I've been needing to do a flush of my ATF but I get no leverage on the wrench to get the ATF fill bolt loose/out. I have an 8 inch extension but there's just no wiggle room for my socket wrench to move let alone trying to keep the socket on the bolt from 8 inches off.

I've done the flush a few times before I had my transmission replaced (I've never changed it before and it was too late by then), but that bolt was rusted so I didn't even bother trying to remove it before so I just filled through the dipstick hole. Do you guys remove stuff to get to it like your battery etc? Or am I just using the wrong tools?

 

You need to use a longer extension (or a combination of shorter extensions) in order to clear everything right above and in the area of the fill plug.

 

Yeah you need a decent extension to get above the clutter. I'd try and use a 1/2" one. And then a long breaker bar

 

I've been refilling via dipstick holes for years. Much easier than digging through my toolbox for the correct extensions, etc. and retorquing to correct spec. And you're supposed to change the washers after each change.

I use a condiment bottle like these:



after I cut out the bottom. It works much better than normal funnels, which are usually too wide. Although you pour slightly slower, it actually saves time overall by not having to remove the fill bolt, especially if the bolt is rusted, etc.

 

Coming from 3G TL world I got these for tools to reach my ATF fill bolt:





Breaker bar + extension with socket adapters. Clears all the way about a foot above the engine bay and makes for very very easy ATF fill bolt tightening and loosening

 

I use a similar setup, utilizing a couple extensions with my impact gun on the end. It usually takes me 10-15 minutes to do a drain and fill.

While it is recommended to replace the fill bolt washer I would say its not necessary. I have never had one leak when reused 10+ times. Plus I have taken mine off with the engine running and atf does not get thrown out of the hole anyway.

 

Yeah I actually went to a Honda dealer and brought the part number for the fill bolt washer and he said they don't have that and to just reuse the old one....pretty much reused mine 4-5 times now and no big issues.

 

^ I'd agree as well- I've never replaced the one on the fill bolt

 

Following the replacement of the fill bolt with an oil jet, I looked for the best spot to refill the transmission. I ruled out the dipstick tube because of its size. There's a black sensor with a wire attached on top of the transmission case. It's closer to the driver side inner fender than the refill bolt. Its housing is held down with one 10mm bolt. I use a 1/4" drive socket and a couple long extensions to remove it. I wrap the sensor in a section of paper towel to keep dirt from clinging to it. I suggest a long neck funnel to refill the transmission.

 

Just use the filler hole. That sounds like a bad idea to remove sensors that break easily.

 

Yeah, being on top the fill bolt doesn't have the propensity to leak like a drain bolt does.

To the OP: If you're going to be working on your car much at all, do yourself a big favor and go get some long extensions (and u-joints too!).

 

Spray some penetrating lube on the edge of bolt
Place the socket and extension on top of the bolt- tap several times with a hammer

USE a longer breaker bar- you need more torque!!
Try slightly TIGHTENING the bolt- often breaks any corrosion bond loose

Have a friend hold the socket/extension straight and down while you apply longer breaker-torque

Its more likely to be `stuck` than in there way too tight