Honda Accord 2.4L Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Service (2003-2007)

[@BigDog50001]

*Tools and Parts* Disclosure: This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. Honda ATF-DW1: amzn.to/3BQWzSe Funnel: amzn.to/3D3QxPm Honda ATF Washers (18MM) 90471-PX4-000: amzn.to/2YnsLiv GearWrench Ratchets: amzn.to/3CNCldk Snap-On Torque Wrenches: bit.ly/3gzVN2q Drain Pan: amzn.to/308zNs5 Wheel Chocks: amzn.to/3BPf2yn Jack Stands: amzn.to/2ZViE4L Daytona Long Reach Jack (Cheaper at HF): amzn.to/2YkzVDY Anti-Splatter Pad: amzn.to/3wobUZx The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases). Want a free Big Dog50001 sticker? Send an email to [e-mail] requesting a sticker. Sorry, no international addresses or automotive questions.

[@Charkatak]

This guy provided spot-on instructions that only few people actually do! I wish dipstick hole on my Acura would be a bit wider to make it easier to fill ATF through that instead of dedicated fill hole.

[@BigDog50001]

Yes it would be nice if they all could be filled like this one, thanks for the comment!

[@bigaaron]

This car is my baby. Just hit 170k about to change the fluid for the first time since i got it at 125k. No tranny issues so far but i want it to he bullet proof! Thanks for the video.

[@bigaaron]

So heres an update in case anyone sees this. I was an idiot and didn't use a torque wrench on the drain plug and cracked the casing! So now we just dropped a new tranny with 67k in it and it runs better than ever! Lol

[@erickcruz9974]

Lol

[@stephenpatrick8068]

Yo BIG 🐕, I came across this video after I replace my transmission fluid the day before yesterday. Excellent video as usual perfect torque specs. Upon draining mine, I let it drain/drip for 15 minutes, lowered the passenger side to tilt, to get more fluid out & and replace fluid nearly 3.5 quarts w/ DW-1 Honda (ONLY) automatic transmission fluid (ATF). I know Honda is particular on how to check the transmission fluid after a fill, your explanation was great but people have to see how properly to shift the gears before checking as this is an important part of the transmission fluid check level. You simply have to "slowly" shift the gears from PARK to reverse to neutral to drive to second gear to first gear & backwards to the PARK position pausing 2 seconds per gear backwards to forwards. This process allows the fluid entering all the chambers so your level check is properly read. After my replacement my level was just above the second hole at the bottom of the dipstick. I'm pretty confident that's not going to hurt if there's a slight overfill. A really neat trick is once you put in your recommended 3 quarts of fluid, poor the old fluid in the empty ATF containers to measure what came out of the transmission initially. If you have some old fluid leftover, that means that over 3 quarts came out so you may add a little extra to compensate then your old fluid is ready to take down to your local auto center (AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Napa, Firestone etc) for proper recycling! I love my Honda! 🤗

[@ec9156]

Awesome point, when draining/refilling, my driveway slopes down and to the right so can drain/fill more. Of course then put on flat surface to fluid level check.😀

[@JPWelsh-1776]

One of best car videos I have seen. Excellent camera angles, no big skips of what mechanics may think is easy, but us non-mechanics struggle with, and very good detailed explanation of every step.

[@kargo27]

You give great tips. Like waiting to pop off the transmission dipstick after you've removed the drain bolt, and the custom pad in the drain pan. Pearls of wisdom, thanks!

[@landshass2849]

I drain mine in a measured pan, once it reaches 3 quarts I put the plug back and not let keep dripping or it's gonna drip for a long time. It let it drip once while while finishing my breakfast and the transmission acted up for a day or two, and I had to add half a quart in addition to the three. I own 3 Hondas with 2.4.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the input!

[@kargo27]

Good idea!

[@Anngelmagana]

for anyone wondering, the trans filter is under the fuse box it’s pretty much common sense how to switch it out once you find it.

[@armandolorian2120]

I ❤my 2009 accord EX-L 2.4! I do all the maintenance and it’s straight forward.

[@KateHikes1933]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who saves old Pennzoil jugs, those things are sturdy and have two handles.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@stephenpatrick8068]

9:50 Thank u for explaining how to check the automatic transmission fluid level properly because it always has confused me

[@jeffkeni]

This is an excellent video. Your little bits of insight are so valuable to someone who doesn't know all the nuances of this job. The camera work was great. The narration was as well. Good job!

