Where is the transmission dipstick on a 2017 Honda Civic?

The transmission dipstick on a 2017 Honda Civic is located on the driver's side of the engine bay, near the firewall. It is typically a yellow or orange handle that protrudes from the transmission housing, allowing you to check the fluid level and condition of the automatic transmission.

Locating the Transmission Dipstick

To find the transmission dipstick on your 2017 Honda Civic, follow these steps:

• Open the hood of your vehicle and locate the engine bay on the driver's side.


• Look for a yellow or orange handle protruding from the transmission housing, near the firewall.


• This is the transmission dipstick, which you can pull out to check the fluid level and condition.

The transmission dipstick is an important component for maintaining the health of your Civic's automatic transmission. Regularly checking the fluid level and condition can help prevent costly repairs down the line.

Checking the Transmission Fluid

To check the transmission fluid, follow these steps:

• Park your Civic on a level surface and apply the parking brake.


• With the engine running and the transmission in Park, pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.


• Reinsert the dipstick fully, then pull it out again to check the fluid level. The level should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the dipstick.


• If the fluid level is low, add the recommended transmission fluid until it reaches the proper level.


• Check the fluid condition as well. It should be a clear, reddish-pink color. If it appears dark or burnt, it may be time to have the fluid changed by a professional.

Regularly checking and maintaining the transmission fluid in your 2017 Honda Civic can help ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your vehicle's automatic transmission.

How to check Honda CVT fluid?

To check a Honda CVT fluid level, start the engine and warm it up to operating temperature on a level surface, then park the car and turn off the engine. Wait 60-90 seconds, and then remove the transmission level check bolt, typically located on the lower front of the transmission. The fluid should be at the very bottom of the fill hole; if it drips slowly, the level is correct. 
Detailed steps to check Honda CVT fluid level
This video demonstrates how to prepare and locate the check plug: 39sMechanical MalarkeyYouTube · Aug 23, 2021

1. Warm up the engine and park on a level surface. Drive the car for a few minutes to get it to its normal operating temperature. Make sure the vehicle is on a perfectly flat, level spot. 
2. Turn off the engine. After parking, shut off the engine completely. 
3. Wait for the fluid to settle. Give the fluid at least 60 seconds, but no more than 90 seconds, to settle in the transmission. 
4. Locate and remove the check bolt. You will likely need to lift the vehicle to access the transmission. The check bolt is typically a small plug on the lower front of the transmission, near the radiator. 
5. Check the fluid level. Place a drain pan underneath the fill hole, and remove the check bolt. The correct level is when the fluid is at the bottom of the hole. 
   • Correct level: A slow, steady drip means the level is correct. 
   • Low level: If no fluid comes out, you need to add more. 
   • Overfilled: If fluid gushes out, the transmission is overfilled and you should allow some to drain until it becomes a steady drip. 
6. Add fluid if necessary. Use a special funnel with a hose to add the correct Honda HCF-2 fluid until it starts to drip from the check bolt hole. 
7. Replace the check bolt. Once the correct level is reached, put the check bolt back in and tighten it to the manufacturer's specification (check your owner's manual). 
8. Cycle the gears. Start the engine, then with your foot on the brake, slowly cycle the transmission through all gears (P, R, N, D) and then back again, holding each for a few seconds before moving to the next. 
9. Re-check the fluid. Turn the engine off, wait 60-90 seconds, and then check the fluid level again by removing the check bolt one more time to ensure it's still at the correct level. 

How do you check transmission fluid if there is no dipstick?

To check transmission fluid without a dipstick, use the vehicle's transmission fill and check plugs, which are typically on the side and top of the transmission case, respectively. This procedure requires the engine to be running and at operating temperature, and the vehicle to be on a level surface. The fluid level is correct when it begins to trickle out of the inspection plug, or a specialized dipstick can be inserted into the fill plug to measure the level.
 
