How to change Transmission fluid: 2012 Honda Civic

How to change the transmission fluid in a 2012 Honda Civic

[@grantbraun5656]

Nicely done. The fact that you took the time to clean up the drain area and plastic shield is a testament to doing it right. Appreciate you taking the time to record this.

[@KiingOliiver]

Your comment is a testament that you don’t know wtf you’re talking about. This guy didn’t even flip through the gears while it was running. When you do so the level of the oil will drop slightly because the oil is being moved around into every nook and cranny. So then you have to re-check the fluid and make sure it’s at the correct level. It probably does need 3 quarts this guy just missed a step LMAOO 😂😂😂😂

[@danielwebster7030]

If you have driven Honda Civic for 10 miles or more, park on level ground with engine off and check trans fluid level. If vehicle has NOT been driven, park on level ground, set parking brake, start engine, depress brake pedal, move gear selector thru all gears starting and ending in Park. With engine idling, remove trans dipstick and check fluid level. It should be in operating range between upper and lower mark. Haynes Honda Civic Manual 2012-2016.

[@derekcrager211]

Awesome video. Well articulated. I watched at 1.75x speed and understood every step. Thank you. Changing mine this weekend. My boys have purchased civics and I'll be sharing your video with them today.

[@Bb97jdiyc479]

Thanks for the tip. playing it faster was definitely nice and quick and very understandable

[@Jake-nr8ue]

Honda makes it so easy compared to other brands. Easy to do yourself thanks for the great video!

[@lummoxx8586]

I put in 2.5 Qt like the Owners manual stated and the oil did not even register on the dipstick, measured 3.2 Qt that was drained out. I ended up putting in 2 0z short of the 3 Qts to get to the full-hot level. So this video is very accurate.

[@frankrause]

Thanks for the video! I just changed my transmission oil today, and these instructions were a big help!

[@Ciasta]

Thank you so much! I've never done this before, so I'm very excited to try now that I have the proper knowledge!

[@pielight7449]

Very clear and concise video. A word of caution on using a torque wrench though. I believe that the torque values may be for a dry rather than lubricated thread. This might explain why I had the alloy casing around the gearbox drain crack longitudinally along the thread when setting to the correct torque specification on a Honda CRV! Previously, I'd always done it by feel without issue....its quite easy to judge when the crush washer has been compressed. Needless to say, Ive since gone back to doing it by feel.

[@toddg9956]

I have a 2012 Honda Civic LX with 33K I just changed transmission fluid. I measured every drained drop in a 1000ML glass beaker. 1 Quart is 946ML. I drained 3 Quarts or 2838ML plus 200ML. I replaced a full 3 quarts ATF DW-1 and Hot its right on top line of dipstick. This was the first trans drain and fill done on the car.

[@dylanscamara3874]

Thanks Todd, great info! I always appreciate exact details; sometimes it's hard to find.

[@jaysmith179]

You put to much fluid in. Like the video stated, Just under 3 qts.

[@jeffcamm5707]

Perhaps to make it a little easier, whilst the car is on the ramp stands, you can jack up the rear of the vehicle on each side and set your jack stands to the height to keep car level. NEVER USE JACK WITHOUT JACK STANDS PLEASE VERY DANGEROUS.

[@Fractal_blip]

Yeah I couldn't imagine using a jack without stands tbh

[@williamalley6239]

About to do a trans fluid change... First one 2012 at 139k miles fluid still looks good and smells good. Will see what's on the tip of the plug ;)

[@XX-dq3kx]

Any problems post change?

[@richceruolo8580]

Are you planning a video that shows the Trans Filter behind the air filter box assembly? I just did mine and that was a less than satisfying 1.5 hours to reach the tension clips & filter. Would appreciate learing about an easier method. Thanks for the videos! - RC

[@acl215]

I would like to know how to access and change that filter. I just changed the fluid but not filter since I have no idea how to reach that.

[@filoIII]

@@acl215 Have to take off the airbox and other parts. Ridiculous engineering.

[@pablogutierrez1009]

Thank you for an excellent video. Very thorough, precise and educational.

[@mdixon26288]

There is a small inline transmission filter under the airbox too. I would change that while your doing it!

[@johnpetrossi6406]

What about inside the pan?

