$140 for Transmission fluid flush? Is that right?
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0 
$140 for Transmission fluid flush? Is that right? Hi Everyone,
I own a 2009 Honda Civic 4D DX-G (automatic) which has been driven 65,000km in the past 1.5 years. Green & Ross who does the service on the car insists on flushing the transmission fluid for $140 but I don't see indicator for Transmission Fluid on my Dashboard. Per below it should be a B3 but just today I got a B1. So, I am wondering if indeed I do need a Transmission fluid change.
1- Do I need to do anything other than following the codes in order to keep my car maintained properly and inline with the Honda warranty?
2- Can I change the transmission fluid myself (because I read it's an easy job) and would Honda be fine with that (in terms of warranty)
3- Can you re-command a cheaper place who is certified to do Honda for Transmission fluid? Wal-mart doesn't do transmission.
4- If I change the transmission fluid myself, then the indicator for it should not come up --- right or wrong? do the indicators really have a sensor that sense the bad oil or is just a timer that works based on the amount of time and the kilometers the car was driven?
P.S. the car is not driven in harsh dusty environment so the 48k rule don't think applies but Sub-Item-3 under B never came up on my dashboard so far (which I guess would look like as B3).
Thanks,
I own a 2009 Honda Civic 4D DX-G (automatic) which has been driven 65,000km in the past 1.5 years. Green & Ross who does the service on the car insists on flushing the transmission fluid for $140 but I don't see indicator for Transmission Fluid on my Dashboard. Per below it should be a B3 but just today I got a B1. So, I am wondering if indeed I do need a Transmission fluid change.
1- Do I need to do anything other than following the codes in order to keep my car maintained properly and inline with the Honda warranty?
2- Can I change the transmission fluid myself (because I read it's an easy job) and would Honda be fine with that (in terms of warranty)
3- Can you re-command a cheaper place who is certified to do Honda for Transmission fluid? Wal-mart doesn't do transmission.
4- If I change the transmission fluid myself, then the indicator for it should not come up --- right or wrong? do the indicators really have a sensor that sense the bad oil or is just a timer that works based on the amount of time and the kilometers the car was driven?
P.S. the car is not driven in harsh dusty environment so the 48k rule don't think applies but Sub-Item-3 under B never came up on my dashboard so far (which I guess would look like as B3).
Thanks,
2009 CIVIC 4D DX-G Maintenance Schedule
Your scheduled maintenance is determined by the odometer reading or the time interval, whichever occurs first. However, most maintenance items are more dependant on distance driven than time.
Maintenance Main Symbols
Main Item A
Replace engine oil*
Main Item B/B1
Replace engine oil* and filter.
Service front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustments.
Rotate tires**, inspect for wear and adjust pressure.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels and condition of fluids.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Sub-Item 1
Rotate tires,** inspect for wear and adjust pressure.
Sub-Item 2
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Inspect and adjust drive belt.
Sub-Item 3
Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Replace transfer case fluid (4WD Trucks).
Sub-Item 4
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect valve clearance.
Sub-Item 5
Replace engine coolant.
Sub-Item 6
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD Trucks, S2000).
Additional Items
12,000 km
Replace rear differential fluid and every 24,000 km thereafter if vehicle is regularly driven in mountainous areas at very low speeds, or if vehicle is frequently used tow a trailer (4WD Trucks).
Every 24,000 km
Replace rear differential fluid if vehicle is regularly driven in mountainous areas at very low speeds (S2000).
Replace dust and pollen filter if vehicle is regularly driven in urban areas with high concentrations of emissions from industry and diesel-powered vehicles.
48,000 km
Replace automatic transmission fluid (V6 Trucks) and transfer case fluid (4WD Trucks) and every 48,000 km thereafter if vehicle is regularly driven in mountainous areas at very low speeds, or if vehicle is frequently used tow a trailer.
100,000 km
Replace automatic transmission fluid and every 48,000 km thereafter if vehicle is regularly driven in mountainous areas at very low speeds, or if vehicle is frequently used tow a trailer (Accord)
Every 256,000 km
Inspect idle speed.
Every 3 years
Replace brake fluid.
Your scheduled maintenance is determined by the odometer reading or the time interval, whichever occurs first. However, most maintenance items are more dependant on distance driven than time.
