Honda S2000 (AP1/AP2) Manual Transmission Fluid Change

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Time 30-45 minutes
Level Easy
Steps 10
Done by
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Caution
  • Support the car on jack stands, never on the jack alone.
  • Do not remove the drain bolt until the fill bolt is out.
  • If you warm the car first, the fluid and the exhaust will be hot. Let them cool enough to handle, and wear gloves.

Introduction

Fresh fluid is one of the easiest ways to make an S2000's six-speed shift more smoothly, especially in cold weather. The job is a straight drain and fill: with the car level on stands, take out the fill bolt, drain the old fluid, then pump new fluid in until it reaches the bottom of the fill hole. Honda Genuine MTF (08798-9031) is listed for the AP1 and AP2 six-speed by Hybrid Racing (https://www.hybrid-racing.com/collections/all/products/honda-genuine-manual-transmission-fluid). The drain bolt is tightened to 29 lb-ft and the fill bolt to 33 lb-ft, both with new washers. Adapted from a community writeup by kingbriani on S2KI (https://s2ki.com/forums/s2000-under-hood-22/transmission-fluid-change-diy-565855/).

Procedure

10 steps

  1. Step 1: Warm the fluid (optional) and park

    A short drive warms the fluid so it drains faster. Park on a flat, solid surface and let the exhaust cool enough to work near it.

  2. Step 2: Raise the car level

    Jack the front and rear and set the car on four jack stands so it sits level. A tilted car will leave you over- or under-filled, because the fill hole is the level check.

  3. Step 3: Remove the fill bolt first

    Find the 17mm fill bolt on the driver's side of the transmission case and remove it. Doing this before draining means you can never end up with an empty gearbox that you cannot refill.

  4. Step 4: Drain the old fluid

    Put the drain pan under the transmission, remove the drain bolt with the 3/8-inch drive ratchet, and let the fluid run out completely.

  5. Step 5: Inspect and clean the bolts

    Wipe the drain bolt clean and look at any debris on it. Fit the new washers: 94109-14000 on the drain bolt and 94109-20000 on the fill bolt, flat side toward the transmission case.

  6. Step 6: Optional rinse

    The source writeup pumps a few strokes of new fluid in through the fill hole while the drain is still open to rinse out the last of the old fluid. This is optional and uses a little extra fluid.

  7. Step 7: Reinstall the drain bolt

    Thread the drain bolt in by hand and torque it to 29 lb-ft.

  8. Step 8: Fill with new MTF

    Pump Honda MTF into the fill hole until it begins to run back out. That overflow point is the correct level; expect it to take around 1.6 quarts.

  9. Step 9: Reinstall the fill bolt

    Once the overflow slows to a drip, thread in the fill bolt and torque it to 33 lb-ft.

  10. Step 10: Lower and check

    Wipe off any spilled fluid, lower the car, and test drive. Check both bolts for leaks afterwards.

Tips
  • Lube pumps that screw onto quart bottles are sold at boating supply stores and auto parts stores.
  • Buy the washers before you start; it is not worth reusing crushed ones.
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