DIY: CVT transmission fluid change

[GoHuskies]

Not that hybrids are that popular but since I was doing a DIY just off drawn pics I thought I'd snap a few photos to support:

Items needed:
- 3 quarts Honda CVT Fluid ** was cheaper at dealer than online $6.97 qt**
- Drain washer
- Funnel with long tube
- Catch pan for old fluid
- Ratchet with 3/8 head
- Flat head screwdriver
- Broken up cardboard/newspaper

Ok to start: Make sure your using this! Honda uses a specific type of CVT fluid. The purpose of a hybrid is kinda to save on gas so opting for a cheaper power equipment fluid will lead to more friction hence lower mpg. Looks like so:


Next: Make sure car is elevated enough to get under the front. Rhino ramps from any autopart dealer will do. (Mine were $30 from pepboys)


Now get under the car. You'll see the hybrid has a plastic undercover. You'll need this out of the way. First take the flat head then go after the plastic tabs that hold the front under lip cover in place. You only need to loosen it so it can flex. I removed 4 plastic clips, 2 on each side (It looks like there are holes for even more clips. Not sure why but I suspect my dealer never reinstalled them after a previous oil change). The whole reason for undoing the front lip is because the undercover piece directly behind needs room to slide out.


Then take the 3/8 Ratchet and remove the only two bolts you see right behind the lip cover. The bigger middle cover should then be able to swing down like so: ( hopefully yours doesn't have a gaping hole in it....wtf....)


Now both the oil & CVT fluid metal tins should be visible. The CVT is the metal tin on the drivers side. (You can tell because the oil tin is labeled ENGINE OIL) There is one visible drain plug. You'll need the headless square ratchet and some umph hand torque to remove. MAKE SURE you have cardboard/paper down & the catch bin in place. This stuff stains and comes out dribbling as soon as you start to remove bolt!


Next leave it be while the dark colored fluid dribbles out. Recommend waiting 15 minutes at least. I had dinner while waiting. As you can see it splashed all over still so I wouldn't recommend a painting tray, probably something deeper. If you can't get the catch bin to stay level try resting it on the folded down undercover then using something like a wood block to prop up the other end.


Once there are no drips any longer remove catch bin and it's time to add clean fluid. Replace the drain bolt with new washer then head topside under the hood. You can add fluid directly into the CVT dipstick tube. It's a bright yellow handle pull you find when following down the orange electrical lines between 12V battery and filter box.


Place funnel tube into slot and add new fluid in 1 quart at a time. I went slow to make sure there would be no overfilling.


Once that's done. It's time to start the car and let it run for a few minutes. The back her off the ramp. At that point it's debatable as to checking fluids. Some say only the cold measurements is valid so you'll have to wait awhile then check the dipstick. Clean fluid is a pale amber and hard to see on the stick but it should be at least above the upper bar limit.

Borrowed this pic: Fluid should the bar closest to word COLD:



Afterwards take old fluid from catch bin and place in disposal containers. Your town or municipality will probably have rules as to proper location to dispose of this stuff. NO NOT just dump into the street drain. Or you might meet someone like me who will come outside and confront you.



Prolly a bad idea to store this near the kitchen....


And you done. $100 or more saved plus you'll have a pretty good idea of where to go for oil changes if you have not done one yourself yet. A much better alternative to the $400+ service visits!

[av911]

+1!!!! Good job!!!

[obert]

Nice job man. Good info too!!!!!!!