Maintenance Main Symbols
Main Item A
Replace engine oil*
Main Item B/B1
Replace engine oil* and filter.
Service front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustments.
Rotate tires**, inspect for wear and adjust pressure.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels and condition of fluids.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Sub-Item 1
Rotate tires,** inspect for wear and adjust pressure.
Sub-Item 2
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Inspect and adjust drive belt.
Sub-Item 3
Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Replace transfer case fluid (4WD Trucks).
Sub-Item 4
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect valve clearance.
Sub-Item 5
Replace engine coolant.
Sub-Item 6
Replace rear differential fluid (4WD Trucks, S2000).
Additional Items
12,000 km
Replace rear differential fluid and every 24,000 km thereafter if vehicle is regularly driven in mountainous areas at very low speeds, or if vehicle is frequently used tow a trailer (4WD Trucks).
Every 24,000 km
Replace rear differential fluid if vehicle is regularly driven in mountainous areas at very low speeds (S2000).
Replace dust and pollen filter if vehicle is regularly driven in urban areas with high concentrations of emissions from industry and diesel-powered vehicles.
48,000 km
Replace automatic transmission fluid (V6 Trucks) and transfer case fluid (4WD Trucks) and every 48,000 km thereafter if vehicle is regularly driven in mountainous areas at very low speeds, or if vehicle is frequently used tow a trailer.
100,000 km
Replace automatic transmission fluid and every 48,000 km thereafter if vehicle is regularly driven in mountainous areas at very low speeds, or if vehicle is frequently used tow a trailer (Accord)
Every 256,000 km
Inspect idle speed.
Every 3 years
Replace brake fluid.
Last edited by torontob; Dec 20, 2010 at 04:18 PM.
Transmission Guy
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Ventura, Ca
Rep Power: 0 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
Considering Honda doesn't recommend flushes, the price is way too much.
http://peoplestransmission.blogspot....mends-not.html
Flushing has become a popular gimic for shops to make money. The only time a flush is necessary is for HD vehicles that have continuously overheated the transmission. A simple drain and fill with genuine Honda fluid should do the trick. Expect around $40.
Jon
http://peoplestransmission.com
http://peoplestransmission.blogspot....mends-not.html
Flushing has become a popular gimic for shops to make money. The only time a flush is necessary is for HD vehicles that have continuously overheated the transmission. A simple drain and fill with genuine Honda fluid should do the trick. Expect around $40.
Jon
http://peoplestransmission.com
Live for the Twisties
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 5
From: Langley, BC
Rep Power: 284 
Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
Time to get a new mechanic, NEVER flush you transmission, doing so has a long proven reputation of destroying well functioning transmissions. Not only that, but it would be completely unnecessary at your mileage.
That being said a 3 quart fluid change would be advisable, and its something that would be relatively simple for you do yourself. You'll need to buy a crash washer and 3 quarts of atf-z1 fluid from Honda, that should be around $30. Remove the drain plug with a 3/8 ratchet and let the fluid drain out, then replace the crash washer and re-insert the drain plug; pour 3 quarts of new fluid in with a long skinny funnel; with the car on level ground, running in Park check the fluid level it should be level with the second line. Drive the car around for around 30 minutes to let all the fluid circulate and check the level again, it should be a nice bright red colour.
That being said a 3 quart fluid change would be advisable, and its something that would be relatively simple for you do yourself. You'll need to buy a crash washer and 3 quarts of atf-z1 fluid from Honda, that should be around $30. Remove the drain plug with a 3/8 ratchet and let the fluid drain out, then replace the crash washer and re-insert the drain plug; pour 3 quarts of new fluid in with a long skinny funnel; with the car on level ground, running in Park check the fluid level it should be level with the second line. Drive the car around for around 30 minutes to let all the fluid circulate and check the level again, it should be a nice bright red colour.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
Thanks for the info guys. I would really appreciate if you can answer my questions one by one as not all of my concern is regarding only the price. Thanks
Live for the Twisties
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 5
From: Langley, BC
Rep Power: 284 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
2. You can change it yourself, just keep a log of the mileage you do the changes it and receipts for oil and filters.
3. Honda is certified, thats it, no one else.
4. You need to re-set the indicator, again, instruction for that should be in the manual.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
I guess I shouldn't have said certified but I know that the rules in Canada allow for other service centers other than the car manufacturer to do the service on a car and yet the warranty can't be void due to that.
