136,000 mi; shudder when accellerating from stop; dealership rec drain and replace trans fluid; want $165 to do it; super lube business will replace but they cant find drain plug; anyone have a picture of the location of the plug? I have read on other web searches that it's possibly painted blue and is on the passenger side by the firewall; still cant see it; dont want to pay $165 to change it! Help would greatly be appreciated; i bought the fluid i need.

 

I can't tell you exactly where it is, but the Honda automatic transmission drain plugs typically are round (not hex-head), with a 4 sided depression in the top requiring a 3/8" socket drive. The first time I encountered this plug type (on an 81 civic), I actually called the dealership asking if they had the special socket required

The plug is typically usually tucked into a little cove on the underside of the transmission, behind a curved fin. There's an aluminum washer behind the bolt head,similar to engine oil drain bolt, but larger diameter. It's worthwhile changing that as well. When I get home I can give you the '06 and onward torque spec., should be similar.

It shouldn't be too hard to find, it's a big, obvious bolt on underside of transmission.

 

Changing the tranny fluid is easier than changing the oil. I do it about 3 times a year.

Remove the fill bolt on top BEFORE draining the fluid from the bottom. The fill bolt is on the right side (drivers side) of the engine compartment in the back. It is NOT painted blue, it is gold The top of the bolt is marked "ATF". The bottom drain plug is easy to find at the bottom of the tranny. It is NOT on the passanger side and is gold also. The tranny is on the drivers side.

There are no filters. Just drain and refill. Make sure you fill it with the right amount or you could mess up the tranny. If it hasn't been changed for a while it's a good idea to do the drain and fill 3 times. I think it is mentioned in the owners manual.

 

Just curious: is there no dipstick on the pre-06, or too small a diameter for filling? I heard something about that. And then, would the reason for removing the fill bolt first be just in case you can't break it lose: so you don't end up with a drained transmission with no way to fill?

BTW: 3 changes per year?? I've been changing our '06's yearly, but the maintenance minder comes on for this service around 2~2.5 yearly. That's putting on around 18000km's per annum.

 

There is a dipstick. It's located at the front of the tranny down low. Filling it from the fill plug is soooo much easier.

The reason to open the fill plug first is that the first time it is really really really tight. Draining the tranny and not being able to refill it would be a real bummer.

The reason I change my fluid about 3 times a year is:
1. I have heard about transmission troubles with the 2003 HCH CVT and,
2. It's easy