Rep Power: 0

Why does the manual say to change the ATF at 120k or 6 years? Thats kind of insane to me. Why?

 
Rep Power: 286

Theoretically that's how long ATF fluid is capable of lasting, thats why Honda recommends you wait so long to change it. Changing it more frequently is just cheap and worthwhile insurance against future problems.

 
Rep Power: 292

Automatic transmissions

Here is a huge tip for you:
NEVER change it at 120k

You're bound to run into problems before then
My first ATF change was at 45k, and it was dirty as hell
At 55k it was already dirty again

These auto trannies aren't made to last in the 7th gens
I suggest changing it out at least once a year.
Just drain and fill, don't need to flush it completely.

So far, my last change was at 60k, and currently at 64k, the ATF looks fairly clean.
I keep an eye on it every 3 or so months, I suggest you do the same.

 
Rep Power: 0

Im guessing the old owner of my car followed the manual. My tranny was rebuilt at 72k and now has 105k. When i bought it it had 94k and the fluid was orange so i changed it at 100k. still looks new. except for some pieces of dirt.

 
Rep Power: 292

Do you know if it's rebuilt or replaced?

I would just follow a 1yr/10,000 mile routine for ATF

 
Rep Power: 0

it was rebuilt. the carfax states a transmission overhaul. from aamco.

 
Rep Power: 292

Well, If you have the service details,
Try to figure out if they used re manufactured clutch packs, because if they used the same crap that was originally in the 7th gens, then the tranny is bound to break again.

 
Rep Power: 201

well don't forget when you "drain" the tranny it only lets out about 2 quarts. so a full change would need to be changed three times.

 
Rep Power: 218

Flushing involves a machine IIRC. When you do multiple drain and fills, you're basically insuring a good chunk of the old transmission fluid is out of the system. When I changed my fluid, I did it twice to make sure all the old MTF was out.

 
Rep Power: 812

drain and fill once every year is enough. if you do too many drain and fills at the same time, it can cause more problems. you dont want too much new fluid to be put in suddenly. the oem fluid is not a long life oil, maybe 10k and thats pushing it.