But I had no clue I can do the change myself and reset the indicator (I highly doubt there is any in regards to resetting the indicator in my manual as I have read it when I bought the car and nothing like that came up to me)
At the very least I thought Honda would require receipt from a service center rather than receipts of Oil or filter bought.
thanks for the input.
But I had no clue I can do the change myself and reset the indicator (I highly doubt there is any in regards to resetting the indicator in my manual as I have read it when I bought the car and nothing like that came up to me)
At the very least I thought Honda would require receipt from a service center rather than receipts of Oil or filter bought.
thanks for the input.
Live for the Twisties
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 5
From: Langley, BC
Rep Power: 284 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
I would really stay away from the oil change places, we've had numerous people post on here with major problems after going to those places, they're just kids with 10 minutes training. They're mostly all overpriced as well, once you learn to change the oil yourself, it only takes a few minutes to do, well worth the peace of mind to know its being done right IMO.
It has the instructions in my 7th gen manual, I don't see why it would have removed those instructions for your year. Anyway, just keep pushing sel/reset until you get the correct indicator then press and hold it till it re-sets to 100%.Theres no actual sensor analyzing the oil and determining its life expectancy, its just a ticking clock, like the trip buttons.
It has the instructions in my 7th gen manual, I don't see why it would have removed those instructions for your year. Anyway, just keep pushing sel/reset until you get the correct indicator then press and hold it till it re-sets to 100%.Theres no actual sensor analyzing the oil and determining its life expectancy, its just a ticking clock, like the trip buttons.
I guess I shouldn't have said certified but I know that the rules in Canada allow for other service centers other than the car manufacturer to do the service on a car and yet the warranty can't be void due to that.
But I had no clue I can do the change myself and reset the indicator (I highly doubt there is any in regards to resetting the indicator in my manual as I have read it when I bought the car and nothing like that came up to me)
At the very least I thought Honda would require receipt from a service center rather than receipts of Oil or filter bought.
thanks for the input.
But I had no clue I can do the change myself and reset the indicator (I highly doubt there is any in regards to resetting the indicator in my manual as I have read it when I bought the car and nothing like that came up to me)
At the very least I thought Honda would require receipt from a service center rather than receipts of Oil or filter bought.
thanks for the input.
Last edited by MindBomber; Dec 20, 2010 at 07:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
I guess I was really ill-informed on this then. Thanks for all the info.
Would you know how a Sub Item would show on the dashboard?
As I posted above, there is a B/B1 description for maintainence and then there is Sub Item 1, 2, 3, etc...
If Sub Item is part of B like B1, B2, B3,etc...why is the B/B1 description separate from the Sub Item 1 description? Or does the B1 require B/B1 maintainence + Sub Item 1?
Thanks
Would you know how a Sub Item would show on the dashboard?
As I posted above, there is a B/B1 description for maintainence and then there is Sub Item 1, 2, 3, etc...
If Sub Item is part of B like B1, B2, B3,etc...why is the B/B1 description separate from the Sub Item 1 description? Or does the B1 require B/B1 maintainence + Sub Item 1?
Thanks
Kenny the Ricer
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,580
Likes: 0
From: In your trunk
Rep Power: 291 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
Keep in mind:
All fluid changes can be done in your garage for about 1/3 of the price of anywhere else
and you have a 2% +/- 1% screw up rate
the biggest problem would only be stripping the bolt (which btw, oil change and dealerships do as well with their power tools)
or smashed washer
Never trust anywhere except for yourself to do fluid changes.
1. You dont know what fluids they use
2. You don't know how much they filled
3. You don't know how much they torqued the bolts
4. They don't care about your car as much as you do, and if they break something, they just charge you more claiming that it was your fault to begin with.
All fluid changes can be done in your garage for about 1/3 of the price of anywhere else
and you have a 2% +/- 1% screw up rate
the biggest problem would only be stripping the bolt (which btw, oil change and dealerships do as well with their power tools)
or smashed washer
Never trust anywhere except for yourself to do fluid changes.
