A few weeks ago I took my 03 CL to Open Road Acura in Wayne for an ATF change. During the conversation, the front desk guy asked me how I check ATF level. I said I check it with engine shut off. He said "that's not right, you should check tranny fluid level with engine running". I said "the manual says engine should be off". He insisted the manual and I were wrong.

So who was right?

 

All Honda/Acura cars I owned (3) recommend checking the trans fluid with the car cold and engine off.

Maybe dude was thinking of his 1973 Ford LTD or something

 

all honda/acura are engine off.

 

makes you want to think twice before taking the car to someone like that huh?

 

Yeah the CL is different

I remember my first cars that were auto, you had to check them with them running. The newer cars aren't like that anymore

 

I'm positive that acura and honda engine should be turn off (in cold) before you can check the fluid level.

 

From my experience, I check it with engine on, but techology advance, so I think you guys are right about check it with engine off. I know my uncle's 92 3 series definitely have to check with engine off because you check the fluid level below the car by removing a screw or something.

 

i guess if you factor in all this new technology or newer car bs then ya i guess you would be right, but i have never checked tranny fluid with the car off, and have always been told to check it while engine running.. several mechanics have told me so but i never thought it mattered