Honda Civic Manual Transmission Service 2003 (2001-2005 Similar)

[@BigDog50001]

*Parts in video* This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. Pump used in video: amzn.to/2YOHzoD Honda Drain Plug Washer 94109-14000: amzn.to/2ZjgUfH Honda 20mm Fill Plug Washer 94109-20000: amzn.to/2NorfEW Honda Manual Transmission Fluid 08798-9031: amzn.to/2Zm9YhH The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/

[@dantevtr2509]

Hi, I really liked your video, could you tell me how much transmission oil should be put Thank you very much and greetings from Spain

[@anthonycooper844]

Without this video I would have never known that you could replace the fluid in a "sealed" transmission! THANK YOU

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@wyattoneable]

Solid tips on where to jack up that car. Anyone owning this car will now know how to do a proper transmission service. Nicely done.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it!

[@ivanpd6865]

Honestly one of the best videos I've seen on mechanics and the best tools, thank you very much Big Dog50001. 👍

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@philipp9481]

Fantastic video! So much infos (screws, washers, torque specs etc.) just perfekt. Thank you so much! Very professional and straight to all the relevant points. Love these types of videos! 👌

[@jeremypilot1015]

That little pump is fantastic! I used to struggle with the small quart bottles squirting it in this is WAAAAAY better!

[@GetUpFalcon]

The crush washer is the same unit used on the oil drain plug - terrific! Dead important to install the correct spec washer - anything smaller will leak. This I know because after being repeatedly told by my mechanic across several services that the engine was burning oil, I crawled under the car only to find the washer for the drain plug was so undersized it almost couldn't be seen. That explained the excessive oil consumption, steadily dripping out! Haven't used the mechanic since.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the input!

[@gamingofthelegend3907]

Hey this helped me out too, I bought the car with an oil leak and it could be this that’s causing it.

[@joeo1725]

I just got a length of rubber tube and put a plastic funnel in the end to slowly refill with trans oil from above. Works great

[@takumif7056]

Awesome video man! Complete and solid with the instructions! Hard to come by videos like this!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@hemtet5500]

Very good not many videos tell you exactly where to jack and support your vehicle

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@ElOliverio]

Dayumm This is one of the most helpful videos on the web about how to change manual transmission fluid! Thanks a lot, keep doing more great videos like this

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@dw4940]

Dayumm Definitely!

[@IceInVeins916]

How can I just top it off ?? I’m just tryna add fluid in my 2001 Honda Accord 4cylinder

[@leondetailing2415]

Awesome vid, I haven't touched a manual transmission since my 87 mustang and forgot how to do this.

[@eddiearndt1949]

Thank you for your video. I just changed my trans fluid in my 2001 civic. I bought the car two years ago and I should have changed it then. I think they used motor oil last time it was done. Fluid was dark brown and there was no gasket on the tranny drain plug. I do all my own work. These manual transmissions in these cars are so much easier to change the fluid then a auto trans.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@VolksdeutscheSS]

Bro, excellent video. I've never changed the automatic-transmission fluid in my 2005 Civic. I'll be doing it soon, though--along with a radiator replacment.

[@darrellminx5459]

Great video. You did not leave anything out. Thank you for the jacking instructions.

[@ledzeppelin1212]

Great video! Thanks for the help! Gotta do my '04 Civic pretty soon. Glad you mentioned loosening the fill bolt first. Both of my bolts are super rusty and may give me some trouble.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment 👍!

[@BJ-jl8ri]

Thanks Big Dog50001!

[@themechanic6117]

Another good video. It always worries me using the full extent of a jack stand. I feel like one like wobble and the car will fall off lol. Till this day I still can't find one of those lights at my local HF .

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks Jonathan. Yeah I don't like extending them all the way, they were up pretty high but not all the way extended. If I needed to go any higher I would have gotten the big jack stands out. I saw that HF was out of stock on the light a couple months ago, surprising to hear they are still having supply issues.

[@alllivesmatter1792]

Dude! Thanks for the step by step instructions. 🎉

[@davidwhittaker9511]

Good Video, Thanks! Really appreciate that you mention to remove fill plug first!

[@quangpham6779]

Thanks for the vid changed it today and no problems

[@anthonyrivera722]

Thank you , I like the way you work on the car ,iam in Pennsylvania and I wish I could it bring you my car so you can work on it ,I used to work on my car but I can't do it anymore,,anyway thank you for your video.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@radicalrenegade8528]

As always Big Dog50001, great video. Helpful.

[@suazinator]

Thank you man. I will refer to this video when doing this on my car

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@Matalesto.]

