Rep Power: 0

I'm going to replace my ATF.

I remove the AT drain bolt and let it drain. After it's drained where do I refill the ATF? Do I refill through the ATF dipstick hole? Is there refill hole?

 
Rep Power: 336

Don't trust me, but I think you can refill using the dipstick hole... just gotta be careful not to spill. But you better wait for the masters with Auto trannies... cuz I have a manual

 
Rep Power: 322

Fill it through the dipstick hole...about 3 quarts.
Be careful not to pour the entire 3 quarts because you will go above the max line.

 
Rep Power: 0

What should the level be when cold? What should it be when warm?

 
Rep Power: 322

The same assuming you aren't measuring with the tranny engaged.

 
Rep Power: 454

just add 3 quarts and be done. after you add it, start up the car and let it warm up, then check the level. Should be between the 2 marks.

 
Rep Power: 313

yes add the WHOLE 3 quarts will be fine.

 
Rep Power: 0

its better to underfill than overfill.

i rather run the tranny with -.5qt of atf rather than overfilling and having to drain the plug again and make a mess.



does the manual read that you pour thru the atf dipstick hole? just seems kind of odd

 
Rep Power: 454

yes the manaul recommends that. there is no other place to add it besides the dipstick hole. And alot of auto trannies are like that.

 
Rep Power: 313

is there anything wrong if the fluid level is at the top of the two marks on the dip stick?

 
Rep Power: 279

^^Yeah, that might cause problems.

 
Rep Power: 813

it might cause the fluid to bubble a bit. not a huge deal. and yea alwqays check it right after driving when the temp is hot and you've gone through all the gears.

 
Rep Power: 313

^^ thanks gear. I just installed the tranny cooler and when i checked the tranny level after having the car warmed up, the level was at the top of the two marks on the dip stick. Then i realized that i checked it when my car was not level, so that was probably the problem. I'll check again tomorrow on level ground and driving for a bit. Thanks gear

 
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Is it recommended to try to syphon out the remaining ATF once drained?

Is it recommended to try to syphon out the remaining ATF once drained?

 
Rep Power: 813

what remaining atf? you can't get any more out, most is in the torque converter and cooler lines where its inaccessible.

 
Rep Power: 287

I dont have an a/t, but cant you just disconnect the cooler lines, run the car and drain the remaining fluid out of the transmission and into a bucket? Then refill the same way, except with clean container filled with atf going into one cooler line, and the other cooler line going into a bucket with dirty atf

 
Rep Power: 813

ya except with that method, you'll need a new transmission when you're done

 
Rep Power: 287

no not really.. do you have any idea what you're talking about at all? why would that ruin the transmission? it's a common practice.

you disconnect one of the hoses, and let the fluid drain out. and after some of the fluid has drained, you shut off the car, and add more new fluid. you just repeat this process until the fluid coming out of the drain hose looks like new

 
Rep Power: 813

yea a common practice using sophisticated machines that make sure the same amount of fluid is pumped in that is pumped out. i'll give you a little hint, maybe a spoonful of fluid comes out when you disconnect the hoses. but you dont have an auto so you really have no idea how it works. there is almost 12 quarts of fluid in the entire system. turning on the car with a hose loose will drain some fluid yes, but after a small amount of time, the fluid level will drop below min and you will cause damage to the gears. you can maybe do this 1/2 quart each time, and add new, but how long will you be doing that before all the fluid is replaced, and starting your car over and over. its risky and dangerous, which is why they have a flushing machine.

 
Rep Power: 0

My Honda dealer is trying to sell me on flushing the ATF with their machine.

I called around and one non-Honda shop advised against flushing the ATF with a machine because the flushing process can damage a solenoid valve.

A simple drain and fill with ATF-Z1 is recommended. Anyone try Dexron III and has it caused any problems?

 
Rep Power: 287

no, just no. i may not have an a/t civic, but i still know how they function. the reason i'm not sure if you can do this in an a/t civic is because i dont know how easily accessable the transmission lines are. i'm not gonna debate this, just do some research and you'll find that i'm right. people safely do this all the time without machines. you do not need a machine to flush out the fluid.

 
Rep Power: 813

flushing is not recommended for an auto tranny anyway, even if its done properly. and i would only drain and refill with honda fluid.

 
Rep Power: 0

Can the AT drain plug washer be reused again? My Honda dealer said you can reuse it. Is the AT drain hole threads flimsy like the oil drain pan threads?

 
Rep Power: 813

i've reused it 3x and its fine. they say change it, maybe next time i will. but its not leaking.. and i believe there is no washer, just bolt? i cant remember.

 
Rep Power: 309

90471-PX4-000 Washer, used on auto trannys.

 
Rep Power: 813

ah okay. i never bought anything new when i did it.

 
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I just changed my ATF for the first time @ 46761 miles.

Reached under the car and removed the drain bolt. The bolt was on tight but once loosened it came off nicely. The washer was flatened so I replaced it. The drain bolt plug had the goo of metal bits all over it!!! Be sure to clean it out!

The old fluid was dark red not black.

When the fluid stopped draining I jacked up the left rear of the car and more fluid gushed out. Jacked up the left front of the car and more came out. Just kept jacking up the car from all sides until no more fluid came out.

Put back on the new washer and clean drain bolt and added Honda ATF Z1.

By jacking up the car and lowering it, I was able to get more fluid out and added 2.96 quarts of ATF.

The new fluid is clear and red like wine. Once it mixed with the old the fluid it darkened a bit.

Should I drain it 2 more times or wait until the next drain? Honda ATFZ1 is expensive! Is there anyway to get all the old fluid out?

 
Rep Power: 309

With a drain and refill there would be no way to get 100% old fluid out.

The frequency of changes in my owners manual is crazy IMO (1st change severe = 60k miles / normal = 120k miles )

I did mine at 25k

 
Rep Power: 813

mine was black at 18k with tons of metal pieces on the bolt.