96 accord ex I4 automatic transmission fluid help

[aznxthuggie]

hey guys, my transmission has been shifting very harsh lately, and i was wondering how to empty the tranny, i went to autozone and they told me its 2.5q, so i got 2 q of the stuff they recommended, and 1q of lucas tranny stuff, but where or how do i empty the fluid? i know i can just put it in thru the dipstick

where can i empty it? thanks

[Igovert500]

If it is shifting rough...it maybe a good idea to get it flushed...not just drain it and refill it, as the flush will definantly get out all the old fluid and metal particles.

[AccordCodger]

I agree - mine wasn't shifting particularly roughly, but I figured I should change the fluid, and opted for a full power flush (not cheap, but I didn't know the history of the car) and it's shifted silky smooth ever since.

[aznxthuggie]

wow thx guys, so i should just ask my shop to flush the transmission? and could they just use the stuff i bought, or they'd need to buy honda tranny fluid? thx again

[Igovert500]

Yeah, just tell them to use the stuff you bought.

[mpumas]

Others have said that Honda transmission fluid gives smoother shifts. So if the change and flush of fluid doesn't resolve the shifting problem, try Honda fluid. Changing of fluid should be done regularily according to the maintenance schedule. If it is black, you waited too long.

[AccordCodger]

No-one else mentioned the additive, but I DON'T recommend it. Honda's auto trannys are, I'm told, rather unique, and may be damaged by the use of additives.

[aznxthuggie]

o? the additive im putting in there is made by lucas, but its ok im guna askmy shop to make sure before they do anything, the worst is my shop does everything with honda stuff and i return the other things i bought

[jeffcoslacker]

I can tell you things about Lucas. But it probably wouldn't really change anything. I think I'd go with Codger's warning. Here is why.

I know that Lucas has a high shear strength, which is good for lubrication. The problem is that it is so aggressive at coating and clinging, it will make the wet clutch in a motorcycle slip. Your auto tranny has wet clutches and bands too. It may be good for them, or it might be too much. If they slip, shifting will be smoother, but fluid temp will run higher. This wouldn't be good. I'd go with what is specific to Honda, if it were mine. Honda autos have always seemed to shift harshly to me, but it's just how they are. I don't know if yours has a vacuum modulator on it, but if so, you might want to check and see if it could have a small leak in the hose going to it. When they leak real bad, they won't shift. But a small leak will cause them to hold a gear too long, and upshift real abruptly.