i have aq 2003 honda accord 2.4 engine. I just replaced the clutch and i'm gonna replace trans oil. Can i use synthetic motor oil in it mobil one or should i just get the two quarts at honda dealer.

 

You can use synthetic 5w 30 . but once used always use. Thats what synthectic manufactures recommend

 

If you're talking about oil for the transmission, I'd use MTF from a Honda dealer. Synthetic engine oil doesn't have friction-modifiers so MTF will work better.

 

Jim, along the same lines, I have read about 3x3 oil changes in some threads. What exactly does this mean? I have a 07 EX-L V-6 sedan and it's shifts are rather harsh and I'm thinking a trans fluid change might help smooth them out a bit? And should I stick with the Honda ATF fluid or can i go Mobil 1 or similar??
Thanks

 

Goriverman has a manual transmission I'm guessing you have an automatic??? VERY different.

I'd absolutely use Honda ATF, more strongly than the recommendation for the manual. The 3x ATF changes are because the torque converter can't drain. So you can only drain about 1/3 of the total fluid. It becomes a game of diluting the dirt out. Honda automatic trannys don't like to be "power-flushed".

Once it's clean, you want to establish a mileage interval for ATF drain/fill so it doesn't ever get very dirty.

If it's harsh, maybe a previous owner put some Dexron in there??

If you're new to Hondas, check your owners manual about checking ATF. Unlike most cars, you want to check the ATF dipstick with the car warmed up but TURNED OFF. Most others want the engine idling when you check.

 

I should've moved this over to General Tech. So that's what I'll do.

 

Honda has come up with a new automatic transmission fluid (DW-1), The Honda service bulletin says it's for new (2011) Hondas, but I'm thinking about using it for my next fluid change, instead of the old fluid (Z-1). Anybody know if the DW-1 would be better for my 03 V6 automatic? 1 drain and fill, takes 3 quarts, by the way. I use a clear plastic drain pan for the transmission fluid, so I can see what is in the old fluid. The condition of the old fluid, and how much metal crud is attached to the drain plug magnet, determines how soon the next drain and fill will be done. If the fluid is dark, I would get at least 6 quarts, and do two drain and fills, a few miles apart. You can buy the fluid, and read the service bulletin at HandAaccessories.com.

 

Thanks guys! I'm not new to Honda's, this is my 2nd Accord and my familys fourth! I bought this Accord (my 07) from Dad, and he can't recall if the AT has been serviced at all. ARGH. Approching 60K so I plan on doing a drain and fill ASAP.
Thanks again for your help.
Brian

 

I think I've heard that DW-1 is good for the older trannys that say Z1. But I'm not sure where I heard that and anyway I'm not much of an auto-trans guru anyway.

 

According to all the documentation I have found, Honda is replacing Z1 with the new DW1. It is suppose to be backward compatable. So Honda will no longer carry the Z1.

"The new Honda ATF DW-1 will be replacing the current ATF Z1 and is backward compatible with all Honda models".