How to Change Transmission Oil on a Ridgeline
by Grace Mclain
The automatic transmission fluid inside a Honda Ridgeline is responsible for keeping the gears and seals lubricated and conditioned. As the engine is running and the transmission is engaged, the transmission fluid flows out of the transmission pan and into the transmission. The transmission fluid then travels throughout the transmission, covering all of the gears and seals. The transmission fluid sticks to the gears and seals to prevent heat friction. Replace the transmission fluid every 50,000 to 75,000 miles.
Step 1
Park the Honda Ridgeline in a safe area that has a level surface. Raise the hood.
Step 2
Crawl under the Honda Ridgeline and locate the drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan.
Step 3
Slide the drip pan under the transmission drain pan. Loosen and remove the drain plug with the 1/2-inch drive breaker bar and a 1/2-inch drive socket. Turn the drain plug counterclockwise to loosen and remove. Once all of the transmission fluid has drained out of the transmission, screw the drain plug back in the drain hole and tighten down tight with the breaker bar and socket.
Step 4
Slide the drip pan out from under the Honda Ridgeline. Pull the transmission dipstick out of the transmission dipstick tube and place it on the fan shroud.
Step 5
Insert the long-neck funnel into the dipstick tube. Make sure the neck of the funnel is in the dipstick tube at least two to three inches.
Step 6
Pour three quarts of the Honda ATF-Z1 automatic transmission fluid into the dipstick tube. Wait for the fluid to drain into the transmission. Pull the funnel out of the tube and reinsert the dipstick.
Step 7
Crank the Honda Ridgeline and hold down the brake pedal. Shift the transmission shift lever through all of the gears. Then, put the lever back into park.
Step 8
Pull the dipstick out with the engine still running. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid level should be on the full mark after three quarts of the transmission fluid. Slide the dipstick back in and close the hood. Turn off the engine.
References
- "2010 Honda Ridgeline Owners Manual; Service and Maintenance Section;Honda Corp.; 2010
Tips
- Honda recommends only using the Honda ATF-Z1 automatic transmission fluid when changing the transmission fluid. Failure to do so can not only damage the transmission but it can also void any type of transmission warranties.
Things You'll Need
- Drip pan
- 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
- 1/2-inch drive socket set
- Long-neck funnel
- Honda ATF-Z1 automatic transmission fluid
Warnings
- Wear protective glasses when draining and adding transmission fluid.
Writer Bio
Grace Mclain has been writing professionally since 1998. Her articles have appeared on eHow.com, Answerbag.com and LIVESTRONG.COM, and she specializes in automotive and business topics. McIain has a professional writing certificate from JB Hunt in Little Rock, Ark.
