How To Flush Your Automatic Transmission - 97-01 Honda CRV

[@hondaphan4172]

I've been using Valvoline's MaxLife ATF in my '98 CRV (currentlly at 299k miles) and '05 Pilot (currently 227k miles) for the last ten years without an issue so it's very much a viable alternative to Honda's ATF. Many of us on the Piloteers website swear by it as it works and it's also a synthetic unlike Honda's. I've owned Honda's since '85 and I've never replaced the ATF drain crush washer....never had a leak. Unlike the oil drain plug crush washer you can reuse them countless times without losing a single drop.

[@brensdaman926]

I'm gonna do the same with my 01 CR-V. Valvoline max life full synthetic with Lucas trans stop slip

[@zomb13zo05]

Thank god as i spent upwords of 200 bucks on it xD

[@understandthis4634]

Thank you, this helps

[@markysantos2637]

Subscribed! Keep your CRV RD1 videos coming bro. I really think this vehicle is awesome and for keeps as I currently drive and love my own.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Will do!

[@buddysek9119]

I broke my extension bar just now. lucky the head was not stucked in the drain plug. What a quality extension bar you have, bro! Personally, try to get a drain plug key to do this job, for those who's watching the video. -- 2024.02.23

[@redpillforreal3053]

I just bought a super clean '01 CRV and it needs a little work. My biggest gripes are; a thunking noise in front end sort of like a transmission or motor mount when throttle is applied after deceleration, and engine or rpm slight jitter or stutter while rolling down highway, leak around oil pan, and very bouncing on interstate bridges/separations (like coils warn out)

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Just needs some TLC. They are all pretty old and get a lot of usage. You won't regret it though!

[@redpillforreal3053]

Garage Built Hondas It’s super fun to drive. Has a towing hitch and love parking it in tight spots lol

[@abe4741]

The front Thunk usually comes from the swaybar endlinks. It's cheap and easy to change.

[@danielwburdick7073]

Or bad struts also make these cars clunk sometimes. At least I e had 3 out 5 do it. And some really good new struts ened my issues. Also I'm about to upgrade to struts bar front and rear I hear they really help these car power through water and sands and all around a bit better and cheap for the upgrade. But just my opinion, love these cars have a rare 98 manual 5 sp, with stage 2 clutch, new driveline and rear end about to sell for someone looking for a swapper so I can do some more upgrade to my silver lady we Gretchen 2.0😅😂

[@ccjohncc1]

Sometimes the beginnings of slippage can simply be burnt transmission oil and or low transmission oil. The remedy is change transmission fluid and filter. Not sure why you would assume another persons transmission is probably shot.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Or it could "simply" be old and not maintained and "shot". Do a little reading on some old forums. You'll encounter many people who have had issues after changing their auto trans fluid on 1st gen crvs. I'm not going to go around assuming 19-23 year old transmissions have all been well maintained.

[@macanoon]

Id love to see you cover a k swap man. I enjoy your videos how you go over things before and during.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

If I can afford it I'd love to one day.

[@211dabomb]

Same.me and my buddies would love to do k swaps

[@rubenske091]

more CRV content ! ✌👍

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

For sure!

[@rt4wd_wolff]

Was just about to do this! Thanks for the video 👍

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Of course man. We gotta keep them on the road!

[@jakewetton4030]

Hey, thanks for the detailed video. I do have a question for you if you don't mind asking: I have a 2000 Honda CRV that had what is assume is transmission problems on the middle of the highway. basically what was happening was when I pressed the gas, the RPMs went up but I didn't gain any speed. I'm not sure that this is a transmission issue, but I believe it was, because after I got it home I checked the transmission fluid and it was super low, like not even to the bottom line low. Ultimately my question is this: since you stated that I swapping transmission fluid generally doesn't help a bad transmission, it there anything else you recommend as a possible remedy to this problem before I go all in and spend a couple grand on a new transmission and labor, or sell it at a huge loss due to the bum transmission? TIA, I'm sure I can't be the only one facing this issue. Also HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Fill it with some sort of transmission slip fluid to the correct line. See if that helps. Shouldn't be more than $15-30 to try it out. If it doesn't help then face the more 🫰 alternative if you want to keep it.

