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The problem is that we don't have a dipstick for our mtf. My wife's rdx has one, which helps with my drain and fill procedure.

Not all Si's are the same. Anyone with auto experience will tell you that. Other external factors tend to change variables too. Call me paranoid, but I'll take the extra 15 minutes to watch the small excess of fluid ooze out of the filler side bolt in order to know "I'm there".

I also use a torque wrench when replacing the bolts. It just makes sense to me to take all the right steps to know it's done correctly.
 
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I had a spare few minutes today and in the interest of science, I checked the fluid level. I leveled the car and removed the fill bolt. A very small amount of MTF drained out in the 15 minutes I let it sit. We are talking less than a 1/10th of a quart. The amount that came out was small enough for me not to worry about just draining the fluid, and filling from the top next time, just like I did the first time.
 
You make a good point, and I for one appreciate you taking the time to check. I believe mine took a similar amount until full, less than 2 total quarts.

I will probably continue doing mine through the filler bolt, but I think others that aren't so paranoid can probably safely do it through the top hole as well.
 
The problem is that we don't have a dipstick for our mtf. My wife's rdx has one, which helps with my drain and fill procedure.

Not all Si's are the same. Anyone with auto experience will tell you that. Other external factors tend to change variables too. Call me paranoid, but I'll take the extra 15 minutes to watch the small excess of fluid ooze out of the filler side bolt in order to know "I'm there".

I also use a torque wrench when replacing the bolts. It just makes sense to me to take all the right steps to know it's done correctly.
Want to explain how all si's are different? I have an extensive automotive background and I'm telling you that they are the same. No need for a dipstick. Drain and fill two quarts. It's black and white and people are looking into it way to much. I bet most people who are using the check plug still have the front if their car jacked up because their wheel is off. If using the check plug make sure the vehicle is level. I understand if you do it for peace of mind but I KNOW it holds two quarts, that's my peace of mind.
 
If you've been tuned by Vit you should know good and well what I mean by all Si's are different. Ever asked him what a basemap is good for? Nearly nothing. All Si's require different tunes, because the cars themselves are different, and because the environments they are driven in are different.

Another example would be the fact that some of our 9th gens burn oil, and some of them don't. If you told everyone that it's ok to fill engine oil exactly 4.5qts because that's what they take and all Si's are the same, and don't check levels because that's the volume that they take, and only change at x,xxx miles because that's what's recommended; you, my friend, would be giving poor advice.

Overfilling engine oil is deleterious too. My logic extends to my mtf drain and fill.

Checking the level while filling through the side fill plug IS tedious and probably best as a 2 person job, but it errs on the side of caution.
 
If you've been tuned by Vit you should know good and well what I mean by all Si's are different. Ever asked him what a basemap is good for? Nearly nothing. All Si's require different tunes, because the cars themselves are different, and because the environments they are driven in are different.

Another example would be the fact that some of our 9th gens burn oil, and some of them don't. If you told everyone that it's ok to fill engine oil exactly 4.5qts because that's what they take and all Si's are the same, and don't check levels because that's the volume that they take, and only change at x,xxx miles because that's what's recommended; you, my friend, would be giving poor advice.

Overfilling engine oil is deleterious too. My logic extends to my mtf drain and fill.

Checking the level while filling through the side fill plug IS tedious and probably best as a 2 person job, but it errs on the side of caution.
Tuning a car has nothing to do with the mechanics of it! Of course every si is different when tuning. Mechanically they are the same.

When doing an oil change YES you change the oil and filter and fill it with 4.5 qts, whether the car burns oil or not. If your car does burn oil then you need to check your oil between oil changes. You aren't going to put 5 qts in because you know its burning oil. Same with your manual trans, you drain and fill it with the 2 qts that HONDA specifies. Now if your tranny gasket is seeping, thats what the check plug is for, to check the level between fluid changes and add (at the fill plug) if needed.

Your logic makes no sense
 
Ok, buddy. Whatever you say. The logic is rock solid not to assume anything when it comes to a $24,000 vehicle. I prefer to be smart about how I work on my car and maintain it CAREFULLY.

As this back and forth is going no where intellectual; "on with the thread!"
 
I just got back from an oil change from the dealership, coupon for $29.88. They suggested I change the transmission fluid as I am past due at 39k.

I just bought 3q as recommended by the parts counter. Honda MTF and will be tackling it because $110 is a bit much to drain and fill oil in my opinion.

Thank you for the information of what tools and how you got to the fill plug.
 
This was really easy. I didn't expect it to be hard, but it was a lot cleaner than it was when I had an integra.

17 mm socket and wrench (3/8" driver preferred)
6" long extension and knuckle adapter.
I had 2' of 5/8" clear tube and it was too long, I would do 1' long at 1/2" diameter instead.
Funnel that fits into tube.
Oil catch

2-3qt Honda MTF (I used 2.5qts)

I cut a slit in the end of the 5/8" diameter hose about 2 inches, that is going into the filler hole of the transmission as the tube is too big in diameter.

I was able to put the rear wheels on ramps, put the front on jack stands and do everything sitting in the driver-side tire well. Once the tire is removed you will see the axle going into the transmission. There are two bolt heads that are noticeable facing you.

1. unscrew 3/8" head bolt -Drain bolt.
2. Unscrew filler bolt with 3/8" ratchet, extension, 17mm socket, and knuckle.
3. Insert drain plug when oil stops coming out.
4. Fill oil through funnel and clear tube.
5. Put Filler bolt back in. approx 30 ft/lb
Good job, now you can put the wheel back on and enjoy a smooth shifting transmission.
 
Hello. This is for Si.
Just did mine last week. I took the air box out, I needed to clean my takeda filter anyway, so I returned it to stock after the oil change till the filter dried. You can use the video linked below. It's straight forward. Just note that the top bolt is for fill, the middle bolt is to check, the bottom bolt is drain. Drain at the bottom bolt. Reinstall bottom bolt. Remove and fill at the top bolt, two quarts. Check at the middle bolt, fluid should slightly spill out or you should feel it right at that level with your thumb / finger. Re-install bolts and air-box Post back if you have issues.

 
Hello. This is for Si.
Just did mine last week. I took the air box out, I needed to clean my takeda filter anyway, so I returned it to stock after the oil change till the filter dried. You can use the video linked below. It's straight forward. Just note that the top bolt is for fill, the middle bolt is to check, the bottom bolt is drain. Drain at the bottom bolt. Reinstall bottom bolt. Remove and fill at the top bolt, two quarts. Check at the middle bolt, fluid should slightly spill out or you should feel it right at that level with your thumb / finger. Re-install bolts and air-box Post back if you have issues.

Thanks Stigmacher, this is very helpful.
 
Stigmacher, if you had popped open the fill bolt on top of the transmission, could you have just opened the drain bolt, and not had to mess with getting a new crush washer on the check bolt? Maybe save yourself some trouble?
Thanks for the video, btw.
 
Torco MTF is a big improvement over stock in my eyes and I was changing the OEM fluid every 6k miles~every other oil change and I'm doing 3K OCI's. I run the RTF in the built trans in my built motor turbo single cam and it makes a HUGE difference....but that car is putting down serious power so it's hard on the trans fluid in general. I felt an immediate noticable improvement in shift quality and resistance between gear changes with the Torco MTF in my SI, especially while it's warming up after sitting all night.
 
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