Automatic Transmission Fluid Change - Honda Odyssey

[@FlavoredGenuine]

By watching this video, I now have the information to find the tools for my transmission fluid on my 2003 Honda Odyssey to be actually replaced once and for all.

[@DIYJeff]

@FlavoredGenuine, I’m glad the video was helpful for you!

[@FlavoredGenuine]

@@DIYJeff By the way, is it recommended to use the 1/2 or 3/8 breaker bar?

[@DIYJeff]

@@FlavoredGenuine, it you can get a 1/2 on it that's preferred, but a 3/8 should work.

[@vincentdiaz8616]

Brother, you are awesome. Great audible and direction as you proceeded. Such a great help. Blessings to you!!

[@dterr41958]

This is the video explanation on a 2003 Honda Odyssey that I have been looking for!! I was having the same issue trying to find the fill plug !!! Thanks for your help!!! Damn

[@jdsnapp]

Very well done! My 04 doesn't have recall kit. I discovered Amsoil back in day and first change I noticed a drastic difference in steep grades. I was passing passenger cars like they were standind still.

[@arjay3000gt]

Great job, Jeff! I've still got an '03 Odyssey as an extra vehicle, shared among me and my 3 adult sons when needed. I plan on milking the life of the vehicle a little longer by doing with this service item.

[@derekhall7610]

Yep very helpful simple and to the point good little flick you got here

[@BobTheVoyeur-vc3pe]

Excellent explanation for a non-car guy like me who needs every thing explained. You are the best.

[@DIYJeff]

We all have to start somewhere. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@ronabbott2053]

Nice video, clear and concise instructions, just what the was needed and no more. Thanks!!

[@DIYJeff]

Ron Abbott , I like putting out no nonsense videos. I don’t like wasting people’s time :)

[@vancott7399]

Great video ! I have a 2004 Odyssey. Great help thanks.

[@DIYJeff]

@Van Cott, you're welcome.

[@timbrubaker7550]

Great video Jeff. I use a similar solution for filling, but use clear vinyl tubing (warm the fill tube end of the vinyl with a heat gun to make it stretch over the fill tube easier) on the outside of the funnel and fill tube - it flows faster and gives me a better look at the fluid at the bottom. The 2003 I bought was ready for the scrap yard due to shifting problems; I tried TransX (some help), but in the end changed the fluid per the manual (four times in quick succession to get a higher % of the fluid swapped out of the torque converter) and viola - all shifting trouble disappeared. That was 100,000 miles ago.

[@DIYJeff]

timbrubaker, that's a great success story! And great tip on the clear tubing.

[@jiribilina5525]

I did same thing. 2 clear tubes, last one smaller diameter, so air could escape during the fill ....

[@hxd9321]

@@DIYJeff I have an 04 odyssey, is there not a filter to change for the transmission while changing the fluid?

[@2Jeezuzisreal]

Was your trans clunking?. I have a 2002 Odyssey van and it is clunking into second and third gear. I can drive it very lightly and avoid much of the clunking. Or I can manually shift it. It's very precarious. this week I'm going to flush the transmission. I was thinking of getting a filter also. And if that doesn't cure the clunking noise I'm going to remove the solenoids and clean them out and the small filters.

[@ronabbott2053]

Your videos are well done with practical and fluid steps from start to finish. Have subscribed. Thanks

[@DIYJeff]

Ron Abbott, thanks for subscribing and for the kind comment. My latest videos (newer than this one) are even more succinct and to the point, but detailed so that anyone, regardless of mechanical ability, can do it.

[@josephposada1830]

Absolutely Excellent Work Good Sir.

[@garasipapiboy]

Thanks man. Your video is so helpful.

[@martinblank4250]

Hey Jeff, really nice job on the video. Very helpful!!

[@DIYJeff]

@Martin Blank, you're welcome.

[@mikedoyo950]

Thanks. You explained it really well great job

[@DIYJeff]

Thank you

[@Sleepwalker65z]

Drain and refill the ATF every second engine oil change if you want the transmission to work perfectly for the life of the vehicle. This is an easy to do and inexpensive procedure. Note that when draining the transmission only half of the fluid can come out at a time due to the way the transmission holds the fluid. That's no big deal, as you will exchange 87.5% of the fluid after three drain/refill cycles, or 6 engine oil changes, and still be farther ahead. Also note that on most Honda vehicles with 4 cylinder engines the ATF dipstick is also the fill port. On V6 Hondas, you will find a separate fill port on top of the transmission just below the master cylinder in most cases. It is normal to need a breaker bar to loosen the fill plug, and usually the fill plug crush washer is much larger (about 1" inside diameter), compared to the drain plug washer (about 3/4" inside diameter).

