ATF Level Check

NOTE: Keep all foreign particles out of the transmission.

Park the vehicle on the level ground.
Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on), and turn the engine off. Do not allow the engine to warm up longer than the time it takes for the radiator fan to comes on twice.
NOTE: Check the fluid level within 60-90 seconds after turning the engine off. Higher fluid level may be indicated if the radiator fan comes on twice or more.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) (A) from the dipstick guide tube, and wipe it with a clean cloth.

Fig 1: Locating Dipstick (Yellow Loop)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Insert the dipstick into the guide tube.
Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be between the upper mark (A) and the lower mark (B).

Fig 2: Identifying Dipstick Fluid Level Upper Mark And Lower Mark
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the level is below the lower mark, check for fluid leaks at the transmission, the hoses, and the line joints, and the cooler lines. If a leak is found, fix it before filling the transmission.
NOTE: If the vehicle is driven when the ATF level is below the lower mark one or more these symptoms may occur:
- Transmission damage will result.
- Vehicle does not move in any gear.
- Vehicle accelerates poorly and flares when starting off in D and R.
- The engine vibrates at idle.
If the level is above the upper mark, drain the ATF to proper level (see step 4 on ATF REPLACEMENT ).
NOTE: If the vehicle is driven when the ATF level is above the upper mark, the vehicle may creep forward while in N, or have shifting problems.
If adding ATF is necessary, remove the left rear engine compartment cover. Remove the two mounting bolts for the under-hood fuse/relay box, and swing it out of the way.
If necessary, fill the transmission with ATF through the filler hole (A) to bring the fluid level midway between the upper mark and the lower mark of the dipstick. Do not fill past the upper mark. Always use Acura ATF-Z1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Using a non-Acura ATF can affect shift quality.

Fig 3: Locating ATF Filler Bolt And Sealing Washer With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the ATF filler bolt (B) and a new sealing washer (C).
Install the under-hood fuse/relay box bolts and the left rear engine compartment cover.