2016 Honda Fit Transmission

These symptoms can result from fluid condition, electronic faults, or mechanical wear, so they are not a diagnosis. Driving behavior and the transmission fitted to the vehicle also help determine the next step.

• Delayed or harsh shifts
• Slipping, shuddering, or rising engine speed without matching speed
• Burnt-smelling or dark fluid where a dipstick is fitted

The exact procedure depends on whether the vehicle has a manual or continuously variable transmission. Where the design allows a pan and filter service, the technician confirms whether those items apply to the vehicle.

• Fluid exchange using the required fluid specification
• Inspection of fluid condition and level
• Scan for stored transmission fault codes

Many manufacturers publish normal and severe-use schedules, and towing, heat, and stop-and-go driving can place a vehicle in severe use. Fluid condition can be inspected between scheduled points, and service history helps determine what is appropriate.

• Manual transmission fluid: every 60,000 miles
• Automatic transmission fluid: every 60,000 miles
• Fluid condition can be checked between scheduled services

Transmission fluids are not interchangeable, and using the wrong fluid can damage the unit. The correct fluid is identified from the vehicle and its transmission rather than from the model name alone.

• Transmission type must be confirmed first
• The manufacturer's specified fluid is used
• Fluid selection is not based on the model name alone

A drain and fill replaces roughly what the pan holds, while a full exchange addresses more of the system. Neither should be selected by default, especially when service history is unknown. The shop inspects the vehicle before recommending a procedure.

• Drain and fill replaces roughly the pan-held fluid
• Service history affects the recommendation
• Fluid condition is inspected before service is recommended

Slipping and harsh shifts can indicate mechanical wear as well as fluid concerns. Continued driving may increase internal damage, and a fluid change cannot be promised to correct a mechanical fault.

• Book a diagnosis rather than assuming a fluid change will fix it
• Slipping can worsen internal transmission damage
• Stored codes and inspection findings guide the recommendation

Some transmissions are built without a dipstick or a serviceable pan, and the manufacturer publishes no routine replacement interval for those designs. The transmission type and its service requirements are confirmed during inspection.

• Some designs lack a dipstick
• Some designs lack a serviceable pan
• Vehicle-specific inspection determines the procedure

An independent shop is often cheaper on labor and fluid. The dealer stocks the fluid the manufacturer specifies for this transmission and follows the factory procedure for it. Larry H. Miller Honda Murray also provides transmission inspection and online scheduling in Murray.

• Independent shops may offer lower labor and fluid costs
• The dealer uses the manufacturer-specified fluid
• The dealer follows the factory service procedure