2015-2022 Honda CRV CVT Transmission Service Drain and Fill EASY DIY

[@Chuck-o3c]

This is the ONLY video I have found that explains that fluid being added will run directly out the overflow plug hole. I learned this the hard way and finally realized why. It's such a key thing to understand. Thank you!

[@Bioandroid2023]

Same here. Missed that the check Billy should be in while filling. Rewatched the video after I heard the first qrt go right into the drain pan. Lucky, it was still there to catch it. 😅

[@scottevans4189]

This is one of the best videos I have come across for a Honda CVT fluid change. Thank you!

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Great job as always! Good idea to keep that CVT fluid refreshed every 30k miles! Much cheaper preventative maintenance than buying a new transmission!

[@cornholio2492]

i also change both filters, one in the engine bay (oil wamer i think) and one in the oil pan with o rings and gasket, highly recommended changing the filters, it required more oil

[@jlozano180]

Great video I change my 2015 CRV transmission fluid every 30,000 miles using Honda fluid, 200k miles later, still running strong

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Thanks for sharing.

[@americanmilitiaman88]

Just did my wifes CRV a few days ago. Used a couple 2x6 boards to level car. Pulled the check bolt and a a little dribbled out so good to know it was full then pulled drain plug. After that i cleaned the plug nothing abnormal installed new crush washer and torqued it. I put the check plug in. I then poured what i drained out into my 6 quart oil container that is marked. Got it at walmart cause i get the 12 quart mobil 1 box. And it was exactly 4.5 quarts. Dumped in 4.5 plus a splash then pulled check bolt and let it dribble. Reinstalled bolt tighten then cycled through gears few seconds each gear a couple times. Then took it for a hot lap. Drives better than it did. Use genuine Honda fluids. CVTs are a different animal and very picky. My wifes car is a 2015 with just under 55k. And the light just came on a month ago. Next one ill do is at 80 k regardless of mauntence minder

[@guykeeth5760]

My wife’s 2015 has 165,000+. I’ve done 5 or maybe six CVT drain and fills, but the last one I pulled the pan, cleaned the magnets, changed the Filter/screen. It was a relatively easy and painless job. I installed a Honda pan gasket and filter. I’ve used several synthetic brands over the years. None were Honda, but all had the appropriate rating. Now using Eneos and changing it every 15-20K miles. It takes exactly one gallon. Runs like it did when we bought it at 1.5 years old and had 21,000 miles. About to install new ignition coils, just due to age and miles. Every belt, hose, fluid gets changed before it needs it. Even did a valve lash adjustment at 160,000! Never seen a dealership or oil change stealership since we bought it. No oil burning between changes, but I usually change it before it hits 5K miles. Longest interval was 6K and 30% showing on the maintenance minder. I use SuperTech full synthetic mostly, and I mix 0w20 & 5w30 50/50 ratio except in winter. PureOne filters air and oil. Denso TT iridium plugs. Autozone lifetime brakes!😊

[@georgeharsin6292]

Hi, I have a 2016 CRV which just turned 100,000 miles. My dealer said the first valve check is due at 110,000 miles, does that sound correct?

[@s.benedetto2147]

Very good video with solid explanation.

[@kimsons3544]

your car is so clean, thank for sharing.

[@edmon179]

Heplful video thanks for sharing .what is the size of check bolt washer?

[@larry5872]

I just discovered that the HCF-2 sold in Canada is in 1L not 1U.S.QT. Thank you for including the picture of the HCF-2 bottle sold in the U.S..

[@davidrobins4025]

1 L equals 1.056688 US quarts. Or 1 US quart = 0.946353 L.

[@jeffburtonnottheracecardriver]

Awesome succinct and thorough video!

[@DrSource]

Thanks for making this video!!

[@elmo4vt1]

Do you think you could just fill it through the over-flow with a pump attachment for the gear oil bottle? Seems like it would remove one step at least.

[@DrSource]

What about using Amsoil transmission fluid?

[@miticav3709]

Thank you!

[@innovationinaction5406]

Best video can use Valvoline CVT oil

[@jlozano180]

Don’t, HONDA only

[@dirtyadventure8481]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@garypritchard9787]

Great job! Amsoil makes a great CVT fluid that surpasses Oem.

[@andreyua8989]

Did you drain and fill or complete flush with amsoil?

[@upinarms79]

I don't know that I'd want to mix fluids because CVTs are pretty persnickety and you should avoid flushing them for any reason unless you absolutely have to. I like Amsoil products too, but CVTs will pretty much self-destruct if you aren't very careful with them.

