Changing manual transmission fluid

Hi! I have a few questions:
1. Why are transmission fluid checks/changes done after the transmission has been warmed up?
2. The drain bolt on my 97 civic has a wierd shape. It has a circular exterior with a square depression. What is the tool to open this screw called? Where will I get it?
3. Do I neet to use any anti-sieze stuff on the bolts before I put them back? Is there some sort of sealant I should use on the bolt?
4. While I drain the old fluid, will it be too hot for some plastic container? What kind of container to use to collect the old fluid?

often times many car fluids have to be warmed up so that they are more "smooth" and therfor more free slowing.

its kindof like melting an ice cube to get it through the drian. you have to warm it up

1. exman98 is correct.
2. use a 3/8" drive ratchet
3. you're only removing one bolt and you dont have to put sealant or anti seize on it.
4. dont drain the fluid until the car has completely cooled. drain it into anything that will hold oil. I like to use soda bottles, anti freeze jugs, old sauce pans and the like :D

3/8" ratchet is all you need ot remove the drain plug and a 17mm to remove the fill plug. Just drain the transmission oil and go to Honda and get some MTF from Honda, or if you are too cheap just put some 10w30 motor oil in it. You can drain into a bucket b/c it's not going to be hot enough to melt plastic.

tip: while oil is draining take speed sensor(vss) out.i hear filling the trans from there is alot easier then from the bottom.

Hi,
I changed the fluid today, but noticed that the fluid is dripping at something like 1 drop per half an hour from the drain bolt. That is probably because I used the old crush washer. I bought a "3/8 inch washer" from Ace, but it turned out to be a bit small for the bolt. Can any one who has done a manual transmission fluid change tell me what should I ask for if I wan't the crush washer for the drain and fill bolt? And where can I get it from?


1. exman98 is correct.
2. use a 3/8" drive ratchet
3. you're only removing one bolt and you dont have to put sealant or anti seize on it.
4. dont drain the fluid until the car has completely cooled. drain it into anything that will hold oil. I like to use soda bottles, anti freeze jugs, old sauce pans and the like :D

go to any place that change oil and aske them for a crush washer. if u have the old one it be best so u can show them what u need. im sure theyll be more than happy to give u one if u ask nice enough. if u dont have the old one just ask for a crush washer for a trans bolt.