Honda 1997 Accord Wagon Owner's Manual page 136

Always use Honda Premium
Formula Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF). If it
is not available, you may use a
Dexron III automatic
transmission fluid as a
temporary replacement.
However, continued use can
affect shift quality. Have the
transmission drained and
refilled with Honda ATF as
soon as it is convenient.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way
back in the transmission.
Make sure that the notch fits
in the dipstick guide and the
dipstick is all the way down.
The transmission should be
drained and refilled with new
fluid according to the time and
distance recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Genuine Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid until it starts to
run out of the hole. Reinstall the
filler bolt and tighten it securely.
FILLER BOLT
If Honda MTF is not available,
you may use an API Service SJ or
SH-grade motor oil with a
viscosity of 10W-30 or 10W-40 as
a temporary replacement.
However, motor oil does not
contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffer
shifting. Replace as soon as
convenient.
The transmission should be
drained and refilled with new oil
according to the time and distance
recommendations in the
CORRECT
LEVEL maintenance schedule.
Maintenance