How to Check the Transmission Fluid on a Honda Passport
by Jody L. CampbellThe Honda Passport was designed by Isuzu Motors and released between 1994 and 2002. It was also released by Isuzu as the Isuzu Rodeo. Available more widely with the 3.2-liter V-6 engine, it was also available with the 2.6-liter four-cylinder during its first generation. Both vehicles feature a sealed and maintenance-free automatic transmission without the presence of a dipstick. Special tools are required to perform the task correctly.
Step 1
Drive the Passport long enough to allow the engine to reach operating temperature.
Step 2
Drive the SUV up onto a four-post drive-on lift so it is level. Place the Passport in neutral and apply the parking brake. Leave the engine running.
Step 3
Place a wheel chock on each side of one rear tire.
Step 4
Lift and level the vehicle lift, if applicable.
Step 5
Locate the transmission pan under the Passport and align the drip pan beneath the fill-plug.
Step 6
Remove the fill plug with a box-end wrench.
Step 7
Insert and activate the temperature sensor gauge into the transmission fluid fill-plug port. Be sure it reads between 100 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If not, wait until the fluid warms up. Remove the gauge when the desired temperature is achieved.
Step 8
Add fluid if necessary by using a hand pump with a 3/8-inch extension tube. Insert the tube into the fill-plug and pump the hand pump into the fill-plug until transmission fluid trickles down the side of the plug hole.
Step 9
Replace the fill-plug, but only tighten it hand tight.
Step 10
Use a stepladder to get up onto the lift and into the Passport and then switch through all the gears including park. Do this three or four times.
Step 11
Recheck the fluid again through the port hole. Add more fluid if necessary and perform Step 10 again. When you no longer have to add any more fluid, replace and tighten the fill-plug.
References
Tips
- Honda and Isuzu recommend having this procedure performed by qualified dealerships because of the temperature sensor gauge required. Many general repair and maintenance facilities do not have this tool and perform the procedure without it.
- The maintenance-free transmissions on the Passport and Rodeo boast a 100,000 to 120,000 mile interval to flush the transmission fluid.
- If transmission fluid had to be added to the Passport, check for leaks along the edges of the pan, the fill and drain plugs or anywhere along the transmission and seals.
Things You'll Need
- Four-post drive-on lift
- Two wheel chocks
- Drip pan
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Box-end wrench set
- Fluid temperature gauge tool
- Hand pump with 3/8-inch hose extension
- Stepladder
Writer Bio
Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. Prior to that, he managed two different restaurants for over 15 years. Campbell began his professional writing career in 2004 with the publication of his first book.
