Got a Honda fit with 80k miles recently and I'm not sure if the fluid has ever been changed. Just how bad is it for the transmission to change the fluid so late. Is there a possibility that the transmission might need to be replaced.

 

You didn’t mention if it’s an automatic or manual transmission. 80K miles is pushing it if indeed it’s never been changed. Go ahead and drain and refill with ONLY Honda OEM fluid. If it’s an automatic be sure and wipe off residue at end of the drain bolt. Some people like to do 3x drain and refill but I have never personally done that. If you transmission is shifting ok now I won’t worry. But if it’s slipping that’s another sorry. The automatics are pretty solid in these cars unless you really abuse them. Automatics also have an inline external filter that you might want to replace as well. Search this forum for info about fluid and filter change if you are doing this yourself.

 

2010 Honda Fit Sport

Original owner. I didn't do my first drain and fill until 110,228 miles. I don't like going to the dealers or a shop, so I kept putting it off. Turned out it was easy to do. I forget when the maintenance minder came on with the code. Anyway, everything went fine; the fluid was a brownish color, no bad smell.

Since it was an easy job, I now do a drain and fill every second oil change (I do oil changes at 5,000 miles and send the oil in to Blackstone for analysis).

I would say to go ahead and drain and fill.

 

OK, just checked my records. The code to replace the ATF came on at 79,806 miles.

 

If it's an automatic, be sure to replace the filter in view of your mileage. It's located where you see the arrow.

Follow the ATF level instructions carefully as per the owner's manual, i.e. running the engine until the fan starts, shutting the engine off, wiping the (yellow) dip stick and checking the level. This isn't a process you should hurry through. Engine temperature matters with ATF levels in many cars and the Fit is no exception. Get it right.

I agree with Fit09 -- use only Honda ATF fluid.


Automatic Transmission Fluid Filter Location

 

I am in the same situation too but some mechanic has told me that if the oil is clear and car is fine then no need to change ?

 

That sounds like bad advice; I'd be guided by mileage, not by the transmission fluid's appearance on the dipstick. At 40,000 Miles, my fluid looked normal on the dipstick, but looked like this when drained out. Plus, this is only a fraction of the total volume of fluid, as not all of it drains out in a simple drain and fill procedure.

 

I have a MT 2013 Fit that I bought new and now has 82k miles. I've had regular oil changes at a mechanic (not drive-thru) though the last was from a place I hadn't used before. 2 days ago at start-up the clutch pedal suddenly felt soft with little resistance and I had difficulty getting it into gear. The following day, I drove a short distance and had to pull over bc I couldn't get it into 3rd gear. I can't get it into any gear now. I made an appt to have it looked at by a local mechanic and afterward looked thru the Honda manual, then checked the clutch fluid reserve container- it's not empty, but it is below the "LOW" marker.
After reading and looking at a few youtube videos I'm considering draining and replenishing the clutch fluid myself (though I have no experience doing this) and purchased to MT fluid from the Honda dealership and a pump.

I've read through this thread but still unsure: Is this indicative of an underlying problem- a failing clutch or component? Or is it normal for the clutch fluid to become low at some point (I've never personally checked or replenished the clutch fluid since having the car). The last oil change with fluid checks I had was in May. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

I personally change clutch fluid annually (I don't drive much.)
The clutch system in similar to the brake system. There's a large circular brake pad in the clutch! Plus some springs for shock absorption. It rubs full-faced against the flywheel, using it as a brake rotor.

Over time it wears down just like brake pads. If you're not having any issues with shifting, you're fine for now. Given that your mileage is nearing 100k, clutch engagement is something to keep in mind. It's a pain in the butt, but it's gotta be done. Like brake pads, there's no hard timeline for replacement because people drive different.
You can bleed the clutch system just like brakes, and it fills up with brake fluid, too!
The bleed valve is down between the radiator/condenser fans and the engine.
Looks like this.

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MT at 135k miles: never changed the the transmission fluid; still seems fine. I've noticed some hesitancy in the synchros from time to time, but nothing alarming (or out of the ordinary).

maybe a project for this weekend... this looks relevant

 

Thank you very much!

 

I'm going to change mine soon, looks like it takes about 2 quarts, is that your experience?

 

250K miles on my 2010 m/t.....never been changed. Drives and shifts like new.

 

I just changed transmission fluid today in my 2009 auto Fit. I recently bought it for my son with over 233k miles. Carmax said last fluid change was at 208k so not terribly long ago. It seems to be running fine. The fluid was a bit dark but still had a pinkish tint to it. Thankfully there also wasn't too much residue on the drain plug's magnet but I'm glad to get some fresh fluid in it. I might change it again on the next oil change or two but jeez, Amazon was the cheapest place I could find for OEM Honda ATF DW-1. They gouged me for $44 for 4 qts, yikes.
Also strangely, a few videos I watched claimed 2.6 qts but mine drained out a solid 3, at least if the lemonade container I put the old fluid in is an accurate measure. I also put 3 back in, runs very smoothly, really starting to love this car and finding it a lot of fun to drive. I might have to give my son my old Ford Fusion Hybrid and keep the Fit for myself

 

Super easy to do on an automatic transmission Fit. But:
- Be sure to have the crush washers for the fill and drain plugs;
- Be sure to open the fill plug before the drain plug (in case the fill plug is seized!);
- Be sure to know how to check the fluid level and be prepared to remove some or add some after the correct check procedure is performed (to remove some, I used in the past an old spray bottle pump and put the plastic straw inside the tranny using the hole where the dipstick is, then pumped a couple of times until level was good).