[@DIYJeff]

@Blair Groves, great information. Thank you for sharing with the KZbin community.

[@drumdude46]

Best Tutorial on this job on the Internet. Jeff covers everything. I"m about to do mine for the 1rst time in my '04 Ody. Im just past 200K miles. Always have done my own Oil...( That's about due too... been going about 6+ K intervals with that using Synthetic Blend, but a mechanic recently reminded me maybe 'not too.... Engines at this kind of mileage...best just do every 3-4K. ) But...1st time doing own Trans. Fluid. ..a question however... I've heard these guys talk about...draining, then driving, then draining again, then driving, then draining and filling a 3rd time!.... Is the idea with that, you putting in 3-4 quarts of brand new $10+ a quart fluid, only to be draining it out immediately...then having to continue adding the next expensive 'new quart'...and so on....?? Is this what they're talking about when doing it this way? ( to get 'as much' of the near 11 quart capacity that's in there) Wow....that's an expensive ( and wasteful?) process. Just ...tossing out new fluid that's only been in your Trans for like....20 minutes... Lol!.... What's the deal on this please? and...one other thing: would just removing the Trans Dip Stick thus opening an 'airway'...be just as good in lieu of having to remove 'fill plug'...behind battery? anyway...thanks!

[@DIYJeff]

@drummerfella 55, sorry for the late response. To answer your question about the ATF change, the Honda Service manual recommends doing a fluid change of 3.1qt the first 45,000 miles or 3 years and then after that, every 30,000 or 2 years. The reasoning is that with each change, while you're not replacing all the fluid, there is enough new fluid mixed in, keeping the viscosity and appearance at an acceptable level. They do not suggest replacing the entire 7.1qts. unless you're doing a transmission change. This way, like you mentioned, you're not just dumping expensive new fluid into the waste bucket.

[@2Jeezuzisreal]

I think you're talking about the fluid that is stuck in the torque converter. That's why mechanics recommend three changes in a short period of time. There is a guy on KZbin that said he changed trans fluid on his Accord every 10,000 mi and drove it for 400k miles. He said there's no need to do three changes in succession. But the older Odyssey vans 2002 to 2004 that had trans issues I would recommend as many changes as possible and checking the solenoids especially if you have clunking issues when shifting into gears 2 and 3. Also solenoids need to be tested with a 12-volt battery.

[@rodneysmith247]

The 1999 to 2004 was very helpful for me to determine the correct video and difference between a 2nd and 3rd generation odyssey. 👍

[@DIYJeff]

@Rodney Smith, I'm glad the video was helpful to you!

[@detailerdetalhistapolidor1827]

What about the filter ? is that transmission without it ? Thx

[@Cowboys-state]

I think the 99 odyssey doesn't have trains filter

[@vincentdiaz8616]

Great Video Mr. Jeff’ solid help Sir!!!

[@maxgelezni9620]

I had recall Ody 2003 for 2-nd gear problem but car transmission doesn't have additional piping like your car has! Looks like Poway Honda dealer fail to add piping for cooling the second gear!

[@DIYJeff]

It was a recall so it should have been done by them for free.

[@2Jeezuzisreal]

I didn't understand anything you said. Piping ?

[@mannylopez9844]

Jeff I think you forgot to replace the most important part of this transmission oil change. The transmission oil filter. I just purchased one at NAPA part # 1-8837. It was really easy to replace just had to remove the battery to get to it. Now time to fill up with original Honda fluid.👍😎

[@sunnyquin]

I did a change previously and am about to do it again. Wanted to mention I used clear vinyl tubing and a plastic ketchup squeeze bottle that fit in the end of the tube.

[@alagloro9104]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@DIYJeff]

@al agloro, you're welcome.

[@drewdaros258]

Wicked! You made why I couldn't find the filler hole clear! I am not crazy ...phew

[@DIYJeff]

Drew Daros, I'm glad it helped you. It took me an hour of researching online to try to figure out why I couldn't find the fill whole either, lol.

[@justgivemethetruth]

8:32 - When you say "I lowered the hood, but it really isn't necessary to lower the vehicle" ... do you not mean just the opposite? That is, lower the vehicle with the hood up or down? I guess you are saying in a way that seems odd to me that it is not necessary to lower the hood to lower the vehicle. Also, when you are adding the transmission fluid to the engine, it looks like your flexible hose covers the entire access hole for the transmission fluid dip-stick ... so how does the fluid get in to push the air out? Did you get a lot of bubbles in the hose or is there a hole in there somewhere for the displaced air to escape?

