Hey all,

I would like to do a tranny service myself, and have not yet gone and purchased a Chilton or anything like that. I have a 2.5TL, anyone have a link to instructions on how to do this? What tranny oil have you used that has been effective?

When I first start driving my car, it shifts ver smoothly, but after warmed up, it shifts very hard. I imagine (am hoping anyway) that it may be due to viscosity break down.

Let me know what you all think!

 

two days, 22 views, and no reply... certainly not like this over at Maxima.org....

 

Hey Fast '96,

I have a '98 3.2TL and I just did my tranny fluid about 10K miles ago. It is really very easy. First of all, you only need the Honda recommended fluid. Don't worry about getting a filter since ours should last a very long time. You should, however, get a new washer for the drain plug. First, you have to locate the tranny fluid drain plug. Now since you have a 2.5, it might be in a different place than mine. I was able to get to mine by going under the passenger's side front door (the car was on ramps, which made it a hell of a lot easier). You will need a socket wrench to take the drain off. You will see that it's not like the oil drain plug since it's indented and you have to stick either a big allen wrench in there, or use a socket wrench with no socket on it. It might take a little elbow grease but eventually you should be able to knock it loose. Don't forget to take the dipstick out so that all the fluid can drain out. Once all the fluid drains, put on the new washer and replace the bolt. Then go uptop to the engine bay and pour in the new tranny fluid through the dipstick hole. Once this is done, start the car, and put it through each gear twice. Then while the car is running check the level. If you have to add anymore fluid, you have to go back in the car and run through the gears again. Good luck!!!

 

Thank you for th great reply! This is exactly what I was looking for. A couple of things though, my car has 125k miles, and I know for a fact that the last tranny service was at about 85k miles. So I think I may need to change the filter as well, after 40k miles don't you think? Also, would I do well to try redline or amsoil tranny fluid??

 

I've changed my tranny fluid every 30K miles and have only used the Honda ATF fluid. One of my good friends has a 2002 BMW M Coupe and only uses Amsoil fluids. It is very good stuff and I highly recommend it. As for the filter, you would have to drop the pan to change that one out. I have had 4 Hondas in my life and have never changed the tranny filter on any of them. But if you want to, I would go to the dealer and have them do it...unless you have a lift.