[@carlnikolov]

Can't you park with jack stands on thr front only with the parking break engaged? That way it flows back to the back of the drain plug easier? Also there is no drain pan? Only an inline filter? Thanks for your time.

[@EricDrenckhahn]

How did you get the car back up on the ramps, after the fluid was drained while flat on the ground?

[@Bb97jdiyc479]

looks like a video editing error. he refilled the transmission before starting or moving the car. then after driving it and getting it hot, he put it on the ramps to do the aluminum tray.

[@gadasavideos8564]

Another video said there was a side plug and you filled until it ran out ofit but he never showed doing that. I assume you would have to pull that plug sfter warming fluid and let excess drain.

[@jontoostrong]

good video. I did it mayslef and it took me round 25 min

[@MrElcacheton]

Is that considered a transmission service? What about the filter?

[@JASHJustASectionHiker]

Excellent. Just what I wanted to know.

[@JSBautomotive]

Nice vid. That aluminum tray is a pain, but it is quite skookum and serves it purpose well

[@duaneafields]

Ave is great

[@shtmouth]

Put some never seize on the belly pan screws if they seizing up.

[@Seabass2000]

This video really helped me. Thank you so much.

[@narimanriahi6840]

Thank you for the clear video. Is this method what the call a partial flush?

[@Powertool1990]

Nariman Riahi yes this only changes a portion of the fluid. But if you follow honda's recommend service intervals 30k miles. It will be fine. If you need to flush the entire system you can repeat this process 3-4 times, driving the car a short distance between changes. Thanks for watching.

[@anyITsolution]

Repairs & Reviews I was about to complaint you drive it on empty ATF forgot that half is still inside after draining on flat surface. I’ve done it to my Honda Odyssey that’s a pain lol thanks sir

[@batter631]

Nice video!! I have a question. How do you dispose of the old transmission fluid or engine oil?

[@Powertool1990]

Yan wei I bottle it up and take it to my local dump that has areas to dispose of old oil and chemicals but you can also take it to your local autoparts store, I believe both autozone and advance auto take old oil.

[@batter631]

Thank you!

[@batter631]

Is it free?

[@Powertool1990]

Yan wei yes, there's no charge that I'm aware of

[@batter631]

Thanks a lot!

[@vwsandvettes3253]

At 7:25 and beyond is the dripping at the bottom middle of the screen the drain-off from what the plastic shield collected while the trans drain plug was out, or something else? I am preparing to do this on my 2012 Civic EX-L which has 120k-something miles on it.

[@Renraw9002]

My wife's civic has around 140k miles and I don't think this service has ever been done. It was bought used. It doesn't appear to shift roughly or anything. Am I better off just not changing the fluid at this point? Or change it multiple times

[@Powertool1990]

I wouldn't do a complete flush at that mileage but drain and fill the trans a couple different times sooner than normal. I would do a trans drain and fill service every oil change (or 5k miles) for the next 3 or 4 oil changes so you aren't changing the fluid all at once but also will change old fluid out with fresh faster than the 30k mile intervals.

[@sergiozamorano6413]

I think is dangerous to change transmission fluid that has never been change it. Transmissions are very tricky 🤔🤔🤔

[@montanawhite5699]

Wife has the same car… hate working on it. Gotta put it on 4 jack stands to do anything. I’m used to working on trucks that have all the room your need.

[@Powertool1990]

My wife's is a 2012 and has given me zero problems besides maintenance like oil changes, brakes and transmission services. She's almost 100k miles, drove off the lot with 2 miles brand new. It's been a great car.

[@phxsun2001tony]

I put the front tires on ram. Drained the fluid. Jack up the rear driver side to make the car level or higher at the rear end. Nothing came out from the drain plug. I lowered the jack. I never put the rear tires on jacks. It may not be necessary.

[@montanawhite5699]

@@Powertool1990 yeah my wife’s mom bought it for her brand new for highschool graduation. It’s an alright car. Too small for my liking. And god damn is the road noise loud in that thing. Apparently 2012 was the worst civic made for road noise. A good tire helps a lot.

[@montanawhite5699]

@@THINKforYOURSELFinstead yeah my wife got new tires, they really helped for a little while. Now they are super loud again. Literally louder than my 89 bronco with MT tires. I don’t know how it’s possible. Seriously, a 1989 old rusty bronco with mud tires is quieter than my wife’s 2012 stock honda civic.

