Can anyone tell me which is better to use - Honda brand transmission fluid or Valvoline Maxlife fluid? (Or is there something better?) I want to change my tranny fluid to see if it helps with some weird shifting going on, but I don't want to pay too much if I can help it since I'm planning on selling it soon. Thoughts?
Honda vs. Valvoline Maxlife Tranny Fluid
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dudlet
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0dyfamily said:
I spend too much time at this stuff. The popularity of Castrol Import m/v is growing, maybe because of it's availability. Another up and comer that owners have migrated over to is Amalie synthetic multi-vehicle ATF. Last I priced it, you could have a case of it shipped to your door for around $68. I think I may have posted it here awhile back, but I'm very pleased with the Maxlife in our 2008 Ody. I've only got about 3Kmi on it, but it did take much of the erratic oddities out of this trans (it's holds gear range and lockup MUCH better). My Hyundai shifted awesome before and after Maxlife. I've got about 6Kmi on it in that vehicle. You wanna talk about panties in a twist, mention a non SP-III ATF over in Hyundai world. From zero to full knot in 2 seconds. The fact still remains that as long as it says "suitable for Z1", SP-III, etc on the bottle. It will work perfectly.Joel
Made the change over to Max Life myself this weekend -- 10 quarts in the 03 Ody.
I will say, though, I have not done any tranny fluid since 86K, and at am 108K, and then only did the standard 3.5 quart change, but my old fluid looked great coming out of the tranny -- and I tow often.
Compared to the fluid early on, when I did the filter at 45K, it looked great. I have added the Honda tranny cooler, though. I just expected it to look worse since I pushed 10-15K past where I had planned on changing out all the Z1.
Moral of the story -- I think a tranny cooler is key!
I will say, though, I have not done any tranny fluid since 86K, and at am 108K, and then only did the standard 3.5 quart change, but my old fluid looked great coming out of the tranny -- and I tow often.
Compared to the fluid early on, when I did the filter at 45K, it looked great. I have added the Honda tranny cooler, though. I just expected it to look worse since I pushed 10-15K past where I had planned on changing out all the Z1.
Moral of the story -- I think a tranny cooler is key!
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Thought really hard for getting MaxLife as it comes highly recommended on here but that stuff is $5.9x here + tax (sure I can use a coupon and save a bit more) but I managed to get DW1 for $6.58 a qt from the bit further away local dealer (60 miles round trip) so I just got the DW1 stuff as it would cost me about $20 more tops on a complete flush.
Is DW-1 a true synthetic? Does it say so on the bottles you bought?
Z1 was definitely not and said "petroleum oil" on some bottles.
$0.555*60 miles= $33.30 That is with no driving time included.
Of course, a more complete analysis would include driving mileage cost and time to get the alternative ATF. 10 mi driving rt would be $5.55. Time? unknown.
IRS Increases Mileage Rate to 55.5 Cents per Mile
Z1 was definitely not and said "petroleum oil" on some bottles.
For a more complete cost calculation, include your travel expense and driving time. Since your time servicing the van is the same with either atf, no need to include if just comparing cost. "The rate will increase to 55.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2011."
$0.555*60 miles= $33.30 That is with no driving time included.
Of course, a more complete analysis would include driving mileage cost and time to get the alternative ATF. 10 mi driving rt would be $5.55. Time? unknown.
IRS Increases Mileage Rate to 55.5 Cents per Mile
Our 05 Ody now has 77k on the clock now using Maxlife and it has been shifting great since I made the change 22k ago. Every other oil change I do the drain and refill since I am down there and it's so easy.
And just as an FYI, I did change my Civic to Mobil1 atf then I noticed that they removed being Honda Z1 approved from their website and the bottles. I asked them about it and they said that since they didn't receive Honda's Z1 certification, they removed it from the bottle. I then switched the Civic to DW-1.
I have considered changing the Ody to DW-1, but Maxlife has been performing great so I will leave it in the trans and keep using it. Its easier to get Maxlife ATF than DW-1. The price difference in the fluid really isn't a factor to me compared to the cost of the Trans. I wanted something better than Z-1 and Maxlife atf is (in my opinion). I can't say if it is better than DW-1 yet or not.
I recently replaced my Civic with a new Mazda CX-7 AWD Turbo. Now I need to figure out their transmissions as well...
