It is not the same as Honda DW-1, according to this thread: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/aisin-dw-1-atf-specs.272427/page-2

Personally, I would not be afraid to use it. But I got in on the cheap Amazon deal for the genuine Honda stuff.

I used Maxlife in my 2005 and it was shifting OK when it got totalled at 230k miles. My 2010 I have only used genuine Honda, and it's shifting great at 215k. Of course, the 2010 is a different - better - transmission.

How much are you really saving with Aisin vs Honda ATF fluid?

 

How much are you really saving with Aisin vs Honda ATF fluid?

I tried Honda DW1 before, and it was too slippery. Back then, the real cause of slippage was a faulty shift solenoid. Not sure which one, I replaced them all. No slippage right now, but still I don't want to risk it with Honda DW1, because clutch packs are probably almost dead. Maybe not. No one knows.

Anyhow, I going to try AISIN ATF, and if there will be any sign of slippage, I'll go back to expensive Redline D4, or cheaper Maxlife, that's the plan )

Maxlife is fine BTW, except for when it's cold. It takes a few minutes to warm up, to shift properly. But again, it might be because my transmission is too fd up.

 

Hello everyone! Its about time to change ATF again. I always do complete drain and fill, so it'll be around 9 quarts or so.

Not sure how you do your drain and fills to get 9 quarts out. A typical drain and fill through the drain plug only gets about 3-1/2 quarts out.

 

Complete drain and fill is 8.2 quarts. Complete means no old ATF left in the transmission. Can be done by disconnecting ATF line, draining everything, adding couple quarts and draining again.
That's how I prefer to change ATF, no mixing old and new fluid, especially when switching from one brand to another.

 

So, I found this AISIN ATF at rockauto. Did anyone use it? Forum search brings nothing but AISIN TB kits, sorry )

Search term: "AISIN ATF" (wrapped in quotes)

Search results for query: "AISIN ATF"

www.odyclub.com

An interesting result

Transmission Fluid

Hi all, I'm going to apologize now, as i recall seeing this information in a nice list view, but cannot find it now...i'm sure its somewhere. I'm looking for the approved and well tested brands of ATF fluid to use in our odys, aside from the Honda DW-1, which appears to have a debate on if its...

www.odyclub.com

 

An interesting result

That was search result for 2011-2017 Odyssey, wich has a different transmission.
2005-2010 folks didn't post much regarding AISIN ATF. Or, maybe I don't know how to use a search, my apologies.

Regarding complete ATF drain, yes some of it stays in the converter. Up untill it gets pumped out. Thats why I disconnect ATF line, drain it all, then add a few qarts, and drain it again to clean up the converter. That way 99% of ATF will be new.
Is there any automatic transmission repair guys? Please correct me if I am wrong ) But I know I am right, because ATF constantly flows through converter.

Anyhow, the question was if anyone used AISIN ATF on 2008-2010 Odyssey.

 

IMO this is the key takeaway from there:

My takeaway from all these discussions is that you should just use what you like - Honda, Aisin, Valvoline, Redline, Amsoil, RP - you'll very likely be fine with any of those. Many have used Maxlife and Amsoil and Aisin for 10's of thousands of miles - or maybe more? - without issue, so those are (at least anecdotally) proven options.

 

Hello everyone! Its about time to change ATF again. I always do complete drain and fill, so it'll be around 9 quarts or so.
Given today's prices, I start looking around for something other than Redline D4. Honda DW1 also not cheap anymore, even Maxlife cost $26 per gallon now.

So, I found this AISIN ATF at rockauto. Did anyone use it? Forum search brings nothing but AISIN TB kits, sorry )

I've heard that as a good alternative. What do you mean by 'complete drain/fill, simply empte/refill or empty out torque converter?

 

empty out torque converter?

That. Drain/fill done by manual removes only 3.3 quarts. It has to be done at least 3-4 times to replace most of the ATF, but some old ATF still mixes up with new one, and stays there. Which is OK if same brand/type is being used.
I like to disconnect ATF line, for better results - remove almost all old ATF.

 

I've used it. No issues.

 

No matter how many shafts or clutch packs, they all operate in similar fashion. The TC and its TCC (torque converter clutch) fluid circuits are probably the single component grouping with the single largest holdup volume of ATF, and you can't make a wholly meaningful exchange of ATF unless the transmission is given a chance to engage all gears and lock up the TCC.

Yes, you have to drive the car.

Pulling an ATF cooler fluid line and running the engine with a stationary vehicle holds no advantage over the humble drain/refill mantra. You waste quite a bit of ATF to achieve a lesser result.

This is one instance where an easy, less complicated method, like drain/refill, is truly better. I wish that the YouTube video of that ridiculous guy with his grey hoodie and safety glasses removing an ATF cooler line would just go away.

I don't know how these bad ideas gain traction (like "don't change your ATF ... you'll wreck your transmission!"). I blame the internet.

Back to the OP's question: I've never even seen a bottle of AISIN ATF.

