🔧 CVT Fluid - Drain & Fill

On your CR-V, changing the transmission fluid means draining the old CVT fluid and refilling with the correct Honda-spec fluid. This is a simple service, but it must be done with the right fluid type and the correct fill amount to protect the transmission.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Use only Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid. Wrong fluid can damage the transmission.
• Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use jack stands.
• Transmission fluid may be hot if the vehicle was recently driven.
• This service is a drain-and-fill, not a flush.
• No battery disconnect is required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
• 17mm socket
• 17mm box wrench
• Drain pan
• Fluid transfer pump or funnel with hose
• Jack stands
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• 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
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
• Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
• Warm the vehicle slightly if needed, but do not drain scorching-hot fluid.
• Have the new fluid ready before opening the drain plug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack and jack stands to safely lift and support the front of the vehicle.
• Make sure the vehicle sits level enough for an accurate refill.

Step 2: Locate the transmission drain and fill plugs

• From under the vehicle, locate the CVT drain plug on the transmission case.
• Locate the fill plug on the side of the transmission case.
• Open the fill plug first.

Step 3: Remove the fill plug

• Use a 17mm socket or 17mm box wrench to loosen and remove the fill plug.
• This confirms you can refill the transmission before draining it.

Step 4: Drain the old CVT fluid

• Place a drain pan under the transmission drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain completely.
• Replace the crush washer on the drain plug.

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install the drain plug by hand first using the 17mm socket.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Refill with new CVT fluid

• Use a fluid transfer pump or funnel with hose to add Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid through the fill hole.
• Add the same amount you drained, usually about 3.3 to 3.7 quarts.
• Add fluid slowly to avoid overfilling.
• Measure what came out.

Step 7: Reinstall the fill plug

• Install the fill plug with a new crush washer using a 17mm socket.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Lower the vehicle and check the fluid

• Lower the vehicle carefully from the jack stands.
• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Move the shifter through all gear positions for a few seconds each, then return to Park.
• Check underneath for leaks.

Step 9: Final verification

• Drive the vehicle gently and confirm smooth CVT operation.
• Recheck for leaks after the test drive.
• If the fluid was significantly dirty or burned, consider a second drain-and-fill after a short interval.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify there are no leaks at the drain and fill plugs.
• Confirm normal acceleration and no abnormal whining or slipping.
• Dispose of used transmission fluid properly.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $160-$280 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$85 (parts only)

You Save: $115-$195 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-1.5 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.