LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Acura >> 2003 >> MDX Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Transmission >> Automatic Trans >> Automatic Transmission >> ATF Level Check
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

ATF Level Check

NOTE: Keep all foreign particles out of the transmission.
  1. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on).
  2. Park the vehicle on level ground, and turn the engine off.
    NOTE: Check the fluid level within 60-90 seconds after turning the engine off.
  3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) (A) from the ATF dipstick guide pipe, and wipe it with a clean cloth.
    Fig 1: Identifying Dipstick
    G03640358Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. Insert the dipstick into the dipstick guide.
  5. Remove the dipstick (A) and check the fluid level. It should be between upper mark (B) and lower mark (C).
    Fig 2: Checking Fluid Level On Dipstick
    G03640359Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  6. If the level is below the lower mark, check for fluid leaks at the transmission, hose and line joints, and cooler lines.

    If a problem is found, fix it before filling the transmission. If necessary, remove the dipstick and fill the transmission through the dipstick guide pipe opening (A) to bring the fluid level up to the upper mark. Always use Acura ATF-Z1 automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Using a non-Acura ATF can affect shift quality.

    Fig 3: Identifying Dipstick Guide Pipe Opening
    G03640360Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. If the level is above the upper mark, drain the ATF to proper level (see step  3 ).
  8. Insert the dipstick back into the dipstick guide.