What gear oil does Honda use?

Honda specifies its own branded lubricants for gearboxes and final drives: Genuine Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) for manual gearboxes; Honda ATF DW‑1 for step automatics (replacing ATF‑Z1); Honda HCF‑2 for CVTs; model‑specific fluids for dual‑clutch units; and dedicated rear differential oils such as Dual Pump Fluid II, VTM‑4 differential fluid, or Acura DPSF. For motorcycles and marine gearcases, Honda typically calls for JASO MA/MA2 motorcycle engine oil in shared engine/gearbox sumps and hypoid SAE 80W‑90 gear oil in final drives. Exact requirements vary by model and year, so the owner’s manual remains the final authority.

Passenger cars and SUVs: Transmission and differential fluids

Honda and Acura passenger vehicles use different fluids depending on the transmission and driveline design. Using the specified fluid is critical for shift quality, component longevity, and warranty compliance.

• Manual transmissions (5-/6-speed): Genuine Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF). In many markets this appears as MTF or MTF‑III (roughly 75W‑80 performance). Honda does not approve generic GL‑5 gear oil for its manual gearboxes; if MTF is temporarily unavailable, Honda has historically allowed short-term use of engine oil (e.g., SAE 10W‑30) as an emergency substitute only.
• Conventional automatics (step AT): Honda ATF DW‑1 (supersedes the discontinued ATF‑Z1). Do not mix with “universal” ATF unless it explicitly meets Honda’s DW‑1 requirement.
• Continuously variable transmissions (CVT): Honda HCF‑2 (later-generation CVT fluid). Generic CVT fluids are not recommended unless they state formal compatibility with Honda HCF‑2.
• Dual‑clutch transmissions (DCT) on select models: Use the exact Honda/Acura‑specified DCT/ATF fluid listed in the owner’s manual (certain Acura applications specify “ATF Type 3.x”). Do not substitute DW‑1, CVT, or generic DCT fluids without explicit approval.
• Rear differentials/AWD units: Fluid is system‑specific. Common factory fills include Honda Dual Pump Fluid II (Real Time AWD systems such as many CR‑V models), Honda VTM‑4 Differential Fluid (earlier VTM‑4 systems), and Acura DPSF/DPSF‑II (SH‑AWD and newer torque‑vectoring units). i‑VTM4 and other newer systems also require the exact fluid named in the manual.
• Transfer cases/Power Transfer Units (where equipped): These may call for DW‑1, a specific gear oil, or a unique OEM fluid depending on the platform. Always confirm by VIN and service literature.

Because nomenclature and specifications have evolved (e.g., Z1 to DW‑1, DPSF to DPSF‑II), always verify the latest superseded fluid and do not assume cross‑compatibility across systems.

Motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, and side‑by‑sides

Honda powersports products use different lubrication strategies depending on whether the gearbox shares oil with the engine and whether there’s a separate final drive.

• Shared engine/gearbox sumps (most Honda motorcycles): Use Honda 4‑stroke motorcycle oil that meets JASO MA or MA2 (e.g., Pro Honda GN4 or HP4 in 10W‑30/10W‑40, per the manual). This oil lubricates the engine, clutch, and gears together; automotive “energy conserving” oils can cause clutch slippage and are not recommended.
• Shaft‑drive final drives and many scooter gearcases: Use hypoid gear oil, typically SAE 80W‑90 meeting API GL‑4 or GL‑5, such as Pro Honda Shaft Drive Oil or Pro Honda HP Hypoid Gear Oil. Change intervals vary by model and usage.
• Honda motorcycle DCT models (e.g., Africa Twin, Gold Wing): The dual‑clutch unit shares the engine oil; there is no separate “gear oil.” Correct JASO MA2 motorcycle oil is essential for clutch performance.

Powersports lubrication requirements vary widely by platform; follow the model‑specific viscosity, spec, and interval in the owner’s or service manual.

Honda Marine outboards

Outboard gearcases use hypoid gear oil designed for marine service, which must resist foaming and water contamination.

• Lower unit (gearcase): Honda Genuine Marine High‑Performance Gear Oil, typically SAE 90 hypoid meeting API GL‑4/GL‑5. Many models specify straight 90‑weight marine gear oil; check your exact outboard model and ambient temperature guidance.

Using the correct marine gear oil and refreshing it at the prescribed interval helps prevent gear wear and corrosion from water ingress.

Why Honda insists on proprietary fluids

Honda’s manual gearbox synchronizers, CVT friction elements, dual‑pump AWD clutches, and valve body calibrations are tuned to specific friction and viscosity profiles. Off‑spec fluids can cause harsh or delayed shifts, judder, differential chatter, premature wear, or seal compatibility issues. For this reason, Honda’s published guidance consistently favors OEM fluids (or explicitly approved equivalents) over “universal” alternatives.

How to confirm the exact fluid for your Honda

Because product lines, specs, and supersessions change, use these steps to identify the correct gear oil or transmission/differential fluid for your vehicle.

1. Consult the owner’s manual or Honda/Acura service information for the fluid name and specification.
2. Check filler caps and under‑hood labels; many list the exact fluid type (e.g., “Use ATF DW‑1 only”).
3. Use a dealer or OEM parts catalog with your VIN to pull the current fluid part number and any supersessions.
4. Review technical service bulletins for updated fluid guidance (e.g., ATF‑Z1 superseded by DW‑1).
5. When in doubt, purchase Honda/Acura‑branded fluid that matches the manual’s specification rather than relying on “universal” products.

These steps minimize the risk of using an incompatible lubricant and help preserve driveline performance and warranty coverage.

Key takeaways

Honda uses Genuine Honda MTF for manual gearboxes; ATF DW‑1 for step automatics; HCF‑2 for CVTs; model‑specific OEM fluids for DCTs; and dedicated rear differential oils like Dual Pump Fluid II, VTM‑4, or Acura DPSF. Most Honda motorcycles share engine oil (JASO MA/MA2) with the transmission, while separate final drives and marine gearcases typically require hypoid SAE 80W‑90. Always verify the exact fluid and interval in the owner’s manual for your specific model and year.

What is Honda shaft drive oil?

Single-application hypoid gear oil SAE 80W-90 approved for use in Honda Gold Wings and other shaft-drive motorcycles and ATVs. Exceeds API service classifications GL-5 and GL-4. High shear strength resists viscosity breakdown under the most severe conditions.

What fluid goes in a Honda manual transmission?

If Honda MTF is not available, you may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity motor oil with the API Certification seal that says ”FOR GASOLINE ENGINES” as a temporary replacement.

Does it matter what gear oil I use?

As well as the oil meeting the right performance classification, the correct gear oil viscosity must also be used in automotive transmission and final drive transmission applications. A more viscous oil than specified will induce poor shift quality, run hotter, and produce lower fuel efficiency.

Which brand of oil does Honda use?

Honda Genuine Motor Oil
American Honda recommends using Honda Genuine Motor Oil, sold and available at Honda dealers . If Honda Genuine Motor Oil is not used, conventional motor oil of a premium-grade or an ultimate full synthetic blend may be used and must contain the specified viscosity grade indicated in your Owner’s Manual.