ATF Level Check

NOTE: Keep all foreign particles out of the transmission

Park the vehicle on the level ground
Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on), and turn the engine off Do not allow the engine to warm up more than two cycles of the cooling fan
NOTE: Check the ATF level within 60-90 seconds after turning the engine off Higher ATF level may be indicated if the radiator fan comes on twice or more
Remove the ATF dipstick (yellow loop) (A) from the ATF dipstick guide tube, and wipe it with a clean cloth

Fig 1: Identifying ATF Dipstick, Notch And Guide Tab
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Insert the dipstick into the guide tube aligning the notch (B) with the guide tab (C)
Remove the dipstick and check the ATF level It should be between the upper mark (A) and the lower mark (B)

Fig 2: Identifying ATF Level Mark
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the ATF level is below the lower mark, check for fluid leaks at the transmission, and the ATF cooler hoses and lines 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 will result
- Vehicle does not move in any gear
- Vehicle accelerates poorly, and flares when starting off in D, S, and R.
- Vibration when the engine is idling
If the level is above the upper mark, drain the ATF to proper level (see step 4 on ATF REPLACEMENT )
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 problem shifting
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 genuine Acura ATF-Z1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Using a non-Acura ATF can affect shift quality

Fig 3: Identifying Dipstick Guide Tube Opening
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Insert the dipstick into the guide tube aligning the notch with the guide tab