I was looking into the MTF fluid change on my 05 TSX. I noticed from the parts diagram, that there are two fill plugs (#20 in the pic below).

If I could fill from the top #20 from the with a long funnel, that would make it easier compared to #20 on the side of the transmission. My shop manual doesn't mention the top fill bolt. Has anyone used this one to fill their MT?

 

When i changed my MTF i used the one on the side of the transmission, it wasn't too bad. The most annoying part was the dam plastic underbody cover. And the drain plug and check plug make you get into some awkward angles to tighten it to the right amounts. You might be able to get to the top bolt if you remove the battery and air intake. Im not sure though as i have not tried it, let me know if it works out

 

heres a link to a picture i took of the top fill plug.. http://s1237.photobucket.com/albums/...t=IMG_0134.jpg .. it is right on top of the tranny. you need to unplug the sensor and get your 24mm? socket on it

 

the top bolt is the filler bolt the one on the side is for checking the level it takes 2liters to fill you need to remove the box above the air box and you need long extensions with a 17 socket on the end be careful i rung a few of these nuts as its hard to get the socket flush on the nut

 

I have always used the side plug for filling. It's full when fluid comes out of the hole. This way you only need to mess with one plug and nothing else.

 

your filling it in the wrong place i have it in my manual top is for filling and filling alone and the side is for checking,must be hard to fill it in check hole, whatever works mate

 

Actually, the Service manual calls for removing the splash shield and filling via the side hole...so JTso is correct. Your reference is wrong, which makes me wonder...what manual is it?

 

you can take that tranny temp sensor out in the picture and fill it through there. pretty simple that way... just another way , been doing it that way with no problems..

 

http://s1237.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_0135-1.jpg here i circled what i'm talking about.. buddy with rsx showed me one day while i was changing my fluid .. less mess and alot quicker to get the plug off.... jus

 

the book or manual of my 2.4 accord shows you how to change oil filters coolant and gear oil, it clearly shows and says the top bolt is for filling and the side bolt is for checking the level. maybe you can fill it a few ways, but why have a top bolt if it serves no purpose, its there for filling the box.

 

First problem is 2.4 Accord vs. TSX. That's the probably issue right there, the TSX is US Spec and therefore the service process is lawyered up. They probably specify filling from the side in the US to prevent overfilling (impossible with the side bolt out).

Otherwise, you have to remove the side bolt, even if you fill from the top, in order to fill to the correct level, so why fill from the top?

 

Not looking to answer your original question, but would recommend that you remove the fill bolt before removing the drain bolt. If you do the drain bolt first and then encounter a stuck fill bolt, you are in trouble.

 

Been working on hondas for a pretty good amount of time, and on just about every car, there are a couple of ways to fill the tranny so you are all correct. Wether it is a VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor), Trans Temp sensor, or the actual check/fill plug, the fluid will end up in the same place. Just make sure you add the correct amount...that's what's most important.

 

Excellent recommendation. I learned the hard way when I drained the fluid from my 260Z's differential 30 years ago... noob mistake.

 

Yup and not only that, if you remove the top first, then the tranny fluid will come out nice and smooth. If you leave it in it will come out glunky and can be messy if you're doing it at home. In other words, it's like trying to piss full mast...it can go all over the place

 

That picture is from an OEM Acura parts site (acura parts warehouse). I just notice that there were two fill bolts. The shop manual shows filling it on the top fill bolt on the side of the transmission like on my old Accord.

I didn't see the top bolt in my shop manual, so that is why I asked.

 

good advise i got caught out when i rung the nut on the fill bolt after draining it, had to wait a few days for one to come in from belgium.

 

The Helms service manual lists the side bolt as being the fill bolt.

 

I finally got to the 120K mark where I changed the MT fluid.

I loosened and removed the top fill bolt (the one not mentioned in my shop manual). It was below the fuse box and pretty easy to access with a 17 mm socket and a small extension. Then I loosened the side level bolt.

Once I knew I could remove the bolts, I removed the drain bolt and drained the old fluid.

I was able to snake one of those cheap plastic funnels with the flexible plastic straw at the end into the top of the transmission. It was nice, because I didn't need a 90 degree bend to fill the transmission. I tightened the drain bolt, and removed the level bolt.

After I added two quarts, I slowly added the third. With about 20-40% of the fluid from the third bottle (~2.2-2.4 quarts), fluid started coming out the side level bolt. I knew I was full, so I waited for the fluid to drain and installed the side bolt, then the top bolt.

I used new washers all around, but the original ones were in good shape. I figured it was worth the extra money considering the manual called for the first change at 120K miles.

Hope this helps others doing this job.

 

120k on your first change? maybe I'm just paranoid, but I've changed mine 3 times and I just hit 77k

 

The 120K interval is in the shop manual has to change the MT fluid. I bought the car with 97K miles, so I am going to assume the MT fluid wasn't changed.