madhatter4119

1988 Honda Civic DX 4 Door 1.5L Automatic Transmission...
Does the transmission have a replaceable filter or any inline filters that should be replaced...since I have no clue if and when the last time they were replaced... Any tranny info (tips/tricks) you care to share...Can't find much in the free manual download I have...Thanks

BamBam00EX

No all of the filters in the auto trannies are deep inside the casing of the gearbox. If you want to get those filters cleaned you have to drop the tranny, open the case, and pull out the main/counter shafts. To be blunt, hondas auto trannies are notorious to be slushboxes. Im working on a trick to prolong the life of the auto trans by using an external oil cooler. Since you have an 88, it probably might continue to last.

My advise would be to continue servicing the fluid doing as many flushes and refills as possible to keep it clean inside as there is no way to reach the filters without tearing it apart.



-Bam

~sp33~

As long as the fluid is serviced, you shouldn't need to service the filters. Trans oil may break down over time due to temp, but it's not exposed to the fuel/carbon deposits that your engine oil is exposed to and therefore doesn't require filter changes.

kp

That is some bizarre advice. Replacing clean fluid with clean fluid does not change anything.

OP, you should change your transmission fluid based on Honda recommended intervals. Don't worry about anything else unless you have a problem to diagnose.

BamBam00EX

My advice is merely dependant on the condition of your auto tranny. When you service it and see that is is a brownisg color instead of red, or you see metal shavings then multiple flushes may be needed. Otherwise the normal service schedule should be followed. I recommend this on most 90s models. Havent heard about any problems with the 80s versions.



-Bam

madhatter4119

Thanks for your reply...The problem is I don't know what the history has been...I can tell you that when I checked the fluid at the dip stick...it looked red and I didn't see any metal...I was wondering if the transmission has a replaceable filter in it...can't find any info on YouTube and Google hasn't been much help either...filling or flushing the Tranny through the dip stick hole looks like a pain...if you have any links or info on doing a flush or filter change...I could really use it...Thanks

~sp33~

Search for ED/ EF CRX workshop manual. There are free online comprehensive service manuals for the ED/EF range (the CRX is featured, but other varients are similar enough for it to be useful). These will have all your servicing instructions in them.

PM me your email address if you can't find it, i'll forward it to you.