How to Replace the Transmission Fluid on a 2001 Honda Civic
Honda recommends you change the transmission fluid in your 2001 Honda Civic every 120,000 miles. Changing the transmission fluid is a part of your Civic's scheduled maintenance, though not a routine one. Most cars get a transmission fluid change once or twice in their lifetimes. You can take your Civic to a mechanic for this maintenance or, if you want to save a little money, you can do it yourself.
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Things You'll Need
- Car jack
- 3/8-inch wrench
- Clean rag
- Storage container
- Funnel
- Replacement transmission fluid
Instructions
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1
Start the car and drive around until the engine has heated up to normal temperature. Then park on a flat surface and pop the hood.
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2
Find the transmission fluid dipstick and pull it out. Wipe it clean with the rag and note the color of the fluid. If it is a clear, light red, or pink color it is still good. If the color is dark and smells slightly burnt, it is time to change the transmission fluid. Replace the dipstick and close the hood.
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3
Jack up the front end of the car and set it on jack stands placed under the frame rails. Make sure the car is secure before going underneath it.
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4
Slide under the car and locate the transmission fluid pan. It will be located close to where the dipstick was under the hood.
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Remove the transmission drain plug by unscrewing it with the 3/8-inch wrench. Have your container for the old transmission fluid ready underneath the pan for when it starts to flow out.
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Let all of the transmission fluid flow out into the container. This may take a while, so in the meantime clean the drain plug of any dirt or grime that may have accumulated on it.
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Replace the drain plug once all the old fluid has come out. Remove the container from underneath the car and lower the car from the jack stands.
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8
Open and prop the hood of the car. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean once again. Using the funnel, add about 3 quarts of fresh transmission fluid into the transmission tube.
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Replace the dipstick and close the hood. Drive the car around to let the new transmission fluid warm up, then park on a flat surface.
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Open and prop the hood again, then remove the dipstick, clean it, and put it back in the dipstick hole. Then pull it out again and note precisely where the transmission fluid reaches on the stick. Two marks on the end of the dipstick, or a cross-check pattern, will help you determine if there is enough fluid or not. Add transmission fluid if the fluid level on the dipstick is not between the upper and lower marks. Then replace the dipstick and close the hood.
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Tips & Warnings
Use caution when under the car as the parts and fluid will be hot.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