[@sl4983]

What about 2019 - 2021 HR-Vs? Thanks

[@bretak74]

Why not start by only jacking the car at the left rear in order to maximize the amount of dirty fluid that you get out?

[@miguelmichelem2324]

How about the transmission filter need to be changed to

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

No it doesn't. Per the Honda service manual.

[@yoel__0664]

I like hoops, where do I buy it?

[@vincentlanza5155]

But , you didn't mention or change the old trans fluid filter. They are available online and should change the filter when the fluid is changed ,otherwise, whats the point of changing the fluid ?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

The filter does not need to be changed according to Honda, unless there is some sort of failure or severe contamination.

[@yashshah6328]

That only applies to engine oil. Trans filters don't need to be replaced during a routine trans fluid drain and fill. You only need to replace filters if fluid is contaminated or clogged

[@andrewsmith6243]

What size is the crushwasher on the over flow bolt? Is it the same as the drain plug? Thank you

[@Imsierrabound]

Should be drained cold and new fluid level checked again after running the transmission through each gear.

[@bigblue3568]

Should start and go into each gear for a few secs then remove the check bolt and add if needed or let it drain itself to proper level.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Yes

[@pakmanbtl]

Correct me if I’m wrong but cvt has no gears?

[@sl4983]

4.5 quarts for AWD

[@jlozano180]

Correct

[@georgeharsin6292]

Hi, well done video, do you know when a valve check should be done on the 2016 CRV? Keep getting different answers. Thanks

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

110,000 miles according to Honda.

[@georgeharsin6292]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone Thank you

[@RA-gk5zg]

What about replacing the CVT filter? I know there is one but it rarely gets mentioned.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

That's because Honda does not recommend changing it as routine maintenance.

[@RA-gk5zg]

Thanks, 1 less thing to change.

[@rainbowColor-yp6ie]

Do you have to make the car engine hot(operating temperature) before refilling the last quart of oil? Or transmission can be cold and no need to run the engine for 20 mins and make everything hot and then put last quart of oil and check the oil coming out of check bolt? I did it with transmission cold., Shall I now warm the engine, and open check bolt and put moree?

[@khanthevideogamehunter2946]

Is there a filter for this ?

[@alexander255110]

What size crush washer do we need to replace? Is it 12mm? Were you supposed to remove the check bolt when your car is level vs on ramps?

[@bizboomer]

Great job! Thanks! Ever changed the CVT belt? Not sure if that job is DIY friendly?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Not really a DIY job.

[@davewright4546]

Is there a filter in the transmission that needs changed?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Not routinely no

[@geraldevans2535]

There’s a cartridge type filter under the battery box that can be changed

[@guykeeth5760]

There is one in the oil pan.

[@neometalx9]

Have you tried the amsoil CVT fluid? Heard it's good.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I have not.

[@NickVincent]

I've heard the opposite -- CRV owners changing it, saying all good then a few months later reporting that their CVT slipped and that they drained and changed back to Honda fluid. Basically I've never seen a thread about Honda CVT fluid where the following was NOT said: "No matter what, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS use Honda fluid ONLY. No exceptions. Period"

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Last time I checked, they won’t sell the CVT fluid for these cars. They will only sell Honda fluids for all Hondas and Acuras.

[@sl4983]

​@@atx-cvpi_99who's they

[@brianfogg7532]

I have used Amsoil cvt fluid in my 2015 CRV for the last 2 fluid changes. It shifts perfectly and seems smoother than when I used Honda OEM fluid. I'll be using the Amsoil cvt fluid again tomorrow for my next drain and fill.

[@rbs427]

Shouldn't the level be checked at normal operating temperature?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Hondas are different

[@sl4983]

​@@JackofAllMasterofNonethey don't have to be normal operating temp?

[@nicolauscory2065]

Any idea how this process changes for MY 2025?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I'm not up to speed on the 25 sorry. I'm sure it's very similar but don't want to give specifics until I do one

[@worldpeace5853]

Quick question please. I got a maintenance minder B1 3 on 2016 CRV AWD (oil and transmission fluid change). I did the oil change last week and hit the maintenance minder reset on the dashboard ONLY for oil Change which made entire B1 3 code disappear. I changed the transmission fluid and rear differential fluid yesterday. Now, do I need to again reset the maintenance minder for both transmission and rear differential fluid? Strange that Honda ties both oil and other fluids codes together!

