Playbooks

Beginner · short stepsExpert · spec · code · mm

Pick the situation. Read the left column. Say that at the window.

Twelve owner scenarios. Beginner script + genius measurements. SaferCar patterns — not a pirated TSB book.

WhoAudience: Owners in a named jam — brakes, noise, a light, a quote.Anyone who wants both altitudes on one card.
ClickControl: A playbook card. Then the beginner script.Playbook → steps. TSB desk and counter card live next door.
SayCounter: The left-column sentence. Then ask for the number on the right.Measurement first. Campaign lookup second. Parts last.

Playbooks · Flush · Daily owner

ATF is a spec, not a special

Transmission flush quoted

A “flush special” is how CVTs and 8-speeds die. Ask which fluid, which procedure, and whether they are dumping or power-flushing. Dexron is not Honda DW-1.

The writer circled “transmission flush” on a $189 menu. The car shifts fine, or it shudders once on a cold morning. You need the fluid name before you authorize a pump.

Beginner steps

What you do

0 / 4 beginner steps

01Make them write the fluid SKUHonda DW-1, HCF-2, Toyota WS, Mercon LV/ULV, Dexron VI, NS-3, Subaru High Torque — the bottle has a name. “Universal ATF” is a damage path on a CVT.Say: What exact fluid are you putting in this VIN? Write the OEM name on the RO, not “ATF.”
02Dump-and-fill vs power flushA drain-and-fill is a pan. A machine flush pushes solvent through a cooler. Many OEM books never call for the machine. Ask which one they priced.Say: Is this a pan drain or a machine flush? I will not authorize a power flush without the OEM procedure.
03If it already shudders, that is a diagnosisJudder on a Nissan/Subaru/Honda CVT is a complaint pattern, not a coupon. A flush after metal is in the pan is how you buy a valve body.Say: If you found metal or burnt fluid, stop. I want a photo of the pan and a diagnosis, not a flush.
04Ask what the book actually saysSome makers say lifetime. Some say 30–60k under tow/heat. “Lifetime” still has a capacity and a spec. We do not have Motor hours — they can show the OEM page.Say: Show me the OEM interval and the fluid spec for this VIN. I will not buy a menu from a poster.

Do not

Do not authorize a CVT “flush special” from a lube-shop poster.
Do not let them pour Dexron into Honda HCF-2 or Nissan NS-3.
Do not treat a shudder as a coupon item.

Expert notes

What the number means

CVT fluid
HCF-2, NS-3, Subaru High Torque, Toyota CVT FE are not Dexron. A “transmission flush” with the wrong jug is a known failure path on Rogue, CR-V CVT, and Outback.
8- and 9-speed ATF
FCA 8&9 Speed ATF is not ATF+4. Ford 10R80 often wants Mercon ULV, not LV. The tag on the case wins.

Open a live desk

SaferCar buckets this card answers: powertrain · not CR

Related patterns

Common failures by symptom. SaferCar pointers — not pirated TSB PDFs.

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