This video demonstrates how to check transmission fluid level on a vehicle with no dipstick: 53sEricTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 11, 2019
Using the transmission fill and check plugs 

1. Warm up the vehicle: Drive the car to bring the transmission to its normal operating temperature. 
2. Park on a level surface: Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat, level surface for an accurate reading. 
3. Locate the plugs: Find the transmission fill plug (usually on top) and the check or inspection plug (on the side of the transmission case). Consult your vehicle's repair manual for the exact locations. 
4. Check the level:
   • With the engine running, slowly loosen and remove the check plug. 
   • If fluid flows out, it indicates the level is correct, so let it flow until it becomes a trickle, and then replace the plug. 
   • If no fluid comes out, the level is low. Add fluid through the fill plug until it starts to flow out of the check plug. 
5. Add fluid (if needed): If the level is low, add the correct type of transmission fluid through the fill plug using a pump until it just begins to trickle from the check plug. 
6. Tighten the plugs: Reinstall both the check and fill plugs securely. 
7. Check for signs of damage: While checking, note the fluid's color and smell. If it looks dark, brown, or has a burnt smell, it may be time for a service. 

Alternative method: Use a specialized dipstick 

1. Purchase a universal dipstick: Buy a flexible, compatible dipstick designed for vehicles without a standard transmission dipstick. 
2. Locate the fill plug: Find the fill plug on the transmission. 
3. Check the level: With the engine running and at operating temperature, remove the fill plug and insert the specialized dipstick until it reaches the bottom of the pan. 
4. Read the fluid level: Pull the dipstick out and check the fluid level against the markings. 
5. Add fluid: If the level is low, add fluid through the fill plug and recheck until the correct level is reached. 

Does a Honda Civic have a transmission dipstick?

No dip stick. The check and drain plugs are accessible from under the car. That hold is for filling transmission fluid only.

How to check 2017 transmission fluid?

To check the transmission fluid in a 2017 vehicle, you'll need to follow a specific procedure, as some models may not have a traditional dipstick. First, warm up the engine and transmission, then park on a level surface and turn the engine on. Locate the dipstick (if present), pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to check the level against the markings. If there's no dipstick, you'll need to check under the vehicle or consult your owner's manual for the correct procedure, which may involve using a temperature chart and an inspection plug.
 
Procedure for vehicles with a dipstick
This video demonstrates how to check transmission fluid with a dipstick: 53sJiffy LubeYouTube · Jun 29, 2015

1. Warm up the engine and transmission: Drive the vehicle until the engine and transmission are at their normal operating temperature. The owner's manual will specify the correct temperature range, which can be found on the driver information center in some vehicles. 
2. Park on a level surface: Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat, level surface with the parking brake engaged. 
3. Turn the engine on: The engine should be running during the check, but if your manual specifies otherwise, follow that instruction. 
4. Put the transmission in Park or Neutral: Shift the transmission into PARK or NEUTRAL (check the owner's manual for the correct gear). 
5. Locate the dipstick: Find the transmission dipstick. It is often located next to the engine oil dipstick and may have a yellow or orange handle. Consult your owner's manual if you cannot find it. 
6. Wipe the dipstick: Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. 
7. Reinsert and remove again: Fully reinsert the dipstick, then pull it out again to get an accurate reading. 
8. Check the fluid level and condition: 
   • Level: Check the fluid level against the "full" or "hot" marks. It should be within the marked range. 
   • Condition: The fluid should appear clear and pink, with a sweet smell. If it looks brown, is murky, or smells burnt, it may need to be replaced. 
9. Add fluid if needed: If the level is low, use a long funnel to add the correct type of transmission fluid in small increments, rechecking the level with the dipstick after each addition to avoid overfilling. 
10. Replace the dipstick: Once the level is correct, reinsert the dipstick fully. 

Procedure for vehicles without a dipstick 
You can watch this video to learn how to check transmission fluid without a dipstick: 1mBudget MechanicYouTube · Mar 29, 2023

• Many modern vehicles, especially those with automatic transmissions like the 2017 Ford 10-speed, have a sealed system without a dipstick. 
• In these cases, the fluid level is often checked by removing a fill or inspection plug located on the side or bottom of the transmission case. 
• The engine must be running and the transmission fluid must be at a specific temperature (e.g., 206-215° F for some 10-speed transmissions) for an accurate reading. 
• This procedure is more complex and should only be done if you are confident in your ability or by a professional mechanic. It often involves specialized tools or temperature charts to determine the correct level. 
• Always consult your owner's manual for the specific procedure for your vehicle. It will detail if there's no dipstick and how to perform the correct service.