Full synthetic would absolutely be better than DW-1 in there. Do it.

 

Many here report great things about switching to Max Life. I use Amsoil personally, but Max Life seems to be a great choice.

 

I use Amsoil in all my outdoor power equipment. It's good stuff...never thought to use in on my Honda. You might be the first I've seen use it in the transmissions.

 

When I started doing my own ATF changes several years ago, I switched to MaxLife based on the comments from the board. Shifts well, no issues on my 2013. It's also very readily available and often on sale.

 

Not a fan of Maxlife. I got crazy hard downshifts in 2-1 and weird up shifts on my 2015. Smooth with dw-1.

 

I blend the two... the hard shifts smoothed out, still have torque converter judder at certain speeds due to age.

hard shifts are easier on the clutches btw.

 

Using amsoil now, which is holding up fine for towing and hard driving. Shifts are fine but not as smooth as dw-1.

 

Maxlife all the way.
It can handle any heat and shearing the odyssey trans will put out.

 

I used Maxlife exclusively on my GM 4L60E transmissions when I serviced them and got super long service intervals and zero failures. That said, the GM 4L60E is a LOT different than the Honda 6 speed. I see quite a lot of arguments of the DW-1 weaknesses but also how Maxlife is or is not good for the 6 speed. No real hard data. Of course, I never used hard data for MaxLife on my 4L60E, I just needed fluid, and got the first thing I saw off the shelf many years ago and stuck with it due to good experience.

I have a lot of MaxLife left in the garage. I guess I could try it when our 2015 is due for a change.

 

I used Maxlife in my last Silverado (6L80e) and it’s in my newer 2018 2500 with 6L90 as well. It’s g2g and only $25-30/jug? Fuhgettboutit

 

After reading many reports from long time users of MaxLife on this forum, I opted for MaxLife. As I will most likely never use my Ody to tow, I decided not to install a trans cooler, but rather just switch to a full synthetic fluid. I've been doing a drain and fill every other oil change, (12-15k miles) and the fluid comes out looking and smelling brand new still every time. I'm very satisfied.

 

No one has addressed this question, although if we read between the lines of 2001.2017.odyssey's response, we get a hint of how he would answer:

"If I'm only doing a 1x 4qt drain and refill is it ok to switch or should I have him do a 3x drain if I'm switching?"

I have often wondered the same thing.

 

"If I'm only doing a 1x 4qt drain and refill is it ok to switch or should I have him do a 3x drain if I'm switching?"

I have often wondered the same thing.

The fluids are compatible with each other. For the OP, there is no need to do a 3x. Just keep up with regular maintenance as before.

DW-1: smooth shifts, short life
MaxLife: slightly harsher shifts, likely much longer fluid life
Amsoil: smooth shifts, long fluid life, expensive

Take your pick. I personally like the 'crisp' MaxLife shifts in our van.

-Charlie

 

I've been running maxlife in our Pilot trans for years.
We had a second PIlot, 06 LX in addition to our 05 EX, well the 06 had some shifting issues when we got it that went away after a fluid change. Changing to max life I was able to put another 50k miles on it before selling it at around 250,000mi. Our current pilot has 275k. Runs and shifts like a dream. I have even towed with it too.

I just did a drain and fill on the Ody this weekend with maxlife last weekend and noticed the trans shift smoother as I have with the Pilots too. I'll be doing a second this weekend and 3rd next.

 

I use what works for me, which is DW-1. I could probably switch if I wanted, but I have no compelling reason to at the moment.

 

Hey Ya'll.

17 Ody EXL (at 112k now) goes in the shop in two weeks for the 105k service at my local independent imports specialist. He's using all factory Honda parts for the 105k service, and he says he does probably a dozen of these Honda jobs every month. I asked him while he's in there to do a drain and fill of the transmission. He asked me if I wanted to stick with DW-1 or go switch over to the Valvoline Max Life (VML).

Is one preferred over the other? If I'm only doing a 1x 4qt drain and refill is it ok to switch or should I have him do a 3x drain if I'm switching? I have no issues with my current transmission. I've done a 1x drain/fill every 15k-20k miles. I'm a believer of if it's not causing problems don't change it, but I also know Honda eats that DW-1 and it breaks down. Would the full synthetic VML be better long term as the van is aging?

Thanks!
Jeff

Since you are not experiencing tranny or shifting problems and you are keeping up on your tranny fluid, NO need to do more than one drain and fill.
DW-1 is fine and so is the Valvoline ATF. I use the Valvoline because it is lower cost and works just great and is a full synthetic ATF.
Buffalo4

 

It's $25.92 at Walmart today. Last year when I stocked up they were $17.97.

 

It's $25.92 at Walmart today. Last year when I stocked up they were $17.97.

Build...Back...Better...

 

I'm late to the discussion but when I switched to MaxLife I didn't do the 3x drain and fill. Mechanic did 1x drain and fill, I think it was around 84K. I had another 1x drain and fill done at 93K. No issues before or after and tbh I didn't really notice any change in shifts either.

 

What about idemitsu atf type h-plus? I remember Eric the car guy saying Idemitsu makes this for Honda. They sell for 4 from Amazon for around 130bucks

 

It's still a different chemical composition compared to honda oem.
Don't know why but it is?

 

I just never heard of purposely mixing Maxlife and DW-1.
So, DW-1 D&F, then next D&F use Maxlife, then repeat.
I thought most stick with one or the other.

But happy to entertain you all.

 

Hey Ya'll.

17 Ody EXL (at 112k now) goes in the shop in two weeks for the 105k service at my local independent imports specialist. He's using all factory Honda parts for the 105k service, and he says he does probably a dozen of these Honda jobs every month. I asked him while he's in there to do a drain and fill of the transmission. He asked me if I wanted to stick with DW-1 or go switch over to the Valvoline Max Life (VML).

