Where is the transmission dipstick on a 1998 Honda Passport?
For most 1998 Honda Passport models equipped with an automatic transmission, the dipstick is located in the engine bay on the passenger side near the firewall. It typically has a bright yellow or orange handle and a tube that leads into the transmission housing. If your Passport has a manual transmission, there is no traditional ATF dipstick.
This article explains where to find the dipstick, how to check the fluid level, and what to do if you can’t locate it. It covers both automatic and manual configurations and advises consulting the owner’s manual for exact specifications.
Understanding the transmission setup in the 1998 Passport
Before digging into locations and procedures, it helps to know that automatic and manual transmissions are handled differently. The presence of a dipstick and how you check the fluid level will depend on which transmission your vehicle uses.
Automatic transmission: locating the dipstick
Use the following steps to locate the dipstick on the automatic transmission.
- Open the hood and look toward the passenger side of the engine bay for a dipstick handle indicating automatic transmission fluid (ATF). The handle is usually a bright color (yellow or orange) and may be labeled ATF or Trans.
- Follow the dipstick tube from the handle toward the transmission housing; the tube enters the top of the transmission where the dipstick is seated.
- If you still can’t find it, consult the owner’s manual or a service manual for your exact year and VIN, as routing can vary slightly by production run or option packages.
Note: Some late-1990s Passport models may have a recessed or partially obscured dipstick, or, in rare cases, a remote dipstick location. If you can’t locate a visible ATF dipstick, check the manual for the correct procedure or seek a quick inspection by a mechanic.
How to check the transmission fluid level (automatic)
Before you begin, ensure you understand the proper procedure to avoid overfilling or underfilling the transmission.
- Make sure the engine is at operating temperature and the vehicle is on level ground. Set the parking brake and start the engine in Park (or follow the manual’s specified state for your model).
- Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then pull it out again to read the level. The dipstick will have marks indicating a hot (HOT) range when the engine is warm.
- If the level is low, add the recommended ATF slowly through the dipstick tube or the designated fill inlet, using the correct ATF specification for your vehicle as noted in the owner's manual. Do not overfill.
- Check the ATF’s condition—healthy fluid is typically red and mildly sweet-smelling; burnt or dark fluid indicates service is due.
Always refer to your owner’s manual for the exact fill capacity and ATF specification. After adding fluid, recheck the level and ensure it sits within the HOT range on the dipstick.
If there is no dipstick (manual transmissions or sealed units)
Some Passport configurations—particularly manual transmissions or certain automatic setups—do not have a conventional dipstick. In these cases, fluid level is checked via the transmission’s fill plug or through service checks performed by a technician. If you’re unsure which transmission you have, or you can’t locate a dipstick, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Honda dealer or qualified mechanic for guidance.
Summary
In most 1998 Honda Passport models with an automatic transmission, the dipstick sits in the engine bay on the passenger side near the firewall and usually features a bright-colored handle. If your model uses a manual transmission, there is no ATF dipstick and the level must be checked via alternative methods described in the manual or by a professional. Always verify the correct procedure and fluid type for your exact vehicle configuration in the owner’s manual or service guide.
