2013 Honda Civic Transmission Fluid Change

When it comes time to change the transmission fluid and filter on your 2013 Honda Civic, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we’ll discuss when and how to perform the service, as well as what components you’ll need. We’ll also take a look at some of the potential problems that can occur if this service is not performed regularly. So, if you’re wondering whether or not it’s time for a transmission fluid and filter change on your Civic, keep reading. We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

2013 honda civic transmission fluid change

2013 Honda Civic Transmission Overview

2013 honda civic transmission fluid change

The ninth generation of the Honda Civic was produced from 2012-present. The 2013 model year marks the first for this design and it comes in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five door hatchback. Each is available in an Si, EX or EX-L trim level with varying levels of standard features across each level.

As of 2013, the Hond Civic comes in four variants: sedan, coupe, Si and Type R. For each design of the car there is a different type of transmission available. The standard transmission on both the LX and EX trim levels is a gasoline-powered 5-speed automatic with overdrive. A CVT (continuously variable) transmission is also offered for these two trims which automatically calculates the right gear ratio to maximize power while minimizing fuel consumption.

What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

2013 honda civic transmission fluid change

Transmission fluid helps transfer power from the engine to the transmission, preventing burning and maintaining a smooth ride. Changing the fluid in your Honda Civic every 30,000-60,000 miles can help prevent expensive transmission problems down the road.

The right amount of transmission fluid in your vehicle is important to ensure proper vehicle shifting and performance. It also makes sure that you are able to stop when you need to when driving at high speeds on slick surfaces.

Honda recommends an automatic transmission service check once a year or every 30,000-60,000 miles for severe driving conditions or severe weather climates.. If your car’s shifting seems rough it may be time for an oil change – especially if your Honda owner’s manual suggests it. To keep your Honda in tip-top shape, check the transmission fluid regularly.

Best Transmission Fluid for a 2013 Honda Civic Transmission:

Owners should check their owners manuals or service literature for specific guidelines. A quick internet search can usually lead you to these guidelines if they exist.

Honda recommends using their own brand of fluid to refill the 2013 Honda Civic’s transmission. However, Honda-branded fluid is prohibitively expensive, and it is important to find a less expensive alternative that still conforms to the specifications necessary for use in this vehicle. Using OEM-branded fluids which are slightly more affordable; and finally, providing several viable alternatives with price points suitable for anyone looking to save some money.

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When to check transmission fluid in the 2013 Honda Civic

2013 honda civic transmission fluid change

The 2013 Honda Civic CVT is a belt-driven transmission that uses a torque converter to transfer power from the engine to the driveshaft. The fluid used in this type of transmission must be changed every 30,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) or more often if you go off-roading frequently. If your car starts feeling sluggish when accelerating or shifts roughly under load, it is time for an automatic transmission fluid change. When changing oil on your 2013 Honda Civic with a manual transmission, check and replace the filter at the same time; many of them are attached and cannot be serviced separately.

How do You Check Transmission Fluid?

It’s important to check your transmission fluid on a regular basis. The 2013 Honda Civic uses an automatic transmission that has the vehicle information label attached to it, which means you can’t always use the “add one quart of transmission fluid” method. This is because the Honda ECU will sense any inconsistency in fluid level and send a message prompting you to schedule service. But don’t worry, there are easy steps for checking your Honda Civic’s transmission fluid that won’t affect performance or void the warranty.

Ensure you have a safe area to work before getting under your car or truck. Set up ramps or jack stands if needed for safety. Park on level ground and apply parking brake securely. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels for added safety.

Start by jacking up your Honda civic 2001-2006 with a floor jack from the side opposite of where you plan to place it on ramps/jack stands or lift it with a hydraulic lift. Ensure that all necessary precautions have been taken including placing wheelocks in front and back as well as chocking the wheels.

Being underneath your car where you will be performing this transmission service is dangerous when not properly supported, so it’s extremely important to find a safe and secure way to do the work in a lean position. Applying these precautions should keep you safe from injury if done correctly. Make sure that there are no fluids under your car that could catch fire before starting the procedure. Clean off any dirt or debris that can be reached from above by sliding out all mats and carpets until you reach a clean surface where you won’t have to worry about fluid leaks crawling up beneath your vehicle.

Also ensure that there aren’t any sharp objects lying around under your engine or chassis which could puncture the oil pan or lines.

Now that you have your car elevated safely, it’s time to locate the transmission dipstick. Go back under the car and find the zerk fitting with the hex bolt in the center of it located on one of your axles about 12-15 inches to the left (driver side) go ahead and remove the oil drain plug using a ratchet wrench attached to an extension bar; make sure not to strip or damage this part as they are pressed into place. Let all fluid drip out until you can’t see any more coming out.

You will need to use some sort of lubricant around it beforehand because after draining, there is usually still some remaining inside which must be removed if prepping for an oil change down the road. Once this is done, replace the oil drain plug and refill your transmission until it’s at the full level on the dipstick with some Honda transmission fluid.

2013 Honda Civic Transmission fluid dipstick location

Where is the transmission fluid dipstick on a 2013 Honda Civic? It’s underneath the vehicle, near the center of the front axle. The oil drain plug and filter are also located there.