Beautiful video, I'm in tears

[@AlphaMachina]

The manual trans on my 2005 EM2 is leaking from that drain bolt and from a bolt toward the front of the trans. That very front bolt in the video at 3:30. I have to get the transmission rebuilt anyway, because it no longer has 5th gear and the previous mechanic working on it just kept doing something to bandaid fix it, and it kept losing 5th gear again after about a month of driving it, so I just want to rebuild the entire thing. And this is the third thing to start leaking after he worked on the car, so I told the guy off and started doing all the work myself. I had to replace the valve cover gasket because that was leaking from one of the corners, and when I took it off, I noticed when he installed it, one of the corner tabs of the gasket was bent under itself, essentially doubling up the thickness in that one corner. I did the job properly, so no more leaking from the valve cover. So far I've replaced all of the suspension bushings with a mix of polyurethane and OEM (mixture of performance and comfort), end links, rack ends, new lower control arms, and I've put the spindles from a 2005 RSX onto the car to get disc brakes and 5-lug on all four corners (they bolt right into the original EM2 suspension) It's a funny thing, but the RSX and CR-V of that generation all share the same suspension setup as the EM2 Civic, and the components are all mostly swapable. I'm eventually putting the K24 engine out of a CR-V/TSX into this Civic and going with the spindles either from the CR-V or from the RSX Type S, so it'll fit the cv axles. I've got the lower from the CR-V and the head from the TSX ready to go, but I'm slowly buying forged internals for the lower, mainly h-beam rods, 11.5:1 compression pistons, stroker crank, and a bunch of other goodies, and my brother is going to help me build the bottom end, and I'm bringing the head to a machine shop to get it ported and polished. At any rate, I'm about to go try to at least get the trans to stop leaking from the drain bolt by replacing the washer seal and the bolt with a new one, but wanted to make sure I'm going about it all the proper way. At least until I have the money saved up for the trans rebuild. Thanks for the video. I wouldn't bother at all with the trans rebuild if it weren't going to take me the next couple of years saving up for this engine swap, and I still daily drive the car, so it's worth it to me.

[@BigDog50001]

I probably wouldn't go back to that mechanic. Thanks for the input!

[@garrettprosser7336]

I put 1.5 not 1.7 quarts and my transmisson makes noise when im in high rpm i dont wanna jack it up on all 4 and get under it just to top it off a little bit. Can i fill it from the top by removing a sensor or anytbing?

[@sbrave]

What is the procedure afterwards? With automatics, you run the engine and cycle through the gears (with the brake on) Same for manual?

[@sergiorivera7637]

does changing the manual transmission fluid promote smoother gear changes?

[@grnseatrtl]

If your fluid is dirty yes it can or depending if you switch to a better gear oil it can also

[@fifanation193]

What if my 03 civic ex has a knocking problem coming from the front engine???

[@sin7368]

Does that mean that this car doesn't have a transmission dipstick??? I was trying to help my friend today...his manual civic si is having trouble shifting into first.....I told him to add transmission fluid.....we BOTH couldn't find the dipstick is there a reason they don't have a dipstick for the transmission fluid? On this specific engine??

[@2jzturbo167]

Nice ! Definitely going to watch this video when I change my fluid 🙏🏼💯

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@guaraguara4239]

Best video on this, thanks!

[@clebersontavares440]

Obrigado pelo vídeo estáva com dúvidas de como colocar o óleo .

[@joe00camaross]

Obrigado sem 😎

[@julianelias6747]

Great jab im have 2004 honda Civic si but the problem Is not Reverse work on transmisión , what you Ting ? Is need service ? Clhutc Is new one because for up all speeds works perfect

[@aquaround1146]

Great video, thanks.. Honda recommends to change fluid every 120000 miles? but I also have heard that these transmissions on these Hondas fails around 90000 miles. Mine failed at 105000 mile, and I'm looking for replacement now... wondering is it worth doing or was I too rough on that transmission?? otherwise great little car.. absolutely love it!

[@averyalexander2303]

How did your transmission fail exactly? Input shaft bearing by any chance? Those seem to be a pretty common problem on all the D series manual transmissions unfortunately.

[@kristoftobias2081]

Same same. But still gets me from A to B without concerns. Sometimes when i let off the throttle in the fifth gear, it goes to Neutral. I think I know the answer, but... Anyone a quick tip before i buy a whole trans? 😂 Car is at 300 000 kms. 😅

[@kcthrillz]

Would this be the same for the 1.7L engine?

[@Pioska]

So much good info! Thank you!

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it was helpful!

[@freesaxon6835]

Useful video, the pump is a good idea

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@nerygomez5682]

Perfect video thank you , five star ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[@Chuy1988]

Where do you find Honda manual transmission fluid my friend?

[@jddeefo1022]

And difference in the feel of the shifting following this service?

