[plplplpl]

To spike the punch of this lovely debate

, I'd like to share that RockAuto now carries Idemitsu.

RockAuto September Newsletter | Early Edition

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

 

[Oh3CoPilot]

I've been using DW up to ~75k miles. Going to switch and flush (4x drain and fill) with VMLATF sometime soon so, I guess I'll vote VMLATF.

 

[hokiefyd]

I've used both fluids in the past in 5-speed Hondas, and will note the VML did definitely produce a different feel to the shifts and general operation. I can't say it was better or worse...just different. I've also used Castrol Transmax IMV, and didn't like how that one felt.

I'm back to DW-1 in both of our current 5-speeds. The '05 has 181k miles on it and the '09 is close to 160k miles now, so I'd say it's been a pretty solid product for us. My parents have a '14 MDX with the 6-speed and VCM V-6 and their transmission's at about 135k miles and it hasn't had routine fluid changes...maybe just a few over its life. It did start to act funny a few years ago, and Acura applied a software update and did the 3x d-and-f at no charge. They rarely drive it today in favor of a new plug-in Volvo XC60, so I reckon that 6-speed will last as long as they own the car.

Though I have nothing against VML, I have had very good service from the OEM fluid. I do use MaxLife engine oil in our MDX -- it's the only oil that keeps the bottom of the oil pan 100% dry.

 

[Nail Grease]

I've used both fluids in the past in 5-speed Hondas, and will note the VML did definitely produce a different feel to the shifts and general operation. I can't say it was better or worse...just different. I've also used Castrol Transmax IMV, and didn't like how that one felt.

I'm back to DW-1 in both of our current 5-speeds. The '05 has 181k miles on it and the '09 is close to 160k miles now, so I'd say it's been a pretty solid product for us. My parents have a '14 MDX with the 6-speed and VCM V-6 and their transmission's at about 135k miles and it hasn't had routine fluid changes...maybe just a few over its life. It did start to act funny a few years ago, and Acura applied a software update and did the 3x d-and-f at no charge. They rarely drive it today in favor of a new plug-in Volvo XC60, so I reckon that 6-speed will last as long as they own the car.

Though I have nothing against VML, I have had very good service from the OEM fluid. I do use MaxLife engine oil in our MDX -- it's the only oil that keeps the bottom of the oil pan 100% dry.

I’d never knock DW-1 for the smooth gliding shifts it gives. I don’t believe it’s not without cost, longevity. For less clutch plate wear, and for a cooler cleaner transmission with less problems long term like torque converter or shift solenoid issues, Valvoline MaxLife ATF is proving its worth.

 

[Cousin Itt]

Valvoline does have a PS fluid that works in Hondas. I used it when I replaced the high pressure hose, and added the PS tow package cooler about a year or so ago. It stopped a slight leak on the passengers side of the rack.

Full Synthetic Power Steering Fluid - Valvoline™ Global

VPS Power Steering Fluid is a full-synthetic fluid that is specifically formulated with dedicated additives to meet the demands of most power steering systems. Prevents leakage and squealing under severe conditions and provides excellent protection against wear, copper corrosion, oxidation and...

www.valvoline.com

 

[Cousin Itt]

Some forum members have a synthetic fluid fetish.

Being this is the first vehicle I've been using the synthetic fluids in I'd call it more of an experiment.
I've replaced all but the VTM-4 fluids with Valvoline synthetics.

The synthetic oil seems to be cleaning the inside of the motor when viewed through the oil fill cap, and stays cleaner looking longer.
The Pro-Series PS fluid seems to have stopped a small leak on the passengers side of the rack, I haven't had to add any in over a year. It still looks rather clear after over a year. Might have something to do with having added an inline filter when I replaced the high pressure hose and added the tow-package PS cooler I'm not sure.
The MaxLife transmission fluid improved the transmission shifts, and also seems to stay cleaner longer. But then again I added an inline filter when I installed the tow-package transmissin cooler.
The synthetic brake fluid still looks clear after over a year, about all I can say about it is it works and from what I can tell so far hasn't caused any leaks.

