Honda Car Forum

Is it okay to use Dextron III transmission oil w/ Acura TL 3.2.

The manual says it can be used instead of Acura's Premium Transmission oil
for a short time replacement. What is the difference?? Does anyone know??

Thanks in advance for your answer.

Vinnie
=======

I don't know the answer to your specific question. Honda tends to put their
own additives in the fluids. I opted for a third solution and bought Honda
ATF from a Honda dealer rather than from Acura when I changed my TL's
transmission fluid and paid half as much. The Honda dealer also had the
crush washers for the fill plug and the drain plug slightly cheaper than
Acura.



On 7/28/03 10:25 PM, in article WOlVa.9668$cM6.7590@nwrdny01.gnilink.net,
"vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote:

> Is it okay to use Dextron III transmission oil w/ Acura TL 3.2.
>
> The manual says it can be used instead of Acura's Premium Transmission oil
> for a short time replacement. What is the difference?? Does anyone know??
>
> Thanks in advance for your answer.
>
> Vinnie
> =======
>
>

Thanks, Mikey & E. Meyer...will take your advise once again !!

Vinnie
===========
"Mikey" <%noospaam)mikling@eol.ca> wrote in message
news:VKvVa.551$1g1.187@nntp-post.primus.ca...
> The Honda ATFZ1 transmission fluid is probably the same as there is no
such
> thing as "Acura" in R&D. It's all Honda. As your tranny ages the
difference
> becomes more noticeable in that generic Dexron gives harder shifts. Some
> folks like that as it feels more powerful. I'd stick with the ATFZ1 and
> drain and refill it once a year since there are no tranny filters on these
> machines.
> "vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote in message
> news:WOlVa.9668$cM6.7590@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> > Is it okay to use Dextron III transmission oil w/ Acura TL 3.2.
> >
> > The manual says it can be used instead of Acura's Premium Transmission
oil
> > for a short time replacement. What is the difference?? Does anyone
know??
> >
> > Thanks in advance for your answer.
> >
> > Vinnie
> > =======
> >
> >
>
>

If it is still in warranty (now 100K on the tranny) don't even think of
using Dexron.
Some folks are on their 4th transmission in the 3.2 CL's.
see www.acura-cl.com

"vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote in message
news:WOlVa.9668$cM6.7590@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> Is it okay to use Dextron III transmission oil w/ Acura TL 3.2.
>
> The manual says it can be used instead of Acura's Premium Transmission oil
> for a short time replacement. What is the difference?? Does anyone know??
>
> Thanks in advance for your answer.
>
> Vinnie
> =======
>
>

Vinnie:
We have had all our auto work done at an independent shop for about 12 years
now, various cars. I really trust these guys. They ONLY use Honda
transmission fluid. Don't really know what the difference is, but a few
bucks isn't worth the possibility of messing up your transmission. OK, so
it is like $5 a quart; still a small price to pay!
dan j.

"vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote in message
news:WOlVa.9668$cM6.7590@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> Is it okay to use Dextron III transmission oil w/ Acura TL 3.2.
>
> The manual says it can be used instead of Acura's Premium Transmission oil
> for a short time replacement. What is the difference?? Does anyone know??
>
> Thanks in advance for your answer.
>
> Vinnie
> =======
>
>

Point well taken. I "got it" ... I am using Honda ATF Premium...okay...it
is clear in my head. Thank you all for your advise.

Vinnie
=============
"DL Jacobsen" <jacobs7803@cox.net> wrote in message
news:jdGVa.10848$5b7.6158@lakeread01...
> Vinnie:
> We have had all our auto work done at an independent shop for about 12
years
> now, various cars. I really trust these guys. They ONLY use Honda
> transmission fluid. Don't really know what the difference is, but a few
> bucks isn't worth the possibility of messing up your transmission. OK, so
> it is like $5 a quart; still a small price to pay!
> dan j.
>
> "vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote in message
> news:WOlVa.9668$cM6.7590@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> > Is it okay to use Dextron III transmission oil w/ Acura TL 3.2.
> >
> > The manual says it can be used instead of Acura's Premium Transmission
oil
> > for a short time replacement. What is the difference?? Does anyone
know??
> >
> > Thanks in advance for your answer.
> >
> > Vinnie
> > =======
> >
> >
>
>

Find a new shop, if they are charging $5 a quart. The purposed of going to
an independent shop is to save money. List price on that stuff is less that
$4 dollars a quart, and the shop should be getting a cut under list so they
can sell it to you for that.

