🔧 Transmission Fluid - Drain and Fill

This service replaces the old automatic transmission fluid with fresh Honda-spec fluid on your Accord. On this car, the proper DIY service is a drain-and-fill, not a full flush, and it helps keep shifting smooth and the transmission protected.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and keep the parking brake fully engaged.
• The transmission fluid can be hot if the car was recently driven.
• Use jack stands if you raise the vehicle. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Do not overfill. Correct fluid level matters a lot on this transmission.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 17mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Fluid drain pan
• Funnel
• Jack
• Jack stands rated for vehicle weight
• Wheel chocks
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels
• Measuring container

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid, Honda DW-1 compatible - Qty: 4 quarts
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and let the engine cool if it was recently driven.
• Warm fluid drains better, so a short drive before service is helpful.
• Have the new fluid ready before opening the drain plug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the car

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Use a jack to lift the front of the car.
• Support it with jack stands before working underneath.
• Keep the car level for an accurate fill.

Step 2: Remove the transmission drain plug

• Place the drain pan under the transmission drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain completely.

Step 3: Install the drain plug with a new washer

• Install a new drain plug crush washer.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Refill with new transmission fluid

• Open the transmission fill cap and insert a funnel.
• Use the funnel to add Honda DW-1 compatible ATF.
• Start with about 3.5 to 4 quarts for a standard drain-and-fill.
• Reinstall the fill cap securely.

Step 5: Cycle the transmission

• Start the engine with the car still level.
• With your foot on the brake, move the shifter slowly through each gear position.
• Pause for a couple of seconds in each position.
• Return the shifter to Park.

Step 6: Check the fluid level

• With the engine running and the vehicle level, check for leaks at the drain plug.
• This transmission uses a specific level-check procedure, so do not guess the final level.
• If the fluid is low, add small amounts through the fill opening and recheck.
• Add slowly. Small changes make a big difference.

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✅ After Repair

• Road test the car and confirm smooth shifts.
• Check again for leaks after the test drive.
• If shifting feels abnormal, recheck fluid level and service quality.
• For best results, many owners repeat the drain-and-fill 2-3 times over a few hundred miles to refresh more of the old fluid.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$320 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $140-$250 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.

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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.