Easy DIY ATF Fluid Change PICs

[takbor]

Thanks so much for that information. I thought I was losing it not being able to find the ATF Bolt. So, is there actually a funnel that you can buy that fits the dipstick hole? I had bought a funnel with an extension tube specifically made for transmission fluids, but even that one is too big. I've seen all the homemade contraptions, but... Do you know how Honda does it when I bring the car to them?

[Sunday Rider]

What I do is fit a clear plastic hose around the OUTSIDE of the dip stick hole. It is a tight fit, so nothing leaks. Then hook the funnel into it.

There is a plastic funnel out there (with measurements on the side) that has a plastic tube that fits perfect. The funnel has a lid and the bottom plastic hose has a closing lid too. A very tidy contraption. I am sure the big auto supply places have them.

I just went to the hardware store and bought 2' of a 3 sizes that I thought might fit, and was lucky that one fit the funnel and the dipstick hole.

Just put a rag underneath to catch the drops when you pull the tubing out.

[takbor]

Again, thanks for great info. I'm on the way for some tubing. What the heck is wrong with those auto engineers? This is a procedure that's needed to be done on a regular basis, and they make it so difficult. What's so hard making a dipstick hole with a larger diameter! At least a site like this and people like you add some sanity.

[Sunday Rider]

Well I think they had to think quick and fix the tranny so the fill hole was the solution.

This forum has great members that have helped me more than once out of a jam.

Good luck

[Armystrong]

Originally posted by takbor
Again, thanks for great info. I'm on the way for some tubing. What the heck is wrong with those auto engineers? This is a procedure that's needed to be done on a regular basis, and they make it so difficult. What's so hard making a dipstick hole with a larger diameter! At least a site like this and people like you add some sanity.

I totally agree with you. The auto manufacturers could flange the top of the filler tube and make it easier to poor fluid into. There is plenty of room in our engine pay just to have the dip stick tube come up another 6 inches with a wider opening making it easier for us and the dealer to fill the transmission. It just makes sense.

I hope this thread helped you out and kept you somewhat sane while accomplishing this task. Take Care

Jim

[Nautious1]

Originally posted by Armystrong


I totally agree with you. The auto manufacturers could flange the top of the filler tube and make it easier to poor fluid into. There is plenty of room in our engine pay just to have the dip stick tube come up another 6 inches with a wider opening making it easier for us and the dealer to fill the transmission. It just makes sense.

I hope this thread helped you out and kept you somewhat sane while accomplishing this task. Take Care

Jim

on top of that, you have to remove the engine cover to get a clear look and feel for the dip stick tube.

I just replaced the fluid out in the wife's 04 Pilot with 46000miles yesterday and had no major problems doing it. Following these instructions helped out tremendously! The hardest part was getting that ATF drain bolt to break loose. Once I got that loose, it was smooth sailing from there. I used the same technique with the funnel and clear tub thing. I used the 1/4" size tube to stick IN the dip stick tube to poor the ATF-Z1 fluid in. The funnel side was tad bit bigger then the clear tube so I barely stuck the tube in the funnel and taped the hell out of it so that it wouldn't leak. IT WORKED!!! In the end, I had no problems and would definitely do it again myself.

[ETPilot]

First off, this forum is awesome and you guys are great. The DIY pics on the cabin filter, etc have helped me save a lot of money, plus I'm actually enjoying working on my 2005 Pilot. (Newbie here, total computer geek, but inexperienced with cars.)

I am in the severe schedule and am at 30k now. I called the dealership and they wanted $130 for the flush, or $60 for the drain and fill. They actually wanted $350+ for the 30k maintenance but I already did some of the work myself (cabin filter and engine filter).

Work quoted on my car:
- Auto Transmission fluid: $130
- VTM fluid: $60
- Oil change: $28
- Tire rotation: $20
- A bunch of inspections that I suspect are bogus... drive belt, fluid levels, brakes... (actually brakes they said they will take it off and put it back together, so maybe it's legit)

Just have a couple of questions:
1) Should I do the drain and fill or flush it 3 times? I'm at 30k now, never had it done. I've never put any other transmission fluids in there.
1a) Also, exactly how much should I put back in? Exactly the same amount that came out?
1b) Should I ever top off the transmission fluid, like every oil change? How do I know how much to add?
1c) Severe schedule says every 30k, but shoud I flush or just drain and fill every time?
1d) How tightly should I put the drain bolt back? Manually until I can turn it anymore? When taking it off, just tap the ratchet with a hammer?