[@gardenia1738]

Good video thanks. What size is the transmission drain plug socket? Isn't it an Alen type socket?

[@DIYJeff]

@Mohammed Hnoosh, it's not a bolt that you can put a socket on. As you mentioned, it's an allen bolt. According to the service manual the bolt is an 18x1.5mm and when you put it back in, tighten it to 36 ftlb.

[@jaredbae]

This is an amazing video! I followed all the steps carefully but I don’t understand why the D in the dashboard started blinking 😩 did I do something wrong?

[@DIYJeff]

@jaredbofficial, a blinking D is an indication that the computer has picked up a problem with the transmission. I highly suggest not driving it until you have a code reader read the stored code to figure out what the problem is. You are the first person who has reported having this issue after changing the transmission fluid. It's very possible your transmission was on the verge of this problem prior to the change.

[@mxcazador8520]

Exelent and simple vídeo It gives good info thanks

[@DIYJeff]

@Mx cazador, I'm glad it was helpful for you.

[@elcoyotecojodeldesierto2300]

It’s been 4 years since I decided to do the fluid change on my odyssey and still going strong with 345,000 miles on it.

[@diverdave4056]

the trans blew up on my 2002 Odyssey last year .... the shop told me $1950 to do a complete rebuild . I told a friend that used to work as a Honda mechanic and he told me to tell the shop to replace all 5 engine and trans motor mounts because they are easy to do while the cars a part or I will regret not doing it ! The total bill was $2950 dollars ! Yes the shop did use the Honda Trans fluid and they did OVER FILL it on purpose ! I stopped back the next day and told them there was too much trans fluid and they said not to worry because it wont hurt it at all

[@byanymeansnecessary9329]

Did you replace the transmission or rebuild it? Did you change the fluid first to see if that would fix the problem?

[@diverdave4056]

@@byanymeansnecessary9329 they did a complete rebuild on it . i actually know the owner of the trans shop and he tested it before telling me what was needed to repair it .

[@JohnSumm]

How many miles. Did it go at and is it still running now

[@diverdave4056]

@@JohnSumm it stopped working at 115,000 miles ... today it has 125,000 total miles on it and working as good as new ! the owner of the trans shop told me - if I had decided not to fix it - he would have bought it from me for his own use

[@2Jeezuzisreal]

That is the strangest comment I have ever heard. There's some information missing

[@bluetrue6062]

Thanks! Subbed. You deserve it.😀

[@DIYJeff]

@Blue True606, thanks, I appreciate it.

[@rollzolo]

I have three vehicles and my 01 oddly is my go to van..I have two older galvanized gates lying around and I'm going cover the catalytic converter with the gate. New gates wire has plastic coating. Thanks 👍

[@DIYJeff]

Glo Green, I don't have my 04' anymore, but that Odyssey is the best vehicle I ever owned until the transmission went out at 258k.

[@2Jeezuzisreal]

That is by far the strangest comment I've ever heard. Haven't got a clue what that means

[@eleandrodefreitassilva9564]

Very nice

[@DIYJeff]

@Eleandro De Freitas Silva, thank you.

[@albinocondori669]

okay good job, thanks

[@kennethmills5470]

good job like the funnel and tube idea

[@reysarson3235]

Thnks man it is a great help God bless you.

[@marykuttyphilip2232]

help lot.Thank you

[@DIYJeff]

@Marykutty Phillip, you're welcome.

[@alanfeistner1725]

What if my Honda doesn't have the fill hole modification to provide the second gear with additional transmission fluid?

[@DIYJeff]

A wf, do you have a Honda Odyssey? If so what year? If between 1999-2004 then there should be an active recall on it that any Honda dealership should fix for free.

[@kingposeidon9362]

@@DIYJeff The safety recall affected all 2002-03 Odysseys and 2004 Odysseys from VIN 5FNRL18..4B000001 thru 5FNRL18..4B051620, plus all 2003 Pilots and 2004 Pilots from VIN 2HKYF18..4H500001 thru 2HKYF18..4H546877

[@DIYJeff]

@@kingposeidon9362, great information, thank you.

[@davidphillips2326]

@@kingposeidon9362 Same with mine

[@chrisryan8863]

Hi Jeff. I have an 04 odyssey with the same kit blocking the ATF fill hole. I found it very difficult to get a funnel that has a small enough tip that I an attach 1/4 inch hosing to it so I can add fluid through the dipstick hole. Where did you get the funnel and what diameter hosing are you using? Thanks!