OF

 

No matter how many shafts or clutch packs, they all operate in similar fashion. The TC and its TCC (torque converter clutch) fluid circuits are probably the single component grouping with the single largest holdup volume of ATF, and you can't make a wholly meaningful exchange of ATF unless the transmission is given a chance to engage all gears and lock up the TCC. Pulling an ATF cooler fluid line and running the engine with a stationary vehicle holds no advantage over the humble drain/refill mantra. You waste quite a bit of ATF to achieve a lesser result.

I would like to disagree on your statement. The Torque convertor is always circulating fluid through the whole transmission since the fluid pump is in the torque convertor. The transmission does not have to engage all gears to "flush" out all the fluid. The only time the clutch packs will use fluid is when it is needed and is decided by the valve body, this fluid is also residual. There will only be significant volumes of fluid remaining in the torque convertor and main sump when the engine is shut off. You will not save transmission fluid with a drain and fill, you are diluting the old fluid almost instantly, already making the new fluid you put in dirty. A typical flush for these transmissions call for 18 quarts (6 for drain and fill, 6 for during flush, and 6 for topping off fluid), drain and fill would take around 22 to 23 quarts for a somewhat flushed transmission. I have flushed my odyssey 2006 with Valvoline maxlife, and after 4,000 miles of driving the transmission fluid still looks brand new even though I used the flush method. As for the different ATF's, the only difference is the friction modifiers, some say Maxlife has more harsh shifts, and that is because the clutches are not slipping at all with that certain brand. DW-1 has friction modifiers to aid in smoother shifts, that is all.

 

Honda service manual specifically instructs the drain and fill method and use of DW1 fluid.

Why would you value the advice of some anonymous Internet schmoes over the manufacturer's service manual?

 

Honda manual says many things..
One of them is "use honda OEM parts".
Sure enough, most folks from this forum are trying to avoid buying honda OEM parts, whenever possible.

 

I went straight from Z1 -> Maxlife (06 EXL). Shifts MUCH better than Z1. Now, granted I have NOT tried DW1 though but no complaints with Maxlife so far. (I only have 178k or so on "weak" tranny)
I PERSONALLY, feel that pretty much ANY reputable and compatible tranny fluid will be just fine as long as you replace it in timely manner and don't drive like a mad man.

I am keep extending replacement timeline of the minivan. First, it was until kids graduate from middle school, then when they go to college, then now, it is until they graduate from college and one of the kid DID graduate this year and the other will do it by next year so looks like I may have to reset my goal to maybe when they get married or something... They practically grew up in the van - since kindergarten for my younger son.)

 

I am keep extending replacement timeline of the minivan. First, it was until kids graduate from middle school, then when they go to college, then now, it is until they graduate from college and one of the kid DID graduate this year and the other will do it by next year so looks like I may have to reset my goal to maybe when they get married or something... They practically grew up in the van - since kindergarten for my younger son.)

Meh. You will need the minivan when you have grand babies.

 

I make a killing too...8 figures even:
$00,000,000

They might not be 8 significant figures but they are figures...

 

Now that I know you are making 8 figures, I am going to demand a raise at my next performance review for sure.

 

When I researched fluid for the transmission I found with the 2016 they asked for my vin. I usually use Amsoil. I said it’s a 2016. The answer from the Honda parts guy was there’s 3 different fluids for that year. That’s why I bought from them. With the slow speed shutter I didn’t want to take chances. It’s shifting like new. That’s all I care about. At 180$ for the fluid and the ease of changing myself. The extra cost was worth it.

 

The answer from the Honda parts guy was there’s 3 different fluids for that year.

Sounds like the Honda parts guy was full of crap. The entire 4th gen used DW-1 regardless of transmission.

 

He showed my the chart when I questioned his statement.

 

What chart?

Only difference in ATF comes with the 2018+ models that had the 9 speed and the 10 speed.

Check the owner's manual if you want, it only specs out DW-1 fluid for all models.

 

I've seen the chart as well, over a year ago and can't remember the details. But I think it's the 2018+ Odys that start using different ATF non-DW1 fluids with the non-Honda transmissions being used. Earlier I thought it was this gen that started going rogue.

 

You must work hard to be an asshole. IT’s recommended to do 3 drain and fills to have fresh fluid. Especially if it’s the first service. I measured fluid coming out it was just under 4qts. Got it? Some people are just hard headed.

 

IT’s recommended to do 3 drain and fills to have fresh fluid.

Recommended where?

A 3x drain and fill is only recommended when either:

• the fluid has been neglected or history is unknown
• there is a need to get most of the fluid replaced for some other reason (ex: trying to fix an issue)

 

I guess you missed it was its first transmission service. Even if it wasn’t I wouldn’t just change some of the fluid. I would want to as complete as possible. And that’s 3 drain and fills. And back to different fluids for that model. There was a chutter problem in the transmission slowly through the gears. There could be different additives to help solve that problem. All the fluids were the same price. So it wasn’t like he was trying to up sell. In 30K miles I’ll do the same thing.

