ATF in VTM-4

[SD16]

Hello All,

I live in Saudi Arabia and do my maintenance myself. Last time I did the rear dif I was in Dubai, and was able to get VTM-4 fuid at the local dealership there. Here in Saudi the Honda parts department wanted to sell me ATF for use in the rear dif. I tried to explain to them that it wasn't the fluid I wanted, showed them the manual, but in the end was told that it was all that was available, and is what they use in the rear dif.

Any problems with using Honda ATF in the rear dif?

Cheers,

[ctobio]

It's not what you're supposed to use. There are two things that can happen- nothing, or the rear diff fails. If you feel like taking that risk, by all means use ATF. I can tell you that the odds of failure from using the right fluid are much less than using the wrong stuff.

[humanoid]

Yes, you'll have more problems than you can comprehend if you use ATF in your rear diff. You need to flush that stuff out and somehow get some VTM-4 shipped out to you ASAP or very bad things will happen to your rear diff.

[SD16]

thanks guys, I didn't put the ATF in the dif suspecting the above. I will have to get some shipped out to me in the near future. I think I will contact Honda and advise them that their dealership here in Riyadh is servicing rear difs with ATF.

Cheers.

[N_Jay]

ATF, especially Honda ATF, or Double pump fluid, or Honda CVT fluid are definitely better then any normal gear oil.

I think, I would rather leave in the old fluid than use ATF unless you NEED to change the fluid for some reason.

[rocky]

Originally posted by N_Jay
ATF, especially Honda ATF, or Double pump fluid, or Honda CVT fluid are definitely better then any normal gear oil.

Why? Please share what you have to support that statement!

I do agree with leaving the VTM 4 in there until you can change it for the real thing!

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by rocky


Why? Please share what you have to support that statement!

I do agree with leaving the VTM 4 in there until you can change it for the real thing!

A bit of a wild ass guess, but here is the logic.

1) Assuming it is the same, or some of the same design engineers, they probably rely on the same components and process.

2) Similarity of designs. Both the VTM and the RT4WD need a fluid that supports similar multiplate wet clutches. CVT, while a different design appears to need a similar fluid.

3) Compatability pf fluids in different applications;
a) At different times the CVT has used either CVT, DPF, or Z1
b) at different time steh RT4WD unit has used DPF and CVT fluid

4) as for NOT using gear oil, it is not anything like VTM fluid, ATF, DPF, CVT fluid, ect.

5) As for not using Dexron, even in its closest application, the Honda automatic trans, it has been shown to be a poor substitute.

[rocky]

Originally posted by N_Jay


A bit of a wild ass guess, but here is the logic.

Sorry couldn't resist!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QAWhSXNgp1...mali_teeth.jpg

[bigdadi]

Originally posted by rocky


Sorry couldn't resist!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QAWhSXNgp1...mali_teeth.jpg

The dentist loves this wide-open mouth! Much easy to do the dental job.

[belundy]

N_Jay needs some orthodontics, I see...

He is probably correct in saying that Honda or Multi-vehicle ATF is not going to kill it in the short term, for the reasons he states. You'll know quickly whether it likes it--chattering, groaning or VTM-4 fault lamp.

You could also just give them the VTM fluid part #08200-9003 and see what they say.

If the VTM unit is not making noise and a sampling of the fluid from the fill hole looks and smells OK, I'd be tempted to leave it alone.

Water contamination seems to by far and away the biggest issue with the fluid and odd VTM behavior. I doubt that's an issue where you are. Grit/sand, maybe.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by belundy
N_Jay . . . is probably correct in saying that Honda or Multi-vehicle ATF is not going to kill it in the short term,

You sure? Since it is a DIFFERENTIAL, I would think "differential" lube would be a better fit?

(Just razzing belundy, DO NOT use any thing that is oil or grease like, ATF and ATF like fluids ONLY!!!)

[SD16]

I will check the fluid for now, I changed it about 3 years (20k miles) ago. I think I have pushed that VTM lock button 3 times since I bought the car new in 03 so I suspect the fluid will be clean, it was clean when I changed it last, and don't remember it smelling bad. Weather here is warm and dry.

[belundy]

Note that the VTM (N_Jay will ding you and Honda for using the "D" word)) works off and on mostly transparently while you drive; acceleration, in the rain when front wheels slip on takeoff.... That's where most of the fluid aging occurs.

If the fluid looks and smells good and the VTM is behaving, I'd give it a love pat and leave it be.

[ecsw]

That's funny this thread comes up.
I changed my ATF the past weekend and I have to say the ATF looks and smells very similar to VTM-4 fluid....

My ATF came out pretty dirty but my VTM-4 usually comes out pretty clean....

[KKL]

Originally posted by ecsw
That's funny this thread comes up.
I changed my ATF the pass weekend and I have to say the ATF looks and smells very similar to VTM-4 fluid....

My ATF came out pretty dirty but my VTM-4 usually comes out pretty clean....

To my nose, ATF-Z1 has a stronger "sulphur" smell than VTM-4. I paid $7.50x4 for a gallon of ATF over the counter and $21/gallon shipped for VTM on EBAY.