How to change Transmission Fluid CIVIC 93 LX.. Automatic Transmission LX: Please Help

Discussion in 'Civic' started by Sahin, Apr 12, 2004.

  1. Sahin

    Sahin Guest

    Hi group,
    I am very novice about car and few months back I bought a 93 Honda
    CIVIC LX Sedan. Last time I took for oil change, mechanic told me to
    change transmission fluid. I checked by myself using dipstick. Color
    looks brown, and it is touching only the very end of the stick, what
    I thought that fluid level is very low. I dont know when it is changed
    last. I am having another problem what might or might not related to
    this. My odometer gauge is getting stop at 0 once in a while. The
    engine check light coming out after driving couple of miles each time.

    Now my question to you,

    1) Can you instruct me, how can I change transmission fluid by
    myslef.Whats the step involved? Do I need to lift my car up to do
    this? Mechanic is asking me for $90, but I am not willing to pay this,
    if I can do myslef by buyin transmission fluid from store.I have a
    friend who works as a mehanic, will do it for me by $40, but he never
    did this. He told me if I can rely on him, he has all tools do this.
    Is this risky to do from a beginer. Can this ruin my transmission.
    Please advice, with steps to do this.I would appreciatey your help.

    2) Can this low/dirty transmission fluid cause my odometer to
    malfuntion? What is happening is, it is working for a while, then it
    is getting stuck at 0. It started working again suddenly.Sometime, it
    is fluctuating rapidly from 0 to the speed.Engine check light coming
    out. Any idea, whats going on?? Should I take care of it ASAP.

    I am not in a condition to spend extra money for fixing this car for
    those cause because of my affordability.

    Thanks,
     
    Sahin, Apr 12, 2004
    #1
  2. Sahin

    y_p_w Guest

    This is among the easiest things to do. You need the fluid (Honda
    ATF from the dealer is preferred), a 3/8 socket wrench and or breaker
    bar, a 14mm crush washer, and a funnel. The change amount should be
    in your owners manual. The drain bolt will be a round head with the
    3/8 square fitting. Total cost of fluid should be about $14. You
    already know where the dipstick is - you fill through that hole.
    Don't overfill. Once you start, put it through all gears (brakes
    applied), and then recheck and add it needed. You might consider
    doing it a couple of times if the fluid is really dark. The fluid
    change is maybe 40% of the total capcaity. Two changes will get
    most of the oil fluid out.
    I would guess that transmission fluid would have nothing to do with
    an odometer malfunction.
    I'm trying to decipher that one. Are you trying to say you're frugal?
     
    y_p_w, Apr 12, 2004
    #2
  3. Sahin

    Fred Guest

    Buy you the manual, go to www.helminc.com or you can find used ones on eBay.
    It's very simple to do, but you need to know exactly how to do it and the
    right amount of fluid you need. Buy 3 qt of ATF at your local Honda dealer
    or online (hparts.com).
    I'd recommend doing it 2 or 3 times in a period of a week or so each time
    (this is to mix the old fluid with the new one). I think if you drain the
    fluid, only 40% or so will come out (or maybe 60%?, I am not sure) so it
    takes several rounds to change it all. You need ramps or jackstands. Have a
    piece of cardboard to redirect the fluid to the pan, since once you remove
    the plug it will splash your passenger tire.
     
    Fred, Apr 12, 2004
    #3
  4. Sahin

    y_p_w Guest

    I've heard of various Hondas requiring anywhere from 1.9 to 3.5 quarts
    of ATF per change.
    Unless it's been lowered, jack stands shouldn't be necessary. The drain
    bolt should be near the right wheel (on the same side as the ATF dipstick).
     
    y_p_w, Apr 12, 2004
    #4
  5. Sahin

    Sahin Guest

    Thanks for all of your advice. Yes it was really easy. I got it done.

    Odometer/spedometer is still malfuntioning. I noticed my cruise
    control used to work before, now it is not working. One mechanic told
    me that, as the sensor for speed is electronic, you might try changing
    sensor. I don't know what should I exactly do. Any thoughts??
     
    Sahin, Apr 13, 2004
    #5
  6. Sahin

    Fred Guest

    As I said, he needs to have the manual to know the exact amount. 2.9 QTs is
    what my 98 civic requires.
    dipstick).

    Jackstands is not necessary, but it makes the job a lot easier. Also, he
    will need jackstands for other jobs (oil change, brakes, etc) so it's a good
    investment ($10).
     
    Fred, Apr 13, 2004
    #6
  7. Sahin

    y_p_w Guest

    I remember doing the job on an '89 Integra (since sold). For me, jack
    stands would have made the job harder. The drain bolt was very easy to
    see and reach with all four wheels on the ground. It was maybe 7 inches
    from the right front tire. I believe the transmission also drains
    better if the car is level.

    The oil drain bolt was a bit further away from the side, but easy enough
    to drain with all four wheels on the ground (although I rarely did
    that). I had to have a way of reaching the filter though. My house has
    a 10 degree angled driveway. I parked the car with the front wheels
    about 3 feet into the driveway, and I could crawl into a triangular
    opening behind the front wheels. It was tilted near the angle of
    jackstands. More oil tends to come out of the pan with the front
    angled. I also have wheel chocks for the rear wheels.
     
    y_p_w, Apr 14, 2004
    #7
  8. Sahin

    Fred Guest


    Don't buy the jack stands!!!
     
    Fred, Apr 14, 2004
    #8
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