Rep Power: 0

I went to check my transmission fluid and when I went to pull out the dipstick it kinda felt like it was just laying on top of the hole. It was really lose like it wasin't grabbing. I'm suprised it dosen't fall out when I'm driving. Well, the question is, is that normal to be be that lose or should there be some sort of grab when I pull on it? Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 288

it relies on a minute amount of suction from the lip of the hole...best solution is to try and find some tape that is heat resistant that can add some security to your peace of mind....dunno why Honda skimped on putting a dipstick tube on this gen of civics...

 
Rep Power: 285

My dad is a mechanic and he said it is fine. It wont fall out. It would have to raise up almost a foot high to fall out.

 
Rep Power: 288

now here is the thing...it doesn't have to fall out for it to leak fluid, which is what mine did...the damn thing has to be seated 100% correctly for it to suction right and not leak

 
Rep Power: 285

true, but if it still in there, and leaks then you should see the oil on the ground. idk. i just asked him and he said as long as you push it down it will be fine. did it affect your trans any? or did you catch it early enough

 
Rep Power: 288

have you ever started your car without the oil cap on?

it spritzes like a fountain sort of * <<<like that asterik but only tiny drops...
the tranny just kinda seeps out when it gets hot enough...it wasn't a case of it dripping cuz it isn't a heavy steady thing, as the tranny isn't full to the brim giving enough reason for it to leak, it was more of a seepage onto the hot tranny that dried it nearly immedately and left that residue look on the back of the tranny and on some of the wiring around it...

 
Rep Power: 285

yah i hear ya.....no smell of it burning, cause it smells like crap when its new, jw

 
Rep Power: 0

I came across this tread because I also too noticed that on my 2003 civic the transmission dipstick was very loose. Anyways, I did find a solution and apparently honda has a newer trans. dipstick and I was able to find it at hondapartsnow(dot)com They had it for like $8 and the part # is 25610-PLX-003

It goes in nice and snug and is no longer loose. I hope this helps anyone else that comes across this. Now I don't have to worry about this falling out or having debris fall in the transmission.

 
Rep Power: 256

i believe gearbox said he purchased the new style dipstisck awhile back and after time it also became loose like the original one.

 
Rep Power: 812

i dont think it would get that loose like the original unless you leave it in there for years. the key is to wipe around the hole with a shop towel before installing the stick. trans fluid is what shrinks the rubber. just like it does to the seals in the trans lol.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 229

i've always thought about the chance of getting dirty rain water in there when you hit a pot hole full of water.

 
Rep Power: 195

All I can say is that my dipstick was left loose and it jammed into the tranny bending the dipstick and shaving off some metal.
I would make sure it fits well and is always pushed in tightly.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank u so much my friend u r a life saver!!!