Can DEXRON III ATF be used in Power/S resevoir? (Honda Civic EK)

**c00lman** · 14-11-2007 10:36 AM

Hey guys,

I have a 97' Honda CIVIC EK (done 144K fyi )
Ive had it for 2 years and previously bought it from a lady that didnt know what an air-filter was.
It runs fine, no leaks etc.. however,

I thought i might change the fluid in the power-steering resevoir as the manual says it needs to be changed because it stuffs up through winter/summer/winter/summer etc

i bought VALVOLINE DX III ATF.... now i was wondering, do i just empty the contents of the small resevoir container & fill it all up with this? because im guessing that ATF & Power-Steering fluid are from the same resevoir using the same type fluid.

Can you please clarify this for me before i go ahead emptying the resevoir container.

**Zdster** · 14-11-2007 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by c00lman

Hey guys,

I have a 97' Honda CIVIC EK (done 144K fyi )
Ive had it for 2 years and previously bought it from a lady that didnt know what an air-filter was.
It runs fine, no leaks etc.. however,

I thought i might change the fluid in the power-steering resevoir as the manual says it needs to be changed because it stuffs up through winter/summer/winter/summer etc

i bought VALVOLINE DX III ATF.... now i was wondering, do i just empty the contents of the small resevoir container & fill it all up with this? because im guessing that ATF & Power-Steering fluid are from the same resevoir using the same type fluid.

Can you please clarify this for me before i go ahead emptying the resevoir container.

As far as I am aware, the OEM fluids are far superior.

I am a bit confused by what you mean when you say that the fluids need to be changed because it "stuffs up" through summer and winter? Are you having trouble with your gearbox or is it just that the box needs a service?

**c00lman** · 14-11-2007 11:35 AM

umm not really...i just thought i'de do some home-maintenance on the car's fluid levels.
i drained the brake-fluid resv. and refilled with new one

and i thought about the power/steer fluid resevoir. looks dirty & it really hasnt been changed for atleast 3-4 years.
so i thought ill empty the plastic resevoir from the existing power/steer fluid and fill it up with new ATF DXIII fluid (which i thought will also assist with the transmission because it uses the same fluid?)

can i do that?

**SPEEDCORE** · 14-11-2007 12:48 PM

The transmission and the power steering system are two seperate systems.

You will not be "assisting" your tranny with anything if you change the PS fluid.

**EG30** · 14-11-2007 03:52 PM

Some cars do tolerate using ATF as p/s fluid, some recommends the use of power steering fluid which is similar to ATF but with slight change in properties to be kind to the seals in the p/s pump.

Honda advises strictly not to use ATF or non geniune P/S fluid, thus a warning label on the reservoirs of their cars. Looking thru the castrol au's lube match they specify castrol fork oil for my EG. Little wonder you shouldn't use ATF or generic powersteering fluid. Since the Castrol fork oil is not cheap at $12-13 per 500mL bottle you might as well buy the genuine Honda P/S fluid.

But unless your P/S fluid is looking murky I won't bother changing it just yet.

**ludecrs** · 14-11-2007 04:51 PM

a number of cars, Power Steer fluid and Automatic Transmission fluid actually double up.

Just not on most Japanese cars.

**c00lman** · 14-11-2007 05:05 PM

Well it is fairly murky... even though Honda highly recommends Honda P/S fluid, so that sucks. it says it'll damage my system if i use otherwise (i dont know why)..who cares, im still gonna use another brand

anyway i checked the manual, the P/S fluid is COMPLETELY different than ATF. so.. the question is... if i need to:

HOW DO I CHANGE ATF?

**shadou** · 14-11-2007 06:05 PM

drain bolt on the trans case, jack up your vehicle loosen let it drain, tighten then add new ATF through the dipstick. Start vehicle shift through gears the turn off check within 30 seconds (around 2.7litres for most D series engine)

**c00lman** · 14-11-2007 06:08 PM

the dipstick nozzle if fairly narrow...how do i add fluid through there??
and so your saying there is a nozzle under the car (similar to the oil one) that allows you to drain the ATF?

so your estimating 2.7L for whats "D" series?

**shadou** · 14-11-2007 06:15 PM

.. take it to a mech or get someone on here to offer a backyard job for you before you either hurt/kill yourself or **** your car, cos obviously you have no knowledge on what is what and also seems you do not have the proper equipment to perform a basic trans oil change (jack + stands, ect.)
not having a go at you or anything if you are offended by my post

**c00lman** · 14-11-2007 07:09 PM

nah no offense taken,

i recently changed the oil & filter on my own.. but i couldnt see the bolt for the ATF tank. all i wanted to know is that if there is one, ill just drain it, but im wondering if there is a cone narrow enough to fit in the nozzle on the top.

by the way, ive used the jack before with no stands, is that dangerous?

**shadou** · 14-11-2007 07:14 PM

it's only dangerous to your skull been squashed by the sump or subframe if the hydraulic gives in, other than that I guess not.
Just buy a funnel and some plastic tubing and custom make a filler so it can be fed into the dipstick tube or some other ghetto shit like a coke bottle filler