[All Accords] You got Automatic transmission? *you'll WANT to read this*
Sept 2012, *UPDATE SEE BELOW*
HONDAMATIC
This is more of an info thread about the H5 series Auto tranny we have in our Euro's (and accords, and CR-V's etc etc). And issues arise from it, figured I'd clear a few things up.
About Honda "Automatic" Transmission (Hondamatic)
Now, Honda auto transmission is unique. Honda auto tranny do not use planetary gears like everyone else. Instead, our trannys are just like a manual with individual gears on parallel axes like a manual transmission operated by stator torque rather than hydraulics. So in essence, it's a hybrid of a automated manual transmission and a normal automatic transmission. (This also explains why Honda auto's get that CLUNK metal sound when engaging/disengaging reverse)
Advantages:
Is that it's more efficient for low torque engines as it sucks less power/torque when used on a 4 cylinder car, and it's physical size is smaller than a traditional automatic.
Disadvantages
... well....Honda auto transmissions are known to operate at a higher temp than other traditional auto's. This is because:
1. It's physical size means less surface/internal area to spread the heat around (think heatsink in your computer), this is not a major factor however... 2. The Main problem is it's design (without plantary gears), clutches cannot be larger in radius than the distance between shafts. As result torque must be handled by a smaller diameter clutch compared to traditional auto transmissions
IN plain english this means higher operating pressure, greater component stress, as result: more heat, more wear/tear.
So what?
For us 4cyl owners its not THAT bad, the poor buggers are those in V6's (same tranny, HIGHER torque), there are cases of engine overheating from the auto tranny overheating in the Accords in the US. And there had been a class action against Honda about the transmission. In theory, our Euro's should be safe.
Having said that, the K24 we have in our Euro's are about as torquey as the Honda 4cyl's go. So we'll probably want to be careful.
What do I do?
Frequent ATF change is probably a necessity not a luxury. and in terms of ATF, considering the more stressful and higher temp nature of the honda auto tranny, I'd question the suitability of Honda OEM ATF-Z1, having said that, even Honda had replaced the Z1 with ATF-DW1 earlier this year, DW1 is a synthetic-type* fluid which is said to be more temperature/stress tolerant. *DW1 is available from your local Honda dealer, if possible Specify you want DW1* *EDIT: (Sept 2012) there are doubts on the accuracy of that claim, see below
ATF FLASH POINT
ATF-DW-1: 170C
ATF-Z1: 170C
Redline D4: 236C
AMSOil: 234C
Synthetic fluid *should* have a higher flash point (flash point is the temp which the fluid is vaporized)....
NOTE: only Canadian ATF-DW1 is confirmed to be full synthetic due to legal definition of "Synthetic"
Transmission filter? What transmission filter?? (added Sept 2012)
The dealership will likely to tell you there is no transmission filter. LIE! There is a transmission filter. Part number 25430-PLR-003 It is serviceable, it sits between the fuse box and the transmission, Airbox needs to be removed to see it.
*UPDATE 1* - May 2012 (thank you HONTUNE form hondadynamiks in Adelaide) ATF-DW1 has now officially entered the country! Honda Australia had advised dealers that all CU2's and Legends must run this fluid.
*Update 2* - Sept 2012 Just found this site, its not me but a good read none-the-less from a local perspective: http://www.brisdance.com/Honda/AutoPage.html added a section re:filter.
Last edited by Fredoops; 26-09-2012 at 03:03 PM.
Reason: more links
I've never got the ATF changed on my '06, and it has now done 118,500 kms. Hmm.. maybe I should book in for the 120k major service right now.
Time to switch to a better ATF fluid than the Honda crap IMO.
Australia doesn't seem to have any of the new ATF-dw1 honda released earlier this year, which is a better fluid from what I've heard
If you are in Melbourne hit up "performancelub.com" for some cheap AMSOIL universal ATF. At $18 a quart it's only $2.50 more per More than the Honda dealer OEM ATF-z1 which honda charge $16.50 a liter, they are in melbourne too.
I've always wondered how we could cool down the transmission fluid/transmission... and would cooling it down help decrease wear and tear?
Yes, a lot of US Accord V6 owners add transmission oil coolers to their transmission fluid line to reduce the fluid tempature, having said that, it's quite a bit of a DIY.
Changing to a better fluid is probably the easiest to do.
Time to switch to a better ATF fluid than the Honda crap IMO.
Australia doesn't seem to have any of the new ATF-dw1 honda released earlier this year, which is a better fluid from what I've heard
If you are in Melbourne hit up "performancelub.com" for some cheap AMSOIL universal ATF. At $18 a quart it's only $2.50 more per More than the Honda dealer OEM ATF-z1 which honda charge $16.50 a liter, they are in melbourne too.
Club/lube... Doesn't matter... at least no one call themselves K Y... Oh wait....
ANYWAY... Check out their Amsoil stuff, I'm going with redline D4 this time because of logistical issues, but regardless whether it's Redline or Amsoil, they are both IMO better than Honda OEM atf-z1.
Don't get me wrong, Honda OEM is fine... Till the warranty runs out.
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Originally Posted by boleh
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