🔧 Crosstour - Automatic Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

On your Crosstour, the most DIY-friendly way to service the automatic transmission is a drain-and-refill through the drain plug, then refilling through the dipstick tube. This replaces a portion of the fluid each time (not a full “flush”), which is safer for most higher-mileage transmissions.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support the vehicle with jack stands (never rely on a jack alone).
• ⚠️ Let the exhaust cool—ATF drain area can be near hot components.
• ⚠️ Keep ATF off belts and tires; clean spills immediately (slip hazard).
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 10-quart)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (10–100 ft-lbs range)
• Flat trim clip tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• Long-neck funnel
• Measuring container (quart-marked)
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Honda ATF DW-1 automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 4 quarts
• Automatic transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Gather a measuring container so you can refill the same amount you drain (this is the easiest way to get the level right).
• Tip: A short warm-up drains faster.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm up the transmission

• Drive 5–10 minutes so the ATF is warm (not scorching hot).
• Park on level ground, keep your foot on the brake, and use the shifter to go P-R-N-D and back to P (pause 2 seconds in each position).
• Turn the engine off.

Step 2: Raise and safely support the front

• Place wheel chocks at the rear wheels.
• Use a floor jack to lift the front, then set the vehicle onto jack stands.
• Give the car a gentle push to confirm it’s stable before you crawl under.

Step 3: Remove the lower cover (if equipped)

• Use a flat trim clip tool and Phillips screwdriver to remove the clips/screws holding the front lower splash shield.
• Set the hardware aside so you don’t lose it.

Step 4: Drain the transmission fluid

• Position your drain pan under the transmission drain plug.
• Use a 3/8" drive ratchet (the ratchet’s square end typically fits the drain plug) to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let it drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5–10 minutes).

Step 5: Measure what came out and reinstall the drain plug

• Pour the drained ATF into a measuring container and note the amount (you’ll refill the same amount).
• Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and install the new crush washer.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first (to avoid cross-threading).
• Tighten with a 3/8" drive torque wrench: Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Refill with Honda DW-1 through the dipstick tube

• Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick.
• Remove the dipstick and insert a long-neck funnel into the dipstick tube.
• Pour in the same amount of Honda ATF DW-1 that you measured out.
• Reinstall the dipstick fully.

Step 7: Level check

• Start the engine.
• With your foot on the brake, shift through P-R-N-D and back to P, pausing 2 seconds in each gear.
• Turn the engine off, wait about 60 seconds, then check the dipstick level.
• If needed, add small amounts (a few ounces at a time) using the funnel and recheck.
• Tip: Don’t overfill—go slowly.

Step 8: Reinstall the splash shield and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the cover using the flat trim clip tool and Phillips screwdriver.
• Raise slightly with the floor jack, remove jack stands, and lower the vehicle.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive 10 minutes, then park on level ground and recheck the dipstick level the same way.
• Inspect under the car for leaks around the drain plug.
• If you want a “more complete” fluid refresh, you can repeat a drain-and-refill 2 more times over the next few days of driving (this gradually replaces more old fluid).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $200-$350 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$80 (parts only)

You Save: $160-$270 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.