[@rafaelgomez9232]

What other oils we can use instead of Honda tranny oil? Is synchromesh ok? What about 10W 30 engine oil. I’m getting recommendations it’s ok to use regular engine oil.

[@averyalexander2303]

I use Amsoil Synchromesh and it works great. I know people who use Redline MTL in these too. Modern engine oils aren't really compatible with transmissions and shouldn't be used except in an emergency. To put it simply, modern engine oils are too slippery for the synchronizers to work properly since they need some friction to grab. Back in the 90's when that was the recommendation, it worked okay because oils weren't nearly as slippery as they are now.

[@marcusyeoman4926]

Well done! Nice video!

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@austingreene8100]

great video . concise

[@the.malinski]

Thank you sir, very informative!

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@2ss701]

So with 2 quarts you should be fine?

[@chriscongleton2461]

Excellent video!

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you!

[@drallcome100]

Thanks big dog!

[@brandonandrew6844]

Thanks for the help! Where’d you get your catalytic converter. It looks like the larger than stock one I’ve been trying to find. Thanks for any advise. ‘01 civic ex 5spd

[@neilheater6852]

Does your video work with the 2002 Honda Civic SI?

[@dannysautorepair]

Great video

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@calebhebert8723]

Very helpful video 👍

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@docmdb87]

Does anyone know, is there a reason you filled from the fill plug and not where the dipstick is? Would it also be OK to use the dipstick hole?

[@BigDog50001]

Most manual (stick shift) Honda transmissions do not have dipsticks. The procedure I showed is exactly how Honda says it should be done in the service information. *AUTOMATIC* transmission fluid can be added through the dipstick on some models.

[@erhanelgun2302]

as always, great job

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you!

[@RahkmanX]

Question... Can't the same procedure be done without it being level. Meaning, you jack the car up to remove the drain plug emptying it. Then you lower back to the ground to remove the transmission dipstick then re-add new transmission fluid though dipstick opening until it's level?

[@BigDog50001]

No dipstick on a these manual transmission Civics. Vehicle needs to be level when refilling so fluid starts to drain out when it is at proper level.

[@RahkmanX]

@@BigDog50001 Copy that! Thank you!

[@jensenarroyo5383]

Hi i have a honda Civic 2001 ex coupé with 187,315 miles and i don't know if the past owner chance the transmission fluid so My question is i can change the transmission fluid ? Sorry for my English i'm from Puerto Rico

[@BigDog50001]

I won't tell you what to do, but I would do it if I just bought a car like that.

[@kitophiovideos]

Honda Civic LX 04 150k transmission fluid never been changed I drained n filled, now it wouldn't shift after the car is warmed Trying to correct this by 2 more drain n fill 3rd time with Seafoam Trans Tune. Any suggestion what I should try?

[@RyanHallVicePresidentOfAwesome]

Super helpful. Thanks so much!

[@sakurland]

Great video! Many thanks! Do you discard the pump or save it for the next tramsmission fluid change ?

[@BigDog50001]

I save it and use it again (on the same fluid). I have several of these pumps and use them for different fluids (but I don't mix them).

[@casimirolira3463]

A very good job nice & clean

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@darthvirgin7157]

question, does the engine/transmission need to be warm before draining the MTF?

[@BigDog50001]

No.

[@jesussaves2934]

I'm handicap and broke. How do I get fluid into my Honda? Damn it

[@luiz6089]

Hi mate, Nice and detailed video. A quick question, the Washer Gasket fits Transmission and also engine? Is it necessary 2 liters oil? Thank you in advance.

[@voodookook]

Thanks. First Class tutorial.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you!

[@joshwesley8787]

Can you do a video on how to change the check and check the clutch fluid on your honda civic?

[@BigDog50001]

Not too many manual transmissions around but I will see what I can do.

[@joshwesley8787]

@@BigDog50001Thanks. Your videos have helped me out a lot 😁

[@ColoradoStreetboarding]

Wait… So the clutch fluid has nothing to do with the manual transmission fluid??

[@introjack3662]

what gearbox is this an s21 or something else

[@darrellburrell2166]

Currently seeking a manual transmission for 2001 model Ex. If anyone could guide me to where I need to start search for one would be highly appreciated. Thx!

[@AK-jr5ri]

Great video thanks

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment 👍!

[@MC-jf6ic]

Wuttup Homie G Dawg from da Hood! Nice Vid! That high flow cat converter, did it make a difference?

[@BigDog50001]

Not my vehicle, but I believe it was just a standard replacement (aftermarket) catalytic converter that was installed on that car.

[@erhanelgun2302]

Thanks for the video. I have a question. I have a honda civic 2004 with automatic transmission. Some people making full transmission fluid change. Do you recommend a full transmission fluid change or 2 or 3 times drain and fill ?

