#Honda transmission fluid exchange manual#
#Honda transmission fluid exchange full#

If you have a leak and need to refill, make sure you use the recommended transmission fluid, fill it to the appropriate level and get the leak fixed as soon as possible.Īnother indication that the transmission fluid needs changing is if there are particles or other debris in it.

#Honda transmission fluid exchange full#

Reinsert the dipstick, then remove the dipstick to check the fluid level, which should be between the low and full marks.ĩ.

Remove the dipstick, being cautious not to spill any fluid on hot engine or exhaust parts, and wipe off the dipstick using a clean rag.Ĩ.

#Honda transmission fluid exchange manual#

Identify the transmission dipstick handle, which is typically brightly colored again, your owner’s manual will help you find it.ħ. Some cars recommend moving the gear selector into each gear for a few seconds before checking the fluid always return to Park or Neutral and apply the parking brake before getting out of the vehicle.Ħ. This can vary from car to car and will affect accuracy.ĥ. Determine if the fluid is checked with the engine running or off. Be cautious of engine cooling fans that may continue to run after the engine is off, as well as hot engine components many cars recommend that the engine and transmission be at operating temperature when checking the transmission fluid.Ĥ. Park the vehicle on a level surface for the most accurate reading.ģ. Use your owner’s manual to find the recommended procedure for checking your transmission fluid.Ģ. Use your car’s owner’s manual to determine if the transmission has a dipstick that’s easily accessible if it does, here are a few tips when checking the fluid:ġ. Many modern cars don’t have a transmission fluid dipstick, and automakers instead recommend a service center check the fluid level because it’s often done from underneath the car. It may also acquire a burned odor that could indicate it needs to be changed or that the transmission is developing mechanical problems. Transmission fluid often is red but can come in other colors, and as it deteriorates it tends to turn darker. If you do a lot of driving under high-stress conditions, you should check the transmission fluid level more often and have a repair shop check the condition of the fluid. Unlike engine oil, which is primarily a lubricant, transmission fluid serves as both an oil and a hydraulic fluid that helps facilitate gear shifts, cools the transmission and lubricates moving parts. That kind of driving raises the transmission’s operating temperature, and heat puts more strain on the transmission and the fluid. Hard use - such as frequent stop-and-go city driving, hauling heavy loads and trailer towing - will accelerate the deterioration. Like other vital automotive fluids, transmission fluid deteriorates over time. Manual transmissions require more conventional gear oil rather than automatic transmission fluid and tend to be on a different maintenance schedule, so it’s best to consult the service intervals in the owner’s manual. A lot of mechanics say that is too long and that it should be done at least every 50,000 miles. The manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn’t call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some Ford transmissions, even 150,000 miles. But how often this service should be performed varies by manufacturer and vehicle, and it’s open to debate.

Whether or not you should change it is not a matter of debate: Yes, you should. There are many fluids that run throughout your vehicle, but one of the most important to keep track of is the transmission fluid.