[@michaelm9621]

This guy is the dad we all should have had. LOL great job

[@JamesHouston-i1t]

Thanks Big Dog, you should be a shop teacher. Excellent tutorial

[@godsspeedify]

The instructions were very good, I just wish that he changed out the transmission filter it's just underneath the air filter..

[@BigDog50001]

Should You Change Honda ATF Filters? kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqCXnZtvlKasfZI Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info Buy Big Dog50001 T-Shirts, coffee mugs and other gear here! bigdog50001automotive.myspreadshop.com twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/ The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).

[@LadyModiva]

One of my rare like, comment, AND subscribe! Thank you for being concise and not trying to make the video last a certain duration or silly nonsense!!!

[@thefreese1]

Someone told you wro ng .. the raised side of the washer conforms to the machined flat surface ... the flat side of the washer actually keeps the washer even and straight to the bolt and machined during the tightening process... Basically its works like a soft copper crush ring .. or seal.. if you will .. in theory.. But your right.. it will probably work either way... as long as theres no grit on any of the surfaces..

[@WilliamDuncan-vc5oo]

All the videos I have watched have been excellent and clear to absorb the lesson. Thanks so much

[@carolchia1001]

Very informative, thanks! You just earned yourself a new subscriber 👍 I had the same question about crush washers when I changed my oil for the first time and never really found an answer. I appreciate what you’re doing for all us newbs out here!

[@Jez1963UK]

Great idea putting that foam in the oil collector, not only does it help avoid splashes, it can also save you having to fish out the sump plug if it falls in with the oil and into that collector can (as happened to me!). Also, thanks for showing us where to jack the car from the front - I always wanted to know where to do that as well :)

[@billjames7499]

One of the best videos about Honda, thank you

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment 👍!

[@Zeno-zeno402]

Hi, Why didn't you change the filter also?

[@GSteel-rh9iu]

Excellent, thanks for showing where the jack stands go!

[@MrDcoleman201808]

It’s really simple to change the transmission fluid

[@andbertrand4597]

Excellent video but what about the tranny filter change. No needed?

[@tonymaas1709]

Just listened too this while changing mine, good tips, measured what I took out too ne on the safe side, helped resolve my 1-2 shift flare problem

[@chrishankins]

Great video, nice camera quality and great step-by-step explanation- thanks!

[@malcolmgray.5913]

Hi Big Dog! I’m glad I found your channel after watching a few other tutorials. My niece has an Accord Euro 2.4 CL9 5sp Auto right hand drive Australian model (this may mechanically be acura tsx spec, not sure). Checking it today, every level was low, power steer line leak. Without a Haynes manual and dead links on forums to workshop manuals leading nowhere I came to KZbin. Not being a mech I like to have a specific guide when doing things. I’ll be going through your 2003 accord vids. I’m a Mk1 Focus St170(SVT) guy but I like hondas and do most of my own work). My niece doesn’t like the car, it hesitates (had low trans fluid), steering pulls (haven’t gotten under there yet but the last owner chopped down the springs to lower it) etc. All maintenance related. I’ll have it for a few days soon to work on. I wasn’t going to do much but I’m more confident now doing a bit more than an oil change. I think a 2005 with 160000mi/280k with which every button works and only has as a headlight issue is worth saving. Esp given the price for used cars now. Thanks for the videos, you’ll be helping to save a good car and give me a good guide to doing some preventative maintenance!

[@starblazers01]

Thx Big Dogg for the refresher, love your videos! 👍

[@BigDog50001]

No problem 👍!

[@auck1969]

Thank you. This helped a lot. Especially what kind of fluid to use and how to check the fluid level. 👍

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@PatoLucas-g9v]

Thank you for the video Mr. Very Helpful 👍🏼

[@WickedG5150]

It’s a crush washer. The rounded side of the washer should contact the transmission/housing, while the flat side of the washer is in contact with the drain bolt, thus ‘crushing’ the rounded side to seal any gaps/leaks. Capeche?

[@RalphHason]

Hey and thanks for the great tips. My Honda has 150K on it and I’m not sure if the previous owner did the ATF replacement (I assume not) so my question is, assuming the original fluid is still in there, will the new type of fluid mix well with the original or should it be fully flushed and replaced?