[@DIYJeff]

@chris ryan, 2 great questions and I don't have a good answer for either. I had both of these laying around and I'm not sure. Your best option is probably to head over to your local auto parts store and show them the dipstick shaft and I bet they would have the right size hose or maybe even a skinny funnel that would fit right down into the shaft.

[@mijaresaldo]

Thank you!

[@DIYJeff]

@Aldo Mijares, you're welcome!

[@damola8790]

So I took my 2009 Honda Odyssey with 1888k miles to the dealership for an oil change and they recommended a Transmission flush. I was advised by 2-3 other mechanics that said flushing the transmission is a bad idea, because of the year and mileage on the vehicle to just keep topping it up with fluid. Is this true or should I just go with what the Honda dealership people said?

[@DIYJeff]

That’s a tough call. People go 50/50 on that decision.

[@lenney872]

Drain and fill every other oil change

[@shinynaj5841]

The best..Thank you

[@DIYJeff]

Shiny Naj, thanks for the comment. I'm glad it was helpful for you.

[@Stealthnomad007]

Can u add fluid through the dipstick? Would be easier

[@parviz-m8m]

HI :) Thanks for video on this topic. I know that Honda ATF Z-1 was replaced with Honda ATF DW-1. Tell me please, how you Honda Odyssey behaves and gears shift after changing ATF Z1, which was in your Odyssey from factory to ATF DW-1. Thanks in advance.

[@DIYJeff]

Parviz Rustamov, I’ve been very pleased. In fact, if anything, it shifts even a little better. Odyssey’s are notorious between 1999-2004 for having second gear problems. Like I mentioned in the video, they performed a recall on the issue to help lubricate second gear better. I’ve noticed smoother shifting in second gear after driving a couple hours on the interstate, where as before the fluid change, it would almost shudder coming off an off ramp from the interstate. It’s been almost a year since I did it and nothing but positives!!!

[@parviz-m8m]

@@DIYJeff Thanks a lot for your swift answer :) Tomorrow I'm going to change ATF (will buy ATF DW-1) in my Odyssey 2003. Hope my results would also be good :)

[@carlosreis4626]

how long was it before you changed your transmission fluid on your Odyssey van how many years was it or how many miles was it while you kept that old fluid in there The reason I ask is because I have 125,000 miles and never changed my transmission fluid thank you

[@DIYJeff]

Carlos Reis, I don't know the last time it was changed. I purchased the van with 158,000 and I knew it hadn't been changed since I had it. When I changed it, it was around 220,000.

[@parviz-m8m]

@@DIYJeff Thanks for your answer. I put in my Honda Odyssey 2003 (147000 miles) four quarts of OEM Honda ATF DW-1 and going to do it again in 10 thousand miles, as I did not flush all ATF. Meanwhile all seams to be good. Planning soon to change automatic gears' external filter and clean solenoids.

[@elcoyotecojodeldesierto2300]

Hey Jeff I bought a honda odyssey from a dealer with 75000 miles on it and I never change the fluid now just hit 200000 miles and the fluid its black u think I should drain the fluid or not,thank u grate video

[@DIYJeff]

el coyote cojo del desierto , I suggest changing it but its really up to you. When I changed mine there were slight metal shavings on the drain plug but nothing major. Mine was well overdue for a change. There are some who say if there are metal shavings in the fluid to not change it and others who say it doesn’t matter. In the end it’s just a call you’ll have to make. My transmission finally gave out at 258k.

[@elcoyotecojodeldesierto2300]

Thank u so much for the reply,so guess I'm going to do it and see what happen.

[@DIYJeff]

el coyote cojo del desierto , let me know how it goes after you change it out. Interested if you find metal shavings in your plug.

[@elcoyotecojodeldesierto2300]

Yes sir, I will let u know.

[@elcoyotecojodeldesierto2300]

Yes sir was metal shavings on the drain plug let it idle for a couple minutes and then I took it fir a ride and is shifting really smooth now,that's what I was planning on doing the fluid change,let's see how is going to act for the next days,I hope everything goes find.

[@fabiansantos4558]

Isn't the fluid level supposed to be read when the motor is running?

[@DIYJeff]

@fabian santos, you would think so. The instructions on page 14-136 of the Honda repair manual do say to bring the vehicle up to operating temperature and to check the fluid level within 60-90 seconds of turning the engine off. However, the instructions on page 14-137 only say to fill it up to the upper level and do not mention bringing the vehicle back up to operating temperature first. Not sure if it's an error in the manual, or if there is no need to check brand new fluid at operating temperature because the viscosity of the fluid is thinner new than when it's old and it may not expand as much when new.

