🔧 Accord - CVT Transmission Fluid Change

This service replaces the Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid in your Accord to help keep the continuously variable transmission shifting smoothly and running cool. This is a drain-and-fill service, not a flush.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface so the transmission drains and fills correctly.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands if lifting the vehicle. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot. Let the Accord cool until it is safe to touch.
• ⚠️ Do not flush this CVT. Honda CVTs use a drain-and-fill service only.
• ⚠️ Use only Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid or an equivalent specifically labeled for Honda HCF-2. Wrong fluid can damage the CVT.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 10mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Torque wrench 10-80 ft-lb range
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Long-neck funnel
• Drain pan 8-quart minimum
• Measuring jug 5-quart minimum
• Flat trim clip remover
• Floor jack 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Honda HCF-2 CVT transmission fluid - Qty: 4 quarts
• CVT drain plug sealing washer - Qty: 1
• Underbody splash shield clips - Qty: As needed

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 📋 Park your Accord on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 📋 Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Wheel chocks are wedges that stop the car from rolling.
• 📋 Drive the car for 5-10 minutes if possible, then let it sit a few minutes. Warm fluid drains better, but it should not be burning hot.
• 📋 Keep the vehicle level during filling. If you lift the front, support the rear to match height if needed.
• 📋 No infotainment menu setting is required for this CVT fluid change.
• 📋 A scan tool is not required for a normal drain-and-fill service.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Secure the Accord

• Use wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Use a floor jack 2-ton minimum to lift the front of the car at the front center jacking point.
• Place jack stands 2-ton minimum under the proper front support points.
• Lower the car gently onto the stands and shake the car lightly by hand to confirm it is stable.
• Never crawl under a car on a jack.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Splash Shield

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove the splash shield bolts.
• Use a flat trim clip remover to remove any plastic clips holding the shield.
• Set the shield, bolts, and clips aside in order.

Step 3: Find the CVT Drain Plug

• Look at the bottom of the transmission case, on the driver-side area of the powertrain.
• The CVT drain plug is a bolt-style plug at the lowest part of the transmission case.
• Place a drain pan 8-quart minimum directly under the plug.

Step 4: Drain the Old CVT Fluid

• Use a 17mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug.
• Remove the plug by hand once loose and let the fluid drain fully.
• Allow it to drip until it slows to an occasional drip.
• Use shop towels to clean fluid from the area.
• Measure what came out before refilling.

Step 5: Measure the Drained Fluid

• Carefully pour the old fluid from the drain pan into a measuring jug 5-quart minimum.
• Note the amount removed. A typical drain-and-fill is about 3.5-4 quarts.
• If much less came out, check for leaks before refilling.

Step 6: Install the Drain Plug with New Washer

• Remove the old sealing washer from the drain plug.
• Install the new CVT drain plug sealing washer onto the plug.
• Thread the plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Cross-threading means the threads are not lined up and can be damaged.
• Use a torque wrench 10-80 ft-lb range with a 17mm socket to tighten the drain plug to Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Access the CVT Fill Area

• Open the hood and locate the CVT fill plug or fill port on top of the transmission case.
• Use a long-neck funnel if filling from the top fill port.
• If access is tight, use a fluid transfer pump. A fluid transfer pump is a hand pump that moves new fluid from the bottle into the transmission.

Step 8: Refill with Honda HCF-2 CVT Fluid

• Add the same amount of new Honda HCF-2 CVT transmission fluid as the amount drained.
• Use the long-neck funnel or fluid transfer pump to pour slowly and avoid spills.
• Do not overfill. Add fluid in small amounts as you approach the measured drain amount.
• Wrong CVT fluid can ruin the transmission.

Step 9: Check for Leaks

• Use shop towels to wipe the drain plug and surrounding area clean.
• Start the engine with the vehicle still safely supported and level.
• Press the brake pedal and move the shifter slowly through P, R, N, D, and back to P.
• Let the engine idle for about 1 minute.
• Use a safety glasses and visually check under the car for leaks at the drain plug.

Step 10: Reinstall the Splash Shield

• Turn the engine off.
• Use a flat trim clip remover by hand to align the splash shield clips.
• Use a 10mm socket to reinstall the splash shield bolts.
• Tighten the small splash shield bolts snugly by hand with the ratchet. Do not overtighten plastic shield hardware.

Step 11: Lower the Vehicle

• Use a floor jack 2-ton minimum to raise the Accord slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands 2-ton minimum.
• Lower the vehicle slowly to the ground with the floor jack.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Test drive gently for 10-15 minutes. The CVT should feel smooth with no slipping, shuddering, or warning lights.
• ✅ Recheck underneath for leaks after the test drive.
• ✅ Dispose of the used CVT fluid at an approved recycling center or parts store that accepts waste oil.
• ✅ If the Maintenance Minder is showing transmission service, reset only the transmission fluid maintenance item through the gauge cluster maintenance menu.
• ✅ Do not perform a high-pressure transmission flush on your Accord.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$320 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $135-$230 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 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.