[@willpage79]

That's wat im wondering I'm sure they never changed in mines so I don't know I should do a complete flush or take some out n put back wat I took out

[@aliyahwilliams7650]

did you ever find out?

[@tonymaas1709]

If the fluid is still red/non magnetic should be good too drain and fill, only drain n fill like 3-3.5qts

[@gerrielynncolleeno8032]

Great instructions. It saved the day. I have a question. I have Honda Accord 6 cylinders . Do I use the same oil.

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

Man you need a vehicle lift in that garage! HA! Humm check it with engine off a bit different then GM's and my dads Oldsmobile for sure. . Great video as usual Dave. Take care!

[@BigDog50001]

I wish I had room for a lift like you do! Thanks for the comment Mike!

[@Techn9ne01]

Great video and all but, you didn't mention anything about replacing the transmission filter?

[@edy5082]

I over tighten mine a while back and stripped a few threads. The original bolt was 1.25 in length and I found a 1.50 and it was able to tighten but now it has started to leak. Now I need to get in contact with a transmission shop to get this fixed

[@simongibbs2986]

What a great video. So Informative. Thanks so much from the UK.

[@markcavandish1295]

Exactly what I needed. Thank You!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@offroadaussie]

Thanks for the videos and the chips. I love the tip on the tension wrench very important. I was just wondering why you didn’t change the auto transmission filter

[@stephenpatrick8068]

In the Honda service manual there is no recommended change intervals on the filter I replaced mine at 200,000 fairly easy with a 90-degree needlenose pliers to get off the clamps. The filter is behind the dipstick, mounted to the frame of the vehicle with two hoses coming from the transmission.

[@offroadaussie]

Thank you very much

[@WilliamDuncan-vc5oo]

Great videos over all. I will probably try to drain and fill my transmission soon. I have had dealer do such periodically, but can I always trust the dealer, hmm? If you know what you are doing, you know your care will always be better.

[@shawnparker5234]

Is it ok to change your atf if you don’t know the last time it was changed

[@k.m.6449]

Show off just had to show us your fancy funnel collection 😆 thx for the video!

[@mattkeefe3850]

Good job and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@johnwagner8465]

YOU MAKE GREAT VIDEOS! Thanks again

[@jamesfan1207]

Do you know if I try to pump the fluid from the dipstick hole, how much fluid I can get out of it? If that is near to 3 qt, I guess that would be much less easier?

[@MrSupernova111]

Bro, great video! Thanks!!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@sansar44]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@honkbob]

you engine is very clean! nice! do you still have the accord?

[@jessebrown1185]

Hi how often do you change the transmission filter? Thank you!

[@KateElizabeth95]

Every 30k miles

[@sundberg39]

Well done, Thank you!

[@mustafahussein9238]

This model's gearbox is notorious for going out

[@BigDog50001]

I have found they last if maintained properly (drain and fill once every 30k miles). Not changing the fluid (probably the number 1 cause), using wrong fluid or incorrect amount are good ways to ruin a Honda transmission.

[@michaelpedraza]

Is changing the filter recommended?

[@sgreene2036]

Lost a freind in high school for not using jack stands on his truck. Excellent advice! It’s just not worth it.

[@GreasyWop]

Big Dog How do you feel about adding Lucas Transmission Fix?

[@erikramos3188]

Hoses what size? What brand do recommend? Changed my filter with 90 pick kind of messed up the hose😂

[@mjk9674]

Another excellent and informative video. Just wondering what you think the torque was on the transmission drain bolt was when you removed it? I'm guessing is was much higher then 36 since you apparently had to use quite a bit of force to break it free. 50 or 60 maybe??

[@BigDog50001]

I'm not sure but they can definitely be on there tight sometimes. Thanks for the comment!

[@ThatGunGuyy]

Why do I have to change the washer on the bolt and what happens if I don’t

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Any reason why you didn’t change transmission filter?

[@pughconsulting]

The filter on these Hondas are canisters on top of the transmission. They are replaceable but I've not heard or know of a recommended interval. I replaced mine once so far on a 2009. Certainly couldn't hurt to do it.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

@@pughconsulting thanks I have a Honda Element with the 2.4 and Honda doesn’t recommend changing it unless the transmission is being serviced.

