Hi group,
I am very novice about car and few months back I bought a 93 Honda
CIVIC LX Sedan. Last time I took for oil change, mechanic told me to
change transmission fluid. I checked by myself using dipstick. Color
looks brown, and it is touching only the very end of the stick, what
I thought that fluid level is very low. I dont know when it is changed
last. I am having another problem what might or might not related to
this. My odometer gauge is getting stop at 0 once in a while. The
engine check light coming out after driving couple of miles each time.

Now my question to you,

1) Can you instruct me, how can I change transmission fluid by
myslef.Whats the step involved? Do I need to lift my car up to do
this? Mechanic is asking me for $90, but I am not willing to pay this,
if I can do myslef by buyin transmission fluid from store.I have a
friend who works as a mehanic, will do it for me by $40, but he never
did this. He told me if I can rely on him, he has all tools do this.
Is this risky to do from a beginer. Can this ruin my transmission.
Please advice, with steps to do this.I would appreciatey your help.

2) Can this low/dirty transmission fluid cause my odometer to
malfuntion? What is happening is, it is working for a while, then it
is getting stuck at 0. It started working again suddenly.Sometime, it
is fluctuating rapidly from 0 to the speed.Engine check light coming
out. Any idea, whats going on?? Should I take care of it ASAP.

I am not in a condition to spend extra money for fixing this car for
those cause because of my affordability.

Thanks,