Registered: Sep 2008
Location: va
Posts: 27

Just got the following e-mail (see below) from Valvoline. Send them an e-mail to validate my word, if you wish. They will also will send you a .PDF file (I could not post it because it is not gif, jpeg or jpg) stating using their ATF will not void any warranties and that it meets Honda ATF-Z1 requirements! Also wrote Castrol and they have not responded to date.


We recommend our Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF for use in your Honda Odyssey to meet the Honda ATF Z-1 specifications, and will not void new car warranties.
Attached is a copy of the Valvoline MaxLife Letter letting you know which fluids the MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF is compatible with.

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Registered: Dec 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 55

When I went to an auto store (forgot the name already) that others here said carried Honda ATF, they didn't have the Honda ATF Z-1, but the Valvoline. I read the back of the container and it did mention something similar to what you posted. I believe it even said it can even replace Toyota's ATF. The savings would have been significant (a little over $3 cheaper than Honda), but my biggest concern would be "what if it doesn't work well?". I'm already out of warranty, so I didn't want to take that chance and just paid more for Honda's ATF Z-1 just for peace of mind.

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2005 EX-L

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Registered: May 2005
Location: tucson, AZ
Posts: 18

Here in Tucson AZ some Carquest stores stock Honda Z-1, but at $6.58/qt it's cheaper online at Handa. Seeing all the excitement regarding the torque converter failures, I'm tempted to change brands even though I'm on the extended warranty. Would Valvoline help you in a warranty dispute? Strange how the excess acidity mentioned in one post could build up in a tranny (no combustion, etc). Anyone test for antifreeze leaking into the ATF? I do a drain/fill every other oil change, which now may not be often enough.

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Registered: May 2005
Location: Mississauga
Posts: 293

see these threads for more info about maxlife

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showt...ghlight=maxlife

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showt...ghlight=maxlife

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2003 Ody EX
2004 CRV
1999 Civic SE

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Registered: Sep 2008
Location: va
Posts: 27

WRONG?? I just got a letter from Valvoline stating their MAXLIFE is full synthetic? Don't believe me, write them. You will get the same letter I got!

quote:

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Originally posted by coop0129
Absolutely, Positively WRONG!!!!

Maxlife is NOT synthetic. Do your research before you post.

The only recommended for Z-1 synthetic ATF is Amsoil ATF. It is what I use, and would highly recommend it.

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Registered: Jun 2001
Location: Pineville (burb of Charlotte), NC
Posts: 8837

Merged with the already existing Honda Z1 v/s Maxlife thread.

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The value of a forum such as this one is not in that one can post a question and receive an answer, but in that the question has most likely been asked before, and the answer is available to him that will but only use the search function.

2007 EX-L R&N, Slate Green with Olive (couldn't muster up the courage to trade my 1999 baby) ... Ours

2001 Emerald Green Pearl Accord V6-LX (Replaced the POS Taurus) ... Hers ...
..... Tranny replaced 6/4/08 @ 67,977 miles.
..... Tranny strarted slipping only 8,414 miles after the replacemnt.
..... 2nd tranny replacement 9/21/2009 @ 76,659 miles.
1999 Sterling Mist Nissan Maxima SE with Bose and 6 Disc CD Changer in the trunk ... All Mine

1993 Maroon Ford Taurus GL (Was a POS after the clock turned 60K Miles) ... Traded for the Accord

alexmish1's Customer Acceptance Checklist
alexmish1's Rattle Kill

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Registered: Jan 2009
Location: Rimouski sur mer, Québec
Posts: 144

quote:

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Originally posted by jarhead
WRONG?? I just got a letter from Valvoline stating their MAXLIFE is full synthetic? Don't believe me, write them. You will get the same letter I got!

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2005 Odyssey EX-L
2003 Legacy L SE
1998 Civic EX-G
2000 Coleman Cheyenne
iMac 24" MacOS X - TomTom GO 920 - iPod 4G -iPod Touch 2G

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Registered: May 2005
Location: Mississauga
Posts: 293

quote:

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Originally posted by Laphroaig
Could you quote that part?

I would be suprised that Valvoline sells its MV ATF cheaper than anyone else while making it from Gr III oil and not advertising it!

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2003 Ody EX
2004 CRV
1999 Civic SE

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Registered: Jun 2006
Location: SW OK on the Red River
Posts: 1443

quote:

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Originally posted by Laphroaig
I would be suprised that Valvoline sells its MV ATF cheaper than anyone else while making it from Gr III oil and not advertising it!

