Question on Honda fluids?

[htmdude57]

I'm replacing the radiator and ps pump on my son's 2006 Honda Pilot. The manual says to use only Honda brand fluids. It says that if you pour in non Honda fluids, for emergency use only, you should go get Honda fluids and flush out the other stuff. Does anyone know if there is something special about their coolant and ps fluid? It sounds to me like they are just wanting to sell fluid. I have seen ps fluid at Autozone that says its good for Hondas, and coolant that says good for all vehicles. Should I go out and look for Honda coolant? Will non Honda fluids damage the internals? Seems hard to believe.

 

[shawhite]

I have used Zerex coolant and Honda power steering fluid (I use Honda ps fluid because it about the same price as all the rest especially if you buy it online) in my Acura since new. It is now 21 years old and just replaced the ps pump for the first time due to leaking rear seal. Car has 225,000 and no major problems.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I still remember the Dexron VS Type F issues - something abot seal incompatabilities.

 

[mrvm]

Thorough flush and drain of the old coolant before switching to compatible brands should be sufficient. As mentioned it’s cost effective to stick with Honda PS fluid. Good move on the radiator replacement. Inspect the metal ATF lines for corrosion.

 

[Neggy]

if you want to be near 100% safe, the Prestone "blue" is a replacement for the honda Type 2 coolant

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PAFAF6300

 

[unslow1]

You can get Honda specific fluids at pretty much any auto parts store. Honda isn't the only one to have special fluids. There really isn't any vehicle that doesn't require them now and they are mostly carried by the auto parts store. Just go in knowing what you need because the chances are good if you don't get one of the more experienced people they won't have a clue. The antifreeze, oil, brake fluid, and power steering have all gone that route. Transmission fluid is probably the most specialized and critical. You can figure it out by just reading the labels.

 

[htmdude57]

What? now they're making it in blue? I clicked on Neggy's link. That's hilarious, it's special Asian car coolant!
Well, like Mike Homes, I do like to do the job right, when I can. I guess I will be going to the store and getting some Asian coolant. Thanks for all your answers!

 

[cspcrx]

german car brands do similar things. Been a Honda owner since 1992 and the only fluid I have ever stayed specifically to that’s Honda is their manual transmission fluid.

 

[engineer2]

I use Honda Blue coolant because a cooling issue on the road would be disastrous.
Recommended change is around 105,000 miles and what I drain is as clean as the new stuff I'm putting in. Nice the the 4-bangers use about 1 gallon. The amazing thing is the Honda coolant hoses last a long time.

Did have a used CR-V where a previous owner put in Prestone green. Many of the smaller hoses (like for throttle body heat) were swelling and one eventually popped. That was fun to change in a store parking lot when it was -5°F.

For PS, I just get whatever brand name "Asian Car" PS fluid they have.

 

[Buckaroo5]

My understanding is that the Honda PS specific fluid is a real thing so I don't deviate. For late model cars, I stick with OEM engine coolant. If it is an older beater (> 10 yrs old), I will go with alternative engine coolant depending on availability/cost.

 

[jd_1138]

I imagine if the parts store version says it's equivalent, it should work. Like how a lot of Chrysler products take the ATF+4 ****** fluid, but car parts places sell their own version.

I'd probably err on the side of caution and use the Honda stuff. Since you guys are saving lots of $$$$ by doing the job yourself. I have a 2011 Honda CRV AWD, and it calls for a special differential fluid for the rear axle. I buy the Honda branded stuff off eBay pretty cheaply. I am saving like $120 by doing the job myself so I figure may as well buy the right fluids. I think it's just a little more than non-Honda fluids.

 

[gmcgeo]

All my Hondas i use anything that says its equivalent for honda.

Now my Subaru, that's an entire different story.... only Subaru blue coolant

 

[kbeefy]

They actually have aftermarket PS fluid that is specifically for hondas. Not sure whats different about it but it's usually about the same price.
For the coolant your probably fine with Zerex asian blue. I wouldn't get the universal stuff if you can avoid it.

 

[shawhite]

I have used the universal zerex for 18 years in my Acura. Also use Valvoline atf every 30k miles due to the TL having known transmission issues. 225 k on same transmission and most other parts are original only parts changed are belts and tensioners and ps pump just recently and that was with running Honda ps fluid. Don’t overthink it

 

[MarkG]

I remember thinking the same thing, before I stopped and thought about how seldom it gets changed, and figured it was worth using 'their brand' just for peace of mind. Never had a problem with anything else Honda, so I trust the fluid to be decent stuff too. But I probably wouldn't lose sleep using any other good brand either.