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I'm not sure but it won't hurt to reset them again

[@baddayhaver279]

Hi broo , how many oil quarter you put in the transmisión ? Thky broo

[@dickbowlmidz]

4.5 quarts

[@kortam6065]

Whats the size crush washer for the checker

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

No idea sorry. Tiny

[@rickjames9477]

I had somewhat of a strange experience changing mine, I am a guy that’s been working on my own stuff for 25 years so not a slouch, no one touches my cars but me. I changed the fluid while it was warm. I had it nice and level. Drained the fluid. Put in my 4.5 litres and no drips out of the overflow. Ended up adding the rest of the litre so had 5 in and still no drip. Should I go buy another litre? It’s 30 bucks a litre here on rip off Canada.

[@ashrafsiddiquee3190]

Is the check bolt crusher washer is the same size as drain plug washer ??? Please let me know 🙏

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

No. Much smaller. You can just reuse it. It's fine.

[@coachbennett10s]

Can you mix ATF dw 1 and HCF 2? I would think no, but I can't seem to find a difference between the two online.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

No. They are very different fluids. DW1 is for regular automatic transmissions and HCF2 is for CVT 2nd Gen transmissions.

[@JohnDoe-ml8ru]

What about the filter?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

According to the Honda service manual the filter is not something that is supposed to be serviced when the fluid is changed

[@JohnDoe-ml8ru]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone Just like those "lifetime fluids" right?

[@jonsnowden5126]

Does the car have to be warmed up ? or is it better to chance the transmission oil cold?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I would let it warm up for a minute but it doesn't have to be that warm

[@hybridirongolfer8584]

is the crusher same on drain and check bolt?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

No. The check bolt is very small. Doesn't need replaced.

[@justscrolledin]

?No filter change?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

No. Not recommended by Honda.

[@cindywright14]

How often are you supposed to change the transmission fluid we have a 2019 Honda CRV with close to 30,000 miles

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Every 30,000 miles or so. It should tell you on the maintenance minder what service is due.

[@geraldevans2535]

I do mine every 50,000 miles

[@cindywright14]

Thank you both for your answers

[@jbmjbm323]

At how many miles does the transmission fluid need to be changed at?

[@jbmjbm323]

In your video you state every 30,000k miles the fluid should be changed out. Finishing the video, I got my answer. Thanks!

[@joedirt6059]

Hi, will this work on a 2016 honda crv

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Yes

[@joedirt6059]

Thank you!

[@tracy2762]

have you cleaned your throttle body? i have a 2016 crv and was thinking i could do this but want to not screw up. some have you take it off and some clean it from its position. do you think they get dirtier because of gdi ?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I have not cleaned it. They do not get dirtier with GDI. Some throttle bodies aren't supposed to be cleaned because they have a special coating on them so research it first before you do it. Also, being an electronic throttle body will make it hard since you can't open the throttle blade.

[@tracy2762]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone do you know about the shuddering at a stop light. why the crv 2016 does this??

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

@@tracy2762 I think it's due to the motor mounts. It's a very common problem with 2015/2016 CRVs. I believe they can reprogram the PGM-FI under a TSB to help with the idle.

[@tracy2762]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone it feels like an idle surge or lack of..sometimes it helps to turn on lamps to bring up the idle

[@thelmasiame3084]

Hi I have a honda crv 2007, what is the correct oil for the gearbox...should I use atf dw1 or hcf 2 ? I replaced the gearbox and put hcf 2 but the gears aren't changing at all..car is stationary. Please help me.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

If you are talking about the automatic transmission, you need DW1. HCF2 is for CVT only.

[@wmoy8507]

Should use a torque wrench and not guess on proper torque. Those aluminum pan thread strips easily. I did that on my oil pan and had a loose bolt than would not seal. I had to rush to a mechanic to replace my oil pan before I lose too much oil. After that, always use a torque wrench.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Some of us have done this a long time and have a "built in" torque wrench. It's just like any other learned, repetitive skill. But nonetheless good advice for most amateur DIY folks.

[@larryzapotocky1363]

Does the CRV have a trans filter?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

It has an inline filter that is not a normal service item unless the transmission is being replaced or is in extremely poor condition.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone If the transmission is in poor condition, it should be replaced anyway.

[@geraldevans2535]

Easy access to change it Cartridge type filter under battery. There is also a filter in the pan. I’m not sure the in line filters are still around. My 2005 Accord had in inline filter on top on the transmission but I think that’s long gone. Suggest you see if you can purchase one from Honda for your year CRV

[@pakmanbtl]

Honda dealers indicates every 90,000 miles , that’s insane

[@rainbowColor-yp6ie]

Hi please can you tell, I changed using check bolt method on cold engine. Will there be any damage? I didn't run the engine to make the transmission and engine hot temperature then drain and fill the oil, should I do it again?