🔧 Accord - Manual Transmission Fluid Change

This service drains the old manual transmission fluid and refills with fresh Honda-spec fluid to protect the gears and synchronizers (parts that help shifts feel smooth). It’s simple, but the key is removing the fill plug first so you don’t accidentally drain it and then discover you can’t refill it.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.0-1.5 hours

Assumption: your Accord has the factory 6-speed manual with drain/fill plugs on the transmission case.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the car with jack stands on a solid, level surface; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• 🔥 Let the transmission cool; fluid can be hot and can burn skin.
• 🧤 Wear gloves and safety glasses; fluid can irritate skin and eyes.
• 🔌 No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (pair, rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 6-quart)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension (6")
• Torque wrench (10–100 Nm range)
• Trim clip tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - Qty: 3 quarts
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• 🔧 If equipped, remove the lower engine splash shield/undertray for access (fasteners vary by shield).
• 📏 Plan to keep the car level on jack stands; filling while nose-up can cause an incorrect fluid level.
• 🧠 A “crush washer” is a soft metal ring that seals when tightened; always replace it to prevent leaks.
• 🧰 A “fluid transfer pump” is a hand pump that pushes new fluid into the fill hole.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm the fluid slightly

• Drive 5–10 minutes so the fluid drains faster, then park and shut the engine off.
• Let it cool a few minutes so it’s warm, not scorching.

Step 2: Raise and support the front of the car

• Use a floor jack to lift the front safely at the proper front jacking point.
• Set the car onto jack stands and gently shake the car to confirm it’s stable.
• Keep the car as level as possible for an accurate fill.

Step 3: Remove the undertray (if equipped)

• Use a Phillips screwdriver and trim clip tool to remove screws and push-clips.
• Set hardware aside in a small container so nothing gets lost.

Step 4: Locate the fill plug and drain plug

• Find the fill plug on the side of the manual transmission case (higher up).
• Find the drain plug near the bottom of the transmission case.
• Clean around plugs before opening.

Step 5: Loosen and remove the fill plug FIRST

• Place shop rags under the area.
• Use a 3/8" drive ratchet (and 3/8" extension if needed) to loosen the fill plug.
• Remove the fill plug by hand once loose and set it aside.
• Remove and discard the old fill plug crush washer.

Step 6: Drain the old fluid

• Position a drain pan under the drain plug.
• Use a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5–10 minutes).
• Remove and discard the old drain plug crush washer.

Step 7: Reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer

• Install a new drain plug crush washer on the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first (to avoid cross-threading).
• Use a torque wrench to tighten: Torque to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Refill with fresh Honda MTF

• Install a new fill plug crush washer on the fill plug (leave the plug out for now).
• Insert the hose from the fluid transfer pump (specialty) into the fill hole.
• Pump in Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) until fluid just begins to trickle out of the fill hole.
• Wait 30 seconds, then pump a little more if needed until it again barely trickles out.
• Correct level = slight drip at fill hole.

Step 9: Reinstall and torque the fill plug

• Thread the fill plug in by hand.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten: Torque to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs).
• Wipe the area clean with shop rags so leaks are easy to spot.

Step 10: Reinstall the undertray and lower the car

• Reinstall the undertray using the Phillips screwdriver and trim clip tool.
• Use the floor jack to lift slightly, remove jack stands, then lower the car.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔍 Start the engine and shift through all gears with the clutch pressed (car stationary), then shut it off.
• 🧼 Look underneath for seepage around the fill and drain plugs.
• 🚗 Take a short test drive, then re-check for leaks on a clean, dry surface.
• 🧾 Dispose of old fluid properly (most parts stores accept used oil/fluids).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹3,000-₹6,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹1,200-₹2,500 (parts only)

You Save: ₹1,500-₹4,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹800-₹1,500/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.