🔧 Accord - CVT Transmission Fluid Drain & Fill

On your Accord, the CVT fluid should be serviced with a simple drain-and-fill (not a power flush). This refreshes the fluid that lubricates and controls the CVT and can help prevent shuddering and premature wear.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool drivetrain to avoid burns from hot fluid and exhaust parts.
• ⚠️ Support the car with jack stands on solid points; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep the car level when draining/filling; a tilted car can cause an incorrect fluid level.
• ⚠️ Use only Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid; using ATF or “universal CVT” can damage the CVT.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not 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
• 10mm socket
• 3/8 in drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Drain pan (at least 8-quart)
• Long neck funnel
• Measuring container (marked quarts/liters)
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid - Qty: 4 quarts
• CVT drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Lower splash shield fastener clips - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Drive 10 minutes to warm the CVT fluid slightly, then shut the engine off for 5 minutes.
• Lift the front and support with jack stands so the car sits level.
• Tip: Measure what you drain—refill the same amount.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a trim clip removal tool to pop out the plastic clips.
• Use a 10mm socket and 3/8 in drive ratchet to remove any 10mm bolts holding the shield.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside.

Step 2: Locate the CVT drain plug

• Slide the drain pan under the transmission (driver side area of the engine bay underside).
• Identify the drain plug on the CVT case (do not remove engine oil drain plug by mistake).
• Clean around the plug with shop rags so dirt doesn’t enter the case.

Step 3: Drain the CVT fluid

• Use a 3/8 in drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug (it typically has a 3/8" square drive recess).
• Remove the plug by hand and let the fluid drain fully into the drain pan.
• Pour the drained fluid into a measuring container and note the amount.

Step 4: Reinstall drain plug with a new crush washer

• Install a new CVT drain plug crush washer (a crush washer is a soft metal sealing ring that prevents leaks when tightened).
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).
• Wipe the area clean with shop rags.

Step 5: Refill the CVT with Honda HCF-2

• Open the hood and locate the CVT fluid dipstick (yellow handle) on the transmission.
• Remove the dipstick and insert a long neck funnel into the dipstick tube.
• Pour in the same amount you drained using Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid (most drain-and-fills are around ~4 quarts, but always match what you measured).
• Reinstall the dipstick fully.

Step 6: Circulate fluid and set the level

• Start the engine and keep your foot on the brake.
• Slowly move the shifter through P-R-N-D-S, pausing 2–3 seconds in each position, then return to P.
• With the engine idling, pull the dipstick, wipe it with shop rags, reinsert fully, then remove again to read.
• Add small amounts with the long neck funnel if needed, rechecking each time.
• Tip: Don’t overfill—CVTs hate extra fluid.

Step 7: Reinstall splash shield and lower the car

• Reinstall the splash shield using the 10mm socket and trim clip removal tool (replace broken clips).
• Raise slightly with the floor jack, remove jack stands, and lower the car.

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✅ After Repair

• Take a 10–15 minute test drive with gentle acceleration.
• Park on level ground, let it idle, and recheck the CVT dipstick level.
• Inspect underneath for leaks around the drain plug.
• Dispose of used fluid at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts oil/fluids.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$400 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $130-$340 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.