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Honda Accord: How to Check Transmission Fluid

Checking the transmission fluid in your Honda Accord is an important part of a regular maintenance schedule. Thankfully, there's an easy way to check it.

By Jared Hammond - February 20, 2015
Contributors: AnAccordIsForever, Elvis1977, Fixbook

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002).

Transmission fluid, which is often forgotten, keeps your automatic gear changes nice and smooth. It is an essential part of your car's maintenance schedule and checking it regularly can help to ensure your transmission lasts longer. Checking the transmission fluid is similar to checking the engine oil and is a simple process.

Materials Needed

  • Honda ATF-DW1 automatic transmission fluid
  • Paper towel
  • Funnel

Step 1 – Warm up the engine

Hondas are unique because they don't need the engine running to check the transmission fluid; although, the engine still needs to be warm, but not hot. Run the engine for about five minutes, cycling through all the transmission settings at least once before you shut it off.

Figure 1. Cycle through all transmission settings.

Step 2 – Check levels on the dipstick

Between the engine block and the battery, you'll find the yellow or orange transmission dipstick buried underneath a large coolant cable. Pull it out and wipe it clean with a paper towel. Put it back in until it's all the way down and pull it out again.

  • Figure 2. Transmission dipstick.
  • Figure 3. Transmission fluid levels should be above the crosshatch.

Look at the color of the fluid. If it's dark brown or black and smells bad, you'll have to drain the old fluid out completely and replace it with new fluid. If the color is more reddish, the fluid is fine. Check the crosshatch, which indicates the transmission fluid levels. If the fluid levels are below the crosshatch, add a full quart of fluid. If it's less than halfway between the top of the crosshatch and the dipstick's depression, add half a quart of fluid.

Pro Tip

You should replace the transmission fluid once every two years or 30,000 miles.

Step 3 – Pour in transmission fluid

In some Hondas, the transmission's dipstick plug is too small for an ordinary funnel, but there might be a separate plug near it labeled ATF where you can pour in the fluid. Place the funnel in the plug and slowly pour in about half a quart to a full quart of Honda ATF-DW1, as needed. Honda transmissions are very sensitive to other fluids, so you'll want to use Honda's fluid. Check the dipstick again to see if you're close to the right amount and be sure not to overfill. Secure the dipstick once the fluid level is correct.

Figure 4. Use a funnel to pour in the new fluid.
Featured Video: How to Check Transmission Fluid

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