Rep Power: 0

hi
if i have to add to my civic 2004 :automatic transmission liquid and brake liquid and servo liquid and antigel liquid
what type should i use for each one?
i don't have the manual book
is there any equivalent i can buy from canadian tire wiyhout damages
thanks

 
Rep Power: 285

The only type of transmission fluid you can use is Honda ATF and the only place you can buy it is the Honda dealership, using any other fluid will damage the transmission.

You can use any DOT 3 brake fluid, this you can purchase at Canadian Tire.

I've never heard of servo fluid, do you mean power steering fluid?

Are you referring to anti-gel fluid used to stabilize gas in extreme cold, you don't have a factory requirement for any for of anti-gel fluids.

 
Rep Power: 0

hi
thank you for your quick answer
yes i mean power steering fluid.(what type)?
and antigel is the liquid in the radiator.

 
Rep Power: 285

I've only ever heard of the fluid in the radiator being called coolant or anti-freeze, it should be replaced once every 4 years. You don't need to use Honda coolant, but the mix needs to be correct, so using Honda coolant is the simple method since its premixed.

Absolutely do not use anything other than Honda power steering fluid, anything else will damage the system. Change it once a year.

 
Rep Power: 217

I agree with both of Mindbomber's posts. Honda transmissions are very picky with fluid and you should only add their stuff to it. I used another type for a while with no issues, but that was after a ton of research.

 
Rep Power: 0

hi
thank you again for the informations

excuse me to ask more questions
i have 116000 km on my car.
you think i have to change all the the fluids i mentionned or only some?
(transmission,brake,power steering,coolant)
and i appreciate if you tell me how to do each.
thanks a lot

 
Rep Power: 285

For the transmission just do a 3 quart drain and fill, never do a complete change or a flush as it will likely damage the transmission. I'd recommend you do a drain and fill once a year, you should notice improved shift quality and extend the life of the transmission by doing this.
DIY instructions here =>https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...tf-change.html

Brakes fluid should be changed once every two years or once the brake pedal starts to become less responsive; I personally change it yearly, because its inexpensive to do and is very beneficial.

1. Do not spill brake fluid on the car, it may damage the paint; if brake fluid does come contact the paint, wash it off immediately with water.

2. The reservoir on the master cylinder must be at the MAX (upper level) mark at the start of the bleeding procedure adn checked after bleeding each brake caliper. Add new (previously unsealed DOT 3) fluid.

3. Do not resuse the drained fluid.

4. Make sure no foreign matter is allowed to contaminate the fluid.

5. Slide a piece of clear plastic hose over the first bleed screw. (1-front left, 2-front right, 3-rear right, 4 rear left). It may be helpful to remove each tire first. Use jack stands. Submerge the other end of the plastic hose into a container of clean, new brake fluid.

6. Have someone slowly pump the brake pedal several times, then apply steady pressure.

7. Loosen the bleed screw to allow air to escape. Check the fluid level of the reservoir, pump the brakes a few times., then hold the pedal down and screw back in the bleeder screw.

*torque on the screw is 7 lbs on the front, 5 on the rear. Spray penetrating oil on the bleeders the night before.

* use a flare nut wrench to prevent deforming the nut

* I recommend ATE Super Blue. It has superior resistance to moister and has a high heat rating. Plus it is blue, so you will know when you have bled each line.

* if you run out of fluid in the reservoir, you must start all over again.


Power steering fluid can last a long time, it doesn't actually mention when to change it in the maintenance schedule, but its cheap to replace and changing it protects expensive parts. Again only use Honda OEM fluid that you buy from the dealership.

1. Raise the reservoir, then disconnect the return hose (A) to drain the reservoir. Take care not to spill the fluid on the body and parts. Wipe off any spilled fluid at once.

2. Connect a hose (B) of suitable diameter to the disconnected return hose, and put the hose end in a suitable container.

3. Start the engine, let it run at idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several times. When fluid stops running out of the hose, shut off the engine. Discard the fluid.

4. Reinstall the return hose on the reservoir.

5. Fill the reservoir to the upper level line (C).

6. Start the engine and run it at fast idle, then turn the steering from lock-to-lock several times to bleed air from the system.

7. Recheck the fluid level and add more if necessary. Do not fill the reservoir beyond the upper level line.


Coolant lasts 4 years, but if its dirty then you should change it. Although it only needs to be changed once every 4 years it circulates through some very important expensive components, so make sure that you maintain it.

Post 3 in this thread has instructions on how to flush your coolant.
=>https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...ml#post4271491

You also likely need to change your spark plugs.
=>https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...nge-video.html

If your on a role after all that work, then continue on and do this maintenance.
=>https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...e-up-mods.html