 

And so what were these famed "other fluids"?

Because there aren't any for your transmission fluid.

Now what I could understand is if you just asked for Odyssey transmission fluid without specifying a year, because then there's three. But when you specify a model year, no.

 

I didn’t make it up. He asked for my vin number. Keaton Honda in Conroe Texas. He had a chart on the counter showing different fluids. So give them a call Monday. I’ve seen stranger things in my life. Like I said he wasn’t trying to up sell me. I’ve been doing business with them for 22 years. Since I bought a 2001 Acura Intagra Type R. Once a year when I bring that car in for service it draws a crowd. In the last two I added a CRV, now an Odyssey. I’ve seen different fluids destroyed transmission because someone thought they knew better. Doubt all you want I’ve seen it before mid model run fluid change. Hell I can remember GM putting a Chevy engine in a Oldsmobile. The lawsuits followed. Different fluids in a model run doesn’t surprise me.

 

Different fluids in a model run doesn’t surprise me.

Except there isn't. Go look at every single owner's manual from 2011-17 if you wish. There is nothing different. They all recommend DW-1 only.

I did see this chart, which only confirms it:

2016 Odyssey has exactly one fluid specified for it.

 

Maybe the guy was new. Next time I go I’ll check in with him. At least he gave me the right fluid. It was fun to see make such an effort if the guy made an error.

 

Yeh the guy at the parts counter must have been a rookie. There are three (3) different honda oem transm fluids for Odysseys from 2011 thru 2023. Only one (1) of those fluids, DW-1, is specified for the 4th Gen 2011 thru 2017.

DanaH
2014LX

 

You really should pay attention. I bought 12. I measured fluid coming out. It came to just under 4 qts per drain. I did 3 drain and fills. Presently it’s full at the cold mark cold.

 

I give up. You are right. My point was simply that the dealership overcharged you. DW-1 is $10 a quart.
But it doesn’t really matter.

 

Isn’t Idemitsu the brand that makes Honda’s DW-1 automatic transmission fluid? Could that be used instead of DW-1?
Sorry for throwing another wrench in this thread.

 

Yes, but their ATF is not exactly the same as DW-1. But it is close and will work.

 

So, I found this AISIN ATF at rockauto. Did anyone use it? Forum search brings nothing but AISIN TB kits, sorry )

View attachment 173875

I don’t have a dog in this 2005~2010 fight, but have been using this in my 2000 for the past 10 years.
Never an issue and comes out dark pink when I do the 3 quart drain every 2 or 3rd motor oil change.
I’ve owned my 2000 since new and on my third tranny.
I learned from pain as my first 2 trannys never saw regular oil changes.

 

IMO a 99-04 Ody is the real leading authority on ATF.

If an ATF can survive in that trainwreck of a transmission, it will last in anything.

 

Hello everyone! Its about time to change ATF again. I always do complete drain and fill, so it'll be around 9 quarts or so.
Given today's prices, I start looking around for something other than Redline D4. Honda DW1 also not cheap anymore, even Maxlife cost $26 per gallon now.

So, I found this AISIN ATF at rockauto. Did anyone use it? Forum search brings nothing but AISIN TB kits, sorry )

View attachment 173875

My last transmission drain and fill, 3.5 qts, was done using the Aisin fluid. I notice no difference in the way the transmission works. My car is currently at 120k and all my prior drain and fills were done using Honda fluid. I still have a few left, so I will probably do the next one, due soon, with the Aisin fluid. If I still have my car after that, I may try the Maxlife fluid everyone on this forum recommends.

 

To answer the original question, I did a "full" change to Aisin DW-1 on my '02 about 2 years ago, and have accumulated ~15k miles (from 140k to 155k) with flawless performance. My trans was replaced in 2005 (at 45k), so it's the improved version of the '02 tranny.
Keep in mind that a fluid may meet all specs without being exactly the same as the OE product. Look at analyses of various Dexos oils.
I trust Aisin as the quality manufacturer of most Toyota transmissions, and like that their DW-1 is full synthetic (I don't think HG claims that, but may be wrong.)

 

Just to add my dos centavos (which gets less valuable by inflation every day): If you're doing something, anything (drain/refill or removing a cooler hose), you're doing something to help the transmission live longer. As much as I prefer the simplicity of the drain/refill in the owner's manual, any ATF exchange method you choose helps you get cleaner fluid overall.

It's a win no matter what.

Either method is a fight in a "battle of dilution," and any time old ATF is replaced by new ATF, no matter how you choose to do it, you've done good by your set of wheels.

OF

 

Just to add my dos centavos (which gets less valuable by inflation every day): If you're doing something, anything (drain/refill or removing a cooler hose), you're doing something to help the transmission live longer.

Of course, I do drain and fills in the aisin 09g in the volkswagen, because it is impractical to flush from the cooler.

I am seeing less and less odysseys due to broken timing belts, transmission failures, and vcm issues.

Things that could be prevented for less than the cost of a new vehicle.

But oh well, the average consumer probably would know it could be prevented.