Change The Transmission Fluid on a Honda S2000
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.
- Jack
- Jack stands (2)
- Ramps or some wood planks, the front of the car is extremely low.
- Wheel chocks
- Fluid drain pan
- Fluid disposal container (plastic drink or kitty litter jug)
- 17mm wrench/socket - six-point recommended
- Socket wrench with 3/8" drive
- Torque wrench with 17mm socket (Optional)
- Fluid pump
- Cardboard and paper towels for spills/cleanup
- 2 bottles (2 US Quarts) Transmission Fluid (Honda MTF or Pennzoil Synchromesh)
- Fill bolt washer - Honda part #94109-20000
- Drain bolt washer - Honda part #94109-14000
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
Jack up your car
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.
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.
Locate the fill and drain bolts
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.
Prepping the transmission fluid bottle
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.
Prepping the drain bolt
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
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.
Put the drain bolt back on and tighten it. If you have a torque wrench then tighten it to 39 Nm (29 lb ft)
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.
Prepping the fill bolt
Similar to the drain bolt you'll want to clean the fill bolt and put on the washer (with the sharp edge pointing out)
Wrapping up
Clean up the fluid and tighten the fill bolt - tighten to 44 Nm (33 lb ft) if you have a torque wrench.
Dispose of your used oil in a used oil receptacle. Most auto parts stores have recycling that will accept used automotive oil.
- Fill washer: Honda part #94109-20000
- Fill bolt: 17mm, torque to 44 Nm (33 lb ft), Honda part #92800-20000
- Drain washer: Honda part #94109-14000
- Drain bolt: Slotted for 3/8" drive, torque to 39 Nm (29 lb ft), Honda part #90081-PB6-000
- Transmission fluid: 1.56 US Quarts (1.48 L) for change, 1.71 US Quarts (1.62 L) for overhaul
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Written by:zachberry
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