Is gear lubrication fluid different from ATF?

Nice answer Dave, are you a regular on this forum?

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi

One can only hope that the specs for the fluids will be in the owners'
manual. More and more they are coming out with "part numbers" instead
of weights and it's a guessing game how heavy or light the fluid needs
to be, let alone the additive package (friction modifiers, barrier
anti-wear adds, etc ...)

Honda CRV double-pump fluid is/was one of those. I called Dave
Granquist at Red Line about this a couple years ago and even he didn't
know if any of their fluids would meet the Honda spec.

--- Bror Jace

 

Yes, I am a regular reader as a proud, past owner of a 1981 Civic (it gave
up after three teen-age boys, two rollovers and about 14 Alaska winters),
present owner of a 1986 Civic fordor, and an Element (2003). I only reply,
however, when I feel I can contribute something useful or clarify some
obscure point. Thanks for the nice words though.
Dave D

 

Yes, I am a regular reader as a proud, past owner of a 1981 Civic (it gave
up after three teen-age boys, two rollovers and about 14 Alaska winters),
present owner of a 1986 Civic fordor, and an Element (2003). I only reply,
however, when I feel I can contribute something useful or clarify some
obscure point. Thanks for the nice words though.
Dave D

 

CRV dual pump fluid is unique to the CRV. It looks like ATF but regular
ATF will not work in the Dual Pump unit. The clutches will not function
properly causing a harsh chattering on turns.Although Genuine Honda
ATF-Z1 fluid has been used.

There is no substitute for the VTM-4 fluid in the rear diff of the
Pilot/MDX though.

In a Honda manual transmission 5w30/10w30 motor oil is acceptable. ATF
can be used as well (Acura TechLine used to recommend that off the
record) in cold climates. Never! use 'gear' lube regardless of viscosity
in a Honda manual transmission, it's too thick to properly lubricate the
gears in the end case, they will die an ugly death.

 

CRV dual pump fluid is unique to the CRV. It looks like ATF but regular
ATF will not work in the Dual Pump unit. The clutches will not function
properly causing a harsh chattering on turns.Although Genuine Honda
ATF-Z1 fluid has been used.

There is no substitute for the VTM-4 fluid in the rear diff of the
Pilot/MDX though.

In a Honda manual transmission 5w30/10w30 motor oil is acceptable. ATF
can be used as well (Acura TechLine used to recommend that off the
record) in cold climates. Never! use 'gear' lube regardless of viscosity
in a Honda manual transmission, it's too thick to properly lubricate the
gears in the end case, they will die an ugly death.