Clean transmission fluid is an essential part of ensuring that your transmission will run efficiently. When transmission fluid is not changed on a regular basis, it becomes thick and sticky, creating problems within the components of your transmission itself. Eventually, the various parts of your transmission will scrape against each other and cause damage that could cost thousands of dollars in repairs. To avoid this situation, your Accord's transmission fluid should be changed approximately every 50,000 miles. If you frequently drive on dirt roads or polluted streets, you may want to consider changing it even more often.
Heat the transmission fluid by driving the car at least 10 minutes prior to beginning the fluid replacement.
Turn your car off before changing the transmission fluid, for safety reasons.
Crank your Accord's car jack at least a half-foot off the ground. The car should also be supported by four jack stands at each corner of the car, since the vehicle must be level to safely change the fluid.
Locate the transmission pan, which you will find from the underside of the front of your Accord. The pan is square, with multiple bolts running around its perimeter.
Place your drip pan directly beneath the transmission pan area. This will prevent any ground spills during the fluid removal.
Remove all of the pan bolts using your wrench. You should begin in one corner and slowly work around the pan, thus preventing a massive amount of fluid pouring out suddenly as the pan loosens.
Set the transmission pan on the ground (with your protective gloves and safety goggles on), using caution to not drip the fluid onto yourself during the procedure.
Pour the old transmission fluid into the milk jug from a corner angle.
Put a small amount of degreaser on a shop rag and wipe the transmission pan clean.
Mount the transmission pan back into its proper location, using caution that all of its bolts are secured into place.
Lower your Accord using the car jack, after you have carefully removed all four jack stands.
Open the hood of your Accord and locate the fill-plug opening in your transmission for the new fluid to enter.
Pour the new fluid into the transmission opening until it reaches the "fill" line.
Turn your Accord's ignition key and run the fluid through the gears by keeping your foot on the brake while you shift the transmission.
Measure the transmission fluid level again, using your dipstick to determine if the level is still sufficient. If so, the replacement procedure is complete. However, if fluid levels are low, continue adding fluid until the dipstick shows the transmission fluid is at maximum capacity.
