2003 Honda CRV automatic transmission fluid replacement

[oakgrasssib]

Update to my post below. Just competed 3 drain/fill. The new DW-1 ATF is better, at least on my 2008 CR-V. Smoother shifting. Total about replaced was 293 fl oz (9 quarts + 5 oz.)...I plan on my next drain and fill in 12K. Just one drain and fill, then again in another 12K, and so on and so on....Any advise? Is this too much. Tks.

[ajchien]

@oakgrasssib I think the Honda AT capacity is something like 7 qts. So if you're draining 3 qts each time, about 1/2 the fluid is still in there. I personally do one drain and fill every 30k.

[oakgrasssib]

@ajchien Yep! Your right. 7.4 quarts capacity. I recently bought this CRV. The current fluid still was red, not bright ruby red but still looked good, but I wanted piece of mind so my goal was too dilute until I got the bright ruby red color back. I plan now on doing a drain and fill w/3qts every 15K so that should keep a nice bright ruby red color. I know probably overkill. Thanks for your reply. Have a nice day!

[ajchien]

@tonyfbaby87 I get the washers from handa-accessories d o t com. The AT fluid is different from the rear differential.

[TonyFbaby87]

I got some questions! Where do you buy the washers from? Also does the differential share the same fluid of the transaxle?

[ajchien]

@TonyFbaby87 I get the washers from handa-accessories d o t com. The AT fluid is different from the rear differential.

[TonyFbaby87]

@ajchien Oh sorry, I said transaxle, mine is a 2 front wheel drive that has the differential right next to the transaxle. In my autoshop class where where supposed to check differential levels but I was never able to find the differential fill hole and drain hole. My assumption was that they share the same fluid.

[ajchien]

@TonyFbaby87 Hm. I must admit I dont know 100%, since I own the RT4WD version of the CRV. From my memory, I dont know of any other CRV owners that change a separate front differential from the AT. Why not log on to hondasuv d o t com and ask the friendly folks there?

[BboyGrimm]

what else can i use besides a torque wrench?

[ajchien]

@BboyGrimm The torque specification is 36 ft pounds. Without a torque wrench, I would personally use a 3/8 drive ratchet,  about 8 inches in length, and tighten snug. Each person obviously varies with the amount of strength they have.

[MsBrenliz]

This video was very helpful to me thank you

[ajchien]

@ajchien (myself) and @averagejoeusername: oh yeah, this video was a long time ago, the first time I did the trans fluid myself. As for the tools used, yeah, I've greatly increased the number of tools I have now because of the savings i got from doing the maintenance myself.

[ajchien]

@averagejoeusername: FWIW, I've gotten into the habit of using breaker bars to break loose the bolts, followed by ratchets to loosen, ratchets to tighten, and then torque wrenches to finish.

[averagejoeusername]

Great info-but please wash your engine-and get a $4 proper funnel with clear hose and filter at walmart. If you need a breaker bar OBV it was torqued WAYYY too tight.

[tlbue32]

Great video saw your other one with the element. Thanks again

[rbm11761]

Just did mine It was easier then changing the engine oil. Not sure it it was noted if anyone cares the torque spec for the drain bolt plug is 36 ft lbs

[ericambrosecoon]

has anyone tried putting a shop-vac nozel up to the drain hole? This might eliminate the need to drain the fluid three times.

[Sandeep9201]

is that a k20a3?

[ajchien]

@Sandeep9201 no, this is a 2.4L 4 cyl

[red666A]

Only used HOnda tranmission fluid only, and none others..

[jayguy173]

are you filling it with blood

[SpikeyGG]

AJChein, don't you have to check the transmission fluid level while the car is running (after cycling through the gears)?

[ajchien]

@SpikeyGG Yes, you should check the fluid level on Hondas while HOT, and on level ground.

[jimk234]

Well done... the most difficult part is finding the drain bolt... in my 2002 CRV, I am looking at the driver side tire when turning it... just the opposite from my 2007 Element.

I've had a Honda Tech advise me not to do a compete fluid change on either the transmission or the coolant. Sometimes a complete flush will cause more trouble than benefit.

[NecAsperraTerrent]

are there any differences in mecanical properties between this CRV and a 2005 CRV? Great videos by the way, i have learned a lot.

[ajchien]

@NecAsperraTerrent I believe 02-06 CRV's are near identical. They are considered second generation models.

[NecAsperraTerrent]

@ajchien Thank you! what you have showed in this video will save me money.

[dknight211]

Good video!

