about a week ago i noticed the transmission slip a few times, and downshift kind of hard. I checked the fluid, and it was low (did not even register on the dipstick). Went to honda, bought some fluid, filled it up via the dipstick hole and a makeshift funnel - i put in an entire quart of fluid, and its still not showing at all on the dipstick. So now im nervous, maybe im somehow a moron and doing something wrong. Question, the dipstick shows transmission fluid on 1 side of it, but the other side is bone dry, it should be on both sides right? I am checking it when the car is hot, but turned off, correct? maybe it was just short more then a quart of transmission fluid, but that seems like a lot

 

is the car on a level ground?

 

yea, i've checked it maybe 3 or 4 times all in different parking spots. I put in quarter of a quart at first, drove for a while to make sure it was hot, checked it, added more, etc.

 

how much did u add?

 

in total, 1 quart so far

 

add another quart. dont know why u had so little fluid.

 

trans fluid is supposed to be check while the engine is running

 

this is how I got my transmission replaced, it started leaking fluid, it was shifting OK though, leaving spots on a drive way, took it to dealer and they said the transmission seal is leaking and to replace a seal is pretty expensive, so they recommend transmission replacement. They also told me that leaking fluid could be a sign of failure, so replacing a seal could be waste of money

 

im about 99% sure the book says it needs to be hot but the car needs to be off - at least i hope so or i just added a quart of unneeded fluid

 

i see your in nj, mind telling me how much the replacement cost?

 

Initial quote was $3500 without ECU, after calls to 800 number, I paid $1300 which included new ECU and 3yr/36K warranty.

 

I worked at Tire Kingdom for a few years and the red neck/meth head mechanics schooled me about trans flushes and checking fluid levels.
run the car till its normal operating temp, pull the stick, wipe it, re-dip, pull without dragging the sides (or at least 1 side), check level. ALL WHILE RUNNING

 

^each car manufacture is different.

 

Honda/Acura states car off on level ground. If you fill your trans while engine is running it will be overfilled.

Owner's manual > *

 

not fill it while running, check the level while running..

 

pretty sure you check it while its off too

 

the level will be diff. do it according the the book. thats why they made them

 

Running is on American cars. Honda is definitely engine off, on level ground and at normal operating temperature.

 

Do you spot any fluid leaks under your car? Very abnormal for it to be over a quart low without something being wrong.