is changing transmission fluid possible?

[Sean Price]

or do you have to get it serviced i.e. have a shop do it?

I own a 2000 Honda Civic ex sedan, how would I go about changing the fluid? what does changing it due or accomplish?

is there instructions somewhere on the web?

what about the other general tune up stuff?

thanks and let me know

one

[Miataracer]

yes, either is changeable...

is it auto or stick?

a 2000 probably wont need any real tune up type of work right now I wouldn't imagine unless it has pretty high miles and even then it shouldn't need too much. i suppose a set of plugs and wires never hurts

[gunnmen01]

the trans fluid gets changed at 15,000 miles on either auto or stick...how many miles does your car have? I'm a honda mech so i can let ya know what your due for......


gunnmen01

[Sean Price]

uh oh....

its a 2000 honda civic ex sedan, with 51,500 miles as of right now, its an automatic

I drive about 40 miles to work and 40 miles back home everyday, most of it is hwy miles, but i do go thru the city for a little bit and deal with rush hour traffic sometimes,

the only maintanance I've done is an oil change every 3k miles if not 3k then 7k for sure...and tire rotation....

what should I do? somebody stole my manual so all I have is this forum also what would a tune up include and how much should it cost?

thanks

one

[BullShifter]

You should take your car in for a 45,000 mile maint. service & have the trans fluid changed also(not included) or wait til 60K @ do that serivce & have your coolant changed since thats done @ 45K. Auto trans fluid should be changed 15k-30K, I recommend every 15K. Go to a Honda dealer & pick-up a maint. list, also www.helminc.com has factory repair manuals that will show you how to do all the work yourself.

Honda dealer I worked @ charged $339 for 45K & $439 for 60K services. Cap/rotor will be needed, im guessing. Skimping on maintenance makes a shitty car.

For the trans fluid change, the easiest way is to take it to a Jiffy Lube or something - takes them 10 mins & only cost like $25. If you want to do it yourself . .

-You will need a funnel, hose, 17mm wrench or 3/8" ratchet(i forget), & trans fluid(Honda ATF, Dex III or better - 2.5qts)
-Lift & support the vehicle properly
-Remove trans dip-stick
-Put catch pan under trans
-Remove drain plug
-Flush .5qts - 1.0qts of new fluid(I flush until its clean - couple qts)
-Replace drain plug(washer replacement recommended - i never do, only oil plug washer)
-Fill trans with 2.5 qts
-Start engine & go through the gears slowly up & down, hold each gear for 15 seconds or so
-Shut off engine
-Check trans level - fill as needed. Start low when adding, its always easier to add more than drain a little.