[raybenz2010]

in the next video below yours!! actually shows u how 2 flush the transmission! (the 10 min.1) cause u drained only what was in the pan?!?! and your oil is dirty u turkey baster!!!!!

[joelin66]

Good job man but ,,do I have to change the washer even if looks good ?

[ajchien]

A crush washer is meant to be a one time use washer. I cant remember exactly, but I think it cost me about $2. I change it each time. However, if you ask 1000 people, Im sure you're going to get different opinions.

[mtlh05]

Wow only 4 quarts? I think my Crown Victoria takes 14.  8 (

[ajchien]

The AT change for a 03 CRV is 3.1 qts or 3.3 qts depending on the model you have.

[deion712]

crown victoria has a big ass transmission,lol

not surprised

[karsseboomh22]

it hold more oil thats just what comes out when you drain it

[ajchien]

Yes, I think the CRV has a 7+ quart transmission. However, only 3-4 qts comes out in a drain and fill. For a complete change, some have suggested to drain and fill 3 times with a little driving in between.

[oro2020]

@mtlh05 Forever On the Road Dead, that's what FORD means, crappy cars (not the  100')

[mtlh05]

@oro2020 ... you really gona bother me with ur bs on a 9 month old comment? GTFO!

[907po]

Good Job!! Ru a doctor or something because it looks like you are doing a blood transfusion!!!

[zaksdad12]

@907po

[skidoofc]

is that a 3/8 torque wrench and is it the same on a 2001 honda odssey

[ajchien]

It is a 3.8 in drive torque wrench 10-80 ft lbs. Set at 36 ft lbs for the plug.

to be honest, I dont know the 2001 odyssey. I believe the odyssey is a V-6 - while the CRV is an 4 cyl, so I presume that the procedure will be somewhat different.

[samuraypurplebelt]

im changing mine at 99 van it had never been change since we got it that was 170thousend miles ago hopefully everything will ok

[prodigious08]

so dont need to wash teh transmision like you do with the engine.

[roughrider119]

I'm looking for a nice torque wrench. Can you recommend any decent, accurate and reliable brand/model? Thanks.

[ajchien]

i can't give you a reliable recommendation. A cheap torque wrench will run around $30, the better the quality, usually the more expensive... from i understand, torque wrenches may not be as accurate at the two extremes of their range. therefore my 10-80 ft lbs wrench I have is likely not as accurate in the 10's and up high in the 70's.

[ajchien]

oh, you might try going the BITOG (bob is the oil guy) website, there is a discussion forum section where people discuss tools - you might get a good recommendation there

[mann4080]

Hey do u know, how much transmission fluid Honda Accord 04 AT will take....also wats the difference between Transmission fluid Flush and Fluid change?

[ajchien]

well, im not sure about the 04 accord AT, except that it should be listed in your owners manual. I believe that honda recommends only doing fluid changes rather than flushing. changing is simply drain & gravity fill. flush usually means something is actively pushing stuff through the system. in theory flushing is a better cleaning - but honda recommends drain & fill over flush,

[mann4080]

Thanks.....Also ur Video on how to change Spark Plugs won't load...

[mikeylee2001]

I change mine once a year.

[ajchien]

I'm doing mine at 30k intervals, with oil change, air filter, cabin filter, and coolant at same time.

[ERL7]

no worries man, i checked it out and i found out that it is the same dipstick hole. so i guess our vehicles are pretty much similar with the engine area designs.. somewhat.

[ajchien]

Great. A lot of Hondas are somewhat similar. I find a lot of maintenence between a 2003 CRV and a 2003 Element identical. I even find a lot of similarities from by previous car, a 1988 Prelude

[ERL7]

*drain

[ERL7]

i have a 2006 honda fit, i cant find where to put the transmission fluid. if i ever train it out.

[ajchien]

Honestly I don't know about the Honda Fit, but the CR-V *fill* is through the dipstick hole.

[stevej200]

Very helpful. Just bought one of these and the gears have problems. It seems to over rev as it changes. This didn't occur while I was checking it. Also thought the cold affected it because of where I live. Never liked automatics...Hope the change of TF will solve the problem, suspect previous owner neglected the transmission.

[complimentsheck]

yeah weve had ours brand new since 2003 and no problems other then the fan belt had to be replaced and brake pads replaced

[NRP1991]

wow man u gotta be one of the very few who do this sooo many neglect this, wow u deserve a huge pat on the back i bet u ur truck will last for welllll over 200K