Automatic Transmission Fluid

[Asturias]

Okay, I just bought my car two weeks ago and have driven it perhaps three times since. Today, just for shits and grins, I decided to check the fluid levels and found that the dip stick to check the automatic transmission fluid is completely missing. I am guessing that it has been missing for quite awhile.

What, if any, are the ramifications of having driven the car without the dip stick in place?

[YK86]

Fluid may splash out while driving causing the level to drop which will hurt the tranny. Kind of like how oil flies all over the place if you leave the oil cap off. Make sure to use genuine Honda ATF and you can pick up a new dipstick from the wreckers.

[jteuton]

could also have picked up some trash....maybe a whole drain and refill is in your future?

[Asturias]

Thanks for the tips! I will do both just to be on the safe side.

[A20A1]

you should have gotten to me sooner... I could have pulled the spare dipstick off the old 3g before it was towed.

I used a bit of Mobile 1 ATF and B&M trick shift

[dosh8er]

Uh, I believe honda calls for either Honda genuine crap, OR Dexron II (which IS NOT atf dexron III !) I think there are some approved multi-vehicle fluids out there that will suit fine as well. (it's called multi-vehicle atf)

[POS carb]

dextron iii replaces dextron ii

[Asturias]

Seriously, Mike! Oh well. Hey, I was cleaning my tool room today and I found a sealed bottle of Honda ATF from when I owned my first SEi from 1989-1992. Think it's still any good?

[A20A1]

as long as it's still fluid.

[Asturias]

Heh! Yes, it's still liquid!