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Getting ready to do the first ATF drain and fill on a 2004 Civic VP with 85,000 Florida miles (I have 3 Quarts of Genuine Honda ATF).

Researching the topic on the Internet, I see two recommended methods:1) Carefully measure the drain Qty and use this as a re-fill Qty.2) Perform the drain and then add exactly 2.9 Quarts of ATF.

To my surprise no-one appears to recommend taking a dip reading on a warmed up engine/transmission with the reading taken while running in Park? (this is what I have done in the past with my other cars).

I see obvious issues with both of the recommended methods in that 1) does not account for any lost fluid and 2) assumes that a definitive amount of fluid will be left trapped in the transmission.

Any advice from members with big mileage Civic auto-trans would be greatly appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 284

1. Drain fluid
2. Add 2.9 quarts of atf
3. Check the dipstick with the engine running and transmission in park.
4. Check the fluid, it should be bright red, if its not do a drain and fill with each oil change until it is.
5. Replace dipstick with the revised model from Honda, well worth the $10 cost.
6. Repeat fluid change annually, regardless of mileage.

 
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MindBomber,

That makes perfect sense.

Thanks

 
Rep Power: 291

Checking dipstick is just common sense, to check the fluid levels

and yes, if you have the old orange dipstick, replace with the yellow foam dipstick, makes a world of difference

I noticed with the old one, I was losing oil everywhere

Take a look at this thread,
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...ght-now-3.html
See my pictures for old and new difference