Everything I've read indicates to the spin on filter when doing a change. I purchased an internal filter. How do I change it? Or will it be obvious when I open the drain pan?

 

It will be obvious when you remove the transmission and tear it down.

 

On Honda automatic transmissions, the internal filter is non serviceable.

You must take the transmission out of the vehicle and separate the case to get to the internal filter.

This involves a crazy amount of time and money buying new tools that you didnt know existed for transmission service.

Do a few drain and fills with DW1 and replace the spin on filter and call it a day. If your serious about the car, start saving money for an AV6 transmission to swap in after your transmission fails because its inevitable.

 

Seconded.

As stated, you have to remove the entire transmission and then take off the outside casing.

At that point you might as well replace it with a better (AV6) transmission.

Don't waste your time.