Rep Power: 0

my son bought a used Civic awhile back with about 175000 miles. It now has 190000. He does not know history of car. Wants to change transmission fluid but I have reservation as to whether he should do this due to mileage and not knowing when fluid was changed last. Fluid is brown, not black and does not smell. So with that info does anyone have any thoughts to share. I definitely would not flush it but might change out the 3 or 4 quarts (whatever is appropriate for this car). I just don't know that much about Civics....thanks

 
Rep Power: 148

Since you know no history, go here ( https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...vic-coupe.html ) and use ezone's thread (#4) to a 3 or 4 change out method. Cost you about $90..maybe overkill. You decide. Do not power flush. Basically, you can only get 3 quarts out at a time. Holds about 9. So dump 3, pour in three and drive a few miles. repeats 3 or for times to use a case of Honda Brand DW1 $6.42 qt but they will want shipping $20 for the oil at College Honda (8+ at my local dealer..so even for me. At that miles, if it has a external filter in the line going to the radiator. I would get one from College Honda..$20 and no shipping right now. Your 98 probably does not have an external filter. ezone will know.

 
Rep Power: 208

go to a honda dealer, they will sell you the PROPER fluid

 
Rep Power: 0

I need to update this, I actually siphoned a small portion of fluid out of car today and it looks worse than I thought. Kinda black with a little smell. My inclination now is to just leave it alone. I'm afraid putting new fluid in now just may cause it to start having problems. but maybe if we are just talking about 3 quarts maybe not. Anyway appreciate responses so far. thanks

 
Rep Power: 517

I refuse to blindly believe the myth about not changing old fluid.
If it's gotta poop the bed, it's gonna do it no matter if you change fluid or not.




I'd have no reservations about changing the fluid no matter what.