Steps for changing 2013 Honda Civic Transmission Fluid:

The 2013 Honda Civic CVT is a belt-driven transmission that uses a torque converter to transfer power from the engine to the driveshaft. The fluid used in this type of transmission must be changed every 30,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) or more often if you go off-roading frequently. If your car starts feeling sluggish when accelerating or shifts roughly under load, it is time for an automatic transmission fluid change. When changing oil on your 2013 Honda Civic with a manual transmission, check and replace the filter at the same time; many of them are attached and cannot be serviced separately.

As a first-generation 2012 model year car, the vehicle will likely have a litany of fluid leaks. For example, the transmission has been known to leak from many common locations such as from the pan gasket or from around the drain plug. In addition, there have been some reports of leaking from around bolts on some internal gear sets within the transmission. Most leaks originate at bolts that connect components together as they loosen over time due to heat exposure and subsequent expansion. The good news is that most of these leaks are simple to repair by removing the worn bolt and reinstalling a new one with thread locker compound applied before torquing them down properly. Google “transmission repair bolt torque specifications” to find a list on the internet if you are concerned about specifics.

  1. Before starting any fluid replacement work, consult your vehicle’s owner manual for fluid capacities of each fluid used inside your car. This will help determine how much is needed of each type thus allowing you to avoid overfilling or underfilling the transmission with fluid. It also helps prevent spilling or splashing of dirty or metallic-smelling fluids onto any painted surfaces of the engine bay which may result in damage to surface coatings and oxidization of metal components if not cleaned up soon after.
  2. At all times, be mindful that some new parts must be broken in properly before reaching their effective service life. For example, many brake rotors and pads have a recommended procedure on the product for scuffing up the new surface so as to allow the friction material to properly attach itself over time. This is similar to how band-aids stick better if you rough up their contact surfaces before applying them.
  3. Clean out any debris such as dirt, leaves or bugs that may be present in or around any of the fluid drain plugs or panels that they fit into (this will help prevent fluid from leaking out during this procedure). Also wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap and water before starting this work.
  4. Perform each step at your own risk and always use personal safety protection (e.g., gloves, eye protection) when needed.

Step 1.

Park your car on a level surface then apply the parking brake to help prevent any movement. Engage all 4 wheels in gear so that they are not free spinning.

Step 2.

Make sure you have adequate lighting directly over the engine compartment where you intend to work at so that your vision is not impaired while under the car. Also, leave enough room around your access areas so that you have sufficient room to move about freely without fear of bumping into other components or getting tied up in any loose hoses, belts, wiring harnesses etc. Use a flashlight if needed but try to position yourself for best window clarity when looking down under the car.

Step 3.

Place wheel ramps or blocks to ensure that both front tires are raised enough off the ground to allow for adequate clearance (the car should be raised such that its bottom is no lower than about 6 inches from the ground).

Step 4.

Locate the transmission fill plug and fill tube used for servicing. They are both located under a removable black plastic access cover which sits over the driver side rear section of the engine bay. These have been known to get dislodged by technicians during other services so be sure they are secure before covering it back up again. There are also two small drain plugs on either side of this area which can be removed if needed but only after all fluid has initially drained out of these areas.

Step 5.

On models with CVT transmissions, there are several steps involved in draining out the old fluid. These steps are all illustrated in the service manual which you should have available if you intend to work on your own car. However, for now, I will just give a brief summary here so as not to complicate things further at this time.

First raise the black plastic front engine splash shield that sits above the CVT transmission and expose two plugs used for draining out the A/T fluid via their corresponding holes in its black plastic underside cover.

Next use a 25mm socket wrench with an extension attached to loosen up these 2 drain plugs while having a pan ready beneath them to catch any spillage or excess fluid dripping from them. Now lower both of these hood panels back down again before going onto step 6 below.

With the A/T fluid drained out of these two areas, move on to step 6 below.

Step 6.

Getting back to what you need to do for the A/T transmission in your Civics is very straight forward. There are only two fresh fluid fill plugs which need to be removed before pouring in the new oil. The upper fill plug is located at the very edge of where this black plastic access panel sits while its counterpart is near center towards the rear side of the panel itself (this lower filler tube hole requires a 16mm socket wrench).

Step 7.

To drain out all remaining old A/T fluid still in your car, connect up one end of 3-4 foot length clear hose to the lower fresh fluid fill hole and the other end of the hose to a drain pan underneath. Now have an assistant slowly open up this lower filler tube screw so as to start draining out all remaining old fluid from your car’s transmission system. Close this screw back down once no more drips or spills are being seen coming from it. Do NOT over-tighten it as that will plug up the tube causing problems later on.

Step 8.

Reinstall any protective covers you may have taken off before starting work on your Civic by sliding them back into their original locations again. Put wheel ramps/blocks used for this project safely away and make sure you do not park your car on top of them if cannot be dragged away easily (i.e.: hard rubber/plastic type).

Finish off by taking a moment to check out all your fluid levels and properly securing any loose items hanging around under the engine bay so as to prevent them from flying around while you are on the road.

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