 

[tarmy]

I am one of those guys that does all my own work on our cars/trucks/tractor/boats. I am not that interested in guessing or being cheap with replacement parts/fluids and have found that using the factory stuff has worked well for me over the decades. Just not that big a cost difference and then I don’t have to wonder about warranties or things getting screwed up. just my .02$

 

[corn chip]

me i wouldnt use universal fluids unless it was a dire emergency and then i would flush it soon as possible.
if the owners manual says honda fluids with no alternatives then for sure i would use honda fluids.
sometimes they list alternatives.
my toyota car simply says dex111 for power steering but is more specific about the transmission fluid so i use the toyota brand

 

[jonshonda]

The Honda engineers know what they want, and the marketing guys know how to make money. I have always used genuine Honda/Toyota fluids. It might hurt the wallet a bit more, but sometimes peace of mind is worth more than money.

 

[shawhite]

Do you guys also use genuine Honda oil and filters? Pretty sure all Honda fluids are produced by outside vendors to Honda specs so not a far stretch to think some of the big names are capable of creating compatible fluids.

 

[paulsomlo]

I only use Honda PS and trans fluid. Otherwise, it's Prestone/Peak and whatever major brand oil is on sale.

 

[corn chip]

Do you guys also use genuine Honda oil and filters? Pretty sure all Honda fluids are produced by outside vendors to Honda specs so not a far stretch to think some of the big names are capable of creating compatible fluids.

of course honda doesnt make any fluids. but surely they have their own recipe for some of the fluids, just as every manufacturer probly does. . maybe a one size fits all parts store 'asian' formula is still good enough. who knows. its virtually impossible to know whats in the bottle.
if theres a acceptable equivalent or alternative, the owners manual usually mentions it. motor oil for example. transmission and perhaps power steering may have no equivalent and only honda stuff is recomended.
at the end of the day its your car. put aunt jamima syrup in it for all we care

 

[nicks78camaro]

Stick with fluids that are specified for use in your Honda. Saving a couple bucks isn't worth a potential issue long term.

 

[BigSteve63]

ExxonMobil used to be the OEM for engine oils; now produced by Phillips66. Honda PS fluid and ATF are pretty specific, would not deviate from the OEM. My .02

Steve

 

[ddawg16]

Oh, fluids for cars.....

Exchanged some 'fluids' with the wife this morning

 

[97nismo]

Subaru is same way

they have blue and green coolant

blue lasts longer in aluminum blocks ~100k
green lasts less ~30k and will need to be changed

can’t mix green in blue but can mix blue into green

as for PS fluid the stuff listed as non honda will make the seals swell and cause leaks

pretty sure they don’t use buna N or viton

 

[Showkey]

Honda and many other require No silicates, NO nitrates, NON borate coolant. Silicates in some vehicles destroy the water pump seal.
Color is not a good judge of the type of coolant.
Premix also often used de-ionized water.

Two of many charts showing additive and chemistry for the choices:

 

[Bondo]

I'm replacing the radiator and ps pump on my son's 2006 Honda Pilot. The manual says to use only Honda brand fluids. It says that if you pour in non Honda fluids, for emergency use only, you should go get Honda fluids and flush out the other stuff. Does anyone know if there is something special about their coolant and ps fluid? It sounds to me like they are just wanting to sell fluid. I have seen ps fluid at Autozone that says its good for Hondas, and coolant that says good for all vehicles. Should I go out and look for Honda coolant? Will non Honda fluids damage the internals? Seems hard to believe.

Ayuh,...... Honda, nor any other manufacturer makes their own fluids, yet Every manufacturer demands that you use their over-priced fluids,......

I Don't,..... If the fluid meets the specs, I use whichever is easily available,......

 

[nbpt100]

There you have it. Is the OP more confident in what to do than before.?

 

[exmaxima1]

Stick with fluids that are specified for use in your Honda. Saving a couple bucks isn't worth a potential issue long term.

I'm not so sure if that is always the case. For example, is the Honda ATF a synthetic or merely mineral oil? Honda doesn't care if your trans craps out at 100K, and blends its ATF to maximize gas mileage. I do appreciate that CVT's require specialized fluids, but if it is a geared transmission the fluids are much more universal. I would---and do---research available better fluids if you plan to keep your Honda/Toyota/Mazda/Nissan/Subaru a long time.

 

[nicks78camaro]

I'm not so sure if that is always the case. For example, is the Honda ATF a synthetic or merely mineral oil? Honda doesn't care if your trans craps out at 100K, and blends its ATF to maximize gas mileage. I do appreciate that CVT's require specialized fluids, but if it is a geared transmission the fluids are much more universal. I would---and do---research available better fluids if you plan to keep your Honda/Toyota/Mazda/Nissan/Subaru a long time.

My post said to use fluids specified for use in your Honda, not necessarily OEM fluids.

Now I will say, you won't hurt anything by using OEM fluids. There are no documented failures proven to be caused from using Honda fluids in a Honda.

You might hurt something by using a fluid that's not compatible.

 

[exmaxima1]

I have several Toyotas with the same 6-speed Aisin transmission. The factory Toyota WS fluid is mineral-based and is not "Lifetime" worthy. Toyota knows this but does not talk about it because they don't care about what happens after 100K. Modern fluids are synthetic and will improve longevity.