At 277K+ miles now, and going for the half million mile club if these midwest winters leave enough to keep the mechanicals attached to the body.

 

[86racer]

just did another VML oil change today. seems when it starts shifting funny its time. i checked my records and it was 27k miles ago i last did it. fluid wasnt black, but was obviously darker than the new fluid. took it for a drive afterwards, its back to shifting just fine. last change was a DnF 3x ordeal. today it was just a single DnF. ill do it again in 25-30k miles.

 

[Nail Grease]

just did another VML oil change today. seems when it starts shifting funny its time. i checked my records and it was 27k miles ago i last did it. fluid wasnt black, but was obviously darker than the new fluid. took it for a drive afterwards, its back to shifting just fine. last change was a DnF 3x ordeal. today it was just a single DnF. ill do it again in 25-30k miles.

I assume you have the VCM disabled?
I’d go no longer than 20k on the 6-speed.

 

[86racer]

I assume you have the VCM disabled?
I’d go no longer than 20k on the 6-speed.

I have a 2g, I can't figure out how to change it on my profile, but yes, I also have svcm.

 

[plplplpl]

The Pro-Series PS fluid seems to have stopped a small leak on the passengers side of the rack, I haven't had to add any in over a year. It still looks rather clear after over a year. Might have something to do with having added an inline filter when I replaced the high pressure hose and added the tow-package PS cooler I'm not sure.

 

[Cousin Itt]

View attachment 164972

What can I say. I still had a slight leak coming out the passengers side of the rack using the Honda fluid after I changed the high pressure hose. So when I added the tow-package coolers and inline filters I drained the PS system cleaned out the reservoir, and tried the VPSPSF figuring what have I got to lose. Don't know why but the leak stopped, and the steering has shown no ill effects.

 

[plplplpl]

Next time, may I repeatedly tout humbly suggest...

 

[Cousin Itt]

Next time, may I repeatedly tout humbly suggest...


View attachment 164982

Didn't need to, don't know why but the VPSPSF did the trick. Even got rid of the slight PS pump whirr.

 

[JrBK]

I have an 07 Pilot EX-L (4WD) that we purchased back in February 2018 with 178,xxx miles on it. I have done the ATF/Transfer case/Diff fluid changes myself time it prompted me to. I have always only ever used the fluids from the dealer for these fluid changes (I get my oil & filter at Wal-Mart though). We are close to 300.xxx miles and the transmissions shifts without issue, which is part of the reason I continue to do the maintenance when I am prompted. I researched it when we first got this Pilot and was led to believe that DW-1 was the best option for longevity.

It's not broke so I am not sure I want to try to fix it BUT if people are having [better] success with MaxLife, I am game.

We just bought at 2015 EX-LN (4WD) with similar mileage. I checked the ATF fluid before I bought it and it was clean so I was confident that maintenance had been performed on it. Not sure about Diff and Transfer case but one can only assume it was done as it should be since ATF was done (I know what happens when you assume). I am waiting for the oil change interval to see what other things pop on the maintenance minder, if anything. I might just do a complete fluid change at that point. I will do some more research and maybe I will try the MaxLife ATF this time. I did read something about a 25MPH torque converter shudder being solved with MaxLife ATF, which is the reason I ended up here (https://www.piloteers.org/posts/1869187/). Even though I installed the S-VCM Constroller I seem to feel a shutter and/or vibration when accelerating at low speeds. I was going to have my motor mounts examined since the PO never disabled the VCM. MaxLIfe ATF just might be the solution.

I am thankful for all the discussion and information here.

 

[Jbrharris]

They can click something else and explain why they put whale oil in their transmission.

Man that whale oil is good stuff. Those things run forever and most don't even need their oil changed