Why should I change my transmission fluid?

Question:
I have a 2002 Honda Accord EX V6. The car runs very well and I'm happy with it. What happens if I don't change the fluid? The dealership charges hundreds for this service and I think they're just about making a buck! The buck I don't want to give them. The mileage is about 72,000.

Answers:

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In answering your question directly, the transmission, or rather the transaxle, because that is what it actually is because the unit has the transmission part and the differential part built into one unit, will eventually burn out due to lack of lubrication, cooling, and removal of debris like metal and friction disc particles. Transmission fluid has several purposes. It acts as a lubrication medium, and a cooling medium. It also provides a hydraulic force that transmits mechanical power into motion. It also helps move debris into a filtering device like a screen, or a magnet. The Honda automatic transaxle in 1998-2002 Accord vehicles have been notorious for early failure mainly because of infrequent fluid changes. The fluids in those year vehicles break down prematurely because of lack of adequate cooling. Honda resolved that problem starting with the 2003 Accords by increasing the cooling capacity with better ventilation. Your solution should be to change your transmission fluid every other oil change. The best solution is to install an axillary transaxle fluid cooler. Use only Honda Certified fluid ATF Z-1, though. It comes in silver bottles, and costs about $4.50 each. You will need 3 bottles. Anything else may void your warranty, as stated in your owners manual. Changing the transaxle fluid is actually easier than changing engine oil, so I don't see spending hundreds to do the job. There is no filter to change, or pan gasket to remove and replace. There is only a drain plug that calls for a 3/8" square drive ratchet end to remove it. Let it pour out. Plug it back up, then add 2.5 to 3 quarts of Fluid. Check the level on level ground at idle after shifting through all gears after the transaxle warms up to operating temperature. . If you have to flush the unit, do not use a machine. Buy a case of fluid, drain, then add 3 quarts. Let it run for a few miles or minutes, then drain and add 3 again. Repeat the procedure until the case is used up. Top off correctly with the last of the fluid, and that completes the flush. The proper color of the fluid should be red. Take a white napkin and dab a spot of fresh fluid on it to see what it needs to look like. Then compare it to what is on your transaxle dipstick. A lot of people never even think about changing transmission fluid, so I commend you.

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Unless its under waranty, dont use the dealer. But you know how you said it runs smooth and nice and you like it. Well if you dont keep up on your Tanny fluid, oil chages, and ALL schedueld maint. it wont stay that way. have it done, but find another reputable shop to do it. look for an ASE cdertification.

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I would change it myself. The filter/gasket kit to do it isn't that expensive, and it isn't terribly difficult. It can get messy, though...

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transmission fluid is like hydraulic fluid.It really doesnt wear out but its the tiny particles in your tranny that need cleaned out.Such as small steel fragments and clutch debris.Having a transmission flush with a machine and a correct filter replacement will only help your transmission last longer.Remember its really not the fluid that you need to worry about,its the small debris inside the trans that you want to get rid of.Its kinda like changing your cars oil--Always replace the filter no matter what.Yes,the machine i'm sure your dealer plans on using is expensive.Locally they charge around $150 just to have a tranny flushed.The reason it costs so much is because of the amount of fluid they run through your system to clean it out.I really recommend letting a shop do it if you have never had it done.

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Your service manual should show the required service interval. Your transmission will last much longer if you follow those recommendations.

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A fluid and filter change shouldn't cost hundreds of dollars. I did my last one myself for around $30.00. It took about an hour and a half.

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You need to understand fluids. Most oils are petroleum base products. Additives are put into the fluids to help them perform better. Detergents are put in to clean, dispersant's are added to help the oil to flow. Over time, the ADDITIVES break down and need to be replaced. If you do not change the fluids, you will eventually cause MAJOR troubles. The changing of fluids is called preventive maintenance. Spending a little money now will save you BIG money later.
You do not "have to go to a dealership". Many repair shops offer the same services and at discounted prices. Just be sure to call around first and ask how many they have done and what guaranty they offer. Reputable shops will be ASE certified and (if there is no problem found during service) will offer some type of warranty.
Note: You really should have changed the trans fluid around 60 K miles.

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For a 72,000 miles its to late to change the trany fluid because its going to damage the tranny. That change it was suppose to happened at 25,000 miles. My recommendation is to use the car until the tranny starts to give you problems.

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Yes, it should be changed. There are several ways to go about this. First tho, most filters are screens that trap large particles. Most trannies have a magnet in the pan that will grab any small steel particulate.
So, you could do any of the following:

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1. Take it to a shop that does complete fluid flush, leaving the pan on.

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2. Take it to a shop that will remove the pan and clean the screen, then refill.

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3. Check under you car and find the tranny pan. It is usually flat, toward the driver's side. If it has a drain plug on it (many Japanese cars do), do it yourself.

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a. Drain the fluid in a pan or bucket.
b. Reinstall plug and refill with the amount that was removed.
c. Drive it for a few hundred miles and repeat the process. You will end up with about 70-80% new fluid.

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Whatever method, have it done. Tranny fluid can burn if overheated, so it's a good idea to replace it every so often.
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