ryanc44

I recently yanked my ATF dipstick to check the level. I pulled it out, wiped it off, stuck it back in, then pulled it out to check it. It was at the bottom mark, so I added a bit of fluid. Then I noticed when I did my re-check that the dipstick takes quite a push to get the plug seated back into the holder. So once I "pounded" the thing back in how it was supposed to be (alignment tab flush with the top of the plug), when I pulled it back out again to check the level it was too high (it was probably fine the first time- I just didn't push the dipstick back in all the way). Anyway, just wondering if anyone else has an abnormally tight fitting ATF dipstick cap/plug?

I'm gonna put a little bit of oil around the rubber plug and see if that helps it out...

Whatchamacallit

For me, it was a pain to pull it out so I had to re-read the manual. I used some force and that worked.

When putting the dipstick back in, I had the same problem. Aligned the tab and tried to push the dipstick back in but it didn't go down as smooth as the engine dipstick. Again, had to use some force (and pushed it in all the way down) and discovered that ATF was about 40% full. Not great but at least it was above the minimum mark. I figure to take it to the dealer and let them mess with it when I take it in for the 5K mile oil change.

jester2

I concur.

I took the stick out as well and thought it was low, but realized the rubber stopper wasn't aligned and it takes quite a bit of force to push in. When I talked to my dad about it, he looked at it and gave a firm push and it went in snug. I'm a wuss.

Not to change the subject any, but I noticed also, that the car doesn't have to be running to check the ATF, I've been used to having to run the engine and shift the transmission before I check the fluid.

ForceSHO

What type of ATF does it use ? the standard Honda ATF or is there a special Acura branded ATF ?

jlukja

The manual says to use Honda Brand ATF, type Z1.

I also did the ATF check and had to "pound" the dipstick back in. Still, the level reads right at the bottom mark. Does anyone know how much fluid it takes to raise the level from the bottom mark to the top mark? I don't want to overfill and adding a couple of ounces at a time and having to re-check the fluid (and deal with the TIGHT fitting stopper) after each addition doesn't sound appealing to me.

jlukja

Topped off the tranny last night. If anyone cares, it takes roughly 20 oz. of ATF to raise the level from the bottom mark to the top mark on the dipstick.