Any car people here? Hondas in particular?

I have a 1985 Honda Accord (don't laugh, it's paid for!) and it was having issues getting into gear. My gearhead friend said I should check my transmission fluid since it probably wasn't done by the people I bought it from. I went to the auto parts store, and they agreed with the diagnosis. The only problem is that my car either doesn't have a dipstick for the transmission, or it's located in an extremely hard to locate spot. The guys at the parts store found where the fluid goes in, but without a means to check it I don't know how much is in there or how much I should add.

I didn't get a manual with it (obviously I bought it used), my automotively minded friend just became a father for the second time last week, so he's occupied, and I need to do something before I end up with a fat car repair bill.

Any assistiance is greatly appriciated.

It should have a Chilton's or a Clymer book you can check for the general information you need.

I thought you just went by what's in the reservoir.

Anyway, maybe this link will help?

http://www.crxsi.com/resources/repair/transmission_oil_change/

The process is similar for most cars. There will be two bolts on the box, one for draining and one for filling. Obviously the fill bolt will be higher than the drain bolt, it's about half way up, on the side of the box. Usually you just fill the box until it runs out of the top hole. It's not very easy to do however because it'll be a tight squeeze and you usually need to pump the fluid in by some means. Worse yet, transmission fluid smells absolutely horrible. I've done the job a few times, but would probably just pay jiffy lube $20 next time.

It actually sounds like you have bad synchros, which means you might need a rebuild.

I have a buddy who is an EXPERT on hondas...I can email or call him

when you get the oil changed, if you haven't already done that you should.
Those shops do a check-list on all that in a package.

tips: if you have 130k or more on it you'ld be very wise to change both the
water pump and the timing belt/chain replaced. Should your timing belt
break, all that's left for the engine would be the junkyard.

hope this helps.

If it's an automatic tranny, there should be a dipstick. It's in the cap of the tranny case. Screw off the cap and voila!

If it's manual, it's what has already been described. A squeeze bottle is good for getting the fluid in. The fluid bottle usually has a nozzle to use for this purpose.

We also have "vintage" Hondas so ask away if we can help some more.

It's an automatic, but there's only 56,000 and change for milage. I'm due for an oil change, and I was going to do it next week when I got paid, but I'm afraid of blowing up the tranny or the engine if I drive it this week.

1. The level of the automatic transaxle fluid should be carefully maintained. Low fluid level can lead to slipping or loss of drive while overfilling can cause foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle damage.

2. The fluid level should only be checked with the engine off.

3. Remove the dipstick. Check the level of the fluid on the dipstick and note its condition.

4. Wipe the fluid from the dipstick with a clean rag and reinsert it, but don't screw it on.

5. Pull the dipstick out again. THe level should be betweent he Full and Add marks. If the level is low, add the specified Automatic Transmission fluid through the dipstick opening with a funnel.

6. Add just enough of the specified fluid to fill the transaxle to the proper level. It takes about one pint to raise the level from the Add mark to the Full mark, so add the fluid a little at a time and keep checking the level until it is correct.

7. The condition of the fluid should also be checked. If the fluid at the end of the dipstick is black or a dark reddish-brown color, or if it emits a burned smell the fluid should be changed. If you're in doubt about the condition of the fluid, purchase some new fluid and compare the two for color and odor.

Hope this helps. :)