Why is first Tranny change at 45K

[ictvuser]

I always wonder why the first fluid change for the tranny is at 45K (normal) and 30K afterwards, instead of every 30K from the start.

Here is my theory.

First the facts.

Fact#1. Honda states that you should always use Honda ATF-AZ1 and that using a non-Honda ATF can affect shift quality.
Fact#2. Honda states that you may use a DEXRON III ATF as a temporary replacement. However, continued use can affect shift quality and the tranny should be flushed as soon as it is convenient.
Fact#3. The Honda ATF-AZ1 is only available from Honda
Fact#4. Honda does not recommend any alternatives (DEXRON III ATF is only recommended for short term use).

Notice Honda does not come out and say that you must use AZ1 or void the warranty. Doing so will violate Section 102(c) of the Magnuson-Moss Act (see summary below) if you were following the severe maint schedule.

Usually, the standard disclaimer or permissible warranty provision goes something to the effect "we recommend that you use only authorized dealers and parts ...". However, reading Facts#1 and Facts#2, can be interpreted as Honda not considering DEXRON III ATF to be an OEM equilivant to AZ1. That leaves you with AZ1 which is a Honda name brand product, only available from Honda.

That is why I think Honda has the first tranny fluid change (for normal maint schedule) at 45K instead of 30K. At 30K, the first change occurs during the new car warranty period. By doing it at 45K, Honda avoids the issue of "Tie-In Sales". If this were to be found to be a "Tie-in Sale", and the first scheduled change was at 30K, Honda would be required do the change the Tranny fluid under warranty.

Here's a summary of Section 102(c).

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/...ty.htm#stating

Summary of Section 102(c) "Tie-In Sales" Provisions
Generally, tie-in sales provisions are not allowed. Such a provision would require a purchaser of the warranted product to buy an item or service from a particular company to use with the warranted product in order to be eligible to receive a remedy under the warranty. The following are examples of prohibited tie-in sales provisions.

In order to keep your new Plenum Brand Vacuum Cleaner warranty in effect, you must use genuine Plenum Brand Filter Bags. Failure to have scheduled maintenance performed, at your expense, by the Great American Maintenance Company, Inc., voids this warranty.

While you cannot use a tie-in sales provision, your warranty need not cover use of replacement parts, repairs, or maintenance that is inappropriate for your product. The following is an example of a permissible provision that excludes coverage of such things.

While necessary maintenance or repairs on your AudioMundo Stereo System can be performed by any company, we recommend that you use only authorized AudioMundo dealers. Improper or incorrectly performed maintenance or repair voids this warranty.

Although tie-in sales provisions generally are not allowed, you can include such a provision in your warranty if you can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FTC that your product will not work properly without a specified item or service. If you believe that this is the case, you should contact the warranty staff of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection for information on how to apply for a waiver of the tie-in sales prohibition.