1. You dont know what fluids they use
2. You don't know how much they filled
3. You don't know how much they torqued the bolts
4. They don't care about your car as much as you do, and if they break something, they just charge you more claiming that it was your fault to begin with.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
All this is amazing stuff to know. But why does Honda service maintainence online asks for Service Center name when recording service sessions? I am wondering if for a new car they REQUIRE at least a *service center* to do the service rather than the owner in person. I hope you get what I am saying. Not that I have a 1% doubt in my mind that in 3 years (which the coverage time for my car), I will ever need ANY warranty service from Honda because I know it will be a solid car for three years.
Live for the Twisties
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 5
From: Langley, BC
Rep Power: 284 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
Personally, I would just take a drive over to your local dealership and confirm with them in person that you can do maintenance yourself. You sounds a lot like me the way you want to be absolutely confident before you decide to do go ahead with doing the service yourself 
. Trust me, once you do it yourself once you'll be hooked. It saves a ton of money, you have more confidence over the quality of the work, and you get to be one of the cool people who do their own oil changes 
haha
Most Provinces, I'm assuming your from Ontario based on your username, have laws that mandate automotive warranties allow owners to perform maintenance themselves. I'm almost certain that Ontario is one of the provinces with this law, but not having seen it written on a government website I can't be completely certain.
. Trust me, once you do it yourself once you'll be hooked. It saves a ton of money, you have more confidence over the quality of the work, and you get to be one of the cool people who do their own oil changes hahaMost Provinces, I'm assuming your from Ontario based on your username, have laws that mandate automotive warranties allow owners to perform maintenance themselves. I'm almost certain that Ontario is one of the provinces with this law, but not having seen it written on a government website I can't be completely certain.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
That being said a 3 quart fluid change would be advisable, and its something that would be relatively simple for you do yourself. You'll need to buy a crash washer and 3 quarts of atf-z1 fluid from Honda, that should be around $30. Remove the drain plug with a 3/8 ratchet and let the fluid drain out, then replace the crash washer and re-insert the drain plug; pour 3 quarts of new fluid in with a long skinny funnel; with the car on level ground, running in Park check the fluid level it should be level with the second line. Drive the car around for around 30 minutes to let all the fluid circulate and check the level again, it should be a nice bright red colour.
I have read somewhere that it's better to only most of the fluid and not all of it as the pieces of metal from the components will come off more with new fluid. However, I know it would be easier for me to just change all as I don't know how to measure the fluid gulping out uncontrollably.
So, if the 3 quart (1.84 Liter) equal to a full level (line 2) of the transmission and hence I will let it drain when I have on 4 jacks?
Thanks
Live for the Twisties
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 5
From: Langley, BC
Rep Power: 284 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
A partial fluid change is much simpler than it sounds. All you will need to do is drain the fluid and add new fluid, no measuring involved, because some of the fluid remains trapped in the transmission and doesn't drain out. The total capacity of the trans is 6.3 quarts, you will be draining and replacing 2.5 quarts.
Once your done, you can drop off the old fluid at Canadian tire to be recycled.
Once your done, you can drop off the old fluid at Canadian tire to be recycled.
Thank you very much. I will be dropping by Honda today to buy the atf-z1 fluid and the washer.
I have read somewhere that it's better to only most of the fluid and not all of it as the pieces of metal from the components will come off more with new fluid. However, I know it would be easier for me to just change all as I don't know how to measure the fluid gulping out uncontrollably.
So, if the 3 quart (1.84 Liter) equal to a full level (line 2) of the transmission and hence I will let it drain when I have on 4 jacks?
Thanks
I have read somewhere that it's better to only most of the fluid and not all of it as the pieces of metal from the components will come off more with new fluid. However, I know it would be easier for me to just change all as I don't know how to measure the fluid gulping out uncontrollably.
So, if the 3 quart (1.84 Liter) equal to a full level (line 2) of the transmission and hence I will let it drain when I have on 4 jacks?
Thanks
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
Thanks MindBomber.
I thought the transmission fluid compartment is flat and all the fluid will come out. Now, that I have 3 quarts of the fluid, should I put only 2.5 like you said or do I have to worry that maybe 5 quarts come out the transmission rather than 2.5?
Cost with washer including taxes and some Ontario Rip Off fees:
$31.96 CAD
P.S. Honda stuff give me ATF DW-1
I thought the transmission fluid compartment is flat and all the fluid will come out. Now, that I have 3 quarts of the fluid, should I put only 2.5 like you said or do I have to worry that maybe 5 quarts come out the transmission rather than 2.5?
