Honda Automatic Transmission Drain and Fill

[kodak_jack]

I asked this question back in July, but before I got an answer, I was done with my vacation. I'd like to confirm or deny that the plug at the 5:30 position in this picture actually IS the drain plug. Thanks.
http://picasaweb.google.com/darrellac/SaturnVueStuff/photo#5223647545671548754

[BobbyP]

The image was of the fill opening. The dipstick tube is also an option, but requires a small funnel and tubing.

The drain plug has a 3/8" square drive head. Use a 3/8" socket wrench to remove it. It's on the bottom of the transmission case. The bolt is magnetic and needs to be cleaned when removed. It's usually very tight. You may need a cheater pipe on your socket wrench.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f298/bobbyp06/VUERedline046.jpg

[kodak_jack]

OK, but that picture doesn't really match the one that was shown in the previous discussion on this (I couldn't reply to that posting because it was more than 60 days old:mad:). It was an overall picture of the whole engine and tranny that showed the fill plug specifically and the question was asked if the drain was at about the 5:30 position in that particular picture.
http://picasaweb.google.com/darrellac/SaturnVueStuff/photo#5223647545671548754
See the shiny plug I'm talking about? It's different than something that just looks like another bolt, but with a different head.

[burnout]

Sorry if I sound rash, but just get under your car! It's REALLY obvious. :D

It's the only bolt with a square opening on it. Also, it's the only bolt down there with a metal crush washer between it and the transmission.

[burnout]

See the shiny plug I'm talking about? It's different than something that just looks like another bolt, but with a different head.

The shiny plug you are talking about looks to be an allen head plug. I don't believe this is even accessible from under the car.

[kodak_jack]

Sorry if I sound rash, but just get under your car! It's REALLY obvious. :D

It's the only bolt with a square opening on it. Also, it's the only bolt down there with a metal crush washer between it and the transmission.

You're right, but the two plugs talked about are on opposite sides of the tranny and the one that LOOKS like a drain is the one that isn't. The one that looks like a bolt is!!! Don't be so freakin spazzy about it. Why didn't they make things intuitively obvious instead of disguising it?!!

[remigh]

and don't be surprised if it makes a "crack" sound when you break it loose, that is normal.

[BobbyP]

You're right, but the two plugs talked about are on opposite sides of the tranny and the one that LOOKS like a drain is the one that isn't. The one that looks like a bolt is!!! Don't be so freakin spazzy about it. Why didn't they make things intuitively obvious instead of disguising it?!!

Not to rub salt into the wound, I thought it was even marked on the casting with an arrow pointing to it.

Ditto on the noise when it breaks free... It's really tight... Normal thread, CCW to loosen it.

[Dante]

Not to rub salt into the wound, I thought it was even marked on the casting with an arrow pointing to it.

Ditto on the noise when it breaks free... It's really tight... Normal thread, CCW to loosen it.

Yeah, square hole in it, it's on there REALLY freakin' tight from the factory. I had to get out my longest wrench (18" long 1/2" drive) to get it loose, and my god it made the most awful noise when it did let loose... but it did the same thing the 2nd and 3rd times I opened it, and I know I torqued it properly, so it must be a heat thing.

Once you've done a tranny fluid drain and refill, it seems easy. :)

[kodak_jack]

Got 'er done last week. Thanks for the responses.

[Ritz]

Got 'er done last week. Thanks for the responses.


Did you do the multiple drain/fill thing or just one shot? How many quarts did you replace after the drain? I really need to get off my anvs and do this too...along with the RDM fluid.

Cheers,