Am I understanding correctly that a Honda dealer used non-Honda parts and fluids and unapproved additives when servicing your vehicle?
Honda Dealer Service Fluid Changes
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Well, if it's on the internet, it must be true! 
I have never seen Honda say BG or any other additives, conditioners, or alternatives are "okay" nor have I personally seen non-Honda fluids aside from engine oil and windshield washer fluid used or sold at Honda dealerships, but I haven't pilfered through their inventory warehouses, either.
I have seen Honda say use ONLY "Genuine Honda so-and-so" and DO NOT use additives in owner's manuals and service bulletins.
Again, I'm not saying these products don't work or aren't superior to Honda-branded fluids. I'm just saying it is in the best interest of the dealer's liability to use only Honda-branded fluids where such exists. On the other hand, the dealer can stand to make a higher profit by using non-Honda fluids while increasing their liability. Why would Honda approve of, let alone suggest, the use of a competitor's product which would cut into sales of their own product? It just doesn't make sense.
I have never seen Honda say BG or any other additives, conditioners, or alternatives are "okay" nor have I personally seen non-Honda fluids aside from engine oil and windshield washer fluid used or sold at Honda dealerships, but I haven't pilfered through their inventory warehouses, either.
I have seen Honda say use ONLY "Genuine Honda so-and-so" and DO NOT use additives in owner's manuals and service bulletins.
Again, I'm not saying these products don't work or aren't superior to Honda-branded fluids. I'm just saying it is in the best interest of the dealer's liability to use only Honda-branded fluids where such exists. On the other hand, the dealer can stand to make a higher profit by using non-Honda fluids while increasing their liability. Why would Honda approve of, let alone suggest, the use of a competitor's product which would cut into sales of their own product? It just doesn't make sense.
I know my local dealer uses "aftermarket" fluids that are NOT spec'd by Honda. What I mean is, they routinely use fuel treatment, engine cleaner, brake cleaners, oil, and such and charge the customer plenty for it. However, I am also sure they use Honda Branded spec fluids for Tranny, power steering, coolant, and VTM. They charge an arm and a leg for them also (retail). They even change the aluminum washer each time they change the fluid (I haven't done that in years).Well, if it's on the internet, it must be true!
I have never seen Honda say BG or any other additives, conditioners, or alternatives are "okay" nor have I personally seen non-Honda fluids aside from engine oil and windshield washer fluid used or sold at Honda dealerships, but I haven't pilfered through their inventory warehouses, either.
I have seen Honda say use ONLY "Genuine Honda so-and-so" and DO NOT use additives in owner's manuals and service bulletins.
Again, I'm not saying these products don't work or aren't superior to Honda-branded fluids. I'm just saying it is in the best interest of the dealer's liability to use only Honda-branded fluids where such exists. On the other hand, the dealer can stand to make a higher profit by using non-Honda fluids while increasing their liability. Why would Honda approve of, let alone suggest, the use of a competitor's product which would cut into sales of their own product? It just doesn't make sense.
I also have little doubt that there are dealers that maximize profit selling the alternative fluids to folks that don't know any better (and most don't care). My wife is one of those people. Her criteria for service? I get in the car and turn the key and it goes. Therefore service is not required.
I doubt there is any research available, at least not to us, that would indicate any failure rates of the alternatives (refused warranty claims for example). So we live in America, buyer beware. Honda tells me to use nothing but Honda fluid in a $5000 transmission...That's what I'm going to do. So far so good.
I don't have the answer to why Honda/Acura or any other New vehicle Dealership like Toyota/Lexus Mercedes Benz that does the exact same. The dealerships must be confident the products work. If there were mass failures something would have been done years ago. I don't see Dealership covering this because they used an additive and something happen. I don't see BG covering massive vehicle failures either. I am very well aware of Honda/Acura owners manual words as have been owner for 36yrs and have been getting service at dealerships on a regular basis. But as said new car dealerships do use many of these products in service. I found another post on Piloteers Forum that said dealer used BG SYNCRO SHIFT 2 in Pilot not VTM-4 It was dated 2015. They were getting same responses. Why would Acura dealership use BG ATC PLUS in new 5speed transmission or anybody else that original had known recall defect.Well, if it's on the internet, it must be true!
I have never seen Honda say BG or any other additives, conditioners, or alternatives are "okay" nor have I personally seen non-Honda fluids aside from engine oil and windshield washer fluid used or sold at Honda dealerships, but I haven't pilfered through their inventory warehouses, either.
I have seen Honda say use ONLY "Genuine Honda so-and-so" and DO NOT use additives in owner's manuals and service bulletins.
Again, I'm not saying these products don't work or aren't superior to Honda-branded fluids. I'm just saying it is in the best interest of the dealer's liability to use only Honda-branded fluids where such exists. On the other hand, the dealer can stand to make a higher profit by using non-Honda fluids while increasing their liability. Why would Honda approve of, let alone suggest, the use of a competitor's product which would cut into sales of their own product? It just doesn't make sense.
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