ATF DW-1 is replacement for Z1

[RonnieJ]

I know this has been debated a number of times, but saw this while browsing ServiceExpress. I bought the $10 3-day subscription so I could download all TSB and newsletters for both my vehicles, as well as anything else I would want. I saw this article from last month - 10110H. I have attached the pdf for it. It clearly states "eventually it will be our only ATF"

Went to the dealer to pick up some today, and one of the guys behind the parts counter said he had not heard of it, and that Z1 was great stuff, and nothing else should be used in Honda transmissions. He asked the head parts guy who came out and asked what vehicle it was for. He said that they had not put the DW-1 on the shelf yet since they were trying to get rid of the Z1 first, and since what 11 models would need it yet. He said I should use the Z1, since they have not seen any info stating its backwards compatibility. I threw down the printout of this article and he immediately went and got me the DW-1, with a smirk on his face, and wanted to know how I got this info. He said they have to get rid of all the Z1 first before they put the new stuff out, unless asked specifically for it.

Will probably do one drain and fill on the 10 CRV, which was sluggish in the cold this morning. If it works well I'll do the same for the Pilot. I have Redline D4 in the Pilot now, shifts much better than Z1, especially in the colder mornings. I'm wondering if the DW-1 gives the Pilot shifting characteristics like the D4. We'll see how it goes on the CRV first.

[cwa107]

Interesting. I wonder why they recommend not using Z-1 in newer vehicles? Presumably it's because they don't want to mix fluids. But if that's true, wouldn't it be ill-advised to fill older models with DW-1?

[RonnieJ]

I think since most 11 models come with the new synthetic stuff anyways, why pollute it with the older non-synthetic stuff. They started using synthetic motor oil as factory fill first, now the ATF, probably should do the same for the VTM-4 next, since they recommend 15k drain intervals. I'm sure they could make a better synthetic VTM fluid that lasts longer. VTM-4 is really Z1 with different add pack.

There was no transmission redesign between the 10 and 11 (probably not even since the 07 came out), and the only difference between these MY is the fact it uses the DW-1 now. I would not expect any problems mixing the two.

[dustino8]

I did a drain and fill with the DW-1 on my '03 and didn't notice and difference in shift quality. Not that I expected to.

Thanks for the info.

[ED27]

Originally Posted by RonnieJ

.....They started using synthetic motor oil as factory fill first......

How did you come to this conclusion? All of the initial UOAs I've seen on various forums point to the oil being regular "dino" with a higher moly content (due to the moly paste used during the engine assembly process).

[RonnieJ]

I know they switch to using 0w20 oil in 2010 on the CRV. Manual says it is synthetic. You can see synthetic Honda oil for sale on Bernardi's website as well

Honda Motor Oil - Synthetic - Bernardi Honda Parts and Accessories

I assume you are a moderator on BITOG, since you seem to have an in depth knowledge of these things? Are the UOA's on the new motor oil, or the ATF? I apologize in advance if I have misspoken. I only posted this originally since there seemed to be conflicting information and posts from various forums based upon stuff received from one or two dealers. Use the info as you deem necessary. I've only ever used Mobil1 or Pennzoil Platinum/Ultra for motor oil, honda fluids for most everything else.