Trans Fluid - when to replace?

[CTRifecta]

Currently at 12k miles on my type R and wanted to get the consensus for when to change out the trans fluid?

I've done 2 track days and then besides that, just normal commuter driving with occasional spirited weekend drives.

Reason for asking, I have found recently that the shifting isn't as smooth as I remembered it being, when fully warmed up.

For those who have changed, how bad is it to do yourself?

Thanks all

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[TypeRD]

With performance cars, changing the trans fluid is something you kind of do based on feel, mileage, and driving habits (track days etc). If you feel like it needs to be changed, then just do it. It won’t hurt anything and it can definitely make your shifts better/smoother. I’m a HUGE proponent of Amsoil MTF. Stuff truly did wonders for my previous car and I will put it in my FL5 when the right time comes.

Changing the fluid is about as easy as an oil change. There’s not a whole lot to it.

 

[PointByPatrol]

My car only had 6500 miles on it before I wrecked it, and I had already changed the trans fluid out twice.

 

[PointByPatrol]

Changing the transmission fluid out is incredibly easy, and cheap. Here's the video:

 

[Integra23]

Changing the transmission fluid out is incredibly easy, and cheap. Here's the video:

Awesome. Do you need to elevate and level the car for this process or can you just jack the front, remove overfill plug , fill , lower and let extras drain, then jack front and replace plug?

 

[PointByPatrol]

Awesome. Do you need to elevate and level the car for this process or can you just jack the front, remove overfill plug , fill , lower and let extras drain, then jack front and replace plug?

I did my best to level the car to drain it. You'll also want it level when you fill it so that you get the correct amount of fluid into the car.

 

[Integra23]

I did my best to level the car to drain it. You'll also want it level when you fill it so that you get the correct amount of fluid into the car.

I'm not sure how I could raise the the rear once the front is lifted on stands.

 

[PointByPatrol]

I'm not sure how I could raise the the rear once the front is lifted on stands.

My driveway has a slope down to a level pad. So I park the rear tires on the slope then jack the front.

 

[Integra23]

My driveway has a slope down to a level pad. So I park the rear tires on the slope then jack the front.

That's a convenient design. I was wondering skimming through the video, at work so no audio, and noticed you only had the front lifted. Well darn.

 

[Jester04]

I'm not sure how I could raise the the rear once the front is lifted on stands.

Jacking up and doing either 4 stands or ramps is a good option too.

 

[Integra23]

Jacking up and doing either 4 stands or ramps is a good option too.

Curious on how othershave done this. Is the car stable enough to jack from the front and rear jack points and left both sides at once?

If I lift only the front first the rear squats too much to get a jack under.

 

[PointByPatrol]

Curious on how othershave done this. Is the car stable enough to jack from the front and rear jack points and left both sides at once?

If I lift only the front first the rear squats too much to get a jack under.

I've jacked up the car and stacked blocks of wood underneath the tires, and then lowered the car back down on to the wood blocks. Its rudimentary, but it works.

Or you could jack the front only to drain the fluid, and then lower the car back down to fill the fluid if you have a very shallow pan to catch the overflow.

 

[Jester04]

Curious on how othershave done this. Is the car stable enough to jack from the front and rear jack points and left both sides at once?

If I lift only the front first the rear squats too much to get a jack under.

Back when I did not have the quick jack I would lift the front and put the ramps on and then lift the rear and do the same. It works on jack stands also. But IMO a lift is the best way.

 

[Vito.FL5]

a little overfill in the transmission wont hurt

 

[Vito.FL5]

Changing the transmission fluid out is incredibly easy, and cheap. Here's the video:

I like the video, but I disagree on loosing torque from the extensions. Unless your arm is an impact wrench lol

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