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Current Rides 'n' stuff
2003 Ody EX-L RES 90k Honda fog lights & hitch, bbylon5 fibreglass screen mod, chuck k's fog mod#2, Magnefine on ATF .<--(All DIY). 37k miles on Valvoline Maxlife ATF
2002 Ody EX RES 80k Honda fog lights, hitch & ATF & PS coolers; chuck k's fog mod#1; Magnefine on ATF.<--(All DIY). Honda ATF-Z1 for this tranny
(BTW....original transmissions on both....use Lubegard Red on the 2002, Lubegard Black on the 2003)
1982 Ebbtide DynaTrak bass boat, 200hp Merc V6, major DIY re-fit in 2006-07, CMC jackplate, Teleflex Canada Hydraulic Steering, Torque-Shift 14"-26" vari-pitch SS prop
Classic SNAPPER mower...tossed that POS B&S motor; now, it's 5.5hp Honda powered.
M1A's, FAL's, AR's, and a Greek G3...even Ody drivers like to let big battle rifles bark at the range

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Registered: Dec 2007
Location: Waukesha
Posts: 102

Oil changes for me and our Honda's consist of dropping the engine oil AND 3qts of tranny fluid at same time. Its so simple and easy.

We have a 8 year 80k warranty on the Ody, and 1yr+ left on my 04 Accord up to 100k which I will come close to. So staying with Z1 is important to me.

Doing what I'm doing is such over kill (and not expensive…an extra $20) should a failure occur I know it won’t be maintenance related and I’ll have the receipts to prove it. There’s nothing to question.


Using a different oils other than an OEM spec'd oil is a VERY fuzzy issue with the Magnuson-Moss act. You are not protected as well as you think after reading it. OEM's CAN (OH YES THEY CAN!) call out a specific oil and spec's which you MUST use. And it may be very limited options. Just because it says on XXYY oil bottle, stating that it meets an OEM spec means NOTHING. Absolutely nothing.

Because where would you go with a rejected warranty claim? What do you do? Hire an attorney and spend thousands to fight Honda claiming Mag-Moss Act? Go after the oil company that said they meet the OEM spec??? Good luck with that.

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Registered: Apr 2005
Location: Gurnee,IL
Posts: 311

Originally posted by galets
I looked up Valvoline Maxlife ATF and it doesn't say that it is synthetic. Is it synthetic, or mineral, or blend? I imagine it will clearly not be an issue at all if it's mineral or blend. My 03 Ody is at 106K right now on OEM fluid with pretty much no issues, so 118K does not say too much, however it's good to know that this specific fluid didn't kill it or anything.
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This is also from Valvolines web site. Lots of good info. For what its worth, the bottles of maxlife in my garage state "synthetic Base Oils"

Valvoline.comInternational Sites | FAQs | My Subscriptions ProductsService CentersCar CareRacingHeritageTrade PartnersOur Business FAQs

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Our Business Valvoline / FAQs / System Fluids / Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
1.I had my transmission fluid changed using Valvoline ATF+4 Synthetic fluid. All previous changes used conventional fluid. Will this cause a problem?

No. Switching to synthetic after using a conventional product will not cause a problem. Synthetic and conventional oils are 100% compatible.

3.Does Valvoline make a synthetic ATF?

Yes. Valvoline makes several synthetic ATF's. MaxLife Dexron/Mercon ATF, Mercon V ATF, ATF +4 and Dexron VI are all synthetic.


5.Is ok to mix synthetic ATF with a conventional and/or synthetic blend ATF?

Yes. Synthetic and conventional fluids are 100% compatible to each other.

6.Is MaxLife ATF compatible with other brands of ATF?

MaxLife is a multi-purpose fluid compatible with many brands and manufacturer recommendations. Refer to the MaxLife label to determine whether MaxLife is compatible for your application.

7.I heard a rumor that using Dexron III will cause the clutch packs to swell and disintegrate? Is there any truth to this?

No. Dexron III ATF will not cause any damages to clutch packs.

8.Is MaxLife ATF an SP-111 fluid?

MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF is 100% compatible for use in SP-II and SP-III applications.


10.Does MaxLife ATF meet Dexron VI specifications?

Yes. MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF meets the Dexron VI specifications.

11.Does GM recognize MaxLife ATF and is this an acceptable fluid to use in place of Dexron VI?

GM only recognizes their factory fill fluid for Dexron VI, but Valvoline meets and exceeds the performance requirements for the specification, and we stand behind the product 100% for this specification.

12.Can MaxLife ATF be mixed with Dexron VI or does the fluid need to be purged prior to installing MaxLIfe ATF?

Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF is 100% compatible with the Dexron VI for mixing or flushing a system.

13.Is MaxLife ATF ok to use in applications requiring Mercon-V fluid?

Yes. MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF meets the Mercon V specifications.

For more information or to submit additional questions, please click here to contact us via email or by phone at 1-800-TEAM-VAL.
Motor Oil Myths
Oil can significantly improve horsepower (it can't make your engine better than it was).
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