to be a clear agreement, so please offer you thoughts. Thanks

 

it all depends on how often after this change you will change your fluid. IF you are going to do it on a more frequent basis, id say a drain a fill will suffice. IF you arent going to change it as often then id go with the 3x3 method. just my take on it. i too will be doing this very soon, depending on how it goes, i may change it on a regular basis. good luck.

 

I went with the 3x3, pretty effective....

 

the 3 x 3 method is the best one, but if your tight on cash and around 30K miles, you can do this:

30K - 1 drain and refill
35k - 1 drain and refill
40k - 1 drain and refill

 

Good advice csmeance. The 3x3 is definitely recommended but a simple drain and fill will be okay, just repeat the drain & fill two more times as as suggested by csmeance. I also read another AZ member does an ATF drain and fill every other oil change instead of waiting to do a 3x3 and reported good results in terms of ATF condition using this method.

 

Thanks all who replied. I will end up doing the 3x3 just because I have the access to a drive thru lift. Can I just run it thru the gears on the lift or should I actually take it out on the road? Thanks

 

The same thing really.. You just want the ATF to get in there and grab all that crap before you do another fill. If it'll save you time and effort.. leave it on the rack and put it through the same method they do on the TSB and you should be golden. Don't be surprised if your 2nd fill still looks dark.

 

I just did this on my Civic and the second drain was still darker than the fluid I poured in, so it will not surprise me if it is dark in color. Again, thanks for all the suggestions.

 

make sure to use each gear up and down -even park reverse and Nuetral
that pushes the fluid from them and lets in new fluid
There may be a 2500 rpm requirement on gen3- see the tech bulletin method of doing it in the air

Doing a 10k to 10k thing is not changing the fluid! its mere dilution
One of you needs to run a trans oil sample and see what a farce that is

You wouldnt change half the engine oil this month, and half next month-then call it good would you?

 

i'm one of those crazy ones that drain and fill everytime i change my oil!!!.
for the price of 3 bottles of atf-z1 its a no brainer !!! when i got my car the fluid was kinda dark. so i would check it every time i change the oil and end up draining and refilling it everytime.