🔧 HR-V - CVT Transmission Fluid Change (Drain & Refill)

Your HR-V’s CVT needs the correct Honda CVT fluid to keep the belt/pulleys and internal valves working smoothly. This job is typically a drain-and-refill (not a “power flush”) and then a level check at the proper fluid temperature.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands on a level surface; never rely on a jack.
• ⚠️ CVT fluid can be hot—wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ The car must be level during the final fluid level check.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the fill hole—CVTs are sensitive to contamination.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) - Qty: 2
• Wheel chocks - Qty: 2
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• Shop towels
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• 17mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Flat trim clip tool
• Long funnel with hose
• Measuring container (at least 5-quart, marked)
• OBD2 scan tool that reads CVT fluid temperature (specialty)
• Infrared thermometer (specialty)

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Honda CVT fluid (HCF-2) - Qty: 4 quarts
• CVT drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• CVT level/check plug crush washer - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Plan to check final level with the vehicle sitting level on stands (front and rear at equal height).
• Have a way to monitor CVT fluid temperature: best is an OBD2 scan tool (reads live data); a backup is an infrared thermometer (reads surface temp, less precise).
• Uncommon term: “Crush washer” is a soft metal washer that seals when tightened; replace it to prevent leaks.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm the CVT fluid

• Drive the car 10–15 minutes to warm it up normally.
• Park on level ground and leave the engine off for now.

Step 2: Raise and level the vehicle

• Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Lift using a floor jack and support with jack stands so the vehicle sits level.
• Give the car a gentle shake to confirm it’s stable.

Step 3: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a 10mm socket and flat trim clip tool to remove bolts/clips from the under-cover.
• Set hardware aside in a small tray so it doesn’t get lost.

Step 4: Locate the CVT drain and fill points

• Find the CVT drain plug at the bottom of the transmission case (typically 17mm).
• Find the CVT fill plug on the transmission (upper-side service plug).
• Find the CVT level/check plug (used to confirm final level).
• Tip: Crack the fill plug loose before draining.

Step 5: Drain the old CVT fluid

• Position a drain pan under the drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the drain plug carefully.
• Let it drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 10–15 minutes).

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer

• Wipe the drain plug area clean using shop towels.
• Install a new drain plug crush washer on the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand, then tighten with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs)

Step 7: Measure what came out

• Pour the drained fluid into a measuring container.
• Record the amount; you’ll refill close to this amount first (final level is confirmed at the check plug).

Step 8: Refill with Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid

• Remove the CVT fill plug using the appropriate socket/ratchet for your fill plug.
• Insert a long funnel with hose into the fill hole.
• Add HCF-2 fluid equal to what you measured (typical drain/refill is around 3.5–4.0 quarts).
• Reinstall the fill plug and tighten with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs)

Step 9: Circulate fluid through the CVT

• Start the engine with your foot on the brake.
• Move the shifter slowly through P-R-N-D-S, pausing 3 seconds in each position, then return to P.
• Keep the engine idling for the temperature check.

Step 10: Set fluid temperature for the level check

• Preferred: Use an OBD2 scan tool that reads CVT fluid temperature and monitor live data.
• Target temp for level check: 35–45°C (95–113°F)
• Backup: Use an infrared thermometer on the transmission case near the check plug area (less accurate).

Step 11: Check the CVT fluid level at the check plug

• With the vehicle level and engine idling, place the drain pan under the level/check plug.
• Use the correct socket/ratchet for the check plug and remove it carefully.
• Correct level is typically a small steady drip or thin stream that slows to drips.
• If no fluid comes out, reinstall the check plug, add a small amount (0.2 qt) through the fill hole using the funnel, then re-check.
• Install a new check plug crush washer, reinstall the check plug, then torque with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs)

Step 12: Reinstall the splash shield and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the under-cover using the 10mm socket and flat trim clip tool.
• Lower the vehicle carefully using the floor jack.

---

✅ After Repair

• Test drive 10 minutes with gentle acceleration; confirm no slipping or warning lights.
• Park on clean pavement and check for leaks at the drain plug and check plug.
• If you have a scan tool, check for any stored transmission codes and confirm none return.
• Tip: Recheck for leaks the next day.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$380 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $55-$95 (parts only)

You Save: $125-$325 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.

---

🎯 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.