Rep Power: 0

Yesterday I completely changed out (in contrast with only changing the oil in the sump) the ATF in my '01 Civic LX. This is an easy procedure where one with minimal mechanical experience can be successful. This procedure allows the home DIY'er to remove the maximum amount of old ATF while minimizing contamination of the new. As far as the transmission filter goes, I was told they are non-serviceable. The case has to be split to gain access.

Materials needed:

8 quarts Honda ATF-Z1
Short length of (less than 12") 3/8 i.d. braided rubber hose (or equivalent)
Drain plug crush washer (optional/ I reused mine)

1. Jack up front end and remove tranny drain plug using 3/8 drive ratchet. It is located on lower passenger side tranny case next to frame rail.

2. Drain sump. Clean and reinstall plug.

3. You now need to disconnect the return cooler line from the radiator. This particular hose connection (on my car) is located right next to the radiator drain petcock (drivers side) and can be easily accessed through a service hole in the plastic splash guard. The only difficulty I found here was moving the PITA spring clamp on the hose. I do not have the special pliers and did it with channel locks.

4. After disconnecting the hose from the nipple, direct the open end down through the hole to your drain pan.

5. Connect a short length of the hose you purchased to the open radiator nipple and direct it down towards your drain pan next to the other hose. You do not need to clamp this hose because its purpose is to simply direct the dirty ATF to your drain pan. I found it easier to connect this aux. hose by reaching down from the top.

6. Add about 4.5 quarts of new ATF to the sump and drop the car down to where it is somewhat level.

7. For this step you will need the assistance of a helper. Grab hold of the 2 rubber hoses that should be directed down towards your drain pan. Have your helper start the engine. With engine running, ATF will begin to flow from the aux. hose. STOP the engine when the pressure diminishes and you see air infiltration ( +/- a minute should do it). The ATF that drips out should be the clean new stuff. The sump is about empty at this point. You're done with your helper.

8. Remove aux. hose and re-connect return cooler hose to radiator nipple and clamp.

9. Top off sump with about 2.5 quarts and start engine/shift through forward and reverse gears for a few minutes to circulate ATF and to get it close to operating temperature. Stop engine / check dipstick level and top-off as necessary.

10. Happy motoring!

 
Rep Power: 270

9.1 Shift it to each gear, so the Fluid gets in the gears

 
Rep Power: 388

Goodway to start off your posts! Very rep worthy. This would kick *** if you added some pictures. Glad to see some new DIY's hitting the site. Keep it up.