 

[nicks78camaro]

I have several Toyotas with the same 6-speed Aisin transmission. The factory Toyota WS fluid is mineral-based and is not "Lifetime" worthy. Toyota knows this but does not talk about it because they don't care about what happens after 100K. Modern fluids are synthetic and will improve longevity.

Were we talking about fluid change intervals or fluid specs? It is common knowledge that manufacturers stretch fluid change intervals to lower projected cost of ownership. I still stand by my comment to use OE or equivalent fluids vs one that is not compatible with the vehicle. Change intervals are a different subject.

 

[exmaxima1]

Were we talking about fluid change intervals or fluid specs? It is common knowledge that manufacturers stretch fluid change intervals to lower projected cost of ownership. I still stand by my comment to use OE or equivalent fluids vs one that is not compatible with the vehicle. Change intervals are a different subject.

My comment was that many fluids are not actually "lifetime" unless you accept the premise that a car lasts 100K miles. If you want to keep a car longer it pays to replace the fluids with higher spec versions that last much longer.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The one (or two) fluids I woul for sure stick with OEM are ATF, and if equipped, 4WD/AWD fluid.

 

[nicks78camaro]

My comment was that many fluids are not actually "lifetime" unless you accept the premise that a car lasts 100K miles. If you want to keep a car longer it pays to replace the fluids with higher spec versions that last much longer.

I agree with that, it's just not relevant to my post or this thread in general. OP was asking about what fluid to use, not the intervals which to change them.

 

[smokey0810]

Honda's like Honda ****. Honda PS fluid is a must. Will get noisy otherwise.

 

[BonzoHansen]

I'm replacing the radiator and ps pump on my son's 2006 Honda Pilot. The manual says to use only Honda brand fluids. It says that if you pour in non Honda fluids, for emergency use only, you should go get Honda fluids and flush out the other stuff. Does anyone know if there is something special about their coolant and ps fluid? It sounds to me like they are just wanting to sell fluid. I have seen ps fluid at Autozone that says its good for Hondas, and coolant that says good for all vehicles. Should I go out and look for Honda coolant? Will non Honda fluids damage the internals? Seems hard to believe.

My 2005 pilot has 205000 and going on it. It gets only Honda trans fluid (every other oil change) and honda coolant since day 1. I don't buy it enough to bother trying to save a few bucks.

It's been a good vehicle, handed down to both kids. It seems to have needed a rad and a battery every 6 years lol. Other than that, no big costs. Did the timing belt, wp, tstat, and hoses twice, always Honda parts. But never again, I'm in roll the dice mode at this point lol

The PS high line gave up after 30 minutes of parallel parking practice, what a pain to do that. The low side has about a 1 foot hardline down by the crank pulley. I saw it was rusty but underestimated how bad. It gave away a few months later and took the ps pump with it. Argh. I made a new one thinking it was probably a goofy OE only part and I didn't want to wait. Later found out advance auto had the pre-bent line on the shelf! Lol. Never thought they'd carry something like that. And it wasn't much more than the piece of 3/8 steel I bought to make the new one. So heads up on that lol.

There is a forum piloteers.com that has been good for odd stuff info.

 

[shawhite]

My 2005 pilot has 205000 and going on it. It gets only Honda trans fluid (every other oil change) and honda coolant since day 1. I don't buy it enough to bother trying to save a few bucks.

It's been a good vehicle, handed down to both kids. It seems to have needed a rad and a battery every 6 years lol. Other than that, no big costs. Did the timing belt, wp, tstat, and hoses twice, always Honda parts. But never again, I'm in roll the dice mode at this point lol

The PS high line gave up after 30 minutes of parallel parking practice, what a pain to do that. The low side has about a 1 foot hardline down by the crank pulley. I saw it was rusty but underestimated how bad. It gave away a few months later and took the ps pump with it. Argh. I made a new one thinking it was probably a goofy OE only part and I didn't want to wait. Later found out advance auto had the pre-bent line on the shelf! Lol. Never thought they'd carry something like that. And it wasn't much more than the piece of 3/8 steel I bought to make the new one. So heads up on that lol.

There is a forum piloteers.com that has been good for odd stuff info.

Trans fluid change every other oil change. So like every 15k. I thought I was doing good at every 30k. I have used ma life synthetic since my first trans fluid change 225,000 and going.

 

[BonzoHansen]

Trans fluid change every other oil change. So like every 15k. I thought I was doing good at every 30k. I have used ma life synthetic since my first trans fluid change 225,000 and going.

Yeah. It's just a 4 qt drain and fill, no filter. Every 30 is probably just fine. I'll go every other or third LOF. Honda fluids only.

 

[exmaxima1]

Trans fluid change every other oil change. So like every 15k. I thought I was doing good at every 30k. I have used ma life synthetic since my first trans fluid change 225,000 and going.

That's funny because when I contacted Toyota to get a price on a trans change they said it was "lifetime". I ran into the owner of a trans shop on a local FB sale and also said there is no need as the fluid never wears out. I don't believe it and want to replace it on my Toyotas. Are you saying the dealer had no problem giving you a trans fluid change?