Easy DIY ATF Fluid Change PICs

[75blazer]

My question is this: Would it have been so hard for the Honda engineers to put the transmission dipstick in a place where a full grown adult can reach it? I could BARELY get my hand down there.

[dustino8]

Originally posted by 75blazer
My question is this: Would it have been so hard for the Honda engineers to put the transmission dipstick in a place where a full grown adult can reach it? I could BARELY get my hand down there.

Amen to that! All they would have to do is extend the tube.

[mfh126]

When I first read this post I thought everyone was crazy for using the dipstick tube instead of the fill hole to replace the tranny fluid. Well, that was before I changed the fluid myself. Now I realize why most people use the dipstick tube -- that fill bolt is a bear! There's really no clearance to get good leverage on the bolt. I used a ratchet with a 9" extension (and every combination in between) and I couldn't get the bolt to budge. I ended up using the dipstick tube like the rest of you! Thanks for posting the great DIY instructions and pictures!

[Armystrong]

Your Welcome, anything to make the job easier.
Take care.

[jpc]

Changing the trans oil 5,000 miles since my last post here. A bit redder but not much. When is the best time to check the trans fluid level? When it is hot or cold?

[southtex]

I had a nice detailed post written but I guess I timed out or whatever and it was lost. Anyway, I'll make a short one:
Just bought a 2008. Had a 2004 and performed many transmission oil changes. Had to use the dipstick to fill since the 04 had an added lube jet installed in the fill hole; part of a recall to improve lubrication for a gear in the tranny.
I will try the normal fill plug when I do the oil change on the 08. I noticed on the 2004 that it took exactly 3.75 quarts to get to the proper level. Saved me some time and kept me from adding too much or too little.
2004 service manual said to change every 45k for normal driving and references the one time drain/fill method. It may be overkill but I do mine every 10-15k. I started this on the 2004 when the Honda parts/service man said they had seen a few problems from folks who did not keep on top of their tranny oil changes. He suggested a shorter interval. Not sure if they were trying to get more oil change business or what but since it is easy enought to drain/fill, I'll do it myself. Just be sure to keep it clean. More frequent changes can do more harm than good if you get dirt/grit into the transmission.

[jon316]

I read the descriptions of the ATF drain and fill, and most use the dipstick opening. I searched, and found the ATF fill hole bolt. It's on top of the transmission, labeled, "ATF." If this is the correct bolt, filling the AT with F looks pretty simple, and shouldn't need gerry-rigged funnels or pumped fluid.

Each time I was under the car for something, I looked for that danged bolt. My shop manual arrived last week and I started searching the top of the transmission. There it is, labeled. At least, on my 2007 Pilot, it is.

[Oops, the photo file was too large. I'll try again.]

[jon316]

Okay. After several iterations, I finally got the file size small enough to post the picture. Now, if I could just figure-out how to put the picture on the previous post.

Stand at the front of the vehicle, look beyond the breather tube, down on the transmission. The bolt is labeled "ATF."

[Happydady]

Armystrong,

I saw your post from honda accord forum also. Wanted to ask over there but didn't have the account and don't want to create it because the site isn't actived much. So is here a question for 2002 accord.

I could locate the ATF bolt on my accord but couldn't open it. It was so hard. I used the ratchet 3/8 and use the hammer to hit the ratchet untill the the tooth piece 3/8 twisted but the bolt wasn't even turned abit. I gave up. I think because of the cheap tool.

Update: got a good ratchet at Sears and got it loose

[Javaking_1000]

The Honda manual shown at the beginning of this post says you have to get the engine up to operating temp and then drain the oil. Nobody has mentioned any problems dealing with the hot ATF fluid. Does the ATF fluid just not get that hot where it is dangerous? If that was motor oil I would be pretty nervous draining it that hot.

Since I'm planning on changing this today I probably won't get a response in time and I'll just have to wing it, but this info might help others in the future.

Thanks,

[Sunday Rider]

I just run the engine for a minute. Switch the transmission through all the gears and then turn off and drain. Then it is warm and not hot. It drains faster.

I know what you mean about hot engine oil.

[okgearhead]

Is there any other rear diff fluid in the aftermarket, other than factory Honda fluid ? I have a 2007 pilot 4x4.

[Sunday Rider]

Originally posted by okgearhead
Is there any other rear diff fluid in the aftermarket, other than factory Honda fluid ? I have a 2007 pilot 4x4.

Do NOT use any aftermarket in the rear. I had a guy use the same pump as in the tranny fluid, and the VTM made so much noise when doing tight turns. I had to drain it and use new VTM fluid. So don't do it, not worth the savings.

[takbor]

Hi. My 04 Pilot had a transmission recall way back, and Honda installed an Oil Jet Kit. I just spent a couple of hours trying to locate the ATF Filler Bolt. I THINK I finally located it, but not certain. Does anyone know if, when the Oil Jet Kit was installed, the Filler Bolt was changed so it doesn't really look exactly like the diagrams/pictures posted? It seems to be in the right location, but doesn't have the ATF stamp on it. It also has a small rubber hose attached, which I think might be part of the Jet Kit. Thanks.

[Sunday Rider]

The Oil Jet kit went into the filler bolt hole. That is why you have to use the dipstick hole. You can also remove the oil jet and fill from there, but it is a long reach down there. Everytime I think of doing it, I wimp out and use the dip stick hole.