DIY Transmission Fluid Change

lamyun · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2007, 08:58 PM

Hey everyone, didn't really see a DIY for changing the transmission fluid so I decided to make one. Standard disclaimer, do at your own risk, etc, etc.

Very simple task, similar to changing your oil but less messy because there is no filter to remove.

Here are the tools that you need:

2 quarts Amsoil Syncromesh Transmission Fluid
Rachet set (I believe the fill plug was 18mm)
Suction pump
Drain pan
30mins time
Level ground

Step 1: Jack up the car on the driver side
Step 2: Loosen the fill plug first. Why? Because if you drained the trans and cant break the fill plug loose, you are screwed.

Step 3: Place pan under the drain hole and let it drain.
Step 4: Put the drain plug back in.
Step 5: Using the suction pump, suck up the amsoil fluid and squeeze into the fill hole.

Step 6: Repeat step 5 until fluid is dripping out of the hole. (~1.6 Quarts)
Step 7: Put the fill plug back and tighten the two bolts.
Step 8: Clean up, you are done!

Took around 30mins to complete. Impressions? Slightly smoother shifting and peace of mind when I take the car to the track this summer

Enjoy!

john trials · #2 (**permalink**) 05-15-2007, 03:00 PM

To save a few $, you can use a funnel and tubing (from hardware store) instead of the hand pump. Put the tubing into the trans fill hole from the top side of the engine compartment; insert the funnel in the top end of the tubing; pour man trans fluid into funnel and let gravity fill the trans.

That's a great tip on removing the fill plug first!

milano sol · #3 (**permalink**) 05-15-2007, 04:33 PM

nice write up!

good pics too

feifei · #4 (**permalink**) 05-19-2007, 02:00 AM

NICE!!!! but how can i tell is it enuff fluid or not?

Deivioncrx · #5 (**permalink**) 05-19-2007, 02:21 AM

Fluid should be right at or dribbling out of the Fill plug when its Full

quangalang · #6 (**permalink**) 05-19-2007, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feifei

NICE!!!! but how can i tell is it enuff fluid or not?

well your car has to be level to the ground and you just fill it up til you see fluid coming out of the fill hole, the level of the fill hole is the level that you should fill it to.

quangalang · #7 (**permalink**) 05-19-2007, 02:26 AM

i heard the GM synchromesh is really smooth also

martymcfly · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-2007, 04:15 AM

I think both washers should be changed also.

RubyQQ1211 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007, 06:12 PM

what's the interval on changing MTF? I heard people said that you don't have to do it on a MT....

m-man@sbcglobal.net · #10 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 12:32 AM

report back about how the Amsoil MTF works out, ive been reading alot about it, thinking of useing it when its time to change.

martymcfly · #11 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 12:43 AM

I have not done this to the Fit. However, I have been using Amsoil MTF on my accord since 2001-2002. I can definitely feel a difference in smoothless in getting into/out of gears. I have also "amsoil" my Taco 4x4 with engine oil, MTF, transfer case, and rear differential. Some hard core 4x4 wheelers folks swear by them. 2 quarts doesn't cost much and it is a pretty good investment.

john trials · #12 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubyQQ1211

what's the interval on changing MTF? I heard people said that you don't have to do it on a MT....

For my 92 and 96 Civics, the shop manual says every 90K miles for normal driving or every 30K miles for severe driving conditions for a MT fluid change. I do mine every 30K...it is easy and inexpensive insurance. I've never had a MT problem.

For the Fit, wait for the computer to tell you, or do it when you feel comfortable. I'll probably still refer to the maintenance chart for my Civics when doing the maintenance on my Fit.

RubyQQ1211 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 10:19 PM

I had been looking at CSK, AutoZone, Walmart etc etc and I couldn't find any MT fluid for sale. Any suggestion at where to get these?

manxman · #14 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubyQQ1211

I had been looking at CSK, AutoZone, Walmart etc etc and I couldn't find any MT fluid for sale. Any suggestion at where to get these?

Look in your phone book for the nearest Amsoil dealer, or go to AMSOIL Corporate - Source of the World's Best Synthetic Lubricants - Motor Oil and Filters and sign up for your own dealership. You can buy products at wholesale then for every lubrication and filter need for your Fit. Amsoil products are not sold in parts stores.

You are welcome to join the other Bay Area Fit owners for our Nov. 10th. Fit Meet on Mt. Hamilton in San Jose.

RubyQQ1211 · #15 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 02:04 AM

I did the fluid change. But when I filled it up, my driver side is still jacked up. I am pretty sure I have more than 1.6qt in it. Is it ok if I have more fluid in it?

claymore · #16 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 09:58 AM

No............

RubyQQ1211 · #17 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 01:16 PM

No it's not ok?

martymcfly · #18 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 01:44 PM

Does anyone know what the torque spec is? They don't seem to be very tight so I just hand-tight it. I suspect they are about somewhere around 30lb/ft torque range?

BTW the fill plug is 17mm.

manxman · #19 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubyQQ1211

No it's not ok?

No, it's not OK. Car must be level, otherwise you will either over-or-underfill depending on which way it is slanted.

RubyQQ1211 · #20 (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manxman

No, it's not OK. Car must be level, otherwise you will either over-or-underfill depending on which way it is slanted.

I am sure I overfilled it because I only jacked up the driver side. But the extra oil are just sitting there right? I assume it won't hurt. ><