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My newly purchased 2003 Civic has 116,300 miles. I have no idea when or if the ATF was changed. The dipstick shows clean fluid, but when I changed a Transmission return line, the fluid down there looked really dirty.

So my question is do I change the fluid (is there a filter change too?) or is it too risky that the trans may not work with the new fluid?? Im asking, because some of the older American cars I've seen had a problem with new ATF in the old trans.

Thanks

 
Rep Power: 518

Simple drain and fill, which will be a little less than 3 quarts so I'd plan on doing the ATF again soon.....Trans holds around 8 quarts total but you can only drain a little less than 3 from the drain plug.

The correct Honda recommended fluid (new fluid is called ATF DW-1) won't hurt it, but chemicals and machine flushing sure can.


No filter to change.

Does the trans already have a problem now, and that's why you want to change the fluid?

 
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Thank You for the reply!

The trans has no problems. I saw saw that the fluid coming out the return line was real dirty so I want to change it without worrying that the the trans may never work right again because of the new fluid.

Can I use the Castrol Foreign Car Trans fluid or must I use Honda ATF?

 
Rep Power: 308

Use the OEM fluid that was mentioned.

Not worth the risk of saving a few dollars on.

 
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Genuine or aftermarket, as long as it meets your car's specs...

Most of the time, aftermarket is cheaper & better. Try a quick google search on the product you're looking to buy, I'm pretty sure your question has already been answered several times.

 
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Speaking about ATF. I buy a case of 12 for $50 but it's Acura brand ATF oil from a mechanic that works at the Acura dealership.. I'm not hurting my tranny right ?

 
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What does the bottle say ??

 
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And yes I use 10w40

 
Rep Power: 222

Acura and Honda are the same company......
And what does your oil cap say?