And just as an FYI, I did change my Civic to Mobil1 atf then I noticed that they removed being Honda Z1 approved from their website and the bottles. I asked them about it and they said that since they didn't receive Honda's Z1 certification, they removed it from the bottle. I then switched the Civic to DW-1.
I have considered changing the Ody to DW-1, but Maxlife has been performing great so I will leave it in the trans and keep using it. Its easier to get Maxlife ATF than DW-1. The price difference in the fluid really isn't a factor to me compared to the cost of the Trans. I wanted something better than Z-1 and Maxlife atf is (in my opinion). I can't say if it is better than DW-1 yet or not.
I recently replaced my Civic with a new Mazda CX-7 AWD Turbo. Now I need to figure out their transmissions as well...
That's not much cheaper than real DW-1. I got mine for $8 a quart and if you're willing to buy in volume which you apparently are if you're talking about a 3 gallon container, then I think you could even get it a little cheaper.
I have a '05 Ody EX-L with 160k miles. Looking to do a ATF drain and refill (had it's last at 141k according to Carfax). According to the dealer papers it has 3.5L SOHC MPFi 24-valve i-VTEC V6 engine.
I looked at Valvoline's website for their Maxlife ATF and says Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT)...
So my questions is can I use the Valvoline Maxlife ATF or should I go with something else? I live about 140 roundtrip from a Honda dealer and I'd have to see what a qt. costs direct.
I looked at Valvoline's website for their Maxlife ATF and says Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT)...
So my questions is can I use the Valvoline Maxlife ATF or should I go with something else? I live about 140 roundtrip from a Honda dealer and I'd have to see what a qt. costs direct.
The '05 Ody had Z-1 in it from the factory and is not a CVT, so yes, Maxlife is totally compatible, and quite frankly worlds better than the Z-1. If I were you I would do at least a 3X to get to the point where the majority of the fluid in there is Maxlife, but that's just me. Only doing a 1X won't hurt anything, but the more complete the fluid change is the better off you are.
Always used Honda transmission fluid in the past, but today per the recommendation of my mechanic I replaced it with Valvoline MAX Life Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF. Shift slam when shifting from P to R. Slams again when shifting from R to D. That was from a stand still. When driving some shifts are hard. This is definitely different than before the transmission oil change.
2000 Honda Ody EX 175756mi original transmission
2000 Honda Ody EX 175756mi original transmission
Did you do a complete change of fluid or just a drain and fill? Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF is now said,by Valvoline, to be used in lieu of Honda Z-1 and Honda DW-1.
Valvoline Import Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid specs say it can be used instead of Honda Z-1.
Most use the Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc and not what you used although Valvoline specs say it works where Z-1 is called for.
Strange that when I looked up the product information pdf for MaxLife on the Valvoline website, it doesn't say it can be used where DW-1 is specified, although when I emailed them months ago, they sent me the new product information pdf which included DW-1.
To me, if it shifts hard or slams, I would change it. Go back to DW-1 or the Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc atf.
Buffalo4
PS: Did your mechanic suggest the MaxLife or the Multi? Tell him what you are experiencing.
Valvoline Import Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid specs say it can be used instead of Honda Z-1.
Most use the Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc and not what you used although Valvoline specs say it works where Z-1 is called for.
Strange that when I looked up the product information pdf for MaxLife on the Valvoline website, it doesn't say it can be used where DW-1 is specified, although when I emailed them months ago, they sent me the new product information pdf which included DW-1.
To me, if it shifts hard or slams, I would change it. Go back to DW-1 or the Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc atf.
Buffalo4
PS: Did your mechanic suggest the MaxLife or the Multi? Tell him what you are experiencing.
BTW, I don't believe that there is a Valvoline MaxLife Multi-vehicle ATF listed as such in their product line.
Hopefully the shifting will soon get better, if not, I would sure go back to DW-1.
Were you experiencing any problems before you did the ATF change? If this the original tranny, congrats.
Buffalo4
Hopefully the shifting will soon get better, if not, I would sure go back to DW-1.
Were you experiencing any problems before you did the ATF change? If this the original tranny, congrats.
Buffalo4
Well, low and behold, I just found the one you mentioned Part# VV324 and it is called Domestic & Import Multi-Vehicle:
Valvoline MaxLife ATF (Full Synthetic) and it doesn't say Dex/Merc on the label.
But, Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc also has that same part # vv324. That is confusing to me. :ahh:
Strange it was not listed on the Valvoline website: http://www.valvoline.com/products/c...consumer-products/automatic-transmission-products/automatic-transmission-fluid/
It has been stated that Valvoline ATF does cause firmer, crisper shifts, but I guess time will tell about if what you are experiencing
is something good or bad.
Buffalo4
Valvoline MaxLife ATF (Full Synthetic) and it doesn't say Dex/Merc on the label.
But, Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc also has that same part # vv324. That is confusing to me. :ahh:
Strange it was not listed on the Valvoline website: http://www.valvoline.com/products/c...consumer-products/automatic-transmission-products/automatic-transmission-fluid/
It has been stated that Valvoline ATF does cause firmer, crisper shifts, but I guess time will tell about if what you are experiencing
is something good or bad.
Buffalo4
Just received another pdf from Valvoline after sending them an email about the product info specs on Maxlife Dex/Merc and
DW-1.
From
THOMAS R. SMITH
Vice President, Branded Lubricant Technology
April 24, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
MaxLife ATF is a full synthetic automatic transmission fluid designed to meet the needs of the broadest range of
transmission designs. MaxLife ATF recommendations are based on a combination of field-testing and
laboratory testing.
Valvoline recommends MaxLife ATF in a broad range of transmissions. The list below is just a sample of
applications where Valvoline supports the use of MaxLife ATF. Valvoline has conducted in-house testing,
independent lab testing, and field-testing to support MaxLife ATF performance in these transmissions; however,
it is important to note that the respective vehicle manufacturers have neither evaluated nor approved MaxLife
ATF in these applications.
• Allison TES 389, C-4
• Audi/VW G-055-025-A2, G-052-162-A1/A2, G-052-990-A2, G-055-005-A2,
G-055-162-A6, G-060-162-A2
• BMW LT71141, LA2634, M-1375.4 fluids
• Chrysler Diamond SP-III, NAG-1, 3403 M115
• Ford MERCON
• Ford FNR5
• Ford MERCON® V
• Ford XL-12
• Ford MERCON® SP
• MERCON® LV
• GM 9986195
• GM DEXRON® II, III and VI
• GM Autotrak II
• Honda/Acura ATF-Z1, DW1 (except in CVTs)
• Hyundai SP-II, SP-III, SP-IV, SPH-IV, SP4-M
• JWS 3309
• JASO 1A
• KIA SP-II and SP-III Fluids
• KIA Red 1
• Mazda M-V, FZ
• Mercedes Benz MB236.1, MB236.6, MB236.7,
MB236.9, MB236.10, MB236.12, MB 236.14
• Mercedes Benz NAG-1
• MOPAR AS68RC ATF
• Miscellaneous OEMs – M1375.4, M1375.6, LT
71141, ETL-7045E, ETL-8072B, 3403 M115,
N402
• Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II, SP-III, ATF-J3
• Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K, and Matic-S
• Saab 93 165 147
• Subaru ATF
• Subaru ATF-HP
• Toyota / Lexus Type T, T-III and T-IV
• Toyota WS
• Volvo 1161521 and 1161540, and STD 1273.41
• VW TL52162, LT71141
• ZF TE-ML-14B, 16L, 17C
Please note: Valvoline has recently received reports of shudder in some Volvo XC series and Mazda CX9 vehicles
with Aisin 6-speed transmissions. We are investigating this and in the meantime recommend that customers use
the OEM fluid for these specific applications until we can resolve the issue.
Valvoline stands behind all of its products, including MaxLife ATF. Use of MaxLife ATF in transmissions where
recommended by Valvoline WILL NOT void the vehicle’s warranty. Vehicle manufacturers are restricted by
federal law from including the requirement of the use of a specific brand or trade name of product or service as a
condition of their warranty. The following is an extract from the Federal Trade Commission’s web site on
interpretation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act:
It also says : "In the unlikely event that you or your customer experiences any transmission damage
while using MaxLife ATF in a Valvoline recommended application, please contact Valvoline at 1-800-TeamVAL for assistance. "
Hope this tends to clear the air on this sugject. :ahh:
Buffalo4
DW-1.
