🔧 C-HR - CVT Transmission Fluid Drain & Fill

Your C-HR uses a sealed CVT, so fluid level is set by temperature and an overflow (“level”) plug—not by a dipstick. The job is a drain-and-fill, then a warm-up and level-check to make sure the CVT isn’t underfilled or overfilled.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the car on jack stands on level ground; never rely on a jack.
• ⚠️ CVT fluid can be hot—wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ The fluid level check requires the engine running—keep hands, hair, and clothing clear of moving parts.
• ⚠️ Keep the vehicle level during filling and level-check, or the fluid level will be wrong.
• ⚠️ 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)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• Trim clip remover
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet (3/8" drive)
• Torque wrench (10–80 ft-lbs range)
• Allen/hex bit socket set (6mm, 10mm)
• 24mm socket
• Fluid transfer pump (hand pump)
• OBD2 scan tool that can read CVT fluid temperature (specialty)
• Shop rags

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• CVT fluid (Toyota CVT Fluid FE equivalent) - Qty: 4-5 quarts
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Overflow/level plug gasket or O-ring (if equipped) - Qty: 1
• Undercover fastener clips (assorted) - Qty: 1 set (optional)

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your C-HR on a level surface and chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
• Plan to keep the car level while it’s in the air (same height left/right).
• Make sure your OBD2 scan tool can display CVT fluid temperature (often labeled “CVT Oil Temp” or “ATF Temp”).
• Tip: Always loosen the fill plug first.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and level the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front at the correct jacking point.
• Set the vehicle onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) and confirm it is stable and level.

Step 2: Remove the lower engine under cover

• Use a trim clip remover to pop out the plastic clips.
• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the under cover bolts.
• Set all clips/bolts aside so they don’t get lost.

Step 3: Locate and loosen the fill plug first

• Place a drain pan underneath as a precaution.
• Use a 24mm socket with a ratchet to loosen the CVT fill plug (do not fully remove yet).
• If the fill plug will not loosen, stop here (don’t drain the CVT until you know you can refill it).

Step 4: Drain the CVT fluid

• Position the drain pan under the CVT drain area.
• Remove the drain plug using an Allen/hex bit socket set (10mm) and ratchet (plug style can vary).
• Allow fluid to drain completely.
• Clean the plug and replace the crush washer using a shop rag.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Refill with CVT fluid (initial fill)

• Fully remove the fill plug using a 24mm socket and ratchet.
• Install the fluid transfer pump onto the CVT fluid bottle.
• Pump in CVT fluid (Toyota CVT Fluid FE equivalent) until it begins to dribble back out of the fill hole.
• Install the fill plug finger-tight for now (you will reopen it if needed during leveling).

Step 6: Bring CVT fluid to the correct temperature for leveling

• Connect your OBD2 scan tool that can read CVT fluid temperature (specialty).
• Start the engine and keep your foot on the brake.
• Move the shifter slowly through P-R-N-D, pausing ~3 seconds in each position, then return to P.
• Monitor CVT fluid temperature and target 35–45°C (95–113°F) for the level check.
• Tip: Don’t rev the engine to heat fluid.

Step 7: Set the final CVT fluid level (overflow/level check)

• With engine running and CVT temp in the target range, remove the overflow/level plug using an Allen/hex bit socket set (6mm) and ratchet.
• If fluid dribbles out in a small steady stream, the level is correct.
• If no fluid comes out, remove the fill plug using a 24mm socket and add fluid with the fluid transfer pump until fluid begins to dribble from the overflow/level opening.
• Install the overflow/level plug with its gasket/O-ring and Torque to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).
• Now torque the fill plug and Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the under cover

• Reinstall the under cover using the 10mm socket and ratchet.
• Reinstall clips with the trim clip remover (or by hand if they press in easily).

Step 9: Lower the vehicle

• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift slightly, remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle fully.

---

✅ After Repair

• Wipe all areas clean with shop rags and check for seepage around the drain, fill, and overflow plugs.
• Test drive 10–15 minutes, then recheck underneath for leaks.
• If you notice slipping, flare (RPM rises without speed), or delayed engagement, stop driving and recheck the level procedure at the correct temperature.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $110-$390 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 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.