Is one preferred over the other? If I'm only doing a 1x 4qt drain and refill is it ok to switch or should I have him do a 3x drain if I'm switching? I have no issues with my current transmission. I've done a 1x drain/fill every 15k-20k miles. I'm a believer of if it's not causing problems don't change it, but I also know Honda eats that DW-1 and it breaks down. Would the full synthetic VML be better long term as the van is aging?

Thanks!
Jeff

I'm going to get flamed here, but I strongly recommend against switching to non-OEM fluid, and also for any type of transmission flushing. (ever)

If you've done the drain/fill every 15k miles like the service interval calls for, then you (literally) shouldn't touch it, except for the fluid drain/fill, unless you encounter an actual problem with it.

My original BYBA has had a drain/fill every 15k miles and the external OEM filter, and shift solenoid valve screen were perfectly clean when I checked them at 255k, due to a transmission CEL I got -- telling me the 4th gear pressure sensor had died. Unit has 310k on it now.

 

I strongly recommend against switching to non-OEM fluid,

with much thanks to the defective gen 2 transmissions, the subject has been debated ad nauseam here, and will likely get this thread turfed by the admin if it continues.

let's just say field data and transmission rebuilders would not agree with you on that.

 

I use the Idemitsu DW-1 equivalent. Good stuff. I use Maxlife in older Hondas, Toyotas, etc. Good stuff as well. You can use DW-1 as well. Just service that bad boy!

 

I've been using Amsoil Signature Series fluid since my first drain and fill at around 20k miles. I find the transmission shifts smoothly; almost so much so that I have to really pay attention to notice any shifting. 110,000 on my '16 now, and still shifts beautifully. Almost due for my 10k drain and fill, come to think of it. Very easy on the Gen4, as you can fill through the dipstick. Just attach a tube to the bottom of the funnel; be sure to size the tubing so that it completely fills the dipstick hole or you can get some burping that you will have to wipe up. Easy breezy.

 

I use DW1.

 

Hey Ya'll.

17 Ody EXL (at 112k now) goes in the shop in two weeks for the 105k service at my local independent imports specialist. He's using all factory Honda parts for the 105k service, and he says he does probably a dozen of these Honda jobs every month. I asked him while he's in there to do a drain and fill of the transmission. He asked me if I wanted to stick with DW-1 or go switch over to the Valvoline Max Life (VML).

Is one preferred over the other? If I'm only doing a 1x 4qt drain and refill is it ok to switch or should I have him do a 3x drain if I'm switching? I have no issues with my current transmission. I've done a 1x drain/fill every 15k-20k miles. I'm a believer of if it's not causing problems don't change it, but I also know Honda eats that DW-1 and it breaks down. Would the full synthetic VML be better long term as the van is aging?

Thanks!
Jeff

Have 2002 with 301k. Aftermarket oil cooler and large after market trans filter since 27k. 4 drain n fills at 20k intervals all it’s life. Nothing but Max since 50k. Tranny rebuild at 209k. Mobil 1 @ 5k intervals. Burns 1/2 qt. Between changes. Smooth sailing.

 

If you are switching ATF's it's a good idea to disconnect the battery for a while to erase any adaptive shifting patterns from the old fluid.

I am thinking those that hated MaxLife's shift feel might not have done this.

I would never call ML shifting harsh or abrupt.

 

Where would a thread be without our resident contrarian.

 

I use Valvoline for my 06. After replacing the transmission once when it went out on its own, not sure how the previous owner took care of it. 2nd-time transmission cooler connector leaked out.
I replace the fluid once a year. Current odometer, 269,000.

 

Hey Ya'll.

17 Ody EXL (at 112k now) goes in the shop in two weeks for the 105k service at my local independent imports specialist. He's using all factory Honda parts for the 105k service, and he says he does probably a dozen of these Honda jobs every month. I asked him while he's in there to do a drain and fill of the transmission. He asked me if I wanted to stick with DW-1 or go switch over to the Valvoline Max Life (VML).

Is one preferred over the other? If I'm only doing a 1x 4qt drain and refill is it ok to switch or should I have him do a 3x drain if I'm switching? I have no issues with my current transmission. I've done a 1x drain/fill every 15k-20k miles. I'm a believer of if it's not causing problems don't change it, but I also know Honda eats that DW-1 and it breaks down. Would the full synthetic VML be better long term as the van is aging?

Thanks!
Jeff

AMSOIL Signature Series is your best option for protection and performance. 2006 w/ 317,000 and a 2003 MDX with 322,000 miles. The 3x drain and refill is not necessary especially since you have already been changing every 15-20k. You can get AMSOIL sent to your door step anytime you want. Here is a link https://www.amsoil.com/c/automatic-transmission-fluid/20/ . Use AMSOIL in your engine too.

 

Amsoil is good, but I don't think it's the best.
After reading hundreds of oil analysis on Bob, Amsoil does no better than any of the other oils.

I don't agree that Amsoil is the best for protection or performance.
I have read through hundreds of oil analysis <engine and transmissions> on Bob and honestly Amsoil performs no better than any of the other oils on the market. Especially in Auto transmissions.

Is it a good oil, yes. But not the best from a quantitative standpoint.

 

Have a call out to a rebuilder colleague, to confirm this is applicable on the gen 4 ody/ Honda.
When he did my gen 2 ody trans, the ECU was replaced to specifically address issues caused by the older firmware revisions.

I know for certain Ferd's and GM's are finicky with re-learn procedures, not so much on the Honda's.