1995 Honda Civic ATF Level Check

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CHRISM1986
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hey all. Just got a 95 Civic lx (auto) with 164k miles. My main problem is not being firmiliar with honda's and how to check their ATF. My manual says at normal temp, shut off. I checked it a few days ago and seemed low, so added alittle bit. When I check it now, like the book says; it seems fine. However, when idle (as I've always been use to) it looks aerated and alittle high. When I look into the dipstick hole, there is a constant stream of fluid circulating, and when shut off, it aerates for a moment and then is normal. Just wondering if I have anything to worry about. Or, if I am just reading too much into this.

Seems to drive decent. Alittle underpowered, but then again, not familiar with honda's that much. Especially higher mileage ones. I'd appreciate any advice on what to feel and hear/look for as far as transmission slippage, or anything of that nature.

Thanks, Chris.
Apr 16, 2006 at 10:13 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Make sure the area around the tranny hole is clean before you pull the dip stick. Engine hot and in park pull the stick. clean it and re-check the level. As long as it in the full scribbed area you are good to go.
Apr 16, 2006 at 1:39 PM

Suggested Repair

Clean around the transmission dipstick opening, then check the ATF with the engine hot and in Park. Wipe the stick and recheck; a level in the full marked range is acceptable. Fluid circulating and briefly aerating at idle is not, by itself, a reason for concern if the hot Park reading is correct.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a high-mileage automatic Honda Civic was unsure how to read the ATF level. Checked hot and shut off it looked normal, but at idle it looked aerated and slightly high, with fluid circulating in the dipstick tube. The car drove decently. The expert advised cleaning around the opening and rechecking with the engine hot in Park; a reading in the full range means the level is fine.

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