1998 Honda Accord Fluid Flush or not?

STUNTMAN

MEMBER
1998 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
207,000 MILES

The transmission fluid is dirty and starting to smell burned. I have no idea when the fluid was last changed, but certainly not since maybe 125,000 miles. The transmission seems to run fine, at least nothing obvious to me.

Our local Honda dealership suggested I do nothing about the fluid. Saying it could be risky to do a flush and that I should just keep driving with what I have.
Is that what is generally accepted for a car in this state?

Thanks!

3 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

They may be right. The fluid needs to be changed before getting to that condition. Right now the damage has already been done and the varnish is holding it together at this point. Fresh fluid will remove the varnish which is actually holding back pressure now. I have seen many drive into the shop for a flush and not drive out.

On the other hand, the damage may already be done so the only thing you may do is hasten the inevitable. It could actually help though. Just know the risk you are taking.

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Thursday, October 21st, 2010 AT 2:28 PM

STUNTMAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank you for the reply. I guess the thing that makes this a tough call is that the transmission seems to function perfectly. I really hope to get another year out of the car, so perhaps not taking the risk is best. I just don't want to shorten the lifespan by not doing anything. Is there not a way to test the fluid first, to see whether it is bad enough to warrant keeping in the system. Or can I assume any transmission with 210,000 miles on it is probably running on borrowed time. Regardless.

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Friday, October 22nd, 2010 AT 10:47 AM

WRENCHTECH