I have a 97 civic automatic, and I've noticed some websites reccomend changing transmission fluid every 30k miles. I've never changed mine, and it's at about 180k now. Do I need to change it? The procedure looks fairly simple after looking at the manual.

 

Yeah, it's probably a REALLY good idea to change that. Use only Honda transmission fluid.

 

Buy ATF-Z1 fluid at the Honda dealer, and do a drain and refill. Buy 6 qts. The directions from the service manual are below.




Drive around the block a couple of times then do it again. Doing the drain and refill twice gets most of the old fluid replaced.

 

Make sure to wipe all the gunk off of the drain plug as well.

 

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Now would also be a good time to install a Password:JDM (passwordjdm.com) magnetic transmission drain plug. If your gears ever grind the magnet will pick up the metal shavings and keep them from continuing to float around and further damage the gears.
Honda automatic transmissions are not known for having good durability, so every little inexpensive precaution is worth taking.

 

Thanks for the help! I'm not sure if I'm going to buy 6 qts because the Honda dealer quoted $12/quart. That's a little too much for me to pay right now. Can I get away with just draining and filling 3qts?

 

That depends... If it REALLY hasn't been changed, you NEED to flush it out. If the fluid isn't too burned looking, maybe you can get away with 3 quarts. More input is needed.

 

Ok, I'll spring for the 6 quarts...I suppose I can't flush it out with cheaper stuff, then fill with Honda?

 

I use a less expensive Honda-recommended ATF for my 2000 Civic, and it seems to work fine. The label on the bottle must specifically state that the ATF is compatible with Honda transmissions. Definitely drain and refill twice, as mentioned by JGB3.

 

I just did mine twice. I used the Castrol Import ATF from Autozone. (The bottle explicitly states that it meets Honda ATF-Z1 specs).

The drain and refill took just about exactly 3 quarts. The stock drainplug is magnetic, make sure you clean it off.

After the first drain/refill I put a couple hundred miles on and did it again. Fluid looks much cleaner, and smells better now!