[@al-manarinstitute8176]

Much appreciated. Nicely explained

[@rodrigovasquez205]

Hello, Thank you for the great video. I have a 2000 Honda CRV at 175k miles that needs a transmission fluid change. Should I flush it with your method or just change the fluid once. I don’t want to do a flush that would damage my transmission. In the past I thought a flush needed a machine to go directly into the transmission to do a flush.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Is the transmission shifting fine? Do you know when it was last changed?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Is the transmission shifting fine? Do you know when it was last changed?

[@trill_boii_gabe]

You should do the lower ball joints its a problem everyone has

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I definitely want to, just haven't gotten to them yet. 👍

[@maddog6820]

I have a manual but watched it anyway i enjoy your vids keep em coming

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Appreciate that!

[@maddog6820]

Garage Built Hondas all good mate if it was shit I would tell you as well 👍🏽🇦🇺

[@smedleybutler1969]

The proper term for what you are doing is drain and fill, it's completely different than flushes which should never be done on an old engine!

[@johnnychimpo2928]

Nice, good ol flush job. Same for radiator fluid, change them once a year or two.

[@bravoatila8103]

than you for you defication

[@gerardoesparza8650]

Any suggestions on what brand to replace struts…I see old man emu springs but I don’t want to raise it or use coil overs…?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXO5pZ2Gf5aZZpY

[@christiannorman8119]

I've got an '01 CR-V LX (realtime 4WD) and I'm getting conflicting info about what fluid to use on the transmission. Do you know if mine would use the same Honda ATF as yours? I'm also looking at changing the fluid in the rear differential. My vehicle isn't slipping but it has a shudder between 20 and 30 mph on acceleration. Thanks!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Same. And this for the diff. amzn.to/3CRVLAt

[@Fr0_Man]

Late comment but I’m having same issue. So I’m curious on if your problem has been fixed

[@SmudgyContent]

What’s it mean if it’s over full? It looks purple as well

[@nickmarinez4343]

Sweet video bro!! Would love to link up and learn hands on from you. I’ve made a list of your videos of things I wanna do to my V to keep it running!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Excellent! Stay tuned, I have some suspension related replacement videos coming out in the near future.

[@Sepulvedas787]

Hello GBH, I am huge fan of your channel specially the CRV series. There is another way to contact you for some questions?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Here or Instagram. I prefer here.

[@Sepulvedas787]

Garage Built Hondas, I am from a El Paso and I was wondering if you can do some service on my CRV.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No sorry, I don't take on work anymore unless it's for friends/family. Too many cheap people thinking because I'm not an actual shop that I don't deserve the pay.

[@Sepulvedas787]

No problem thanks

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Look up Axion Motors. Very reputable shop here in El Paso.

[@germancastro7568]

Very good my friend thanks to explain about CRV transmisión fluid change I have a question for you do you know my car has little problem the acceleration body is going low y high some time when I drive so far but the heat temperature is normally do you know about that thanks

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I don't understand the question completely, sorry.

[@Aryahmmr]

Great video! Do you know if there's also a transmission fluid filter that needs to be changed?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

There isn't a filter for these transmissions

[@Aryahmmr]

@@GarageBuiltHondas thanks for the response! Great videos too!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks!

[@brensdaman926]

How many quarts does it take to where it's right at the full mark? I've seen 6.2 quarts. Is that correct?

[@hondaphan4172]

Only around three quarts drains out during a simple ATF drain and fill if that's what you're asking. Only around half of the system's capacity drains out at fluid change.

[@brensdaman926]

I'm just gonna go with the Valvoline full synthetic fluid with a bottle of Lucas trans stop slip. I don't see a need to buy the expensive Honda fluid

[@bakihanma7247]

So drive 8-10 miles between each flush 3X.?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes

[@bakihanma7247]

@@GarageBuiltHondas sweet thanks should I go threw the gears first before I turn it on. It's cuz it's been empty and dry for 6+ months.

