I have a 2001 honda accord LX that had a rebuilt transmission at 60K. It is now 190K and seems to shift stiffer before it is warmed up but doesn't slip. A trany mechanic said the filter was clogging and it needed a whole flush. I've been told not to ever do this on higher mileage vehicles as the transmission is "use to" the current fluid. Never had to even top off trany fluid in the past. What should I do?

Changing Honda Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first, change fluid when the engine and transmission are at normal operating temperature. Keep in mind that you are replacing less than half the fluid at each change.


1. Remove transmission dipstick.

2. Remove transmission drain plug, using a 3/8-inch breaker bar.

3. Drain fluid into a pan and clean the magnetic drain plug with a rag.

4. Replace aluminum crush washer, install drain plug, and torque plug to 36 lb.-ft. (50 N-m).

5. Add new transmission fluid, meeting Honda's ATF-Z1 specification, through the dipstick tube or 17mm filler plug on top of the transmission. Hondas and Acuras with the small diameter dipstick tube usually have a 17mm filler plug. Afterwards, replace the aluminum crush washer and torque the filler plug to 33 lb.-ft. (45 N-m). Some Hondas and Acuras have a cooling tube that needs to be removed, to gain access to the filler plug opening--simply remove the 12 mm mounting bracket bolt and ease out the cooling tube. If you can't find a filler plug, you can always use the dipstick tube. On Hondas with the small diameter dipstick tube, use a 15-inch length of 5/16-inch O.D. tubing, attached to a small funnel. Typically, the initial fill is 3.1 quarts, while the total fill is 7.7 quarts. Therefore, add approximately 3.1 quarts of ATF. I recommend Mobil 1 Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF or Amsoil Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF.

6. Replace dipstick, start engine, and, with the car level, move the gear selector through each gear (PRNDL), pausing 5 seconds in each gear. Warm engine up to normal operating temperature, place car in (P)ark on a level surface, and check the dip stick with the engine running. Ensure fluid comes to the top of the “Full” line.

7. Update Maintenance Log.

8. Recycle old fluid.


There is no filter to change; instead, there is an internal screen, which does not require servicing.