Transmission Oil Issue flush or drain

[davidchao1097]

I have owned my Clarity for about 3 years now. Initially had my mechanic check it out and ended up getting a transmission oil change. He put in HCF2 Fluid back then and now it’s time for me to get another transmission oil change. The manual and dealership says DW-1, what should I do? I didn’t know he had put in HCF2 and have been driving it fine for the past 3 years. Haven’t had any problems with the transmission or major problems.

 

[MrFixit]

This topic has come up multiple times here and in other forums.
Even though the manual specifies DW-1, apparently there have been instances where even dealerships have used HCF2 fluid (Incorrectly in my opinion).

The best theory I have seen for this discrepancy is that HCF2 is supposed to be used for CVT transmissions... The advertisements for the Clarity state that it has an "eCVT" transmission, but this is a marketing term and the transmission is NOT a CVT by any stretch. I think a technician might not bother to check the specifications and could falsely assume that HCF2 is appropriate. The Clarity is a rare bird and many dealerships are not really familiar with them.

Unfortunately you now have a mixture (because a fair amount of fluid is left behind when it is drained, and HCF2 was added). Apparently nothing dire happens because you have gone 3 years with the 'wrong' fluid (and I think others have too).

If this were my car, I would replace the fluid with the specified DW-1, and use DW-1 for any future changes. You will have some residual HCF2 mixed in, but mostly it will be correct, and any future changes will continue to reduce the proportion of 'incorrect' fluid.

 

[Landshark]

I have owned my Clarity for about 3 years now. Initially had my mechanic check it out and ended up getting a transmission oil change. He put in HCF2 Fluid back then and now it’s time for me to get another transmission oil change. The manual and dealership says DW-1, what should I do? I didn’t know he had put in HCF2 and have been driving it fine for the past 3 years. Haven’t had any problems with the transmission or major problems.

What service interval are you using to determine when to change the transmission fluid? The earliest recommended interval is 47,500 miles or 3 years for vehicles that are operated under certain conditions. Otherwise, Honda advises to follow the MM which will reportedly trigger at 6 years, or possibly at a specific mileage figure of, say 90,000 miles.

Do you still patronize the same mechanic? Is the mechanic Honda Certified? When did you discover that the mechanic used HFC2? Have you considered contacting a dealership for guidance?

 

[TC1782]

ATF DW1 only. Only do a drain and fill, flushes are for neglected cars, and even then flushing it may cause more harm than good.

 

[lanb]

What service interval are you using to determine when to change the transmission fluid? The earliest recommended interval is 47,500 miles or 3 years for vehicles that are operated under certain conditions. Otherwise, Honda advises to follow the MM which will reportedly trigger at 6 years, or possibly at a specific mileage figure of, say 90,000 miles.

Do you still patronize the same mechanic? Is the mechanic Honda Certified? When did you discover that the mechanic used HFC2? Have you considered contacting a dealership for guidance?

Piggybacking on this as I just got the A137 reminder at the 6 year mark. My mileage is 43K miles and I don't drive in mountain conditions.
6 years seems a bit overkill for transmission fluid change compared to the 100000+ (in general) for the ICE cars.
Thoughts, comments ??

P.S. - Dealership cost is about $600 for the A137 (unfortunately I don't have the skills or tools to DIY)

 

[Landshark]

6 years seems a bit overkill for transmission fluid change compared to the 100000+ (in general) for the ICE cars.

Time and distance are 2 completely different factors. You’ve hit the 6 year mark and Honda’s MM has advised you to change the transmission fluid. If you’d hit 100K miles in 3 years and the MM called for a transmission fluid change, would you disregard it because you believe it should be a 6 year interval? It’s one or the other, not both and not the one you’d like it to be. A herd of engineers have figured it out for us.

My advise would be for you to have the service that is called for performed by the dealer.