Hi,

Not really a car guy... I have 2000 Honda Accord 4 cyl. I know how to do an engine oil change for this car. However, I need some assistance on DIY transmission oil change. This car has 130k miles. Last major service was around 100k at Honda dealership when I changed all the hoses, timing belt and transmission fluid. I have done regular oil changes in between. EZ lube charges $100 to change the transmission fluid. I was wondering if there what procedures I would to do to change the transmission fluid. Any photos would be appreciated. Thanks

 

find the transmission fluid plug, drain 3 quarts.
find the transmission fluid reservoir, fill 3 quarts.

do not flush or "power purge" the transmission fluid at all.

 

There isn't a tranny fluid 'reservoir'.

Auto or manual?? (it makes a difference)

Manual:
Drain plug faces towards right-front wheel, it's located directly below the axle. It has a square hole for a 3/8" socket extension without a socket.
Fill plug is a rather large hex-head (17mm?) facing towards the same direction, at the same elevation as the axle.
Imagine looking down the axle. Drain is at 6oclock, fill is at 9oclock.
Fill until fluid runs out of fill hole.

Automatic:
Drain faces same direction as manual, but it's located maybe a foot farther forward. Fill thru the dipstick hole. On an automatic tranny, only about 1/3 of the fluid will drain out. So if it's nasty dirty, you should drain/fill & drive around a bit & do it again & again until it's clean.

 

Also for the manual transmission I would recommend a fluid pump of some sort. I just bought a cheap one at the auto store for like 5-10 bucks.

 

With auto tranny I think it's recommended to bring the car up to operating temperature... so drive around until you notice the radiator fan on... but be careful, if you're using a jack and stands, it may not be high enough to easily avoid touching your exhaust pipe...

 

Jim-I really appreciate the information that you provided. By the way, I have an automatic transmission on my 2000 honda accord. I found the 3/8" square socket hole that you mentioned. However, I guess when I had the transmission oil change performed at the dealership- they tightened soo tight that it's unable to budge. I've had 3 of my buddies go underneath and each of them could not loosen that nut. I tried using DW40 to try to loosen the drain nut and also waited till the car engine cooled. I could not unloosen it. Any suggestions???

 

do you have a breaker bar?

 

sorry-no breaker bar. I guess i should invest in one. ok... well let's see how this goes. Thanks jani

 

Yup you won't get that off without that extra leverage. Used the bar and got it off in 10 seconds as opposed to the 30 mins I tried using just a regular hand tool and WD40.

 

My 3/8" breaker bar isn't any longer than a normal ratchet handle. So I use a pipe...

Just be careful you don't knock the car down off the stands.

With any type, hot fluid drains out more thoroughly than cold fluid. The big thing with auto tranny is how you check the level using the dipstick. Most non-Honda cars want you to check the auto tranny fluid with the engine warmed up, & idling in Park. Hondas should be warmed up, shifted into Park, & turned OFF.