[@victoriawatters4458]

You saved me quite a bit of money with this video. Do you have paypal or Venmo or something that I could send a tip to you with?

[@Powertool1990]

I do have the cash app but it's not necessary, I'm glad I could help.

[@eleazarflores6918]

I’m going to put a valvoline fluid? Is this will ok?

[@GetOutTheHouseGoFish]

Great video; thanks for sharing 👍

[@terrontinsley7506]

I know this off subject but do you think that compressor you got would be good for fix cars in my home garage.

[@Powertool1990]

Terron Tinsley I have a video reviewing the Husky compressor I have, it's done great with everything I've needed. If it's just you I'd say it's enough to run impacts and regular air tools. I probably wouldn't trust it to sand cars for long periods of time but it's been great for me to rotate tires and other stuff.

[@Killmonize]

Thank you for the video.

[@zulnoon78]

good video but why the car has to be in the ground ? thanks

[@leviyaakubov1875]

Thanks for your video. Soon I will do as you do. I think it's worth the wait with the bottom lid. Close it only after filling with chalk and see that there is no leakage to the screw. Then return the bottom cover. Thank you again. I work with Google Translate hope I understand

[@dirtygerty577]

i am gonna assume Manuel transmission is gonna be different then this.... or at least with the filling.... my 2012 civic si does not have that Transmission dip stick... or if it does its definitely not in that same place... i honestly cant seem to find one anywhere which feels pretty messed up how the heck am i suppose to check the level of the fluid...

[@daedalos5132]

My local honda dealer gave me two crush washers for the job (one slightly smaller than the other). Do you happen to know why?

[@joshuaworley9635]

The drain plug has a crush washer on it. If you don't replace or resurface it your almost certain to have a leak from the drain plug.

[@daedalos5132]

@@joshuaworley9635 Thank you for the reply!

[@steveridge4240]

May I ask if anyone knows whether the torque wrench is required? I'd rather not buy something unnecessary. Thanks!

[@bushtyga999]

Pretty simple was going to go honda lol but I'm smart enough to do this considering I do my own oil change pretty much the same process with different fluids as well I got my car in 2020 with 62k currently at 84.7k seen the transmission oil in the maintaince info so its time

[@jcc713]

awesome video..thanks for taking the time

[@jpshadwjokr]

I know this a 5 year old video but if anyone can answer the question I’d truly appreciate it. Is the transmission in this video the same for the 2012 Honda civic lx coupe model? Is it in the same location? A mechanic told me the transmission was sealed and you couldn’t drain but just add oil

[@hankrodriguezhill7029]

Maybe for the brand new civics, not for these sorry he is bsn you!!

[@sithtony449]

Is this the same process for the manual version of this car ?

[@filoIII]

No.

[@Savsal12]

I drained my 2012 and let it drip for 20 minutes. I measured it to see how much I drained out it came out to 2 3/8 quarts.

[@alexheming2594]

What size crush washer do you use? I've heard 18mm and 16mm

[@Powertool1990]

Alex Heming I'm not 100% sure. The Honda dealer gave it to me when I bought the fluid.

[@daltonanonsen8490]

How important is it to torque the drain plug? I don't own a torque wrench but I'll get one if it's super necessary.

[@Powertool1990]

Dalton Anonsen it's not absolutely Nessasary but due to most modern cars having aluminum oil pans, torquing them to spec prevents overtightening/damaging the pan. Aluminum is softer and can strip easier than the old school steel pans.

[@ricardoramos1242]

Where do you get the specs?

[@Powertool1990]

Ricardo Ramos most all specs I find are online, Honda forum's help a lot.

[@phaedrus6891]

You just saved me some money

[@yamran]

Amsoil is telling me I need 6.1 quarts for a complete change? Now idk where they got that. But I'm seeing 2.5 in most places? I'm changing the filter too if that matters? Thanks for the vid

[@d3mona]

when you drain and fill transmission, 3 quarts still reminds in the converter which is part of the transmission while 3 quarts leaves by drain. So you have to start the engine, cycle thought all shift; Reverse, netural, drive, drive 1, drive 2..., to make the other 3 quarts leave the converter, then you drain again. Keep in mind the procedure for 6 quarts is drain 3 quarts, fill 3 quarts, start car, then repeat drain and fill for last 3 quarts. The extremely clean and used will be a little mix, but probably 5.3+ dirty quarts will leave

[@IMiss_The90s]

@@d3mona so drain (3). Fill it back up. Cycle the gears. Drain again (3). Then fill once more?

