🔧 Accord - Automatic Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

This service replaces the fluid that’s inside the transmission pan by draining it and refilling through the dipstick tube. On your Accord, this is the safe DIY method (better than a “power flush”) and can noticeably improve shift quality if the fluid is old.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support the car on jack stands, not the jack.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot—let the car cool if needed and wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Keep the car level while draining and filling, or the dipstick reading won’t be accurate.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not 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 (rated 2-ton minimum) x2
• Wheel chocks x2
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• Torque wrench (10–100 ft-lb range)
• 17mm socket
• 3/8 in drive ratchet
• Long neck funnel
• Measuring container (at least 4 quarts)
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Honda ATF DW-1 automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 4 quarts
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• 🌡️ Take a short 10-minute drive to warm the fluid, then shut the engine off. Warm fluid drains faster.
• 🧰 Set your drain pan and measuring container nearby so you can measure what comes out.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front of the car

• Use a floor jack to lift the front, then support it with jack stands at the proper lift points.
• Make sure the car is stable and as level as possible front-to-rear.

Step 2: Locate the transmission drain bolt

• Slide your drain pan under the transmission.
• Find the transmission drain bolt on the bottom of the transmission case (not the engine oil drain bolt on the oil pan).
• Tip: engine oil drain is usually farther back.

Step 3: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Use a 17mm socket with a 3/8 in drive ratchet to loosen and remove the drain bolt.
• Let the fluid drain completely into the pan (this usually takes several minutes).
• Pour the drained fluid into your measuring container and write down the amount (you’ll refill the same amount).

Step 4: Replace the crush washer and reinstall the drain bolt

• Remove the old washer from the drain bolt and install the new crush washer.
• Thread the drain bolt in by hand first (prevents cross-threading).
• Use a torque wrench with a 17mm socket and tighten: Torque to 49 N·m (36 ft-lb).

Step 5: Refill with Honda ATF through the dipstick tube

• Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick (yellow handle).
• Remove the dipstick and insert a long neck funnel into the dipstick tube.
• Pour in the same amount you measured out using Honda ATF DW-1 (typically around 2.6–3.0 quarts for a drain & refill).
• Reinstall the dipstick fully.

Step 6: Circulate fluid and set the level

• Start the engine and keep your foot on the brake.
• Slowly move the shifter through each gear position (P-R-N-D, etc.), pausing 2–3 seconds each, then return to Park.
• With the engine idling and the car level, pull the dipstick, wipe it with shop rags, reinsert fully, then recheck.
• Add fluid in small amounts (about 0.1–0.2 quart at a time) using the funnel until it’s at the correct mark.
• Tip: don’t overfill; it can shift poorly.

Step 7: Lower the car and recheck for leaks

• Shut the engine off.
• Use the floor jack to lift slightly, remove the jack stands, and lower the car.
• Check underneath for any seepage around the drain bolt.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Test drive 10–15 minutes and confirm smooth shifting.
• 🔍 Park on level ground and recheck the dipstick level once more; top off only if needed.
• 🧻 Properly dispose of used ATF at a recycling center or parts store that accepts fluids.
• 🗓️ If the fluid was very dark/burnt, a second drain & refill after a short drive is often used to refresh more of the total fluid.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$350 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$80 (parts only)

You Save: $100-$270 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/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.