[@EdRo1900]

I did a transmission oil flush on my 2001 CRV and it seems to have made the problem worse. Do you recommend adding “Lucas slip fix” to it? I have watched a few videos and they say it does help fix this issue.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

It won't hurt. I'd try it in your case.

[@TaloAgari]

Hi, I'm FM Papua new guinea having issue with Honda CR-V rd1 engine numba b20b - 1040251 which I have change the new transmission fluid but my gear not engaging from 4th gear either reverse gear also. Hearing a weird rolling sound.

[@jessetoptechallen1461]

Great job

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks Jesse

[@erictech201]

Unfortunately mine CR-V auto transmission is slipping :/ gotta swap it with another low mile one

[@ccjohncc1]

It could very well be just low or burnt. Nobody on KZbin can diagnose your car on an assumption.

[@Tay-ky3fi]

Low or burnt what? My 1999 transmission just started slipping.. I had jiffy lube do a transmission flush 4 months ago.. they are highly suspect

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Low or burnt transmission fluid.

[@kaybevang536]

Speaking of CRV By the way my uncles Da9 has a B20B from a CrV with a B16 Head I got dusted by him 3 times lol my day has a stage 1 race clutch but it has the stock B18A1 LS non Vtec lol

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Sounds about right! Time for a vtec head for you now maybe!

[@aquaman6114]

Wow thanks!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

👍

[@aquaman6114]

More video about gen 1 sir!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Hopefully soon!

[@KingofStreet3]

My favorite CRV, to bad I can't get one cause they all have a broken window, major rust issues or a blown engine.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Lame. Come find one down here and take it home.

[@KingofStreet3]

@@GarageBuiltHondas a days drive to the dessert or if lucky a drive to San Antonio which is just 4hrs from the border and find one with an elderly owner.

[@dj33036]

Bought my '97 5 years ago in Florida, I'm retired in Mexico now and it's the perfect car for here. Not a speck of rust anywhere.

[@bubbleblonde9600]

What do you think happened.. I was driving after idling for 30 minutes, after driving for 2 minutes I was in a cloud of smoke, it cleared, so I kept on driving. I am guessing that my transmission fluid is extremely dirty or needs to be filled. My oil level is fine. I also do think that I have a small antifreeze leak. Thank you, in advance.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Cloud of smoke from where?

[@bubbleblonde9600]

@@GarageBuiltHondas I appreciate you replying to my comment, I don't know how I missed it up until now. The Cloud of smoke came from my exhaust. Here is my story, eight months later... The temperature gauge in my car does not go above mid-way temperature. It is normal. My RPMs will sometimes be revving when I am driving reaching the 50 km per hour and sometimes when I release my foot, it will drop, and then when I step on the gas, there is no more revving, it drives as normal. There are no jolts or shakes. Oh, but yes there is a burning smell, sometimes. Only when I'm driving it for 30 minutes or more I had noticed after the ( -20 to -40 ) cold winter, when I checked my oil it seem to have a red tinge to it. Is it possible that the transmission fluid could be leaking into the oil?? Someone told me that it could possibly be because the car has not been driven enough and humidity remains in the oil and does not get released, and yada yada yada?? I have made an appointment to check out my transmission which at the minimum could cost me around $200 to $300. But I figured if this is something I can do myself, I will. Because I am a senior, and I just don't want to buy a new car with all these pretty lights and computerized stuff., I just need this car to last as long as I do. LOL. Who am I fooling I don't think I can do what you did, by myself. So I guess $300 wouldn't be bad, if my car works. When I purchased my Honda CRV the dashboard lights were definitely more than I was used to. My car prior to the Honda CR-V was the 79 Pontiac LeMans! This Honda has roughly 200,400 km, mind you within the last 10 years it has only been mainly City driven. ( I think that explains the smoke / carbon buildup in my car?? (The cloud of smoke that came from my exhaust )) I will say thank you! In advance, for replying to me again. I hope I do not miss your reply

[@josemoran2273]

So I have an issue with my 2001 Honda CRV not sure if you run into this. If vibrates a lot while regular idle or I am at a red light or stop sign I feel the vibration in the steering wheel and inside the cabin. I have changed all motor mounts spark plugs spark plug wires distributor cap rotor, but it continues to vibrate a lot

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

What is the tach sitting at when you're stopped?