[@d3mona]

@@IMiss_The90s Yes.

[@Jupe367]

This task seems very easy even I think I can do it but the challenge is getting underneath the car to handle the task.

[@misscc5640]

I’ve been quoted 300.00 to get this done at 3 different shops Honda included. Make that make sense.

[@jean-francoishachey6384]

Hi, Im at 174 000 KM, I need to change de the ATF fluid, but i read somewhere that I have to Drain/Fill 3 times (Drive with the cars to engage all gears before each fills) Is that true ?

[@Powertool1990]

Honda recommends one drain and fill every 30k miles so if you're over due it would be best to drain and fill multiple times with driving short distances between eash one to ensure you get as much old fluid out as possible.

[@cristobalarias7040]

Thanks for the info

[@d3mona]

my only criticism is that 3 quarts is still in the converter when you drain 3 quarts. AFter draining 3 quarts, you need to fill, start engine then cycle thought all car shift to move the other 3 quarts in the converter in the engine. Then repeat the procedure for the last 3 quarts.

[@jeffcamm5707]

The truth is that you will never be able to get it all out or completely drain the full amount. The best that can be done by this method. Unless u have a huge suction machine that can drain it all. I don't even think transmission flush machines can get it all out. I think this is as best as u can do for a Diyer. Some is better than non.

[@phxsun2001tony]

There is a way to changealmost completely change the transmission fluid by doing what you just did plus undoing the line going to the radiator cooler so the transmission fluid from the torque converter will get pump out with the engine running, until the drainage slows. The transmission will not be damage because its not shifting. I am waiting for a UTube video from someone who had done it.

[@carlnikolov]

No filter change????

[@mr.skeptical3071]

What about 130,000 miles?

[@grossglizzy]

Mines at 136k I’m doing mine for the first time herd 2 many story’s after 130k miles

[@halleffect1]

Wow, a newer car with a trans dipstick! that's a nice change..

[@1093darkness13]

Will this process be the same for a 2012 civic hybrid???

[@jeremydavis4809]

I would assume so. Just replace the exact amount of fluid that came out. If 2.5 quarts came out, put 2.5 quarts back in. If youre lucky, you could possibly get it all out of the torque converter. That way you dont overfill or underfill. Change it again in 1000 miles to make sure you have 100% clean fluid and you basically have completely new fluid all throughout your transmission. You can ask anyone and they will say the same thing.

[@redfirefox3568]

I use Idemitsu dw-1 fluid that I get at Autozone. You don't need the Honda fluid which is also made by Idemitsu.

[@goldenboy1993]

What size is the bolt? Are you just using a ⅜ wrench for it without the socket?

[@IAmLeutrimTopalli]

Yes

[@DarkerFlare]

Brought to you by Snap-on

[@juanrodarte1769]

They charge a lot and some times they charge you for things that they don't change

[@sergiozamorano6413]

Old cars don't need a torquimeter. Make sure cast iron and aluminum engines a torquimeter is needed 🙏most new cars need a torquimeter

[@josepinela4636]

Someone told me is not good Idea make a transmission fluid change, is that true?

[@daedalos5132]

I heard it was a bad idea to do a pressure flush where you might dislodge loose parts and such.. but never heard that a drain was bad.

[@jesuspelacas]

how many liters of fluid do i need???

[@Bb97jdiyc479]

2.75 quarts = 2.6 liters come on just plug it in to Google

[@SuperHtownswag]

great video

[@Crawfish411]

Do you really need to replace the washer?

[@Powertool1990]

Pee Jay no, it's not absolutely necessary but if you can, I would. I just ask the dealer for the washer when I get the trans oil

[@sniper346]

Thanks man

[@thailee3744]

So only 2 and 3 quarters? Can I put 3 does it damage the transmission

[@Gold63Beast]

You = The Man

[@AsianBlackR3501]

Is it easier to use the Mity Vac thru the dip stick?

[@Powertool1990]

Larry Bui you can do that if you prefer but I believe you would get more contaminated/old fluid out if it was drained through the drain plug.

