This procedure drains and refills the automatic transmission fluid on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, replacing approximately half the total fluid capacity through the drain and fill method.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 3 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine and transmission to cool if recently driven
4. Raise front of vehicle with jack and support on jack stands at manufacturer jacking points
5. Ensure vehicle is level and stable before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate transmission drain plug
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the transmission oil pan on the driver side of the engine. The drain plug is a 17mm bolt on the bottom of the transmission pan, facing rearward. Clean the area around the drain plug to prevent contamination.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position the drain pan directly under the transmission drain plug. Using the 17mm socket, slowly loosen the drain plug. Once loose, carefully remove it by hand, allowing fluid to drain completely. This will take 5-10 minutes. Inspect the drain plug threads and sealing surface for damage.
   ⚠Fluid may be hot. Keep hands clear of the initial stream when removing the drain plug.
3. 3

   Replace drain plug washer
   Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and discard it. Install the new crush washer onto the drain plug, ensuring it sits flat against the plug shoulder. Do not reuse the old washer as it will not seal properly.
4. 4

   Reinstall drain plug
   Once fluid has completely drained, thread the drain plug with new washer into the transmission pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten to specification using the torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Lower vehicle
   Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands and remove the jack. Ensure the vehicle is on level ground for accurate fluid filling.
6. 6

   Access transmission fill plug
   Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick/fill tube on the driver side of the engine bay, near the battery. The fill plug has a yellow handle on 2016-2021 Civic models. Remove the fill plug by twisting counterclockwise and pulling upward.
7. 7

   Add transmission fluid
   Insert the funnel into the fill tube. Pour exactly 3.0 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF slowly into the transmission. Allow fluid to settle for 1-2 minutes between quarts. Do not overfill.
   ⚠Use only Honda DW-1 ATF. Other fluids may cause transmission damage and void warranty.
8. 8

   Check fluid level cold
   With engine off and transmission cold, insert the dipstick fully and remove to check level. Fluid should be between the lower and upper cold marks. Add small amounts (1/4 quart) if needed. Do not exceed the upper cold mark.
9. 9

   Warm up transmission
   Start the engine and let it idle. With foot on brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. Allow engine to idle for 3-5 minutes to reach operating temperature (cooling fan cycles on).
10. 10

    Check fluid level hot
    With engine idling and transmission at operating temperature, check the fluid level on the dipstick. Fluid should be between the two upper hot marks. Add fluid in small increments (1/8 quart) if needed until level is correct. Reinstall the fill plug securely.
    ⚠Do not overfill. Excess fluid will cause aeration, foaming, and potential transmission damage.

Reassembly

1. Ensure transmission fill plug is reinstalled securely
2. Wipe any spilled fluid from engine bay and undercarriage
3. Dispose of used transmission fluid at a proper recycling facility

Verification

• Check for leaks around the drain plug after warming up the transmission
• Verify fluid level is correct on the dipstick with engine running and transmission at operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle and confirm smooth shifting through all gears
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Check drain plug area for leaks after test drive

More procedures for this vehicle