ATF Level Check

ATF Level Check

NOTE: Keep all foreign particles out of the transmission.

1. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on).

2. Park the vehicle on level ground, and turn the engine off.

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) from the ATF dipstick guide pipe, and wipe it with a clean cloth.





4. For 2003 model: Insert the dipstick (A) back with pointing the arrow (B) on the cap (C) to the front of the vehicle.





5. For 2004-2007 models: Insert the dipstick (A) back with pointing the arrow (B) on the cap (C) to the front of the vehicle, and aligning the notch on the cap with the guide tab (D).





6. Remove the dipstick (A) and check the fluid level. It should be between upper mark (B) and lower mark (C).

7. If the level is below the lower mark, check for fluid leaks at the transmission, hose and line joints.
Note: If the vehicle is driven when the ATF level is below the lower mark:
^ Transmission damage will result.
^ Vehicle does not move in any gear.
^ Vehicle accelerates poorly, and flares when starting off in the D or R ranges.
^ Vibration results from created by the engine at idle.

8. 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, vehicle moves in the N position, and shifting malfunction will occur.





9. If necessary fill the transmission through the dipstick guide pipe opening (A) to bring the fluid level up to about midway between the upper mark and lower mark of the dipstick with ATF. Always use 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.

10. Insert the dipstick back into the dipstick guide pipe.