Just bought a used 2004 HCH I and I need to change the CVT fluid. In the manual it says to use ATF-Z1 but there is also a honda cvt specific fluid. Which should I use?

 

The Honda CVT specific fluid. Purchase at Honda. H

 

Use the Honda CVT fluid and change often. It's really easy.

 

The guy at the honda parts counter says that when he runs the VIN it says to use ATF-Z1 as well and that if I use the CVT fluid that it might damage the tranny. I don't really believe it would damage anything seeing as I am positive that the fluids are not that far off from eachother and the only thing that I have found to be very different about the CVT fluid is that it has less detergants in it that could damage the rubber belt.

 

It is not a rubber belt, its steal, at least in 2006 and above. Is ATF-Z1 still available? I would call Honda head quarters and get some confirmation on what type of oil to use, but I believe it will be the CVT fluid. H

 

Originally the cars used the ATF-Z1 fluid, and that's why it says that in the manual, but Honda made a change in its recommendations for the CVT, and now says to use Honda CVT fluid. Supposedly it's the ATF-Z1 that could damage the transmission.

 

Ok sweet thanks for all the info. I went ahead and got the CVT fluid already. Going to change it tonight.

 

Mines a 2003 HCH which I bought new in April of 2003. I'm at 189,000 miles right now and have changed the tranny fluid about 8 times and have always used the Honda CVT fluid. She's still cruising just fine and still getting about 48 mpg's on the second battery.