[2011.2017.odyssey]

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

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

 

[jiantao]

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.

 

[Azdude]

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.

good point about blending. I think I had about 100% maxlife when I tried it…

 

[2011.2017.odyssey]

good point about blending. I think I had about 100% maxlife when I tried it…

the first 3x drain fill was maxlife, stuff stank to high hell and shifted hard, the next drain and fill did the DW1, the next d/f maxlife. and so on...

its been 4 (i think) drain and fills with this method.

dont forget the lubeguard platinum in there too.

The topic has been debated endlessly here, my main logic was the formulation of the two vary significantly on certain elements, and figured the AT unit would benefit by having them both in there.

snagged off bobistheoilguy.

 

[rmyoder]

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

Walmart and other retailers are certainly Building Back their profits! Whether this is Better depends on your perspective (investor vs consumer).

 

[hondabagom]

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

 

[White2015]

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?

 

[2011.2017.odyssey]

They sell for 4 from Amazon for around 130bucks

Liquid Gold...

 

[hondabagom]

Liquid Gold...

I should have said 4 5 quart jugs for 130. So 20 quarts worth for 130.

 

[Bear3412]

figured the AT unit would benefit by having them both in there.

Interesting.
Never recall reading that technique.

 

[2011.2017.odyssey]

Interesting.
Never recall reading that technique.

revolutionary thinking... you heard it here first.

 

[WiiMaster]

revolutionary thinking... you heard it here first.

Next thing you know you'll tell me that mixing 0W-20 and 5W-20 gets you 2.5W-20

 

[Bear3412]

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.

 

[JDMHero]

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.

 

[Jeff_Keryk]

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!

 

[WolverineSam]

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.

 

[sat_sonic]

I use DW1.

 

[Pixburd54]

It's $25.92 at Walmart today. Last year when I stocked up they were $17.97.
View attachment 173086

Nice foresight. I did too. You might want to stock up on everything you use.

 

[Pixburd54]

View attachment 173112

From the chart, Honda ATF's seem to love the magnesium and zinc additives more than other brands.

 

[Harryfeld]

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

Remember that those smooth shifts your getting with DW-1 are coming at the sacrifice of faster wear on the clutch discs.