[@josemoran2273]

@@GarageBuiltHondas tach?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

tachometer

[@josemoran2273]

@@GarageBuiltHondas I will check today when I get home.

[@josemoran2273]

@@GarageBuiltHondas when in parking under 1rpm with a/c on when put in drive it drops down little lower.

[@nasty_nick96]

I can’t seem to find an answer anywhere, but is there a filter we need to change on an RD1?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

What kind?

[@robbysastra2321]

My Rd 1 have a problem, with transmission, sometimes when I put it on Reverse, no respon or when I driving suddenly loss the power then I stop turn off the machine in a few minutes and start again, but its will come happen again. What do you think, what must I do?thank you

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Replace the transmission. I doubt any fluid change will fix you issue.

[@gusquinval]

Compañeros del canal. Buena tarde aca en canarias. Buen dia en America. Tengo que cambiar el aceite de la caja automática de mi honda crv año 2000 y no he podido conseguir el original honda al cual se refiere el compañero que subio este video. Como lo cobsigo o cual puedo utilizar que no ocasione problemas a mi coche. Saludos a todos. 👊

[@carmennatt3512]

2000 auto. Replacing the radiator because inlet for trans cooler is leaking. I wanted to drain and fill with new trans fluid but it flares between 2/3 3/4. Should I drain and fill or just top off fluid at the end?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Best bet is probably just top off. Removing old fluid may remove the remaining material that allows it to grab.

[@carmennatt3512]

@@GarageBuiltHondas Got it got it. When I first bought it, no slippage. About a week later, my uncle was driving it and said it wouldn't go into reverse. Had it towed to the shop we bought it from. Claimed they put a new trans in it. Never paid mind to it but recently noticed the vin on the trans is the same and fluid is super clean. I feel like they drained and filled with a subpar fluid. Over the last two years, fluid may have took out the trans.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Sounds like they did. For future reference, always tell them you want the old parts back and if they can't do that they'll tell them to truck off.

[@carmennatt3512]

@@GarageBuiltHondas Yeah, do most of the work myself now.

[@hondatrix]

NEVER use a flush machine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I've read the same. Care to share with the other viewers why?

[@kevincrush859]

@@GarageBuiltHondas Honda claims it may clog the internal screens and/or filter. They're pretty adamant about it so I never do it.

[@adarkgothicforest8508]

I have a 2001 crv, 167k miles. Should I just drain it or flush it you think?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Flush as I did in this video. It's time

[@adarkgothicforest8508]

@@GarageBuiltHondas I spoke to a few mechanics and they all advised me a flush could ruin the transmission as it could flush all the metal shavings at once and cause clogging. A drain and fill three times in 3 months would clear out the filter, and slowly clear deposits and keep it shifting smooth. The safe way I was told was a drain and fill 3 times. Thanks but I think I'll do it the safe way as it shifts smoothe now anyway.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

If it shifts fine I'd do what I did. It's not an actual flush with a chemical to remove anything as they would at a shop. It's to refresh the fluid and it's the specified way to do it in the Honda manual. Mine shifted fine also at 230k, doing this hasn't affected it and I wanted to help retain more longevity.

[@azan97]

Does the engine shoud be running when checking the ATF fluid?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No

[@theroyalone7588]

What’s the difference between a flush and a drain and Refill ??

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Flush completely removed everything.

[@theroyalone7588]

@@GarageBuiltHondas thank you !!

[@earsdiekm]

hi ...how the shif selonoid romeve and clean? video please :) (Honda Part No.: 28200-P4R-003)

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

You're better off just buying a new one.

[@TheRealWorldNews247]

@@GarageBuiltHondas why? If theirs no check engine to get a new one just to know

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Have you ever researched trying to clean this specific part?

