Parts for your 2010 Honda Elysion-Transmission fluid

2010 Honda Elysion transmission fluid – what it does and when to change it

For the 2010 Honda Elysion, transmission fluid is absolutely relevant. This model runs a five‑speed automatic (5AT) across its K24 four‑cylinder and J‑series V6 variants, which relies on automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for lubrication, cooling and hydraulic control. Honda’s technical literature identifies Honda ATF as the specified fluid for its 5AT units, with ServiceNews noting ATF DW‑1 supersedes the older ATF‑Z1. Honda’s parts catalogues for the Elysion (RR1–RR4) also list DW‑1 as the service fill, confirming that this vehicle is not a CVT and does not use CVT fluid.

In the Elysion, ATF does a lot of heavy lifting. It cools the transmission under load, lubricates gears and bearings, and provides the precise hydraulic pressure that engages clutches and shifts gears smoothly. Fresh, correct‑spec fluid helps the box shift cleanly, reduces shudder, and prolongs the life of clutches and solenoids—especially important if the vehicle tows, carries the whanau on long trips, or spends time in stop‑start city traffic.

For servicing, the sensible recommendation in Aussie and Kiwi conditions is a preventative drain‑and‑fill every 60,000–80,000 km or about every 3–4 years, sooner (40,000–60,000 km) if the Elysion tows, drives hilly routes, or lives in hot climates. Use Honda ATF DW‑1 (or a fluid that explicitly meets Honda DW‑1 requirements). Avoid “universal” ATFs that don’t state DW‑1 compliance, and never use CVT fluid or Dexron as substitutes.

A drain‑and‑fill replaces a portion of the fluid (typically a few litres) via the transmission drain plug. Many owners repeat this 2–3 times over short drives to refresh most of the capacity without a power flush. Always fit a new crush washer, tighten the drain plug to the service‑manual spec, and check the level on level ground with the engine at operating temperature. The fluid on the dipstick should be a clear reddish colour, a dark or burnt smell points to overdue service.

• Watch for signs like flare between shifts, shudder, harsh changes, or a whine—these often improve after a proper ATF service.
• Stick with genuine DW‑1 or proven equivalent to maintain shift feel and clutch durability.
• If the old fluid is very dark or contaminated, plan multiple drain‑and‑fills rather than a single change.

Bottom line: the 2010 Honda Elysion uses ATF, and keeping it fresh with the right fluid is cheap insurance for a long‑lived, smooth‑shifting transmission.

Popular questions about 2010 Honda Elysion transmission fluid

What transmission fluid does a 2010 Honda Elysion take?
The 2010 Elysion’s five‑speed automatic is specified for Honda ATF DW‑1. Honda technical bulletins note DW‑1 replaces the older ATF‑Z1. Using the correct DW‑1‑spec fluid preserves shift quality and protects the clutches and valve body. Avoid CVT fluid or generic Dexron blends—they’re not appropriate for this gearbox.

How often should the transmission fluid be changed?
For local Aussie/NZ use, a preventative drain‑and‑fill every 60,000–80,000 km (or 3–4 years) is a good rule of thumb, with earlier intervals for heavy towing, hot climates, or lots of city driving. Check the dipstick annually, if the fluid is very dark or smells burnt, service it sooner and consider multiple drain‑and‑fills.

How much fluid is needed for a change?
A single drain‑and‑fill typically replaces a few litres, not the entire capacity. Many technicians do two or three drain‑and‑fills, driving briefly between each, to refresh most of the fluid without a power flush. Always confirm the level hot and on level ground, and use a new crush washer on the drain plug.