If you just bought a used 2nd generation Ody.....

[davedrivesody]

AFAIK the OE ATF filter does have a bypass in case it becomes blocked, but the question becomes how much restriction to ATF flow is introduced when it's in bypass mode? Any additional restriction would be undesirable.

[jakester65]

This is a very good point. I beleive it is worth the "risk" to change it. The Honda wiring harnesses are pretty robust compared to some I have seen. You would have to be pretty rough to damage anything in there. When I changed mine I disconnected the ABS pump and sort of bent it out of the way a little. ( NOT recommended, lol. ) I had no problems, and I did not remove the battery tray.

AFAIK the OE ATF filter does have a bypass in case it becomes blocked, but the question becomes how much restriction to ATF flow is introduced when it's in bypass mode? Any additional restriction would be undesirable.

[jakester65]

I just remembered that I have a late '04, so no oil jet kit on mine. Maybe that was why I was able to do it without removing the battery tray. I hate to have someone else with the jet kit drive themselves nuts trying to do it without removing the tray because I said it could be done.

[McDermottSeattl]

Thanks again Bruce, I really appreciate it. I have saved all these PDF's to my computer and will definately use when I do the work next week.