maintenance

Transmission Service

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid with Honda DW-1 ATF to maintain proper transmission function and longevity.

Warnings

⚠Transmission fluid may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow 30 minutes cool-down time.

⚠Only use Honda DW-1 ATF. Other fluids will cause transmission damage and void warranty.

ℹ️This is a drain-and-fill service, not a complete flush. Only approximately 3-3.5 quarts will drain; the torque converter retains remaining fluid.

Tools required

3/8-inch ratchet and socket setEssential

Torque wrench (30-150 Nm range)Essential

Oil drain pan (minimum 10 quart capacity)Essential

Funnel with long neckEssential

Jack and jack standsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

Latex gloves

Shop ragsEssential

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 90471-PX4-000 or equivalent

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Fluids

Honda DW-1 ATF — 3.5 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Start engine and allow to reach normal operating temperature, then shut off
Allow transmission to cool for 30 minutes if recently driven
Raise front of vehicle using proper jacking points and secure with jack stands
Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath

Procedure

1
Access transmission drain plug
Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission case, driver side toward the rear of the transmission pan. Clean area around drain plug with shop rag to prevent contamination.
2
Drain transmission fluid
Position drain pan directly under drain plug. Using 3/8-inch ratchet, slowly loosen drain plug. Once loose, carefully unscrew by hand and allow fluid to drain completely. This will take 5-10 minutes. Expect approximately 3-3.5 quarts to drain.
⚠Fluid may still be warm. Remove plug slowly to avoid burns.
3
Inspect drain plug and washer
Once fluid has completely drained, inspect drain plug threads and magnet for metal debris. Light metal dust is normal; large particles or chunks indicate internal transmission wear. Remove and discard old crush washer from drain plug. Clean drain plug with shop rag.
4
Reinstall drain plug
Install new crush washer onto drain plug. Thread drain plug into transmission case by hand to avoid cross-threading. Torque drain plug to specification using torque wrench.
Torque spec
Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
5
Lower vehicle
Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Ensure vehicle is on level surface for accurate fill.
6
Locate transmission fill plug
Open hood and locate transmission dipstick on the driver side of engine compartment, near the firewall. The dipstick has a yellow loop handle and is labeled 'ATF'.
ℹ️The fill point is the dipstick tube; there is no separate fill plug on this transmission.
7
Add transmission fluid
Remove dipstick completely. Insert funnel into dipstick tube. Add 3 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF slowly to prevent overflow. Wait 2 minutes for fluid to settle, then check level on dipstick. Fluid should be between lower and upper marks when engine is OFF and transmission is at room temperature.
8
Check fluid level with engine running
Start engine and allow to idle. With foot on brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-S-L), pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. With engine still running at idle, remove dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert fully, then remove and check level. Fluid should be in the HOT range between upper and lower marks. Add fluid in 1/4 quart increments if needed.
⚠Keep hands and clothing away from moving engine components while checking fluid.
9
Final level verification
Once fluid level is correct in HOT range with engine running, reinstall dipstick fully. Turn off engine. Inspect ground under vehicle for any transmission fluid leaks around drain plug.

Reassembly

Ensure dipstick is fully seated in tube
Verify no tools or materials were left in engine compartment
Close hood securely

Verification

Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from drain plug area
With engine at operating temperature and running, verify fluid level is in HOT range on dipstick
Test drive vehicle through all gears to confirm smooth shifting operation
Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
Check for leaks after test drive