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Do I really need to use the Honda Genuine CVT transmission fluid in my 97 Civic HX? I drained the tranny yesterday (about 5 qts.) and can't find CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) fluid in any local parts stores. The friendly Honda dealer here in Denver wants $8 a quart for this stuff. All the standard fluids say in fine print "Not for use in Honda CVT...".

Question: Is there any other "over the counter" standard tranny fluid that is compatible?

thanks for any suggestions

 
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yes its worth using the honda fluid. if you want to cheap out to save $20, you will have a $1500 trans repair bill later.

 
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That's what I needed to know. I guess I'll cough up the bux.

(that's really nice of 'em to design the only car in the world that req's its own unique tran fluid!)

thanks Gearbox

Also: Here's what the Owner's manual says: Dexron III may be used temporarily, but it may shorten the life of the transmission.

What do I think? I think this Honda CVT fluid isn't quite as slippery as Dexron so that the clutch doesn't slip as much and wear out a little sooner. Just a guess.

 
Rep Power: 811

i have a regular auto and only use the honda atf. its just one of those fluids that is so different from the store stuff that its worth using. also using cheap stuff will make the shifts much harder. i just did a drain and refill on the old accord with honda fluid (parents had used "napa" brand before) and the shifting is like new again instead of clunky. to me its worth the money just for better shifting. but i have heard people destroy honda transmissions with the wrong fluid.

 
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The answer is unequivocally yes, without a doubt and then some.

There's a very popular consensus that you should only use the Honda fluid if you want the tranny to survive. Lots of Honda transmission, transaxles... whatever you wanna call 'em, have died prematurely because of someones putting in the wrong fluid.