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R18 Automatic Transmission Fluid Change (ATF DIY)

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239K views 199 replies 96 participants last post by  EdNaviEx  
#1 ·
Hey 8th, I did a transmission fluid change today... and I decided to take some photos to help out others who might still have some doubts about doing it themselves. This was my first time doing it and I highly doubt one can make a mistake. The other thread was missing photos, so here you go! Hope you like it.


Tools Required:
  • 3/8 Ratchet
  • Rubber Mallet (or something that may help you remove the drain bolt)
  • Jack Stands (or ramps)
  • 2.5 qts of ATF DW-1
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Rag
  • Oil Catch Pan
  • Crush Washer
  • Long Funnel

Note: I used a rubber mallet to help break loose the drain bolt. I didn't have an oil pan, so I used a container (not recommended). I also re-used my washer.

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Step 1: Gather Tools.
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Here is an example of the things you will need.

Step 2: Be sure to locate the dip stick before anything, and to make sure your Funnel can reach that hole (I had to remove my K&N heat shield).
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Step 3: Jack up the car, or drive it onto the Ramps. Make sure you are as safe as possible before proceeding.
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Step 4: With your Ratchet and Oil Pan, go under your vehicle and look for the bolt.
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Step 5: Remove the bolt. This may require a breaker tool or anything else that may help you out.
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Step 6: While the fluid drains, be sure to inspect the Drain bolt and Washer for any damages that may indicate the need for replacement.
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Step 7: When the draining is less than dripping, wipe it up and screw the bolt back on (don't forget about the washer). Make sure nothing leaks through.

Step 8: Insert the long funnel into the hole where the dip stick was, and begin to slowly pour the fluid into the funnel.
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Note: I poured about more than 2.5 qts of fluid, and also measured the old fluid just to make sure it's about the same.

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I had two full bottles of the used fluid. This photo shows the remaining third bottle that I filled with the remaining of the used fluid. I poured about two and a little more than a half of new fluid to replace this.

Step 9: Remove the funnel and replace the dip stick. Do some driving, forwards and backwards. Return back to your station to double check the fluid levels.

Step 10: Clean up

Note: Remember that this is the process you will go through about every 30,000 miles. There is a filter, but it isn't necessary to replace. It is also known that to do a full transmission service, you will have to do this process four times to completely flush the transmission system.

Hope this helps!
 
#2 ·
Nicely put together DIY :thumb:

I'm using Amsoil synthetic auto tranny fluid in my R18 and change every 60k miles. Fluid still comes out looking good afterward. (130,000 miles on my 07 Coupe and i'm about to change the fluid for the 3rd time (doing 2x drain n fills)

The Amsoil synthetic fluid really helps the tranny to shift EVEN smoother then it did when new. I love it.

Can't go wrong with the Honda juice either though.
 
#12 ·
Thanks for such a great DIY and excellent photos. I've got two questions though...

1)Why do it so frequently at every 30K miles? My maintenance minder for replacing the transmission fluid just came on at 70k...
2)When would a "full transmission service" need to be done? Is that what the maintenance minder is asking for?

Hey 8th, I did a transmission fluid change today... and I decided to take some photos to help out others who might still have some doubts about doing it themselves. This was my first time doing it and I highly doubt one can make a mistake. The other thread was missing photos, so here you go! Hope you like it.
Note: Remember that this is the process you will go through about every 30,000 miles. There is a filter, but it isn't necessary to replace. It is also known that to do a full transmission service, you will have to do this process four times to completely flush the transmission system.

Hope this helps!
 
#13 ·
No problem man!

Well as for the 30,000 miles thing, I went in at that time to do an engine oil change and the dealer suggested that I do a transmission oil change as well, at every 30,000 miles. I guess it maintains the transmission much better than waiting until the maintenance minder tells you to do so.

I think as long as you continue to do a change every 30,000 miles, then it shouldn't be necessary to flush out the whole system. Some say that when cars get older, like 100,000+, if you havent done frequent changes, and then you suddenly do a full service, it could cause more damage to the transmission.

The maintenance minder's designed to tell you the appropriate times to service your vehicle according to your driving habits, to maximize efficiency and save money, to not waste oils, etc. Normally it is recommended that you follow the maintenance minder unless you're very picky about when you want to change your fluids.

I just got off the phone with my dealer here in Orange Park, FL and the guy at the service department said Honda just released a service bulletin stating to not do a full transmission flush. He stated the bulletin states to only do a drain and fill every 30,000 miles.

He's saying there's a part of the bulletin that states a full transmission flush can cause damage to the torque converter.

...
quoted from the old r18 transmission change thread
 
#35 ·
Thanks for the DIY! Your first sentence totally gives me the confidence to try this. I've never changed my oil either. While I was at the dealership today for some routine maintenance I was quoted $190 for a transmission flush and my mind immediately redirected to 8thcivic... They also quoted me $140 for the replacement of a broken sway bar link.

Also, great stache!
 
#38 ·
I noticed you didn't torque the drain bolt to a particular spec...is that an issue? Also, did you have any problems with the ramps (they look like Rhino Ramps) as far as clearance with the bumper? I'm hoping the stock front end on my LX won't have any issues...

Lastly, is the full flush really necessary (doing it 4 times)? My dealership said I need a transmission fluid change...but would they have drained it all or have just done it once like in this DIY?