[@derekcrager211]

Plus you will wipe the shavings of the magnet on the drain plug.

[@memespectator]

Can you turn the car on to get on the ramps AFTER you drained the transmission?

[@toddac61]

No, wait for the pan after checking for leaks.

[@x.x..x.x]

Thank you

[@filoIII]

You're not getting alllll the fluid out due to torque converter.

[@darkangelo]

isn't 2012 cvt? I saw atf fluid not cvt? is yours not cvt?

[@Powertool1990]

The 2012 civic is still a 5 speed automatic. I believe that 2014 was the first year for the CVT in the civic.

[@darkangelo]

@@Powertool1990 I have a 2012 with cvt but it's a hybrid so that's probably why

[@tonycj7860]

@@darkangelo Yes, most hybrids go with a CVT. This model including.

[@Supra8a]

Does anyone know what the full capacity of the transmission(fluid) is? I know that the reservoir capacity is about 3L or 2.75L- 2.9L in the transmission. How about what's in the rest of the transmission?

[@Spike_-rx7bx]

Owners manual or look up specs online. My 12 honda civic 1.8L used 3.7L of transmission

[@andyhuang7526]

I thought it use 3.5 quart?

[@dwright3652]

Thanks!

[@jimmynguyen4147]

where can ii get that crush washer at?

[@phxsun2001tony]

I bought 10 from Ebay for $2.50. Dealer sells one for $4.50, I was told.

[@Reyzar.]

Part # for transmission fluid ?

[@flagrantburneraccount3076]

For the automatic transmission on this series of Civic (NOT FOR THE CVT transmission) you want the Honda Genuine ATF DW-1 fluid. You can get it cheap off Amazon.

[@Bb97jdiyc479]

Honda Genuine ATF DW-1

[@sosa7770]

Where does the filter goes ?

[@ss4Vegeta95691]

I think your confusing oil fluid with transmission fluid

[@christopherusso8551]

Is it US or EU civic?

[@deanl0]

it's a Canadian civic

[@christopherusso8551]

@@deanl0 ok thanks for your reply. Are gearbox same?

[@paulpatt5481]

And don't forget to change the inline filter

[@jackwoods2891]

Glad to see it has a drain plug! Because I will change it NOT HONDA. SERIVCE LIGHT ON A

[@adamnoah8532]

In my opinion your transmission fluid still red not bad but overall it's a good video...

[@pnoymamba24]

Don't you need to change the Transmission Filter?

[@Powertool1990]

Romeo Love that's what I love about Honda, the filter is internal and not serviceable. Strictly drain and fill. Simple and easy

[@pnoymamba24]

Repairs & Reviews Is that for 9th Gens. only? cause my car is 8th gen. Well if I don't need it then I can definitely do this on my own. Thanks for the video. Saves me a whole bunch.

[@Powertool1990]

Romeo Love should be for every previous gen. My 2014 Accord has a CVT transmission and its the same way. I've also had a 1996 and 2003 Honda Civic and both of those were also drain and fill.

[@anwallace90]

The 2012 Civics have a transmission filter towards the rear of the transmission under the air box. this SHOULD be changed. an added expense but worth it IMO.

[@derekcrager211]

@@anwallace90 accessible?

[@luvdr350]

You do yours at the 51k mile mark… i do mine at the 151k mile mark.

[@emorysmith4641]

How did it do after changing is it still working good

[@luvdr350]

@@emorysmith4641 hopefully it blew up. My ex wife got it in the divorce.

[@duaneafields]

I have never done mine, 202,500 miles, runs fine. I think im ready to do the filter and change. But i will keep my old trans fluid just in case it shifts differently. thanks.

[@simonriddick]

I don't have that metal piece just plastic all over the place. What a mess.

[@bulldoge7174]

Manual says 2.5 quarts for transmission change....

[@Powertool1990]

Bull Doge Since they don't sell half quarts, add 2 quarts and top off as needed with the 3rd quart

[@ghostface52]

thanks

[@thedashstorm]

Capacity 2.5 qts…

[@isabelchicas4770]

Kinda sounds like Seth rogen

[@CC2755]

This video should have been 3 minutes long!

[@flagrantburneraccount3076]

When you make yours you can do it in 3 minutes.

[@Bb97jdiyc479]

set the speed to 2.0 lol