How to Change the Transmission Fluid in a Honda Odyssey

Co-authored by Ed Beery

Last Updated: January 4, 2024 Approved

Honda Odyssey vans require automatic transmission fluid changes at 30,000 mile (48,000 km) intervals. ^{[1]
X
Research source} This helps protect the transmission from failure, and is a simple procedure almost anyone can do. Here are steps to help you accomplish this project.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!

*

Steps

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/IMG_43209.jpg\/460px-IMG_43209.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/IMG_43209.jpg\/640px-IMG_43209.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":336,"bigWidth":640,"bigHeight":468,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Most mechanics recommend using only Honda OEM fluid, but other products will work if they are labelled ATF DW-1 or ATF-Z1. ^{[2]
X
Research source} A normal fluid change will require about 3.3 US quarts (3,000 ml) (3 liters) of fluid.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Transpix05.JPG\/460px-Transpix05.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Transpix05.JPG\/640px-Transpix05.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":300,"bigWidth":640,"bigHeight":418,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

2

Jack up the vehicle using the lift point on the driver's side behind the front wheel. ^{[3]
X
Research source} The fluid drain plug can be reached without requiring you to actually get underneath the van, but it is always recommended you support the vehicle with jack stands before proceeding.

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Transpix08.JPG\/460px-Transpix08.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Transpix08.JPG\/420px-Transpix08.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":613,"bigWidth":420,"bigHeight":560,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

3

Place a drain pan underneath drain plug to catch the old fluid. You will find the drain hole behind the plastic shroud behind the front bumper. Make sure to allow for the draining oil's trajectory, since it will at first flow out rather quickly.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Transpix11.JPG\/460px-Transpix11.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Transpix11.JPG\/640px-Transpix11.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":640,"bigHeight":480,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

4

Remove the transmission drain plug using a ³ ⁄ ₈ inch (1.0 cm) ratchet. The drain plug has a recessed hole to accommodate the ratchet drive stud. Turn it counterclockwise until loose, then finish removing it with your fingers.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Transpix13.JPG\/460px-Transpix13.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Transpix13.JPG\/552px-Transpix13.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":400,"bigWidth":552,"bigHeight":480,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

5

Allow all the fluid that will to drain from the transmission. This may take several minutes, but the objective is to replace as much of the old fluid as possible.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Transpix14.JPG\/460px-Transpix14.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Transpix14.JPG\/640px-Transpix14.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":330,"bigWidth":640,"bigHeight":459,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

6

Clean the magnet on the drain plug and replace it. ^{[4]
X
Research source} The manufacturer and some aftermarket service manuals recommend always changing the aluminum crush washer with each change to prevent leaks. These can be purchased from your Honda dealer if you desire to replace them.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Transpix12.JPG\/460px-Transpix12.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Transpix12.JPG\/619px-Transpix12.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":357,"bigWidth":619,"bigHeight":480,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

7

Tighten the drain plug snuggly and remove tools and the drain pan from underneath the vehicle. ^{[5]
X
Research source} Remove the jack stands or supports and lower it with the jack.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Transpix07.JPG\/460px-Transpix07.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Transpix07.JPG\/420px-Transpix07.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":613,"bigWidth":420,"bigHeight":560,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

8

Remove the filler plug on top of the transmission. This will require a 17mm socket and a 15 inch (38.1 cm) long extension, since it is below and behind the air breather assembly. Sometimes breaking the filler plug may require using a cheater since the bolt can be very tight.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Transpix15.JPG\/460px-Transpix15.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Transpix15.JPG\/640px-Transpix15.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":640,"bigHeight":480,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

9

Place a long throated funnel in the filler hole and pour in 3 US quarts (3,000 ml) of ATF-Z1 or ATF DW-1 fluid. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
10

Replace the filler plug and crank the vehicle's engine. Hold the break and shift the transmission manually through all of the gears. Shut off the engine and check the fluid level. ^{[7]
X
Research source} Many service guides and forums suggest repeating the process two or three times to remove more of the fluid, since draining the fluid only removes the fluid in the main transmission body and reservoir, leaving old fluid in the torque converter and valve body.
11

Recheck the transmission fluid level after a test drive to make sure it is full. Normally, a fluid change will require slightly more than 3 US quarts (3,000 ml). To check the fluid, use the transmission fluid dipstick. Drive the vehicle until it is warmed up and has shifted through all of the gears, park it on a level surface, and shut it off. Remove the dipstick between 60 and 90 seconds after turning the engine off, and make sure the level is between the two marks.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Where is the transmission filter located on my 2014 Honda Odyssey mini van?

Community Answer

There isn't any! These transmissions have no serviceable filter, just a screen to keep larger debris from circulating, and that screen can only be accessed after disassembling the transmission housing, so, just make sure you change your fluid regularly, at least every 40 000 miles/ 60 000 kms, and don't use Dexron.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 14 Helpful 25
Question

Where is the transmission fluid drain plug for a 2001 Odyssey?

Community Answer

On the lower right side of the transmission, probably lined up with the driver's side tire.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
Question

Is it absolutely necessary to use only Honda transmission fluid in my Civic?

Community Answer

You won’t be saving much, if any, measurable money; Hondas love their factory fluids. I’d strongly suggest staying with factory spec fluids for transmission and power steering.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

When changing automatic transmission fluid, let the fluid drain down to a dribble. Start the motor, let it run for a few seconds, shut it off. Let it drain down to a dribble again. Repeat. This gets most of the old fluid out of the torque converter.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Warming the vehicle up may help remove more contaminants than changing the fluid cold, but use care if you drain the fluid after driving.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Never work underneath an improperly supported vehicle!

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

Log in

How to Change the Transmission Fluid in a Honda Odyssey

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

Steps

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories