Sahin wrote:

> 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.

This is among the easiest things to do. You need the fluid (Honda
ATF from the dealer is preferred), a 3/8 socket wrench and or breaker
bar, a 14mm crush washer, and a funnel. The change amount should be
in your owners manual. The drain bolt will be a round head with the
3/8 square fitting. Total cost of fluid should be about $14. You
already know where the dipstick is - you fill through that hole.
Don't overfill. Once you start, put it through all gears (brakes
applied), and then recheck and add it needed. You might consider
doing it a couple of times if the fluid is really dark. The fluid
change is maybe 40% of the total capcaity. Two changes will get
most of the oil fluid out.

> 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 would guess that transmission fluid would have nothing to do with
an odometer malfunction.

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

I'm trying to decipher that one. Are you trying to say you're frugal?