ATF Level Check
ATF Level CheckNOTE: Keep all foreign particles out of the transmission.
1. Park the vehicle on the level ground.
2. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on), then turn the engine off. Do not allow the engine to warm up longer than the time it takes for the radiator fan to come on twice.
NOTE: Check the fluid level within 60-90 seconds after turning the engine off. Higher fluid level may be indicated if the radiator fan comes on twice or more.
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) (A) from the dipstick guide tube, and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick into the guide tube aligning the notch (B) with the guide tab (C).
5. Remove the dipstick, and check the fluid level. It should be between the upper mark (A) and the lower mark (B).
6. If the level is below the lower mark, check for fluid leaks at the transmission, and hose and line joints. If a problem is found, fix it before filling the transmission.
NOTE: If the vehicle is driven when the ATF level is below the lower mark, one or more of these symptoms may occur:
^ Transmission damage will result.
^ Vehicle does not move in any gear.
^ Vehicle accelerates poorly, and flares when starting off in D and R.
^ The engine vibrates at idle.
7. If the level is above the upper mark, drain the ATF to proper level.
NOTE: If the vehicle is driven when the ATF level is above the upper mark, the vehicle may creep forward while in N, or have a shifting problems.
8. If necessary, fill the transmission with ATF through the dipstick guide tube opening (A) to bring the fluid level midway between the upper mark and the lower mark of the dipstick. Do not fill past the upper mark. Always use Honda ATF DW-1 (ATF DW-1 has been replaced with ATF DW-1, Honda Service News Nov 2010) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Using a non-Honda ATF can affect shift quality.
9. Insert the dipstick into the guide tube aligning the notch with the guide tab.