How to Check Transmission Fluid on a Honda Fit

On 2007–2013 Fits with the 5‑speed automatic, warm the car, park on level ground, shift through all gears, switch off, wait 60–90 seconds, then read the yellow ATF dipstick. On 2015–2020 Fits with the CVT, there’s no dipstick—the level is checked at a side “level” plug with the vehicle level and the fluid at roughly 95–113°F (35–45°C). Manual-transmission Fits use a fill/check bolt. Use only Honda ATF DW‑1 (5AT), Honda HCF‑2 (CVT), or Honda MTF (manual).

Identify Your Honda Fit’s Transmission

Before you begin, verify which transmission you have, because the procedure and the fluid are different. The U.S.-market Fit used a 5‑speed automatic through 2013 and a CVT from 2015 onward; manuals were available in many years. Some non‑U.S. Fits had CVTs earlier, so check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.

The guide below helps you match your model year to the likely transmission type in the U.S. market.

• 2007–2013: 5‑speed automatic (dipstick) and 5‑speed manual (check/fill plug)
• 2015–2020: CVT (no dipstick) and 6‑speed manual on some trims (check/fill plug)
• Non‑U.S. models: Some early generations used CVT; confirm in the owner’s manual

If your vehicle history or market differs, rely on the owner’s manual and under‑hood labels for definitive identification.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Having the right tools keeps the job clean, safe, and accurate. Gather the items below before starting.

• Nitrile gloves, shop towels, flashlight
• Level surface, wheel chocks; floor jack and four jack stands or a lift (CVT/MTF checks require a level vehicle)
• Infrared thermometer or scan tool that can read transmission fluid temperature (best for CVT)
• Basic hand tools; appropriate sockets/hex bits for fill/level bolts; drain pan
• New crush washers for any bolts you remove (Honda spec)
• Correct fluid: Honda ATF DW‑1 (5AT), Honda HCF‑2 (CVT), Honda MTF (manual)
• Long-neck funnel (for dipstick-tube filling on 5AT)

Using the correct fluid is critical; mixing or substituting can cause drivability issues or damage.

5‑Speed Automatic (2007–2013 U.S.) — Check via Dipstick

This transmission includes a yellow ATF dipstick under the hood. Honda specifies checking level with the fluid warm and the engine OFF, shortly after shifting through the gears.

Warm up and prepare

Bring the transmission to operating temperature and position the vehicle correctly before reading the dipstick.

1. Drive 10–15 minutes to warm the transmission.
2. Park on level ground; set the parking brake.
3. With the engine idling, move the shifter slowly through all positions, pausing briefly in each, then return to Park.
4. Turn the engine OFF and wait 60–90 seconds.

This sequence distributes fluid through the valve body and torque converter and yields an accurate level reading.

Read the dipstick

Use the dipstick’s “HOT” range to verify fluid level and condition.

1. Locate the yellow ATF dipstick (typically toward the front/left of the engine bay).
2. Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert fully, then remove it again to read.
3. The level should be between the upper and lower marks in the “HOT” range.
4. Assess condition: healthy fluid is clear pink/red and does not smell burnt. Dark or brown fluid, or a burnt odor, suggests it’s due for replacement.
5. If low, add Honda ATF DW‑1 through the dipstick tube in small amounts (2–4 oz at a time), rechecking until within the marks. Do not overfill.

Re-seat the dipstick fully when finished. If significant topping up was required, inspect for leaks and consider a fluid service.

Service timing and what “good” fluid looks like

Good ATF is pinkish-red and transparent; it should not be gritty or smell burnt. Honda’s official change intervals vary by year and usage; many owners service ATF proactively every 30,000–60,000 miles. Always consult your owner’s manual for the recommended schedule for your specific Fit.

CVT (2015–2020 U.S. and some earlier non‑U.S.) — Check via Level Plug

Honda Fit CVTs do not use a dipstick. The fluid level is set at a side “level” plug with the vehicle perfectly level and the fluid within a narrow temperature window. If you’re not equipped to do this safely, have a professional perform the check.

Temperature and leveling

The CVT’s fluid expands with temperature, so accuracy depends on checking within the specified range, typically about 95–113°F (35–45°C). Verify the target range in the service manual for your model year.

1. Warm the vehicle with a short drive. With the engine idling, move the shifter through all positions, then return to Park.
2. Keep the car on a perfectly level surface; raise it on a lift or four jack stands if needed, ensuring it’s level front-to-rear and side-to-side.
3. Confirm CVT fluid temperature with a scan tool (preferred) or an infrared thermometer on the transmission case near the sump.
4. Shut the engine OFF before opening any plugs.