[@BigDog50001]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqCXnZtvlKasfZI

[@pughconsulting]

@@BigDog50001 Looks like you covered this already. Thanks for sharing.

[@timg9448]

Question for you, 2003 Accord has a second "fill-plug" that is hidden close to the bottom of the battery compartment/tray. Look down inside the hole, and you see clean transmission internals... Does this take a different type of fluid, maybe for the differential????

[@daveshostack4950]

They say to change the inline filter on top which is below the air box. Why aren't you changing the filter? Why arent you using Max Life Full Synthetic ATF Multi Vehicle fluid?

[@Zeitgeistprepper1967]

Definitely replace the inline filter when doing a fluid change. These filters are not a lifetime filter like Honda says.

[@infinitiglock7558]

Hey I’m new here. Just had a question because I couldn’t find any videos. I have a 2006 Honda accord. I was wondering if you could do a video about the transmission line fitting hose. The female part that connects to the radiator

[@carlosballesteros4670]

Thank you so much for sharing how to. Very well explained.

[@WilliamDuncan-vc5oo]

Can I assume the car isi only raised (level) for drain plug access? On my accord 05, It seems to be easily accessed without a lift. Ok to change without the lift. I cannot see any reason except access to do so.

[@albertoh61]

Great video. Thanks!

[@uesleyjunior7877]

Good night, what would be the recommended oil for the automatic transmission box for the Accord 2005 2.4 EX and how many liters should it be placed? Thank you very much in advance

[@sergebuliga277]

Very nice helpful, thanks for showing us the level of min and max on dip stick 👍

[@BigDog50001]

No problem 👍

[@mikebingham9700]

Big Dog500001 is a really good Mechanic, very professional...Watching his Videos, you can do a lot of this stuff yourself. I have a 2007 Honda Accord EXL and I didn't know you could jack the car up from the front. Thanks, Big Dog it makes it a lot easier to get under the car.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@topacioo]

Amigazo thank you for this video it help me a lot, I have a 2007 Honda Accord and I didn’t know how to do the transmission service, so it’s very easy thanks to take your time and showing us all this tips, bless for you and your family.

[@billjames7499]

Great video

[@earlbarclay5559]

Change the outside filter should been included

[@__Dja]

What’s the correct amount of atf I should fill my 94 Honda Civic LX too after changing? Ive heard 2.5, 2.9 or 3, and 2. Pretty sure it’s 2.9 but just wondering.

[@los1349]

Thanks dog

[@wwcranker]

What about the transmission filter?

[@maxnguyen22]

What about the filter?

[@stephenpatrick8068]

The inline filter is above the transmission just behind the dipstick, from what I understand is that Honda does not a service/replacement interval but I replaced mine around 200,000. If you have a 90° needlenose pliers you can get the clamps off fairly easily to replace. There are videos on KZbin for this.

[@WilliamDuncan-vc5oo]

Is it imperative to use a torque wrench to close the transmission bolt?

[@whatdadogdoin7531]

Is this the same procedure for the v6??

[@erickhargraves3921]

Do these not have a transmission filter? Im askjng because I honestly dont know.

[@dadwillmake]

Is it OK to have it right up to the top dot on the stick?

[@BigDog50001]

Between the upper and lower marks (dots) is where it should be, it shouldn't be over or under those marks. It sounds like yours is probably ok if it isn't over the top mark.

[@dadwillmake]

​@BigDog50001 I ended up draining some to get it between the dots. Thanks for the video

[@rolanddonovanjr9846]

THANKS!

[@alanreynolds2125]

Hi, over here in the uk my 2007 accord would be the same gearbox 2.9litre of ATF ? cheers alan.

[@BigDog50001]

Not positive because I do not see UK versions but if it has a 2.4L engine it is most likely the same transmission.

[@roberthaven8094]

Sir. What kind of pad do you use to mitigate splashing? Where may I get it? Thank you

[@Visionery1]

No filter change? Do these have a filter?

[@enriquevalentin281]

Yes it does, it's behind the dip stick on top of the transmission, should be changed also

[@f0xyrules332]

Thanks

[@enriquevalentin281]

Question, my boy worked at Honda and when he did a neighbor accord he drained, filled with 4 or 5 quarts, then he removed the hose that goes over the frame to the radiator for the oil cooler and started the car asked me to tell him when i see new fluid coming out, he turned the car off and put hose back on check and filled to proper lever and then said done, is this something that can also be done, his about to do my TSX and said same thing will go for that car also

[@billjames7499]

How many quarts AT CHANGE for an 2004 ACCORD EX 3.0 Vtec 6 cylinder - is it 3 quarts?

