How to Replace the Transmission Fluid on a 1999 Honda Accord
by Kevin Mclain
The automatic transmission fluid change for the Honda Accord models between 1999-2002 require the same process. The transmission fluid protects all of the moving parts and seals inside of the transmission. The fluid bonds to the gears and seals to form a protective barrier to prevent heat friction. The fluid circulates out of the transmission pan and flows throughout the transmission. Once that the transmission fluid begins to break down, it will not be able to protect the moving parts and seals. Honda recommends changing the Accord transmission fluid around 70,000 miles.
Step 1
Drive the 1999 Honda Accord around for 10 to 15 minutes to heat up the automatic transmission fluid. Park the Accord on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Open the hood.
Step 2
Jack up the front of the Accord and place a jack stand under each front jacking point. Lower the jack slowly until the Accord is sitting safely on top of the stands.
Step 3
Crawl under the front of the Accord and locate the transmission fluid pan on the bottom of the transmission. The drain plug has a 3/8-inch drive square hole in the middle of it. The square end of a 3/8-inch drive ratchet will fit into the square hole of the drain plug.
Step 4
Turn the drain plug counter-clockwise with a 3/8-inch drive ratchet until the plug is loose. Remove the ratchet from the drain plug and finish unscrewing the plug with your fingers. Allow all of the transmission fluid to drain out of the pan into the drip pan. Screw the drain plug back into the pan and torque the plug to 36 foot-pounds with a 3/8-inch drive torque wrench.
Step 5
Move to the top side of the engine and locate the automatic transmission fluid dipstick on the driver side of the engine compartment. The dipstick has a red plastic handle. Remove the dipstick and insert the long neck funnel into the dipstick tube.
Step 6
Pour 2 quarts of the Honda Premium Transmission Fluid into the funnel and wait for the fluid to drain down into the transmission. Remove the funnel and inert the dipstick back into the tube.
Step 7
Jack the Accord back up and remove the jack stands. Crank the engine and hold the brake pedal down with your foot. Shift the gear lever through all of the gears a couple of times to get the transmission fluid inside of all areas of the transmission. Allow the engine to run until it reaches operating temperature. Turn the engine off.
Step 8
Pull the transmission dipstick back out and check the fluid level on the dipstick with the engine off. The dipstick has hot and cold marks imprinted on it. The fluid level should be on or near the hot mark on the dipstick. Add fluid, a little at a time, until the level is 1/8 inch below the "Hot" line. Do not overfill. The transmission's capacity is 2.6 quarts. Put the dipstick back into the tube and close the hood. Turn the engine off.
References
- " Honda Accord Haynes Repair Manual covering all models for 1998 thru 2002"; John Haynes; 2003
Tips
- The Honda Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid can be purchased at most any auto parts store.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Drip pan
- 3/8-inch drive ratchet
- 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
- Long neck funnel
- 3 quarts of Honda Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid
Warnings
- Use extreme caution when working under a vehicle that is resting on jack stands.
Writer Bio
Kevin Mclain has more than 20 years of automotive, home improvement and landscaping experience. He has been writing for various online publications since 2002. Mclain has U.S. Army certification in automotive maintenance and repair, among more than 15 additional certifications related to the automotive field.
