Way past tranny fluid change interval

[slipkord]

I changed the transmission fluid around 80k miles, now its around 142k. I hear there's harm in changing it once it's been in there for so long. I need some hard facts here from some knowledgeable people. I haven't had any trouble with the tranny *knock on wood* but I want to change the fluid now. And want to know if I have some options other than leaving it in.  Thanks

[alpha]

Manual or auto?

I haven't heard that its bad for the tranny to change the fluid after a certain amount of time.  You have 60k on that fluid, you should change it.

Why would it be bad to change the fluid?  Fluid breaks down and needs to be changed.

[wtcii]

He has an auto.

[Mike]

I have heard this in the past, and in my case my Tranny went 6k miles after changing the fluid at 74k

[wtcii]

^Were you ever able to determine if that was due to the use of non Honda fluid?

[Mike]

The folks that rebuild it said nothing seemed abnormal about the fluid. So I'll assume that the right stuff was used but, I don't know.

[slipkord]

Manual or auto?

I haven't heard that its bad for the tranny to change the fluid after a certain amount of time.  You have 60k on that fluid, you should change it.

Why would it be bad to change the fluid?  Fluid breaks down and needs to be changed.

Like Bill said, auto...


Not sure of the specifics but with 60k on the current change, I'm sure the fluid is gummed up a bit, not sure if I changed it, would I gum up other areas or not. I know nothing about our transmissions, that's why I asked.

[Mike]

The issue that I could see is that it has been working gummed up so now if you un gum it up it may cause problems.

[slipkord]

That's my worry Mike. I might talk to a Honda tech when I'm ready and see what their 2c are, for what it's worth.

With 142k on it, I would love for it to last a little longer, closer to 200k. My own fault for not changing it sooner.

[stirfriedferret]

So it seems that no one has answered the OP's question yet. The reason you don't want to change out suuuuper dirty transmission fluid (like gunk) is because you can dislodge gunk or debris from somewhere in your tranny and it may end up in your valve body causing a solenoid to stick open or closed.  Once that happens, you pretty much need a new valve body...  Drop your pan and see if your fluid is gunk. If it is, you can try to do a fluid change, but don't expect the best. It can't really hurt trying the fluid change.

[CYANiDE]

What about multiple drain and fills pretty on the same day? I'm waiting for my case of tranny fluid to come in to get it changed.

[slipkord]

Well, with no room or time to do this myself, I will be taking it to Honda. The dipstick shows a dark red but it doesnt look too bad.

[wtcii]

It's easier to do then an oil change and Honda will ass rape you. They were going to charge me $100 to do it so I just bought the fluid and went home and did it in my garage. You dont even have to jack it up.

[Jeff Likes Bagels]

+1

It's very easy to do. Especially if you're not going to replace the tranny filter (which involves removing your intake). That part was annoying for me, lol. It cost me $85 for a case of Honda Z1, $20 for the Magnefine filter (because I wanted to do it), and free for the labor.

[Mike]

If your that far over due it would be very very wise to change the filter.