Checking the gear oil in a Honda Civic is very a very important maintenance procedure. Failure to keep gear oil at the proper level will result in excessive wear and will significantly shorten the life of the transmission. Unlike many cars, a Honda Civic does not have a dipstick to check the gear oil; however, there is a procedure to check it. There is a check bolt located directly behind the passenger side wheel on the transmission.
Break loose the lug nuts on the passenger side wheel with the lug wrench. Do not remove them at this time.
Place the floor jack under the recommended lift point for the front passenger side of the car and proceed to lift the car into the air.
Place the jack stand in a safe location and slowly lower the car until it sits securely on the jack stand. Shake the car a bit to ensure it is positioned safely.
Remove the lug nuts completely and pull the wheel and tire away from the vehicle.
Locate the gear oil check bolt. This will be a large bolt that faces the outside of the vehicle and will be easy to recognize as it sticks out a bit from the transmission case. It may be necessary to crawl underneath the vehicle and look up at the side of the transmission to locate, depending on the year of the Honda Civic.
Remove the check bolt with the wrench set. Proper fluid level will be right at the bolt hole, so you may use your finger to gauge how low the fluid may be. If fluid is low, fill it using the recommended fluid through the check hole until it begins to flow out.
Replace the check bolt and tighten it back down. Wipe away any fluid spillage and ensure there is no leakage from the check bolt.