[@chrishullett1433]

Can you use atf plus 4

[@tendakpa8928]

I thought should check it when motor is running.

[@charlesmosby857]

I have 2011 Accord with 200k miles, bought used with 80k. I've never serviced the transmission since car was purchased. I hear various things concerning changing fluid. Would a series of dump and fills work, or should I just keep the level topped off?

[@BigDog50001]

Up to you, you always take a chance of something going wrong when doing work on a vehicle. In situations like you describe, for Hondas I don't mind doing one service (one drain and fill) like I showed in this video. On Honda transmissions, when this service is done only about 1/3 of the fluid is replaced so it is not as much of a shock to the system as others vehicle makes where all the ATF fluid is replaced when the service is done. If I am going to do a second ATF service (on neglected vehicles), I prefer to wait until the vehicle is driven at least 5,000 miles before any additional ATF service is done.

[@kargo27]

@@BigDog50001 I like this method.

[@kargo27]

Another thing you could do is save your old transmission fluid from the dump and fill in a clean container. Then if your car starts acting up, drain the "new" fluid and replace with your old that you set aside and it will usually bring the transmission back to where it was initially.

[@gbmwaz]

Great idea I am doing just that....keep your old fluid just in case

[@andrewgrant6976]

It’s a a good video

[@danielgarciaalvarez2802]

Cuántos.litros de aceite se lleva la.vaja de velocidades.

[@XanderRowlet]

I’ve had my ‘04 Accord for 8.5 years, put around 65K miles on it. The transmission was flushed by the dealer when I bought it, just over 100K miles. I’ve never had any transmission issues, should I perform this change? Fluid is brown with a tinge of pink when I wipe the dipstick on a white paper towel. I’ve just heard the horror stories of transmission service causing more harm than good and wanted another opinion. Thanks!

[@BigDog50001]

A Honda transmission service only gets a portion of the fluid out, so it it not as much of a shock to the system as other makes where all the fluid is changed. Although there is no guarantee of having an issue, I would not hesitate to do a service on my own vehicle that went 65k between transmission services.

[@XanderRowlet]

@@BigDog50001 great, thanks for the advice! I’ll do a fluid change once the weather turns around

[@XanderRowlet]

Finally changed my fluid today. 67K miles on the fluid and it was still nice and red. Gotta love that Honda quality. Thanks for the video, used it as a guide!

[@SNAFFUcwalk]

I changed the fluid today, but whenever I want to check the fluid level, the fan never comes on when idling and revving. Can I just drive it for like 45 minutes, shut the engine off, wait for a minute and then check it? The manual says "Check the fluid level with the engine at normal operating temperature". Cheers

[@BigDog50001]

Normal operating temperature means the fans have come on twice. Driving it to get it up to operating temperature is fine, probably don't need to drive it 45 minutes though, unless it's like -30 out ;)

[@SNAFFUcwalk]

@@BigDog50001 Cool, I just checked the fluid level after around 25 mins drive on highway and it's at the top level, so will leave it as is. Outside temp is -1c (30F). Thanks for the tutorial!

[@kdao1007]

Question, so Honda doesnt use transmission filters

[@kimquyluu6771]

Thank you

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@jeffcoval2983]

Does it have to be the exact Honda ATF fluid ? I have valvoline ATF fluid that I bought for this

[@BenDover-lx1gh]

You can use it I'm pretty sure it won't hurt anything but me personally I've always used the Honda genuine atf dw1 it's the best I've never had issues with it and i race the heck out of my Hondas so that says something hopefully this helps good luck

[@djgeo1047]

Does it matter if the fluid and filter is Honda brand? I have a 2003 Honda Accord

[@BigDog50001]

I only recommend Honda ATF fluid.

[@enriquevalentin281]

The fluid for sure should be Honda, filter you can get away with it, i just bought the filter from Honda and it was 40$ before looking on Amazon 12.99, wtf

[@digitalmixer]

Don't you need to flush til clear

[@ciscokid4432]

how often should it be change? and what are the benefits of changing? thank you