AnAccordIsForever

First of all does anyone know if the 2013 Service Manual is out yet ? I am having a hard time finding it.
Secondly, all I want to know for now is - What is the exact procedure as written in the manual for checking the ATF level in a 2013 V6 (auto trans, NOT cvt). Owners manual just says "take it to the dealer".
If anyone has access to the manual and can describe that would be highly appreciated!
Thanks!

GoLowDrew

I have the pdf for Gen 8 Accord (somewhere), but to check ATF is the same. I'll type it instead.

1. Check when the car is warm. After it's been driven.

2. Park on level ground.

3. Turn engine off.

4. You got 10-30 secs to check to get an exact reading. If you wait 1 min, that's too long. So repeat the process.

So plan ahead by popping the hood already, and check it first (before you check your oil, since many of us do it at the same time.) ATF need to be timely.

AnAccordIsForever

Great, thanks! I understand the atf is same but is the transmission same too ? Did they change the trans between 8th and 9th gen ?

And this is just out of curiosity - if you wait longer than that to check the atf do you get a higher or lower reading than what it really should be ?

GoLowDrew

You got a 6spd and I got a 5spd auto. So they are not the same. However, it's the "same" non-planetary gear AT.

To answer your other question, I don't know. That's because I try to always do it right. And sometimes, maybe the surface is not perfectly level, like my driveway. So when my readings are at the good mark, I'm good. Only one or two times, did I really need to add where it was at the lower mark.

Unlike oil, which I do check more often (slight oil consumption), I check the ATF every few months. And 9.5 times out of 10 it's good.

Plus, I do drain and fill the ATF often (about 25K-30K) so that's the majority of my checks to make sure I put back the correct amount. Once I'm there, I don't check it much (no need to).

You are welcome to try it yourself.

* PS. For example. GM ATs are sealed, so you can't even check at all. So ATF should be something we don't need to worry about (unless there is a leak).

tech8

For the 8th gen Accord, the ATF level check was to wait about 60 seconds (but no longer than 90 seconds).

GoLowDrew

^^^^ . So no need to rush.

BLKFLSH

The main thing to remember is unlike GM, and other automatics, Honda ATF level is checked with the engine off. The above procedure is the same for my 03V6 auto, but I find I get basically the same reading with the fluid cold, or hot (very little difference). Make sure you are on level ground.