[eurban]

Why didn't Honda just use the ZF 8hp which is a proven transmission ?

Rear wheel drive architecture oriented transmission? Also probably designed for longitudinal engine rather than transverse as used in the Ridgeline. Ridge is all wheel drive but based on front wheel drive architecture.

 

[eurban]

I know they use the ZF8 in the BMW X7 so i thought it could go in the RL. I like the RL but I've read too many stories about the zf9.

ZF has been improved upon over the years, both in terms of mechanicals and especially the programming. It seems to be a reliable performer in the GenII Ridgeline.

 

[eurban]

If I understand, Honda has historically built almost all its transmissions (I believe due to licensing and patent issues with other transmissions). The 10-speed in the Pilot was introduced in 2017, so it’s not a new engine. There have been problems with the ZF transmissions introduced in 2014, attributed to software issues.

So while I appreciate a good ZF transmission and have experienced a few, there’s no reason to think Honda‘s current transmissions won’t be reliable or perform as advertised.

Have you missed all the issues with the AT6?

 

[eurban]

That new tranny is so complicated, it's just a complex unit waiting to fail.

Automatic transmissions are arguably 100s of times more complicated than the engines they are attached too. Yet somehow in this modern world they can be quite reliable as well. As has already been said, the Honda 10sp has been around for a good while now and is not having abnormal amounts of issues.

 

[eurban]

Do you mean Honda’s?

I’ve never had a vehicle with a 6-speed auto. Not familiar with issues with Honda’s 6-speed. (Most of my vehicles have been manual transmissions…)

Nevertheless, Honda has historically tended to use their own transmissions. The 10-speed has been in use since 2017, and I’m not aware of any major problems with it. (Unlike the ZF 9-speed in some Honda vehicles.)

YES, the AT6 is Honda's 6 spd transmission and it was used in (among other vehicles) the GenII Ridgeline from 2017-2019. There have been a large number of failures of that transmission documented in this very forum. Honda's switch to the outsourced ZF9 spd in the GenII (2020-present) was likely as a result of the issues with AT6.