[@BigDog50001]

Of course the Civic in this video is not an automatic, but in general you can't do a full ATF change on those Civics, or pretty much any Honda with an automatic transmission, only a drain and fill can be done. The people that talk about a full ATF change are probably talking about going to a shop that uses a machine to "flush" the ATF fluid. This is not recommended by Honda and I don't recommend it either. One drain and fill every 30,000 miles is what I recommend. If the vehicle has not been taken care of, I do one drain and fill and then re-access the vehicle to determine if I want to recommend doing additional services.

[@ericthedood11]

Very helpful video

[@BigDog50001]

Glad it was helpful!

[@normansmith7806]

Good video !

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@HondaHerb]

Does this manual transmission civic have a transmission filter ? Or is that just automatics?

[@BigDog50001]

No filter for this manual transmission.

[@فهدالعصيمي-و4ر]

Thank ❤

[@sweethallewis]

The torque tool you used...do you recommend I purchase this? Is it mandatory for a successful flush?

[@BigDog50001]

It is not mandatory but it is a good idea. Many problems are caused by people over-tightening drain bolts (it is very easy to do). You don't need a $500 Snap-On torque wrench like I used in this video, Harbor Freight makes one that is around $12 (with coupon).

[@luiz6089]

the square screw head from the tranmission (drain plug) is 1/2 or 3/8? you have used only the torque wrench to remove it? Tks.

[@emirakkoc4147]

What Oil Number?

[@BADD400]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@qiaoqiao4299]

Thank you so much.

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@Odskee]

Really helpful video; I need to do this myself but nobody seems to mention the reservoir or how to replace the fluid here; including whether you need to bleed the system or not. Not sure what the process is to replace all clutch fluid in the system.

[@BigDog50001]

What you are talking about is hydraulic clutch fluid service, which is a different procedure (and yes in most cases it needs to be bled to get any possible air out). I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@eddiemata5721]

great help

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@josevelizc]

I have a 99 Civic manual transmission with about 250k miles. Not sure if tranny fluid ever changed. Gears still shift nicely. Should I leave it alone or change fluid?

[@BigDog50001]

It is doubtful it went 250k without ever being changed. I buy older vehicles like that quite often and I don't hesitate to do 1 drain and fill on a Honda (on most models it only gets about 1/3 of the fluid). After that, I re-access the situation after looking at the fluid and how it drives.

[@yufang1000]

Thank you

[@BigDog50001]

You're welcome!

[@iamthenra1968]

Why does everyone recommend Honda transmission fluid? I know there are some synthetics out there that claim to be even better like Amsoil for instance...

[@BigDog50001]

Some have had success using other stuff, but aftermarket fluids can destroy Honda transmissions. Not worth the risk in my opinion.

[@ecpruthless]

Very good stuff... there was so much info packed into that vid..... had to subscribe for more.... Transmission fluid seems to be seeping from a different bolt(?) on my 5 speed (same car), it is about level with the fill bolt, about 5 inches or so to the right of the CV axle(looking from the wheel). Looks similar to the drain bolt, where you need a driver to get it off but bigger(1/2 in driver vs 3/8 in driver)...... Honda parts lists it as a "sealing screw 32mm" but i cant seem to find any info on it at all. part # 90081-PX5-000 Any info would be greatly appreciated... ....but what i really want to know is can i replace it or reseal it to stop the leak? Or maybe a symptom of another problem?

[@BigDog50001]

I believe you are referring to the 32mm sealing cap (it should be normal right hand threads). As long as the threads are not damaged, usually that 32mm sealing cap can be removed and resealed with liquid gasket (Honda recommends Hondabond 08718-0004) and then reinstalled (18 ft lbs torque). The M/T fluid would need to be drained like I showed in this video and then the threads and cap cleaned up first before reinstalling. I would wait at least one hour for the Hondabond to cure before refilling M/T fluid (but 16-24 hours cure time is best if you can wait). Thanks for the comment and good luck!

[@leondetailing2415]

Grool 🤣😂

[@dw4940]

Im.witn you on.earlier.change.intervals then manufacturer recommendations. I learned that lessom.the HARD & EXPENSIVE WAY! Cuda been worse several fold! Auto trans died.at 63,000 miles! Powertrain warranty had just expired.at 60k. Not talking bout Honda either. Another terrible mistake going with.cheaper.brand! I really wanted a ford explorer but 30 stacks brand.new. the undisclosed brand i went with cause 17,000 ended up costing more then the brand new explorer plus pos brand waa shorter then ideal wheras explorer was perfect length. Old saying > lessons lived R.lessons learned!

[@GetUpFalcon]

Terrific video thank you!

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@funeralquan6102]

Great Video

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!