I have a 2008 Civic EX with the 4 cylinder engine and automatic transmission. To check the automatic transmission fluid level, the manual says to wait until the radiator fan comes on, then turn the engine off, wait 60 seconds, but not more than 90 seconds to check the fluid level. The fan does not come on very often, so this procedure is not efficient. Plus the 30 second interval to check it is absurd. Is there any other way to check the fluid level that doesn't involve this impractical approach? This is one of the oddest techniques to check a transmission fluid level that I've ever seen in a car.

 

why do you need to check the tranny oil level for?

It's not something that needs to be checked at really unless you notice something wrong with the way the car shifts.

You could just let the car run for a few minutes and then do the same procedure that Honda mentions minus waiting for the fan to go off...

 

I thought that since the Honda manual specifically mentions the fan operation in their fluid level checking procedure, that it is associated with fluid transfer in the transmission somehow. That would relate to the fluid levels reading accuracy.
Also, checking fluids occasionally is just part of routine maintenance.

 

I hardly check my tranny oil really... but I also change it every 2 months since I track it but still don't check the level of it regularly!

I'm way more concerned with the engine oil level!

 

It appears that you are correct. The only apparent reason Honda says to wait for the fan to come on is to be sure that the engine is at operating temperature. But then you have the 90 second check rule; wait 60 seconds to check, but not more than 90 seconds. Honda stresses that fluid levels are crucial in their transmissions - not too much or too little. Sounds like Goldilocks and the Three Bears!

 

Yes the tranny oil level is crucial when you have to refill after a flush but it's not necessary to check it as often as your engine oil!