From
THOMAS R. SMITH
Vice President, Branded Lubricant Technology
April 24, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
MaxLife ATF is a full synthetic automatic transmission fluid designed to meet the needs of the broadest range of
transmission designs. MaxLife ATF recommendations are based on a combination of field-testing and
laboratory testing.
Valvoline recommends MaxLife ATF in a broad range of transmissions. The list below is just a sample of
applications where Valvoline supports the use of MaxLife ATF. Valvoline has conducted in-house testing,
independent lab testing, and field-testing to support MaxLife ATF performance in these transmissions; however,
it is important to note that the respective vehicle manufacturers have neither evaluated nor approved MaxLife
ATF in these applications.
• Allison TES 389, C-4
• Audi/VW G-055-025-A2, G-052-162-A1/A2, G-052-990-A2, G-055-005-A2,
G-055-162-A6, G-060-162-A2
• BMW LT71141, LA2634, M-1375.4 fluids
• Chrysler Diamond SP-III, NAG-1, 3403 M115
• Ford MERCON
• Ford FNR5
• Ford MERCON® V
• Ford XL-12
• Ford MERCON® SP
• MERCON® LV
• GM 9986195
• GM DEXRON® II, III and VI
• GM Autotrak II
• Honda/Acura ATF-Z1, DW1 (except in CVTs)
• Hyundai SP-II, SP-III, SP-IV, SPH-IV, SP4-M
• JWS 3309
• JASO 1A
• KIA SP-II and SP-III Fluids
• KIA Red 1
• Mazda M-V, FZ
• Mercedes Benz MB236.1, MB236.6, MB236.7,
MB236.9, MB236.10, MB236.12, MB 236.14
• Mercedes Benz NAG-1
• MOPAR AS68RC ATF
• Miscellaneous OEMs – M1375.4, M1375.6, LT
71141, ETL-7045E, ETL-8072B, 3403 M115,
N402
• Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II, SP-III, ATF-J3
• Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K, and Matic-S
• Saab 93 165 147
• Subaru ATF
• Subaru ATF-HP
• Toyota / Lexus Type T, T-III and T-IV
• Toyota WS
• Volvo 1161521 and 1161540, and STD 1273.41
• VW TL52162, LT71141
• ZF TE-ML-14B, 16L, 17C
Please note: Valvoline has recently received reports of shudder in some Volvo XC series and Mazda CX9 vehicles
with Aisin 6-speed transmissions. We are investigating this and in the meantime recommend that customers use
the OEM fluid for these specific applications until we can resolve the issue.
Valvoline stands behind all of its products, including MaxLife ATF. Use of MaxLife ATF in transmissions where
recommended by Valvoline WILL NOT void the vehicle’s warranty. Vehicle manufacturers are restricted by
federal law from including the requirement of the use of a specific brand or trade name of product or service as a
condition of their warranty. The following is an extract from the Federal Trade Commission’s web site on
interpretation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act:
It also says : "In the unlikely event that you or your customer experiences any transmission damage
while using MaxLife ATF in a Valvoline recommended application, please contact Valvoline at 1-800-TeamVAL for assistance. "
Hope this tends to clear the air on this sugject. :ahh:
Buffalo4
There is only one Valvoline "MAXLife ATF", and that is MaxLife® DEX/MERC ATF ! Just make sure you don't get the MAXLife Transmission Stop Leak. All other Valvoline ATF products are not labeled MAXLife.Well, low and behold, I just found the one you mentioned Part# VV324 and it is called Domestic & Import Multi-Vehicle:
Valvoline MaxLife ATF (Full Synthetic) and it doesn't say Dex/Merc on the label.
But, Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc also has that same part # vv324. That is confusing to me. :ahh:
Strange it was not listed on the Valvoline website: http://www.valvoline.com/products/c...consumer-products/automatic-transmission-products/automatic-transmission-fluid/
It has been stated that Valvoline ATF does cause firmer, crisper shifts, but I guess time will tell about if what you are experiencing
is something good or bad.
Buffalo4
Joined
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582 Posts
I switched my 2003 EX (original transmission) from Honda Z1 to Valvoline Max Life at around 200,000 miles and have driven it around 45,000 miles since then. I’ve noticed no issues or problems. Given the mileage and history of 2nd gen transmissions, identifying the cause of any failure (hopefully not) would be speculative at best.
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