HowTune

Change The Transmission Fluid on a Honda S2000

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If you can change your oil then you're more than equipped to handle the transmission fluid. The only trick is getting the new fluid into the transmission - to do it you'll need a fluid pump to pump the fluid up and into the transmission. You can pick one up online or buy one from any local auto part store.

In this guide I used Pennzoil Synchromesh based on several recommendations from various S2000 forum members, but you may use Honda MTF or some other compatible transmission fluid.

If you notice your shifting feels less smooth as it used to you then you may be in need of new transmission fluid.

The owner's manual recommends changing the transmission fluid every 120,000 miles or every 8 years, whichever comes first. Under severe conditions the interval is every 60,000 miles or every 4 years.

Prepping your workspace

1

Gather your tools and get ready to jack up your vehicle.

Jack up your car

2

Jack up the front of the car using the front jack point. The jack point is black steel with two protruding spots, as shown in the picture. My jack is not low-profile enough to fit underneath the car so I drive up on some low-profile ramps before I jack up the car. Your mileage may vary.

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3

Place the jack stands at the two side jack points at the front of the car, and carefully lower the car onto the jack stands. Always use jack stands! Your jack is built to raise and lower your car, not to keep it raised while you monkey around underneath.

4

Now lower the car on the jack stands.

Image 2421 from Change the Transmission Fluid on a Honda S2000
5

Add wheel chocks to the back wheels.

Image 2424 from Change the Transmission Fluid on a Honda S2000
6

Now give the car a good push and make sure it's nice and sturdy!

Locate the fill and drain bolts

7

The area you'll be working with is in the center of the car. The two bolts are on the driver's side of the transmission.

8

Here are the two bolts shown in detail.

9

Put your fluid drain pan and cardboard underneath the drain bolt.

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10

Use your 3/8" socket to remove the drain bolt.

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11

The fluid should drain out easily.

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Prepping the transmission fluid bottle

12

Now that the fluid is draining you can get the pump ready. Attach the pump to the bottle - it should be a universal fit pump.

Image 2376 from Change the Transmission Fluid on a Honda S2000

Prepping the drain bolt

13

Clean the drain bolt thoroughly then put the drain washer on. You want the flush side of the washer to connect with the side of the transmission to create a solid seal, so put the washer on with the sharp edge pointing out.

Adding the new fluid

14

Remove the fill bolt using your 17mm wrench or socket wrench. You'll probably need some elbow grease to remove it so just be careful not to whack your hands against the car once the bolt comes free. If using a socket I recommend a 6-point socket to get a better grip and to prevent rounding off the bolt.

Image 2382 from Change the Transmission Fluid on a Honda S2000
15

Insert the tube from the pump into the fill hole.

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16

Put the drain bolt back on and tighten it. If you have a torque wrench then tighten it to 39 Nm (29 lb ft)

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17

Now you can use the pump to pump the new fluid into the reservoir. Since you'll be adding about 1.6 quarts you'll end up emptying a bottle and most of a second bottle.

Image 2412 from Change the Transmission Fluid on a Honda S2000
18

When fluid begins to escape from the fill hole then the reservoir is full, as shown below.

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Prepping the fill bolt

19

Similar to the drain bolt you'll want to clean the fill bolt and put on the washer (with the sharp edge pointing out)

Image 2409 from Change the Transmission Fluid on a Honda S2000

Wrapping up

20

Clean up the fluid and tighten the fill bolt - tighten to 44 Nm (33 lb ft) if you have a torque wrench.

21

Dispose of your used oil in a used oil receptacle. Most auto parts stores have recycling that will accept used automotive oil.

Image 2448 from Change the Transmission Fluid on a Honda S2000

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