"DL Jacobsen" <jacobs7803@cox.net> wrote in message
news:jdGVa.10848$5b7.6158@lakeread01...
> Vinnie:
> We have had all our auto work done at an independent shop for about 12
years
> now, various cars. I really trust these guys. They ONLY use Honda
> transmission fluid. Don't really know what the difference is, but a few
> bucks isn't worth the possibility of messing up your transmission. OK, so
> it is like $5 a quart; still a small price to pay!
> dan j.
>
> "vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote in message
> news:WOlVa.9668$cM6.7590@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> > Is it okay to use Dextron III transmission oil w/ Acura TL 3.2.
> >
> > The manual says it can be used instead of Acura's Premium Transmission
oil
> > for a short time replacement. What is the difference?? Does anyone
know??
> >
> > Thanks in advance for your answer.
> >
> > Vinnie
> > =======
> >
> >
>
>

I bought it today...3 quarts from a Honda dealer (Bernardi Honda in Natick,
MA / Boston area). This dealer has a reputation of being a "scally wag".

Before going there, I called the dealership and asked for the Parts dept,
and was transferred. I told the guy I needed Honda ATF and he said no
problem, he had it. So I said how much?? He said $ 3.35 each.

I go there and the "pot bellied / shaved head" parts clerk is shooting the
sh*t with some other equally "OBESE" dink, not paying any attention to 4
people in line. He finally tells this OBESE friend, I guess I'd better get
to work.

He gets to me (finally), and I tell him, "I called about the (3) quarts of
ATF" ; he says, oh yeah, let me get it...he hits a few buttons on the
computer ; the printer starts printing in the background; he walks out back
to get the stuff; then comes slithering in / dragging his HEELS, with 3
Honda ATF Z1. I said to myself...great...LAZY & DUMB as he looks, he's
atleast taking care of me.

He rips off the invoice from the computer and says that will be $ 15.75.

I said, you sure??...I only got 3 quarts..

He barks...yeah I'm shhuurre 5 bucks a quart plus Mass 5% tax.

I said, BUT You quoted me $ 3.35 on the phone.

That's no way, he BARKS again.....it's FIVE BUCKS a QUART ; saying it loud
enough to let everyone hear it !!

I did'nt feel like arguing so I paid him and left (simply because I saw
others here post that it costed $ 5 bucks !!).

I was kinda pissed, to have paid a couple of bucks more....my friends had
told me to stay off from Bernardi....I said to myself, how bad can it be -
I'm just getting a few quarts of ATF !!!

It's stunts like this, that give dealerships a bad name. My wife's Civic is
coming to a sweet end - she wants the CRV (or Element) ; you know damn well,
it's not going to be bought at BERNARDI's. If this POT BELLIED, LAZY, FART
STINKING ARROGANT IDIOT had said $ 5.50 on the phone, I would have gladly
paid it, 'cause I know others here in this newgroup had said, it cost 5
bucks a quart...BUT to pull a stunt like this !!

In any case, thanks for all your help. I'll change the ATF this weekend,
along with other service work that needs to be done on my TL 3.2.

