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Honda Civic: How to Change Manual Transmission Fluid

Keep the transmission in your Honda Civic healthy by changing the fluid regularly.

By Brett Foote - March 11, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic (1992-2000).

Changing the fluids in a Civic is one of the more basic maintenance procedures because it's easy to do without damaging anything. Neglecting to change the transmission fluid can lead to serious transmission problems. Luckily, the steps for exchanging transmission fluid are pretty simple.

Materials Needed

  • 2 bottles of Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
  • 17mm wrench
  • 3/8" ratchet
  • Funnel
  • Clear tubing (long length)
  • 3/8" torque wrench (optional)
  • Two new washers (one for the drain and one for the fill bolt)

Step 1 – Gain access to the transmission

Make sure the car is on a flat surface for proper drainage and filling. If needed, remove the splash guard to gain access to the side of the transmission by removing the plastic screws holding it inside the fender. There are also bolts under the front lip of the car holding it in place. Locate the filling bolt and the drain bolt.

Figure 1. Locate the filling bolt and the drain bolt on the transmission.

Step 2 – Drain transmission fluid

Remove the filling bolt using a 17mm wrench, turning the bolt counterclockwise. Use a bare 3/8" ratchet to remove the drain bolt. Make sure to place a drain pan underneath before loosening this bolt. Take your time removing this bolt because the fluid will generally spurt out quickly at first. Once all the fluid drains, re-install the drain bolt with a new washer. If you have a torque wrench, torque it to 29 ft/lbs. If you don't, tighten it firmly but not too much.

Figure 2. Use a bare 3/8" ratchet with no socket to remove the drain bolt.

Step 3 – Fill with new transmission fluid

Lift up the hood of the car and look for the transmission filler hole. Attach the clear tubing to the funnel and make sure it's a snug fit. Drop the end of the tubing down to the fill hole. Slide the end of the tube into the fill bolt hole and make sure it isn't too loose, so it won't come out while filling. Pour each bottle of Honda Manual Transmission Fluid down the funnel. A little excess fluid will leak out because the car takes 1.9 quarts and each bottle is one quart.

Figure 3. Use a funnel and clear plastic tube to refill your transmission fluid.

Step 4 – Re-install filler bolt

Once you are finished filling the transmission fluid, remove the tube from the filler hole and allow the excess fluid to drain into the drain pan. Install the filler bolt with a new washer and torque it to 33 ft/lbs or just tight. Dispose of any old or excess transmission fluid at an approved recycling center.

Figure 4. Make sure to torque the bolts to proper specs.

Featured Video: How to Change Manual Transmission Fluid in Civic

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