I have a 2017 Honda Accord EX-L V6 with a 6 speed automatic transmission. At 54k miles it indicates that I need to change the transmission fluid.
My question is whether this message is based on any analysis of the fluid within the car's mechanics or just a mileage decision?
Also, would this just be a drain and refill?

Thanks for any input.

 

The engine-oil intervals are based on monitoring your driving habits, so I suspect the ATF interval is also based on something like that. It is NOT based on any in-situ measurement of the fluid itself.

 

The uniform suggestion on the forum seems to be use Honda brand fluid for best tranny longevity.

Since your service is a lower mileage initial service (in my eyes) do what your dealer recommends, which is likely a flush. On other cars (Subarus for me) these run >$220, last time I had it done; expensive, but it's reassuring to see the clean fluid come out at the end - knowing it's all fresh fluid.

 

It should be a drain & fill. Honda transmissions don't like to be power-flushed.
However, some dealers use the term "flush" when they are actually doing a drain/fill.

 

Thanks Jim,
My Honda manual says this change requires 3.3 quarts. Not sure if that is for full flush or not. Just don't want to buy a quart that I won't use. What are your thoughts?

 

That is for a simple drain and refill; if you want to replace all of the ATF in the unit (not really necessary), do the drain and refill three times over the course of a few days.

 

At 54k miles and you're not seeing any problem? Just the maintenance reminder to do this? If so, I'd just do a single drain & fill so buy 4 quarts of Honda ATF & pour in 3 quarts & a little bit more. Then use the transmission dipstick to get the ATF to the correct level.

Doing 3x drain/fill cycles is something I'd only recommend for certain things:
- If you have 100k miles or more and have never changed it.
- Mistakenly put some no-name ATF that says it's good for "all brands".
- ATF is really dirty and you have some actual symptoms of bad shifting.

 

When I do a d&f I just replace the amount that drained out. Typically 3 qts. 98 Accord 3.0 4sp auto.