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transmission oil conundrum


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mist303
User

Oct 5, 2013, 12:04 AM

Post #1 of 8 (2151 views)
transmission oil conundrum Sign In

Hello everyone,

I have a 2004 Honda City, with a 1.6L engine. The car has done about 260K Km. I don't know how many times the trans oil was changed before I got the car. The car doesn't shift so smoothly, but it's not an issue so far. I've searched around the internet where everybody is saying all kinds of things about changing the trans oil.

The question is about changing the trans oil. I check it regularly and it looks good and clear of particles. However, when I asked the previous owner, it turned out that it has been over a year since the last trans oil change.

Do I need to change it?

Thanks.


Hammer Time
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Oct 5, 2013, 2:52 AM

Post #2 of 8 (2136 views)
Re: transmission oil conundrum Sign In

Although a year is not a real big deal in terms of fluid change, doing so is not a cure for issues you are already having. Changing fluid will very rarely correct an existing problem, in fact it will often make it worse.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Oct 5, 2013, 2:53 AM)


Tom Greenleaf
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Oct 5, 2013, 4:29 AM

Post #3 of 8 (2123 views)
Re: transmission oil conundrum Sign In

We are talking about an automatic, right? 260k KMs if original going on 10 years is about enough for it IMO. They have parts that just plain do wear. Expect an overhaul to be the solution,

T



mist303
User

Oct 5, 2013, 8:04 AM

Post #4 of 8 (2110 views)
Re: transmission oil conundrum Sign In


In Reply To
Although a year is not a real big deal in terms of fluid change, doing so is not a cure for issues you are already having. Changing fluid will very rarely correct an existing problem, in fact it will often make it worse.

So some say. Around here, changing the whole gear is cheaper than fixing it.


(This post was edited by mist303 on Oct 5, 2013, 8:05 AM)


mist303
User

Oct 5, 2013, 8:12 AM

Post #5 of 8 (2107 views)
Re: transmission oil conundrum Sign In


In Reply To
We are talking about an automatic, right? 260k KMs if original going on 10 years is about enough for it IMO. They have parts that just plain do wear. Expect an overhaul to be the solution,

T

Yes, it's an automatic. Changing the whole think will cost me about 200$ + labor while fixing it will cost me 350$. I figured since it is not causing me trouble, I'd pay attention to my steering/bearing problem.


So I guess I shouldn't change the oil for now. Thanks for the replies, Tom Greenleaf and Hammer Time :).


(This post was edited by mist303 on Oct 5, 2013, 8:13 AM)


Discretesignals
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Oct 5, 2013, 8:19 AM

Post #6 of 8 (2105 views)
Re: transmission oil conundrum Sign In

We don't have the City here in the states. Doesn't it use a CVT that simulates a 7 speed transmission? You should follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.


A CVT, if this has one, is a transmission that has an infinite number of gear ratios because it uses a belt and adjustable pulley system. A CVT transmission doesn't shift to change their gear ratios, so you won't feel shifting occurring. Most people aren't accustomed to driving a vehicle that doesn't have a shift feel, so the engineers wrote logic in the transmission computer software so the transmission simulates the shift feel of a 7 speed transmission.

CVTs take a special fluid. Don't use Automatic transmission fluid. I suggest you take it to a transmission shop or the dealer if you want it serviced.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 5, 2013, 8:32 AM)


mist303
User

Oct 8, 2013, 4:40 AM

Post #7 of 8 (2067 views)
Re: transmission oil conundrum Sign In

Apologies for taking this long to reply.

I'm not sure about the 7 gear CVT. I just read that my car is supposed to have it on wikipedia, but it doesn't. My car has 4 gears. I've tested the engine once by going to about 110km/h and the last (4th) gear shifts at 75km/h. Also, the car's RPM doesn't stay constant when "shifting". It shifts like an automatic gear box.

I'll have that checked by the dealer nevertheless. Thanks a lot for letting me know about this Wink .


Discretesignals
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Oct 8, 2013, 4:37 PM

Post #8 of 8 (2061 views)
Re: transmission oil conundrum Sign In

Let us know what you come up with. Cool





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.






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