see idk if someone is goin to understand me..but what do you guys mean by draining and filling 3x?..and each fluid bottle is a quart right?...because if it is then that means i need to buy 9 bottles of the fluid?...sorry this is for a AT 4cylinder trans. plz explain to me..because im a lil lost in this

That is correct. You'll need nine bottles, but only if you want to be sure that all the fluid is new. I just drop and fill mine once every 30K. Also grab a new in-line filter for the ATF. Can be found on top of the trans housing. Number 4 on this diagram.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/catimgs/14SDA0_ATM07.gif

yes, for a complete "flush" of the system, three complete drain and refill of the ATF is required. that means at least 9 bottles of fluid.

just one drain and refill does not change out all the fluid, but it should be enough as long as you change it often (at least every 30k).

What is needed in the above diagram besides the filter to do that job...parts wise....

What is needed in the above diagram besides the filter to do that job...parts wise....

Nothing. Unbolt the bracket (#5) and using pliers, detach the two hose clamps (#15). Install new filter, check for leaks. You'll need some patience as it is quite a tight fit if you don't feel like removing everything above.

Some people do a drain and fill once every 10K (3 bottles) .. that keeps semi-fresh fluid in there at all times and has the same effect as draining/filling three times at 30K.

Is it absolutely necessary to get a new filter? I remember reading its hard to buy because most dealers don't even acknowledge it exists/can be replaced.

Where can I buy one?

Do you have to be under the car to replace the filter?

Ugh, I definitely have to buy a floor jack and jack stands now... I'm due for the oil and transmission fluid to be changed and now I find it needs to be done 3x! Thats going to be money!

Is it absolutely necessary to get a new filter? I remember reading its hard to buy because most dealers don't even acknowledge it exists/can be replaced.

Where can I buy one?

Do you have to be under the car to replace the filter?

Ugh, I definitely have to buy a floor jack and jack stands now... I'm due for the oil and transmission fluid to be changed and now I find it needs to be done 3x! Thats going to be money!

You'll have to order it at a local Honda / Acura dealer, but they should get it in a day or two. Just print off the above and show it to them. It is on top of the transmission, so no need to get under your vehicle. You don't even really need to jack up the car, you can take the plug off by reaching under it. But if you must, don't get jack stands. Get Rhino Ramps, $25-35 at your local auto part store.

If the old and new ATF fluid could mix properly
drain & refill 1st time (with 3 quarts): 50% left
drain & refill 2nd time (with 3 quarts): 25% left
drain & refill 3rd time (with 3 quarts): 12.5% left

Sorry if I missed this guys, but when I do the drain and fill 3x, do I do it back to back or drive it, say, for a week in between times?

Sorry if I missed this guys, but when I do the drain and fill 3x, do I do it back to back or drive it, say, for a week in between times?

*BUMP*

Sorry if this is too soon for a bump guys, but I did some looking around on the forums waiting for an answer but didn't find anything. Thanks.

IMO the fresher the better. I would do the 3x drain and refill in the same day once i reach 30k miles!

Ok then, according to your method, I would:

1. Remove bolt to drain atf
2. Put bolt back in
3. Fill with new atf

and repeat steps 1-3 three times more?

yes
and check the level!

Nothing. Unbolt the bracket (#5) and using pliers, detach the two hose clamps (#15). Install new filter, check for leaks. You'll need some patience as it is quite a tight fit if you don't feel like removing everything above.

I got a 7.5 gen V6 AT. Can you reach the ATF filter from the top of the engine by simply raising the hood and working from the top? Are you suggesting people do a Do It Yourself ATF filter change on an Honda AT because I got a 7.5 gen V6 and the tranny is the weak point. Wouldn't a DIY ATF filter change on this car be tempting fate on say a 7th gen AT V6?

Guys, why do you think you've heard of so many Honda AT failures??? BURNED FLUID!!! Honda trannies are marginal at best, so unless you want to replace your transmissions well before you have to, I would NEVER skimp on the service at 30K, which is even too late IMO.

