1. Park the vehicle on level ground and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down sufficiently so that the transmission fluid is not too hot to handle.
2. Open the hood of the vehicle.
3. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. In the 1989 Honda Accord, it is at the rear of the engine compartment near the transmission pan. It has an orange handle and you will need to use a rag or paper towel to take it out of the transmission.
4. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission until it is fully seated.
6. Pull out the dipstick again and check the fluid level. It should be between the "FULL" and "ADD" marks on the dipstick.
7. If the fluid level is low, add enough Honda Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) to bring the level up to the "FULL" mark on the dipstick. Use a funnel to add fluid.
8. Reinsert the dipstick and check the fluid level again.
9. If the fluid level is still low, there may be a leak in the transmission system. Have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Here are some additional tips for checking the transmission fluid in a 1989 Honda Accord:
- The transmission fluid should be checked regularly, about every 30,000 miles or once a year.
- The transmission fluid should be changed about every 60,000 miles or every three years.
- If the transmission fluid is dark or smells burnt, it should be changed immediately.
- If you are adding transmission fluid, use only Honda Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Do not use any other type of fluid, as it could damage the transmission.