Vinnie
==========




"Jafir Elkurd" <jafir@nospam.no.spam.hotpop.com> wrote in message
news:vifdlnfk780vea@corp.supernews.com...
> Find a new shop, if they are charging $5 a quart. The purposed of going
to
> an independent shop is to save money. List price on that stuff is less
that
> $4 dollars a quart, and the shop should be getting a cut under list so
they
> can sell it to you for that.
>
> "DL Jacobsen" <jacobs7803@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:jdGVa.10848$5b7.6158@lakeread01...
> > Vinnie:
> > We have had all our auto work done at an independent shop for about 12
> years
> > now, various cars. I really trust these guys. They ONLY use Honda
> > transmission fluid. Don't really know what the difference is, but a few
> > bucks isn't worth the possibility of messing up your transmission. OK,
so
> > it is like $5 a quart; still a small price to pay!
> > dan j.
> >
> > "vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote in message
> > news:WOlVa.9668$cM6.7590@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> > > Is it okay to use Dextron III transmission oil w/ Acura TL 3.2.
> > >
> > > The manual says it can be used instead of Acura's Premium Transmission
> oil
> > > for a short time replacement. What is the difference?? Does anyone
> know??
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance for your answer.
> > >
> > > Vinnie
> > > =======
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Remember the days when VW treated you like a somebody even if you bought a
Beetle? Then Toyota did the same afterwards. Mark my words, I think Honda is
topping out now guys. That scenario is becoming too common when brands start
getting dealers insensitive and cocky. Too much success is not a good thing.
Even Mercedes fell prey to this. So who's number two now and up and
coming ---- could it be Hyundai? I dunno. When a dealer overcharges for
fluids - that is a very very bad sign. You should complain to Honda and
speak to the proper area rep about the dealer and that parts guy does not
set the price. His work practices follows that of his supervisors.
"vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote in message
news:0v%Va.7029$Jz2.5395@nwrdny02.gnilink.net...
> I bought it today...3 quarts from a Honda dealer (Bernardi Honda in
Natick,
> MA / Boston area). This dealer has a reputation of being a "scally wag".
>
> Before going there, I called the dealership and asked for the Parts dept,
> and was transferred. I told the guy I needed Honda ATF and he said no
> problem, he had it. So I said how much?? He said $ 3.35 each.
>
> I go there and the "pot bellied / shaved head" parts clerk is shooting the
> sh*t with some other equally "OBESE" dink, not paying any attention to 4
> people in line. He finally tells this OBESE friend, I guess I'd better
get
> to work.
>
> He gets to me (finally), and I tell him, "I called about the (3) quarts of
> ATF" ; he says, oh yeah, let me get it...he hits a few buttons on the
> computer ; the printer starts printing in the background; he walks out
back
> to get the stuff; then comes slithering in / dragging his HEELS, with 3
> Honda ATF Z1. I said to myself...great...LAZY & DUMB as he looks, he's
> atleast taking care of me.
>
> He rips off the invoice from the computer and says that will be $ 15.75.
>
> I said, you sure??...I only got 3 quarts..
>
> He barks...yeah I'm shhuurre 5 bucks a quart plus Mass 5% tax.
>
> I said, BUT You quoted me $ 3.35 on the phone.
>
> That's no way, he BARKS again.....it's FIVE BUCKS a QUART ; saying it loud
> enough to let everyone hear it !!
>
> I did'nt feel like arguing so I paid him and left (simply because I saw
> others here post that it costed $ 5 bucks !!).
>
> I was kinda pissed, to have paid a couple of bucks more....my friends had
> told me to stay off from Bernardi....I said to myself, how bad can it be -
> I'm just getting a few quarts of ATF !!!
>
> It's stunts like this, that give dealerships a bad name. My wife's Civic
is
> coming to a sweet end - she wants the CRV (or Element) ; you know damn
well,
> it's not going to be bought at BERNARDI's. If this POT BELLIED, LAZY,
FART
> STINKING ARROGANT IDIOT had said $ 5.50 on the phone, I would have gladly
> paid it, 'cause I know others here in this newgroup had said, it cost 5
> bucks a quart...BUT to pull a stunt like this !!
>
> In any case, thanks for all your help. I'll change the ATF this weekend,
> along with other service work that needs to be done on my TL 3.2.
>
> Vinnie
> ==========
>
>
>
>
> "Jafir Elkurd" <jafir@nospam.no.spam.hotpop.com> wrote in message
> news:vifdlnfk780vea@corp.supernews.com...
> > Find a new shop, if they are charging $5 a quart. The purposed of going
> to
> > an independent shop is to save money. List price on that stuff is less
> that
> > $4 dollars a quart, and the shop should be getting a cut under list so
> they
> > can sell it to you for that.
> >
> > "DL Jacobsen" <jacobs7803@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:jdGVa.10848$5b7.6158@lakeread01...
> > > Vinnie:
> > > We have had all our auto work done at an independent shop for about 12
> > years
> > > now, various cars. I really trust these guys. They ONLY use Honda
> > > transmission fluid. Don't really know what the difference is, but a
few
> > > bucks isn't worth the possibility of messing up your transmission.
OK,
> so
> > > it is like $5 a quart; still a small price to pay!
> > > dan j.
> > >
> > > "vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote in message
> > > news:WOlVa.9668$cM6.7590@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> > > > Is it okay to use Dextron III transmission oil w/ Acura TL 3.2.
> > > >
> > > > The manual says it can be used instead of Acura's Premium
Transmission
> > oil
> > > > for a short time replacement. What is the difference?? Does anyone
> > know??
> > > >
> > > > Thanks in advance for your answer.
> > > >
> > > > Vinnie
> > > > =======
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Hi, Mikey:

Thanks for the advise. I think I'll send a letter out. If you have a web
link to Honda that you think works, I'll gladly use it ; else, I'll find a
consumer complaint dept (& the area rep) and send out a complaint letter.

But, you're right Honda dealers right now have to be at the top of the
leaderboard for ARROGANCE. They think the customers need them. I heard a
neighbor of mine bought a new Honda online, just to avoid the dealership (I
forget the website...hondaonline.com maybe??). He got it a few grand below
sticker.