[@fabiansantos4558]

@@DIYJeff I triple checked and this transmission needs to be checked when it's off. The reading when on is too high.

[@maxgelezni9620]

My Ody 2003 transmission died-slips when had 108k miles. After spending $5k to fix this problem this slip-kicking noise came back when get 180k miles. I added "SeaFoam additive transmission treatment" and last week, after almost 250k miles, starts slips- kick again. I will try add SeaFoam one more time....

[@DIYJeff]

Hmm…that’s pretty good to get 250k.

[@2Jeezuzisreal]

Wow I've never heard of this seafoam. Was it clunking into 2nd and 3rd gear. ? I might try seafoam. I'm working on a 2002 I was thinking of four consecutive flushes but if you say that seafoam works I'm going to try that first. Is your car still running ?

[@makinggreatbread]

It's a good idea to leave the jack lift in place.

[@DIYJeff]

@Great Bread, I agree.

[@stevenbuell5387]

Thank you very much you was so detailed it was not funny thanks. The tube how small you need

[@RB-ng9gg]

What did you use to fill it in dip stick plug

[@DIYJeff]

Ricco Bowers , check out the video at 7:20. I show you how you can use a small rubber hose, just a bit smaller than the diameter of the dip stick tube, and connect it to the bottom of a funnel.

[@RB-ng9gg]

@@DIYJeff Can you describe the size of hose,tube,and funnel? Or link it below.

[@DIYJeff]

Ricco Bowers , they’re just things I had lying around. The funnel with the plastic line on it is all one assembled piece and is standard size you could find at Walmart or an auto parts store. The rubber hose could also be purchased at an auto parts store. I made this video about a year ago and I dint have the hose anymore t measure it.

[@reloadingdontshoot1]

Just did this on my buds 2006....the fill bolt for the tranny is an absolute GONG SHOW to get at and put back (airbox and master cylinder in the way). I had to use my magnetic grabber to PLACE to bolt back over the hole, then use a 30cm extension with an 18mm wobble socket to reach in and tighten it by hand enough to impact it on...le sigh Oh and I needed a breaker bar PLUS 3ft jack handle slid over top to loosen it. Ridiculous

[@jiribilina5525]

Thanks for great video. Mystery of missing fill plug solved! Now I even know how to open the hood! (Just kidding :) ) Thanks again, Jeff

[@DIYJeff]

@Jiri Bilina, you're welcome!

[@neilninnam2794]

Great video, DIY Jeff. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. As someone already mentioned, you provide just the needed amount of info. I’ve been doing a bunch of research before I change my ATF today, and I appreciate how you explained the recall mod on the fill side (I couldn’t find that bolt that was supposed to have ATF marked on it!) and appreciate the torque spec on the drain plug - everyone just mentions to “snug it tight”. The one thing I found a little contradictory on your video is jacking up the front end. Since the drain bolt is towards the front, most others have suggested to be level or have the front end slightly lower than the rear. I plan to just back up on my driveway and chock up my wheels with the parking brake on. en.m.wikibooks.org/wiki/Automobile_Repair/Honda/Odyssey/2002/Change_Transmission_Fluid

[@DIYJeff]

@Neil Ninnam, the only issue I see with just jacking up the rear, is that the Odyssey front end is already so low to the ground you will find it difficult to gain access to the drain plug, and especially have enough leverage to loosen it. So you could jack up the front end and put jack stands under it at the lowest setting and then jack up the rear and jack it up higher. That way the same result is accomplished and you can still access the drain plug. You don't want to jack the vehicle up more than an inch or two though because it can be dangerous to have the rear much higher than the front and the jack slip. You just need enough to allow gravity to do it's job.

[@ghandyaakari-vg5vk]

❤

[@hamedpanahi2055]

Hi.i have honda odyssey 1999 180 km.how much oil need for transmasion ?thank you.

[@DIYJeff]

The service manual calls for 2.9 liters (3.1 US qt)

[@hamedpanahi2055]

DIY Jeff Thank you.

[@GEOINCANCUN]

You raise the back end of the Honda Odyssey to let it drain out the front of the automatic transmission better

[@colemanel4828]

By doing that, was it better than jacking the front?

[@MaxWhite-ct9tl]

2002, just wiggle the drain plug out.

[@stevenbuell5387]

That's not a flush that a fluid change

[@DIYJeff]

True, which is why the title of the video says fluid change. I apologize if I misspoke in the video and said flush.

[@andyhuber5408]

Thank you!

[@VictoryFeabbbs]

Thank you very much!

[@DIYJeff]

@Marie Baez, you’re welcome.