I would get 12 liters of Honda ATF Z1 and do a drain and fill with a few miles driven between each segment so that you trans has a chance to run through all the gears. After the last one I would wager that your shifting will be much improved. The "ordinary" ATF is not good for the Honda transmissions...except NO substitute!

 

Ok just to be clear on this one (my '09 CRV is at 109K and I think it needs it now).

Buy 12 liters
drain the 3liters, fill with 3 liters, drive a few miles, drain the 3 liters, fill WITH FRESH fluid (3.0 liters), repeat until all the 12 liters I bought have been used?

I just bought a quart today for $7 x 12 would be about $85 to do it this way. Am interpreting this right?

 

Ok thank you, I will have to get some honda fluid and drain and fill it twice more. Do you think the torque converter is ok then, its behaviour is just because of the old trans fluid? I have seen a product by lucas called non slip which is supposed to stop the clutch from slipping. Do you think I should use this on the last fill or just fill it with honda trans fluid?

Also my mum has a crv, its a 2.2 diesel, her air con condenser is cracked cos the horns infront of it have been pushed into it where the previous owner has had an accident. I know the air con needs to be drained of refridgerant before its replaced but is that a job for a dealer with the right machine or can a home mechanic still do it?

 

Do NOT use ANYTHING in your trans other than Honda ATF even if it says it is compatible. Try doing this 3x drain and fill and then drive for a few days...I'm bet your problems will clear up. If things don't get better AFTER the process, then go to a dealer to have them look at it.

 

Right! ok, I will forget the lucas stuff then. Thank you for your help. Will let you know what happens

 

Hello again,
Changed the fluid in the gearbox three times driving a fair distance in between changes and the transmission is working brilliantly.
After each change it was obvious I was doing good as the fluid was coming out cleaner looking after each change.
I have also noticed that the car is giving me more power now its got some decent fluid in it.
Thanks for your help it is grately appreciated

 

Very well done

Glad things helped. You can be an advocate on the proper use of fluids with your first hand experience. Others will try the same thing so give them your honest opinion!

 

Hee Hee, sounds like it's actually a 1998 V. Either that or my wayback machine is out of calibration, Mr. Peabody.

Ruckerz, if you are not having any problem symptoms, I would change it out twice now...then get on the Honda recommended change interval of 2 years or 30,000 miles. That's what I do on our '99 Acura.

 

My CRV seems to have non honda tranny fluid in it. I don't know for how long because I just bought it. I am just guessing that is the case because my understanding in the Z1 stinks pretty bad and mine smells just like normal fluid. It shifts perfectly though. My concern is that it has 285K on it and so it is a grandpa of a car and I don't want to push my luck. Will reverting back to what it should be cause any problems if it has gotten used to what is in there? Sometimes I heard if a tranny is starting to go(which mine shows no signs of) by changing the fluid then you put the last nail in the coffin. Any view on that?

 

New atf can clean a lot and if the plates are covered in clutch debris, the tranny may start slipping, BUT, it was going to fail anyways in the immediate future, or so I've read and also seen on youtube.
Is the fluid clear and doesn't smell burnt? If so it is probably OK,BUT, why not do at least 1 drain and fill with the Honda DW-1 (replaces the old recommended Honda Z-1). Very easy to do on a CRV and you don't even have to jack up the vehicle. You need a 3/8 rachet or 3/8" extension bar to remove the drain plug.(square plug opening). Quite a few owners even prefer the Valvoline MaxLife Dex\Merc atf which can be purchased at Walmart for around $18/gal jug, more than enough for one drain and fill.
Important, know where to add the new fluid and have the proper funnel handy. A new drain bolt washer is usually recommended.
And, always properly check the fluid level when your done. Some measure how much that drained out and add that much back, making sure that they checked the atf level BEFORE they drained it.
Yes, I would sure recommend at least one drain and fill with a compatible atf.
Buffalo4