2) I live in an condominium. Public parking, no garage, and slight hill. That's a big reason why I haven't done much work on my own... do you think I should attempt this maintenance on my own?

3) Pricing by the dealer - does that look OK?

4) Oil change and tire rotation: Should I pay $48 to Honda for this, or just go to NTB and get it done for $20? I've gone to NTB before one time and luckily, no problems (although I've read horror stories online). They seem to have older mechanics working there compared to the Jiffy Lube. I can't believe Honda would charge so much more.

Thanks for all your help! Especially to Armystrong - your clear step by step postings have been really helpful and made it less intimidating for me.

[Sunday Rider]

Welcome to the forum.

You don't have to do the complete tranny flush, just drain it, and fill it. It will take almost 4 quarts. But there have been various amounts here.

You can fill it with as much as you have drained, but that assumes you were at the top mark when you emptied it.

The hill presents a challenge. I guess you can see what the reading is on the hill, and then find a level place and see how much difference that makes between the two readings. That will give you a good reference point for the future.

You can do all this yourself, as long as you are organized so you are not making tons of trips up and down.

The tranny change is even easier than the oil change.

When you tighten the drain plug, try to use a new washer, this will make it easier to take out next time as well. You just need to snug it. Don't get carried away with so much force that you can't take it out next time. You will know when it is snug.

The only problem I see is the old fluid and what you do with it. You need lots of empty containers on hand, and a place where they will take it.

The costs for the services are what most dealers charge, and some are more reasonable than others. If I had to get someone else to do it, it would be an independent garage that works on Japanese cars, and someone I will take it to in the future for repairs. Second choice would be the dealer. I don't like any of the rapid oil shops, that is a gamble.

I am sure others will chime in with some good suggestions.

Good luck.

[bigdadi]

Honda and Acura Automatic Transmission Care.
There is a proper method for flushing your Automatic Transmission.
Recommend 1 year / 15,000 mi. to change the tranny fluid.

http://accuratecars.com/blog/2008/12...transmissions/

[Sunday Rider]

Originally posted by bigdadi
Honda and Acura Automatic Transmission Care.
There is a proper method for flushing your Automatic Transmission.
Recommend 1 year / 15,000 mi. to change the tranny fluid.

http://accuratecars.com/blog/2008/12...transmissions/

Good post as a reminder not to use the flush method used by many shops.

The only time a flush is recommended in the repair manual, is when the tranny is taken out for repair (at least in the 2003 repair manual).

[goose25]

Thanks for the instructions, i plan to tackle this project this upcoming weekend and your plan should ensure that it's a pain-free project.

[vwli]

I did a drain and fill of the ATF on my 2003 Pilot this past weekend. I always have it done by the dealer but I decided to tackle it myself this time. The drain plug was so tight that I could not loosen it with a regular 3/8" drive ratchet. I have to use a 24" pipe going over the handle as an extension to give it more leverage. The color of the fluid is not bright red but reddish brown. No burning smell on the old fluid. There is not that much metal chafing on the magnetic plug neither. Filling through the dip stick tube was not too bad. It took about 10 minutes per quart. I overfilled it at first. And I need to drain it back to proper fluid level. Overfilling will do as much damage as underfilling (foaming). Judging from the color of the fluid, I am going to change it more often rather than 30,000 miles as recommended

[04EX-L]

Is the crush washer needed for ATF change the same size as either the oil drain or VTM-4 washers ? Don't see it on the Handa site.

[Sunday Rider]

Originally posted by 04EX-L
Is the crush washer needed for ATF change the same size as either the oil drain or VTM-4 washers ? Don't see it on the Handa site.

It is an 18mm washer.
The VTM has two sizes 18mm for plug and 20mm for drain.

[04EX-L]

Ah, thanks. Was looking at 3 different size washers in my toolbox and wasn't sure I had what I needed before I drained the VTM-4.