Completing these steps ensures the fluid level will be assessed under the correct conditions for your CVT.

Check the level

With the car level and the fluid at temperature, use the check (level) and fill ports on the transmission casing.

1. Place a drain pan under the CVT. Identify the level/check bolt on the side of the case and the separate fill bolt higher up.
2. Carefully remove the level/check bolt. A slight dribble indicates the level is correct.
3. If no fluid drips, remove the fill bolt and add Honda HCF‑2 fluid slowly until it just begins to trickle from the level hole.
4. Install new crush washers and torque both bolts to the factory spec listed in your service manual.
5. Wipe any residue and verify there are no leaks.

Because exact bolt locations and torque values vary by year, refer to the service literature for your Fit before loosening any fasteners.

CVT cautions

CVTs are sensitive to fluid type, fluid level, and cleanliness. Keep these precautions in mind.

• Use only Honda HCF‑2 CVT fluid—do not substitute conventional ATF.
• Do not overfill; excess fluid can cause aeration and drivability problems.
• Maintain absolute cleanliness around open ports to prevent contamination.
• Level ground and correct fluid temperature are essential for accuracy.

If you experience shudder, flare, or unusual noises, have the CVT inspected; low or degraded fluid is only one of several possible causes.

Manual Transmission (All Years Offered) — Check via Fill/Check Bolt

Manual-transmission Fits use Honda MTF and have a fill/check bolt on the side of the gearbox. This is a quick level check if you have the car safely and evenly supported.

Follow the steps below to check and top up the manual gearbox.

1. Park on level ground; allow the transmission to cool to ambient temperature.
2. Safely raise and support the car level if access is limited.
3. Remove the fill/check bolt; fluid should be at the lower edge of the hole and may just weep out.
4. If low, add Honda MTF until it reaches the hole’s lower lip.
5. Install a new crush washer and torque the bolt to the specification in your service manual.

Do not overfill the manual transmission; correct level is reached when fluid sits at the bottom of the fill hole.

Signs You Should Check or Service Transmission Fluid

Watch for symptoms that suggest low or degraded transmission fluid, regardless of transmission type.

• Delayed engagement when shifting into Drive/Reverse
• Slipping, surging, or shudder under acceleration
• Whining, humming, or grinding noises
• Harsh or erratic shifts (AT/CVT)
• Burnt smell or dark, opaque fluid on the dipstick (5AT)
• Spots or drips under the car indicating leaks

If these occur, check fluid condition and level promptly and inspect for leaks; persistent issues warrant professional diagnosis.

Where to Confirm Specs for Your Exact Fit

Fluid types, check temperatures, bolt locations, and torque values can vary slightly by year and market. Use these resources to confirm details.

• Your owner’s manual (fluid specs and basic procedures)
• Honda service manual or Honda Service Information (HSI) portal (exact procedures and torque specs)
• Under‑hood labels and dipstick cap markings (fluid identification)
• Dealer service department for model‑year‑specific guidance

Verifying the specifics for your VIN ensures you use the correct method and specifications.

Summary

Checking transmission fluid on a Honda Fit depends on the transmission: the 5‑speed automatic (2007–2013 U.S.) uses a dipstick checked warm with the engine off; the CVT (2015–2020) uses a temperature‑dependent level plug with the car perfectly level; manuals use a fill/check bolt. Always use the correct Honda fluid—ATF DW‑1 for the 5AT, HCF‑2 for the CVT, and Honda MTF for manuals—and follow your model’s service specs for accurate, reliable results.

How to check transmission fluid on a 2010 Honda Fit?

Shut off the engine. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission, and wipe it with a clean cloth. Insert the dipstick all the way into the transmission. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level.

How do I know if my Honda needs transmission fluid?

Pay Attention to Your Car

1. Delayed response. Whether you drive automatic or manual, if you notice a delay in gear shift changes, the issue may be with the transmission fluid.
2. Burning smell.
3. Noticeable leakage.
4. Check engine light.

How to check transmission fluid on 2013 Honda Fit?

Steps to Check Transmission Fluid

1. Turn the car on. The engine should be warmed up to check the level.
2. Find the transmission fluid dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid, moving it around between your thumb and forefinger.
4. Use a rag to wipe off the dipstick.
5. Use a funnel to bring the fluid level up to full.

Do Hondas have a transmission dipstick?

The engine should be warmed up to check the level, so you will want to start by turning on your Honda. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. For front-wheel drive vehicles, it can usually be found to the right of the oil dipstick.