To replace MTF or not to replace MTF! thats the question

[racerex]

Originally Posted by jasongg06

hey guys, maybe a stupid question but, will changing my transmission fluid (automatic) have any effects on the shifting??

IMO, no. I did enough research regarding the slush-box in the 6th gen V6 Accord and ended up staying with Honda ATF. With the Accord, the benefit came from installing an external cooler (say a B&M Supercool or Hayden plate style cooler)....the benefit being lower fluid temps. Most auto trans problems are due to high trans temps. With the cooler install, many guys also install an in-line filter. I've pretty much stuck with OE ATF in all of my rides over the years....I did step up to Motorcraft Mercon V full synthetic for AODE trans in my P71 Crown Vic (interceptor) and it solved a slight shutter that I was getting. I say, install a high quality plate style cooler (sized for your car......bigger is not better here, as too low of a fluid temp is not good either) and change your ATF on a regular basis (I stick to every 25k-30k).......you can also install an in-line filter (i.e. Magnafine).....for extra protecting, as the Honda auto slush-box does not have an internal filters (i.e., no pan filter like on the domestic auto's).

[Nomar06]

Honestly bro, just got to a tranny place or get under your car and change it. You will not be disappointed.
If I were you, I would never ever go back to that dealership unless its an emergency. The dealership Ibought the car suck balls and I will never go back to them again. They couldnt even change th oil without messing up my car.

This is why Im never going to that dealership again.
I might have to kill some one......

[Kidekat]

I don't think many dealerships wil service the gearbox fluid unless it is time to.

You are better off taking it to a Tranny place, or do it yourself. It is not difficult at all.

[L-Dawg]

Originally Posted by SiCop

I changed over to Amsoil Synchromesh 5W-30 Synthetic MTF and it makes a HUGE difference - much better shifts, much smoother, especially from 2nd to 3rd.

The Magnuson-Moss act of 1975 prevents, by law, dealers doing to consumers exactly what your dealer is telling you - it's against the law for any dealer to require that you use their parts in order to retain your warranty - provided that the aftermarket part meets or exceeds manufacturer specs - the Amsoil and any other good MTF meets or exceeds Honda specs. Amsoil has some pretty good information about this on their website and a letter that you could send to your dealer to "wake him up".
If the transmission were to have a problem, Honda would have to prove (on their dime) that the Amsoil, or whatever other fluid, caused the problem - that they would not be able to do.

The Amsoil WILL make a big difference in the gearbox.

Great information, and I agree that this absolutely SHOULD be the case; however, I don't think the dealership would take kindly to me quoting this:

"Actually, it WON'T void my warranty by LAW, sir, so if you could please stop using that as a reason to sell me your Honda stuff that would be appreciated..."

I guess I'll just have to take it elsewhere to have that done... =(

[trickyazn]

i have a question guys.. i got the updated honda mtf and 3rd gear still isnt as great.. dont get me wrong its BETTER but not as smooth as shifting to other gears.. anyone have any input if amsoil or gm synchromesh is better than honda mtf? i dont feel like wasting another 75 bucks to get it changed..

[Zeuceone]

yeah the new honda mtf is not that good. i use gm synchromesh friction modified and it works great. no more third gear issues.

[tomblaze679]

Im just curious how the hell Honda would know if you changed the MTF out yourself or had someone else do it for it to void your warranty in the first place? Are they gonna call up the crime lab and have it tested to see if someone changed it like its friggin' CSI or something? Just my .02

[Yodums]

Originally Posted by trickyazn

i have a question guys.. i got the updated honda mtf and 3rd gear still isnt as great.. dont get me wrong its BETTER but not as smooth as shifting to other gears.. anyone have any input if amsoil or gm synchromesh is better than honda mtf? i dont feel like wasting another 75 bucks to get it changed..

I would have probably suggested you attempted to do it yourself. Very easy job, so easy that it makes you think what is the difference between a MTF and oil change that makes a price difference of nearly 50 dollars.

[Zeuceone]

they cant void your warranty over it.