🔧 Transmission Fluid - Fluid Change

Your Accord uses a manual transmission, so this is a drain-and-fill service. Fresh fluid helps protect the gears, bearings, and synchronizers and can improve shift feel.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface so the fluid level is correct.
• Let the exhaust cool before working underneath.
• Use jack stands, not just a floor jack. Jack stands hold the car safely in the air.
• Keep the parking brake set and block the rear wheels.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
• Level 3/8-inch drive extension
• 17mm socket
• Drain pan
• Fluid transfer pump
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Funnel
• Shop rags
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Manual transmission fluid - Qty: 3 quarts
• Drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Drive the car 10-15 minutes first if the fluid is cold. Warm fluid drains better.
• Raise the front of the car and support it securely on jack stands.
• Keep the car level while draining and refilling.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the car

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the car.
• Place jack stands under the proper support points.
• Lower the car gently onto the stands.
• Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.

Step 2: Locate the fill and drain plugs

• Use your eyes and a light. The drain plug is on the bottom of the transmission case.
• The fill plug is on the side of the transmission case.
• Always remove the fill plug first.

Step 3: Remove the fill plug

• Use the 17mm socket and ratchet to loosen and remove the fill plug.
• Set the plug aside and inspect it for metal buildup.

Step 4: Drain the old fluid

• Place the drain pan under the drain plug.
• Use the 17mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain fully for at least 10 minutes.
• Install a new drain plug crush washer on the drain plug.

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 17mm socket and torque wrench to tighten it.
• Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Refill with new fluid

• Insert the fluid transfer pump hose into the fill hole.
• Pump in manual transmission fluid slowly.
• Fill until fluid just starts to seep back out of the fill hole.
• This transmission typically takes about 2.2-2.4 quarts, but always fill to the correct level at the hole.

Step 7: Reinstall the fill plug

• Thread the fill plug in by hand.
• Use the 17mm socket and torque wrench to tighten it.
• Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Clean up and lower the car

• Wipe away any spilled fluid with shop rags.
• Lower the car carefully with the floor jack.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for a minute.
• Press the clutch pedal and shift through all gears with the car stationary.
• Check underneath for leaks at both plugs.
• Take a short test drive and confirm smooth shifting.
• Recheck for leaks after the drive.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $140-$260 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$80 (parts only)

You Save: $95-$180 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

---

🎯 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.