I'm changing the auto transmission fluid in my '96 Civic but I can't for the life of me get the 3/8" drain plug undone. I tried with a breaker bar and the thing won't even budge.

 

try harder. Seriously they are on tight.

 

Soak it PB Blaster overnight and try again.

 

Finally was able to get it free. The fluid was pretty dirty and there was quite a bit of metal on the magnet of the drain bolt so it looks like it has been awhile since it was last changed. How often should I change the fluid to get it clean? Maybe every 500 miles or so? I'm going to do the 3 quarts x 3 method. I'm using Valvoline Maxlife since it is Honda approved.

 

That's what I would do. If the fluid is still dirty after third drain and fill, do more.

 

My local Honda dealership said it's probably best to wait about a month between drains when doing the 3 x 3. What do you think?

 

A short drive where you use all of the gears should be fine. Driving more than this should also be fine.

 

at the dealership....all they do is drain, fill....row the gears....drain, fill, row the gears...
or at least thats how it is in ny.
The driven miles are put on by the customer...not the technician.

 

Yes