The Civic Si’s manual transmission typically requires about 1.9 quarts (roughly 1.8 liters) of transmission fluid for a standard drain-and-fill. The exact amount can vary by model year and transmission variant, so check your owner’s manual or service paperwork for the precise spec on your car.
The Civic Si, especially in recent generations, uses a 6-speed manual transmission. While 1.9 quarts is a common reference point, manufacturers sometimes publish slightly different figures for older or specialty variants. Always verify with the official spec for your specific year and model to ensure proper fill level and performance.
Typical capacity for the Civic Si (reference point)
The figures below are provided as general guidance. Use them as a starting point, but confirm the exact capacity for your year and transmission with Honda’s official documentation or a trusted service manual.
- 2017-2021 Civic Si (FK8) with 6-speed manual: approximately 1.9 quarts (1.8 liters).
Note: Earlier or different market variants of the Civic Si may have slightly different capacities. If you are working on a non-current generation, consult the specific service data for that model year.
Choosing the right fluid and basic precautions
Honda recommends using the manufacturer-specified manual transmission fluid (MTF) for the Civic Si. For many generations, this means Honda MTF (often MTF-3). Using the correct viscosity and specification helps ensure smooth shifting and long-term transmission health. Do not overfill, and always check the level with the vehicle on a level surface after warming up the transmission.
Before performing a drain-and-fill, here are practical guidelines to follow. The following steps describe a standard drain-and-fill procedure for a manual transmission; procedures can vary by year and exact transmission variant, so consult the service manual if you’re unsure.
- Warm up the engine and transmission to operating temperature for accurate level reading.
- Elevate the vehicle safely and apply the parking brake; locate the transmission fill and drain plugs.
- Remove the fill plug first to ensure you can refill if the level is low.
- Remove the drain plug and allow the used fluid to completely drain into a suitable container.
- Reinstall the drain plug with a new washer if required, then refill with the recommended MTF up to the fill line (check the fill plug hole or dipstick, depending on the model).
- Reinstall the fill plug, clean up any spills, and lower the car.
- Run the engine briefly, shift through gears to circulate fluid, recheck the level when warm, and top up if necessary.
Remember, exact steps and torque specs vary by generation. When in doubt, refer to the owner’s manual or a Honda service bulletin for your specific Civic Si year.
Summary
For most modern Civic Si models with a 6-speed manual transmission, plan on about 1.9 quarts (1.8 liters) of transmission fluid for a drain-and-fill. Use the fluid type recommended by Honda (typically MTF or MTF-3), and verify the exact capacity for your year in the official documentation. Properly checking and filling the transmission helps ensure smooth shifting and long-term reliability.