ATF Level Check: Check

NOTE:

Keep all foreign particles out of the transmission.
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.

Warm Up The Engine
1. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3, 000 rpm without load in P or N until the radiator fan comes on.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
ATF Level Check
1. Remove the ATF dipstick (yellow loop) (A), and wipe it with a clean cloth.
2. Insert the dipstick into the guide tube aligning the notch (B) with the guide tab (C).
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Notch, Tab And ATF Dipstick (Yellow Loop)
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
3. Remove the dipstick, and check the ATF level. It should be between the upper mark (A) and the lower mark (B).
4. If the ATF level is below the lower mark, check for fluid leaks at the transmission, the hoses, and the line joints. If a problem is found, fix it before filling the transmission with ATF.
  NOTE:
  If the vehicle is driven when the ATF level is below the lower mark, one or more of these symptoms may occur:
  - Transmission damage.
  - Vehicle does not move in any gear.
  - Vehicle accelerates poorly, and engine revs up abnormally high when starting off in forward and reverse positions.
  - Engine vibrates at idle.
5. If the ATF level is above the upper mark, drain the ATF to proper level.
  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.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Upper And Lower Mark On Dipstick
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
6. If necessary, fill the transmission with ATF through the dipstick guide tube opening (A) to bring the fluid level between the upper mark and the lower mark of the dipstick. Do not fill the fluid above the upper mark. Always use ATF DW-1 (genuine Honda automatic transmission fluid). Using a non-Honda ATF can affect shift quality.
7. Insert the dipstick into the guide tube aligning the notch with the guide tab.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Dipstick Guide Tube Opening
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.