Cost with washer including taxes and some Ontario Rip Off fees:
$31.96 CAD
P.S. Honda stuff give me ATF DW-1
Last edited by torontob; Jan 3, 2011 at 05:03 PM.
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
Thanks MindBomber.
I thought the transmission fluid compartment is flat and all the fluid will come out. Now, that I have 3 quarts of the fluid, should I put only 2.5 like you said or do I have to worry that maybe 5 quarts come out the transmission rather than 2.5?
Cost with washer including taxes and some Ontario Rip Off fees:
$31.96 CAD
P.S. Honda stuff give me ATF DW-1
I thought the transmission fluid compartment is flat and all the fluid will come out. Now, that I have 3 quarts of the fluid, should I put only 2.5 like you said or do I have to worry that maybe 5 quarts come out the transmission rather than 2.5?
Cost with washer including taxes and some Ontario Rip Off fees:
$31.96 CAD
P.S. Honda stuff give me ATF DW-1
This is pretty easy to do and you can't screw it up. Take bolt out and let drain, put new washer and bolt back. Fill to level on stick.
I have read that DW-1 is the new fluid replacing Z1, and DW1 is back compatable with the Z1. I was able to get the Z1 from my dealer.
Good Luck and try not to over think this to much, I did the same thing because I read you should do a full fluid change by taking the cooler line off and running it while adding new fluid. After many hours over thinking everything I went with what everyone here recomends-simple and easy drain and fill.
Another thing-the gen 8s do have an external trans filter, even though honda says it's not servicable. There is a thread from me about this a week or two ago. My car is at 30K so I am chosing to skip the filter change this time but will change it at 60K. Part number and location is in my post if you search for it.
Live for the Twisties
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 5
From: Langley, BC
Rep Power: 284 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
Thanks MindBomber.
I thought the transmission fluid compartment is flat and all the fluid will come out. Now, that I have 3 quarts of the fluid, should I put only 2.5 like you said or do I have to worry that maybe 5 quarts come out the transmission rather than 2.5?
Cost with washer including taxes and some Ontario Rip Off fees:
$31.96 CAD
P.S. Honda stuff give me ATF DW-1
I thought the transmission fluid compartment is flat and all the fluid will come out. Now, that I have 3 quarts of the fluid, should I put only 2.5 like you said or do I have to worry that maybe 5 quarts come out the transmission rather than 2.5?
Cost with washer including taxes and some Ontario Rip Off fees:
$31.96 CAD
P.S. Honda stuff give me ATF DW-1
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
Mindbomber, did I read right that honda is phasing out the Z1 for the DW1? Or did some dealerships go to only carrying one fluid since it's supposed to be back compatable? If so should I grab some more Z1 from my local dealer to have for the next few drain and fills so I don't have to worry about the DW1 issues?
Registered!!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Rep Power: 0 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
I always have the dealer do one transmission drain/fill atf replacement to keep the certified warranty up to spec. Then I will do a D/F every year on my own and keep the records with receipts date & mileage. I have always heard that Honda recomends 3 successive drain fills versus a flush machine on their transmissions. BTW, my dealer charges $97 for a drain/fill. I have never seen a $40 anything at a dealer.
Live for the Twisties
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 5
From: Langley, BC
Rep Power: 284 Re: $140 for Transmission fluid flash? Is that right?
3 drain and fills is the method they use for flushing a transmission, like mentioned earlier that destroys transmissions. All that is necessary is a yearly drain and fill.
Honda has advised all their dealerships to carry both z-1 and dw-1, because although the full synthetic fluid is supposed to be back compatible it's really not. Honda recommends using dw-1 on all dealership service atf fluid changes, but to revert back to z-1 if shift quality degrades. Personally I would stick with z-1.
Honda has advised all their dealerships to carry both z-1 and dw-1, because although the full synthetic fluid is supposed to be back compatible it's really not. Honda recommends using dw-1 on all dealership service atf fluid changes, but to revert back to z-1 if shift quality degrades. Personally I would stick with z-1.
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
0396
7th Generation Civic 2001 - 2005
5
May 4, 2016 07:14 AM
liagreenhalgh92
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
6
Jul 21, 2015 01:31 PM
Wankenstein
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
8
Jul 12, 2015 11:54 AM