[@TheRealWorldNews247]

@@GarageBuiltHondas yes KZbin lol

[@TheRealWorldNews247]

@@GarageBuiltHondas and they all see how to and how it worked after If you don't have a check engine the part is fine If it was a malfunction the computer would pick up the electrical problem

[@eddienakamura4334]

Do you recommend doing this with mileage above 200k?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

If your trans shifts fine, I'd go ahead and try it. I did.

[@victorgodefroy1158]

i'm at 217k on my 01 cr-v. don't know when it was changed last (if at all). but from what i gather, it's all based on what the fluid looks like. if it's a little dirty (like mine is), don't do a flush, just do one fluid change.

[@moecashsmith]

Should it be in the middle cold or after a drive

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

What's that?

[@moecashsmith]

@@GarageBuiltHondas fluid level should it be in the middle before or after a Drive

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Anywhere in the required area is fine. You can add more if you wish as long as it's within the designated area.

[@KEN_DEN]

Very helpful. But after a test run, will I need to let the car cool down first before flushing it and doing it another two times ?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No, just be careful as everything is hot.

[@royzcustomz]

Automatic transmission is such a pain to maintain

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Im glad mine is ok. Trying to keep it running longer!

[@hnajee]

Thanks, goood one. Can I do same for 2006 crv. Will appreciate . Will appreciate. Subscribed. Keep your videos coming

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you

[@robertozariskeeni1875]

Seems incredibly wasteful to go through 13 quarts of fluid for this (and expensive). :/ Any way to just use 3 quarts and screen any contaminates out each time you drain? Just curious... Don't like to be wasteful and also limited income so try to both save and be mindful about consumption any way I can. Thanks. :)

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

You can try. I wouldn't know how to do this. I did the required Honda service manual instructions in this video.

[@BoostedPastime]

I've always been hesitant to do this because it could make the transmission slip. In curious as to why people do it when all I year is bad news about it after the fact.

[@rt4wd_wolff]

It's because people don't do it often enough. If you use OEM fluid often the filters/screens in the trans stay clean and healthy.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Is your transmission ok now? If it is, you should flush it. Mine is an original transmission with 233k on it. It still shifts fine but I had no idea when the last time it was flushed. After doing this, it still feels perfectly fine and I have much better peace of mind now. 😀

[@BoostedPastime]

@@GarageBuiltHondas I never did it in mine and I did allot of offloading and eventually it started slipping after the fact. Never did it on a civic years ago and it worked fine too

[@airfryerdeluxe5543]

If you're hesitant, just start by doing a drain and fill, not a full flush. This way you can still prolong the life of your trans, while keeping the old elements of the trans that will help it shift.

[@lovelyone98]

@@airfryerdeluxe5543 Hi, do you put new transmission fluid when you do drain and fill? I am asking because I read on a forum before that you drain and put the old fluid back in.

[@joubess]

I've never thought flushing anything in an old car is a good idea unless you know it's contaminated. Flushing the transmission is asking for trouble by removing too many particles that help it shift. I just change the fluid (3 quarts).

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Only if your car is having issues already. One that doesn't and you're safe to so so.

[@dummyjum]

Automatic transmission? What's that?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

😁

[@dummyjum]

@@GarageBuiltHondas great content brother! Lol

[@aaronbilicki1820]

What about the filter??

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

What filter?

[@javiertorres6067]

@@GarageBuiltHondas there is a filter kit you can buy and replace just like any auto trans but does it really matter?

[@skat84]

Щуп в АКПП не правильно стоит, по этому на нём следы от шестерёнки. Нужно повернуть в сторону двигателя, а не в сторону салона!

[@antonfarol3380]

(translation/перевод) Dipstick is turned into a wrong direction. That's why we can see some damage from a cogwheel on it. You should turn it towards the engine!

[@mr.mabuti4436]

Is there a transmission filter for crv Gen 1?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No. There may be an internal one but not one that's accessible from the outside of the casing.

[@mr.mabuti4436]

@@GarageBuiltHondas is that nedeed to be replaced every transmission oil change? Thanks for messaging back man appreciate it

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

You can't change.