If you’re thinking about purchasing a Honda Civic, or if you already own one, it’s smart to know what the codes on your vehicle mean.
If your Honda Civic shows code B13, it means that it’s time to replace the engine oil and transmission fluid.
What does code B13 mean on a Honda Civic?
This code means that it’s time to replace the engine oil and transmission fluid.
If you’re searching for how to remedy the issue that’s causing your Civic to give you code B13, we’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll talk about the importance of transmission fluid, as well as how to get rid of the B13 code on your car. Finally, we’ll discuss what other Civic owners are saying about their issues with this code and go over what you can do to get more information if you’re thinking about purchasing a Civic.
What Does Transmission Fluid Do?
It’s likely that you know what the oil in your engine does — lubricates the moving parts, allowing your engine components to work with as little friction as possible. Transmission fluid is different.
While some vehicle maintenance plans don’t require changing transmission fluid until 100,000 miles, many mechanics disagree with this recommendation and state that transmission fluid should be replaced every 50,000 miles.
Transmission fluid serves two purposes: It acts as a lubricant (much like engine oil) and also acts as a hydraulic fluid, which plays a role in your vehicle’s ability to shift gears and cool the transmission.
If you’ve been driving your vehicle in a way that creates a lot of stress on the engine, you may need to change your transmission fluid even more often than usual. Transmission fluid is often red when it’s new and may turn to a darker color as it begins to deteriorate.
How to Fix Code B13 on a Honda Civic
To get rid of the B13 code on your Honda Civic, you’ll need to both change the engine oil in your car (and you may also want to replace the engine filter), and drain and replace the transmission fluid. Many mechanics advise against flushing the transmission, and state that a simple drain-and-fill is enough to keep your transmission running well.
When you turn your vehicle back on after you drain and replace the transmission fluid and complete an engine oil change, it may take some driving before the check engine light disappears on your dashboard.
What Honda Civic Owners Are Saying About Code B13
Many Civic owners say that this code is a fairly easy fix and that it tends to happen more while driving under strenuous conditions. Some Civic owners state that this code pops up every 30,000 miles or so when they’ve spent much of their time driving in strenuous conditions.
Thinking About a New Civic? Here’s Your Next Step
If you’re thinking that it’s time for you to purchase a new vehicle, it’s time to get a Vehicle History report. You’ll get all the information you need to decide whether a new Civic is the right choice for you. Keep doing your research — taking your time when purchasing a vehicle can help to ensure that you’re happy with your final purchase.