I personally don't tow anything with a Honda, and change the fluid every 10K miles, as mentioned by Kopimon. It'd cost you exactly the same than doing it 3X at 30K, but you're assuring the fluid won't go bad by leaving it there 30K miles. Draining my '07 CRV overnight, it takes 4 qts (1mm above the max line). Don't know about the Accord, but I assume it's the same tranny, at least on the I4, which calls for 3.5 qts, so buy 4 qts and always check the level to make sure it's at the top mark. On future changes, you know how much to put in, as it's a PITA to check level. That's why I drain overnight: it always takes the same amount when no more fluid drains out, plus you remove as much old fluid as possible.

AT fluid degrades with heat and mileage, to the point it becomes like water when brown, which means no lubrication and tranny failure. If fluid turns brown, you're looking at a new (or rebuilt) tranny, and at 30K, it's already turning brown. My brother's '03 V6 coupe was done 3X at 30K (fluid was brownish), and his tranny crapped out at 50K, out of warranty. He's now going to do it at 10K (he wishes he had thought of that before). Your call folks. No extra money to play it safe, and it takes minutes to do (and no need to lift car or anything). Good day.

Good info elp_jc.

I purchased by 03 Accord I4 this past September, certified used (I know that doesn't mean much sometimes) and with their free carfax, it showed no transmission fluid changes. The car had roughly 38,000 miles at the time.

I checked the fluid color twice a month and even now, it remains purplish in color. I'm not sure if the previous owner got it changed anywhere since they purchased the car, but that is a good sign to me. I certainly hope it was changed because I find it hard to after all these miles that it can remain purple.

I'm currently over 41,200k and I've been meaning to change it myself, but I've been trying to get money together to buy the equipment (as I don't have any).

purplish?
shouldn't it be redish?

1)Do a drain and fill NOW!

2)Do one every 20-25K.

3)Rinse and repeat

Tools.....

only a 3/8 wrench is what you need..... see the diy

purplish?
shouldn't it be redish?

Oh man, you serious? I'm in big trouble...

EDIT: Yep, Honda ATF is red (not that I doubted you)

Gonna have my eyes checked tomorrow and take a second look at the fluid. I can't wait to do the drain and fill.

Sorry if I missed this guys, but when I do the drain and fill 3x, do I do it back to back or drive it, say, for a week in between times?
Hopefully it's not too late for you, but if you are still thinking of doing it 3 times, the recommended method is to run the car through all the gears including the torque converter. This assures that the new fluid get mixed in with the old. Otherwise, you're just replacing the new fluid three times, which is a total waste.

I have a certified 06 EX-L 4cyl automatic I bought last year at 31,800 miles and the transmission was serviced drain and fill and right now I have almost at52,000 and I just checked the fluid and still looks good still pink. I will do a drain and fill probably on my next service which probably won't be until like 57,000 or 58,000 according to MM or whenever. I just got an oil change as well as replacing air filter as well as cabin filter last month at 49,200 and now sitting at 52,000 miles it has 70% oil life. I will be making a long distance trip out to the midwest from GA this Friday and Saturday.

Pink ?? O noooooo, we have another color, we now have Blue & Pink, How many out there have dealers that do a full flush of the ATF?

Pink ?? O noooooo, we have another color, we now have Blue & Pink, How many out there have dealers that do a full flush of the ATF?

full flush = RIP tranny :thumbsdow

wow guys, you're putting way to much pressure on such an incredibly service. Honda fluid out of the bottle has a bit of a blue/purple in addition to the normal red tint. Not a big deal. If your fluid is a pure black on it's way out, then you should start freaking out about color, but chances are it'll be fine with two more flushes.

I've searched and searched but couldn't find it but I remember reading a TSB issued by Honda in regards to the procedure of drain and fill. I'm planning to change the tranny fluid for my car and I would like to see that again.

All I remember from that TSB is that the car has to be up in the air, drain 3 qts, refill 3 qts, then start the car, put it in drive and let the tranny cycle the gears and repeat 2 more times. Does that sound right for you guys?

You can do the same just refill drive around the block a few times then change again and do the same and change again....As far as the color.....The color that it comes out of the bottle is the color you want.....