Do autos need Honda ATF only.

[Ice D]

I just bought my cb7 3 days ago and noticed it shifts pretty hard, which I've been reading is a trait of this car. I would like to hear your opinions. The previous owner changed the ATF but I don't know if it was Honda brand fluid or not. How much does that matter?

[Tippey764]

Honda ATF is reccomended by honda, you might get away with other fluids but its always safest to just buy honda ATF.

I've only changed 1 honda automatic transmission's fluid before and i made sure to use ATF.

There is a DIY in the DIY section on flushing your transmission, its done on a 6th gen accord so its very very easy to use for a cb7,

[vietkid_2006]

Yes, you should only use Honda ATF, but I've heard other people that have had great luck with synthetics.

[deramansa]

i've used toyota's before but changed to ATF-Z1 soon after..

[Tippey764]

Yes, you should only use Honda ATF, but I've heard other people that have had great luck with synthetics.

Honda makes synthetic ATF now

[bcjammerx]

yeah the auto's do shift a little rough.

use synthetic atf and you will be fine. If you insist on using inferior non-synthetic atf then yes only honda (that's because honda's atf is better than non-synthetic )

...but No...you do NOT have to use honda atf...if you use synthetic (lasts longer protects better)

Even in the manual trannies there is aftermarket stuff that works just fine...old wives tale perpetuated by honda. Same with p/s fluid. My honda's steering wheels turn just as smoothly and quietly with aftermarket stuff...

[vietkid_2006]

Honda makes synthetic ATF now

Ahh I see last time I had it changed was about last year with Honda ATF. Don't remember it being synthetic though.

[Tippey764]

Ahh I see last time I had it changed was about last year with Honda ATF. Don't remember it being synthetic though.

Yeah they used to sell ATF Z1 but it was discontinued in 2011

Now they sell DW-1

[vietkid_2006]

Yeah they used to sell ATF Z1 but it was discontinued in 2011

Now they sell DW-1

I see, I forgot was it every 30k or 60k you change the fluid? I last changed it at 180k then the shift cable seized changed that and then had the tranny flushed. at 180k.

[Tippey764]

Im not really sure because i don't own an automatic.

[vietkid_2006]

Im not really sure because i don't own an automatic.

I'm going to bust out the manual in the AM. lol.

[Accrdwgnguy]

Even in the manual trannies there is aftermarket stuff that works just fine...old wives tale perpetuated by honda. Same with p/s fluid. My honda's steering wheels turn just as smoothly and quietly with aftermarket stuff...

True story, my Dad used to be a Honda Parts manager, and he said at the Honda dealer they'd always use 5w-30 motor oil in the manual trans, back when these cars were almost new. The factory and owners manual specifies motor oil for the manual trans.

Of course the recommaneded fluid are the OEM Honda fluids for the A/T and PS. Using fluids that are not recommended by Honda is at your own risk.

[CRX Toad]

Mercon Dextron III is a viable solution as long as you get a quality brand. You can also run Royal Purple.

[KeeleDesign]

I used full synthetic mercon dextron III with no issues on a stock dx tranny, mated to a NA built H22.

[baby_sham974]

I used Gulf Dextron III for my AT prelude