Procedures
ATF Level CheckNOTE: Keep all foreign particles out of the transmission.
1. Park the vehicle on the level ground.
2. Start the engine, and warm it up to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on), and turn the engine off. Do not allow the engine to warm up more than two cycles of the cooling fan.
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), and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick into the transmission.
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, the hoses, and the line joints. If a problem is found, fix it before filling the transmission with ATF.
NOTE: If the vehicle is driven when the ATF level is below the lower mark:
^ Transmission damage will result.
^ The vehicle might not move in any gear.
^ The vehicle may accelerate poorly, and flare when starting off in D and R.
^ The engine may vibrate 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 problems shifting.
8. If necessary, fill the transmission with ATF through the dipstick hole (A) to bring the fluid level between the upper mark and the lower mark of the dipstick. Do not fill the fluid above the upper mark. Always use genuine Honda ATF DW-1 (ATF-Z1 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 back into the transmission.