How to change transmission fluid 2008 honda accord 4 cylinder

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What is a transmission fluid change or flush?

The transmission fluid change is the tried-and-true process that your owner’s manual specifies when it calls for a transmission service. Your mechanic drains the transmission fluid, replaces the filter, then refills the transmission with fresh, new fluid. The transmission fluid change lets your mechanic get a close look at the transmission pan and the filter. This can reveal the presence of metal particles or other debris, which can indicate a bigger problem that needs to be fixed before it gets worse. This makes the fluid change an ideal preventive maintenance procedure.

The transmission flush process uses a machine to replace an automatic transmission’s fluid. Many auto repair shops own these expensive machines. The old fluid, dirt and sludge is pushed out under pressure, and new fluid replaces it. Flushing usually costs significantly more than a fluid change, due to the cost of the machine. Many shops tend to price the procedure for high profits.

Which should I get, a transmission fluid change or a flush?

The flushing process does not require the pan to be removed or the filter to be changed, so the diagnostic and preventive benefits of seeing what’s in the pan and changing the filter are lost. Additionally, many vehicle manufacturers do not recommend or require include a transmission flush as part of their vehicles’ recommended maintenance schedule. So why do it? Stick with the transmission fluid change that is specified in your owner’s manual.

However, if your maintenance schedule specifically calls for a flush, or your transmission fluid has been ignored for too long and picked up metal particles or other contaminants, a flush is the way to go.

What are the symptoms related to transmission fluid issues?

If your transmission fluid or filter gets clogged, you may notice the engine revving when you're not accelerating the vehicle — this is called transmission slipping. If you notice this, take your car in for maintenance immediately, as the damage will only get worse.

Changing the transmission fluid (and filter, if equipped) typically is a maintenance item, and should be done on a regular schedule. On some vehicles, flushing the transmission is part of the maintenance schedule; otherwise, a flush is only needed if debris is detected in the fluid.

Can I drive with a transmission fluid problem?

Driving a vehicle that has passed the manufacturer specified service interval is not recommended, in general. The vehicle can be safely driven, but skipping maintenance may cost you far more in the long run. If you're past the scheduled maintenance mileage, you should take your car in for service as soon as you can.

If the vehicle has any transmission issues that give you drivability concerns, or any of the symptoms noted here, the vehicle should be towed to a repair facility for diagnostics.

How often do transmission fluids need to be replaced?

Changing the transmission fluid is typically a scheduled maintenance item. Still, transmission issues can happen any time. It is more common to see high-mileage vehicles in poor condition because of neglected maintenance. Performing factory maintenance on schedule is the best way to help prevent transmission failure.

Manufacturers set different service intervals, so be sure to check your maintenance schedule here or in your owner's manual.

This guide describes the steps to take in order to perform the recommended transmission fluid flush on a Honda Accord. Pictures are included. Regular ATF drain and fill will help keep your transmission running smoothly for years to come.

This guide describes the steps for a 4 cylinder 2004 Honda Accord. This should also apply for the years 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007.

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It is generally recommended that you use the Honda ATF and perform a drain and fill every 30,000 miles or so. For one drain and fill, you will need 3 qts. I bought a case of Honda ATF off Amazon.

Step-By-Step ATF Drain and Fill Procedure

Okay, in the following section, I provide the details of how to perform the ATF flush.

What you’ll need:

• Honda Automatic Transmission Fluid
• crush washers

Tools:

• socket wrench 3/8″ drive
• drain pan
• long transmission fluid funnel
• torque wrench

The first step is to crawl under the vehicle and locate the transmission fluid drain plug.

The drain plug is slightly unusual as it takes a 3/8″ socket wrench connection with no socket attached.

Here is a good view of the transmission fluid drain plug in relation to the rest of the vehicle, with the socket wrench attached to the drain plug.

Loosen the drain plug with the socket wrench, then position a drain pan underneath it and take it the last way with your fingers. Beware, the transmission fluid shoots out pretty far!

If the vehicle is level, almost exactly 3 quarts of old transmission fluid will drain out.

While it is draining, inspect the drain plug. Clean off any debris that has collected on the magnet, with a clean rag.

And put on a new crush washer.

Once the fluid draining slows to a trickle…

Put the drain plug back in. Use a torque wrench to tighten the plug. The torque specification is 36 ft-lbs.

You are now ready to crawl out from under the car, pop the hood, and add in the fresh ATF. Locate the ATF dipstick, next to the battery. Often these have a yellow bit on the end, like in the next photo.

Remove the dipstick and use the long funnel, or use the poor-man’s long funnel by adding a length of old tubing onto the end of a regular funnel.

Put the end of the tubing right into the dipstick hole. This is where you will add the fresh ATF.

Position the funnel so that it will be easy to fill.

Pour in 3 quarts of the DW-1 ATF fluid.

Warning – Pour Slowly! It takes a little while to ‘gulp’, and if you pour too fast, it will overflow at the opening.

After the 3 quarts are added, take out the funnel, put the dip stick back in, close the hood, and you are ready to go.

For a ‘complete flush’, this process should be repeated 3 times, with about 100 miles or so of driving between flushes. This will flush through a total of 9 quarts.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this can help someone else. This procedure really helped me a lot, and made the Accord purr like a kitten, with no more stuttering.

Here’s a summary of the links to supplies and tools that were referenced in this article.

Supplies Used:

• Honda Automatic Transmission Fluid
• Crush Washers

Tools Used:

• Socket Wrench 3/8″ drive
• Torque Wrench
• Drain Pan of Some Sort
• Long Transmission Fluid Funnel

For more information on Honda Accord maintenance, check out these articles:
Maintenance Articles on Honda Accords

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