Regards,

Vinnie
======
"Mikey" <%noospaam)mikling@eol.ca> wrote in message
news:HazWa.9381$Fb7.7497@nntp-post.primus.ca...
> Remember the days when VW treated you like a somebody even if you bought a
> Beetle? Then Toyota did the same afterwards. Mark my words, I think Honda
is
> topping out now guys. That scenario is becoming too common when brands
start
> getting dealers insensitive and cocky. Too much success is not a good
thing.
> Even Mercedes fell prey to this. So who's number two now and up and
> coming ---- could it be Hyundai? I dunno. When a dealer overcharges for
> fluids - that is a very very bad sign. You should complain to Honda and
> speak to the proper area rep about the dealer and that parts guy does not
> set the price. His work practices follows that of his supervisors.
> "vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote in message
> news:0v%Va.7029$Jz2.5395@nwrdny02.gnilink.net...
> > I bought it today...3 quarts from a Honda dealer (Bernardi Honda in
> Natick,
> > MA / Boston area). This dealer has a reputation of being a "scally
wag".
> >
> > Before going there, I called the dealership and asked for the Parts
dept,
> > and was transferred. I told the guy I needed Honda ATF and he said no
> > problem, he had it. So I said how much?? He said $ 3.35 each.
> >
> > I go there and the "pot bellied / shaved head" parts clerk is shooting
the
> > sh*t with some other equally "OBESE" dink, not paying any attention to 4
> > people in line. He finally tells this OBESE friend, I guess I'd better
> get
> > to work.
> >
> > He gets to me (finally), and I tell him, "I called about the (3) quarts
of
> > ATF" ; he says, oh yeah, let me get it...he hits a few buttons on the
> > computer ; the printer starts printing in the background; he walks out
> back
> > to get the stuff; then comes slithering in / dragging his HEELS, with 3
> > Honda ATF Z1. I said to myself...great...LAZY & DUMB as he looks, he's
> > atleast taking care of me.
> >
> > He rips off the invoice from the computer and says that will be $ 15.75.
> >
> > I said, you sure??...I only got 3 quarts..
> >
> > He barks...yeah I'm shhuurre 5 bucks a quart plus Mass 5% tax.
> >
> > I said, BUT You quoted me $ 3.35 on the phone.
> >
> > That's no way, he BARKS again.....it's FIVE BUCKS a QUART ; saying it
loud
> > enough to let everyone hear it !!
> >
> > I did'nt feel like arguing so I paid him and left (simply because I saw
> > others here post that it costed $ 5 bucks !!).
> >
> > I was kinda pissed, to have paid a couple of bucks more....my friends
had
> > told me to stay off from Bernardi....I said to myself, how bad can it
be -
> > I'm just getting a few quarts of ATF !!!
> >
> > It's stunts like this, that give dealerships a bad name. My wife's
Civic
> is
> > coming to a sweet end - she wants the CRV (or Element) ; you know damn
> well,
> > it's not going to be bought at BERNARDI's. If this POT BELLIED, LAZY,
> FART
> > STINKING ARROGANT IDIOT had said $ 5.50 on the phone, I would have
gladly
> > paid it, 'cause I know others here in this newgroup had said, it cost 5
> > bucks a quart...BUT to pull a stunt like this !!
> >
> > In any case, thanks for all your help. I'll change the ATF this
weekend,
> > along with other service work that needs to be done on my TL 3.2.
> >
> > Vinnie
> > ==========
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "Jafir Elkurd" <jafir@nospam.no.spam.hotpop.com> wrote in message
> > news:vifdlnfk780vea@corp.supernews.com...
> > > Find a new shop, if they are charging $5 a quart. The purposed of
going
> > to
> > > an independent shop is to save money. List price on that stuff is
less
> > that
> > > $4 dollars a quart, and the shop should be getting a cut under list so
> > they
> > > can sell it to you for that.
> > >
> > > "DL Jacobsen" <jacobs7803@cox.net> wrote in message
> > > news:jdGVa.10848$5b7.6158@lakeread01...
> > > > Vinnie:
> > > > We have had all our auto work done at an independent shop for about
12
> > > years
> > > > now, various cars. I really trust these guys. They ONLY use Honda
> > > > transmission fluid. Don't really know what the difference is, but a
> few
> > > > bucks isn't worth the possibility of messing up your transmission.
> OK,
> > so
> > > > it is like $5 a quart; still a small price to pay!
> > > > dan j.
> > > >
> > > > "vinniemak" <vinniemak@netzero.net> wrote in message
> > > > news:WOlVa.9668$cM6.7590@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> > > > > Is it okay to use Dextron III transmission oil w/ Acura TL 3.2.
> > > > >
> > > > > The manual says it can be used instead of Acura's Premium
> Transmission
> > > oil
> > > > > for a short time replacement. What is the difference?? Does
anyone
> > > know??
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks in advance for your answer.
> > > > >
> > > > > Vinnie
> > > > > =======
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>