How To Service A 2002-2006 Honda CR-V Transmission

Brian Eslick from How to Automotive www.howtoautomotive.com takes you step-by-step through the process of servicing the transmission on a 2002-2006 AWD Honda CR-V with 2.4L engine.
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Owing to factors beyond the control of How to Automotive/Brian Eslick, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modification of this information, or improper use of this information. How to Automotive/Brian Eslick assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. How to Automotive/Brian Eslick recommends safe practice when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jacks and jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemical lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Because of factors beyond the control of How to Automotive/Brian Eslick, no information contained in this video shall express or imply warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How to Automotive/Brain Eslick. #howtoautomotive #AutomotiveRepair

[@garymarin6254]

I've never worked on a car before, after buying my 2005 CRV and watching your videos, I've done all the maintenance myself, from changing the oil to fixing my AC. I really can't express how much money and stress you have saved me. Very well appreciated 👍..

[@zb5715]

Same here Gary, growing up my Dad always "knew a guy" to fix everything so I didn't have that fix it yourself mentality. I picked up a 2003 CRV and started YouTubing regular maintenance stuff and found guys like Brian who've helped me keep my CRV running like a top after 17 years and 235k miles!

[@mizrahimgodinez7989]

@@zb5715 Honda CrV 400,000 miles :@emperor_joni

[@juangaytan8467]

2nd gen crvs with the k seris 24 are very easy to work on if you are doing basic work

[@sillygily4435]

I usually wouldn’t reply to a 2 year old comment but the ac in my cr v went out also and I just decided I don’t have the equipment to troubleshoot it properly but will you tell me what was wrong with yours and maybe I can see if that’s the issue with mine?

[@leonardodavinci303]

Nicely done, but you should mention that a single drain and fill only changes/drains about a third of the total ATF in the transmission. A "Change" requires you to do this 3 times with a short drive in between each drain and fill.

[@johnnieyost]

Thanks a lot. I'm going to do this during the week!

[@gregmgm06]

Great video! Thank you....Now I'll go change the trans fluid on my 04 CRV.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

gregmgm06 thank you and thank you for watching!

[@OnTheAir]

This only changes about 1/2 the fluid with new. Should be drained and refilled three times. Best is to change it once, then drive around the block and shift through the gears. Then change it again. Drive around the block again shifting through the gears and return home for the third drain and fill. Remember, use only the specified Honda transmission fluid. This is easier than an oil change as the transmission drain plug is very easy to access.

[@skaddict666]

Does it mean you should add 3.25 quarts of new fluid every time?

[@antonios4926]

@@skaddict666 Yes every time X 3. My 2004 CRV 110,000 miles has never had a trans fluid change. Every month i say i am going to change it and i back out. Worried in case i damage it.

[@Aaron-kg1gd]

Fuk are you talking about , no one listen to this clown

[@michaelcyr8215]

@@Aaron-kg1gd he speaks the truth. Each time you drain you are only getting 1/3 to 1/2 of the fluid beause of what's in the lines and torque converter. Even if it's half that drains, the second change only changes approx. 3/4. Three time would give you the best but I only do two.

[@ABrokenSociety]

@@Aaron-kg1gd He's talking about how to flush the transmission fluid, which in the owner's manual, they actually say to do. The book instructions actually say to do exactly what was said above. It takes three refills, about 9 quarts, to fully service a CR-V's transmission. IF, however, you are like @ANTONIOS, and you have way over 100k miles on it and never serviced your transmission, then you should only do ONE drain and fill. Reason being after a long period of time, the transmission fluid loses it's lubrication qualities and causes the clutches to wear out. Wear causes metal to chip away, but that chipping stays in the clutches and provides friction for the vehicle to shift. If someone flushes an engine with that many miles on it for the first trans fluid service, it could cause the transmission to slip because you may end up shift those metal chips and flakes out of the clutches and losing that friction. If your tranmission is over 100,000 miles and never had a transmission service and you plan on trying to keep the vehicle for a long time after, I would recommend taking it to a mechanic to replace your clutches and fluid all together to ensure a long lif time.

[@Nuclear__Nate]

Thanks man! Straight forward and to the point!

[@rjs2974]

Yep, less is more.

[@williammize8270]

He is very good information I just purchased a 03 crv need to service trans fluid think I can do it myself save 130.00 service fee there subscribed to his vids

[@kiwak5547]

Thank you for useful video !!

[@antonios4926]

Hi Brian thanks for the video. Any idea where the car tracker would be installed? Can not find it. Honda CRV 2004

[@Erated78]

Looks identical to my 06 civic. Thank you for this vid

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Erated78 I believe it is the same engine and transmission in the civic.

[@maximilianbutton5389]

How to Automotive that is not correct. CRV has a 2.4l engine and civic has 1.8l unit. Transmission might be the same though I’m not sure on that.

[@1966johnnywayne]

What exactly does manually shifting through the gears accomplish? Is this the same as taking the vehicle around the block and allowing the transmission to simply shift as per normal? Also, is there a filter that needs to be changed out?

[@hamranhasan1034]

is there any, transmisson ventilator in this CRV 2002-2006. ? i watched some video about some new automatic vehicle with vintilator in transmission or small hose for air flow and they worry using the car in a bit flooding road.

[@LuisPerez-id5ce]

Does it have to be checked withing 30-60seconds? When I checked a month ago it was fine. TODAY I check it and either it was low or maybe if my rear shocks are bad could it be affecting the measurement?

[@rustwrangler5506]

Hi Brian, why would the pan have pressure on a cold engine? When I pulled the plug, the fluid shot over to the passenger tire.

[@The_JpD_Show]

Great video!!!

[@HowtoAutomotive]

JpD thank you!

[@millcitychris4303]

After I swap out the transmission how much transmission fluid do I need three and a half or 7

[@hamranhasan1034]

My car have a very noise transmission on N&P gear. Does it problem wrong direction when install the torque converter?

[@richardouellette4505]

What about the external inline filter

[@kevinmcelheran4489]

When should the in-line filter be changed?

[@saludparatodos1837]

Can you change the filter too?

[@ClickLikeAndSubscribe]

Refill with 3.25 quarts of fluid, per the video @2:19

[@josemariaperez6439]

How do I change out the transmission filter for 2002 honda crv??

[@williammize8270]

Use Honda transmission fluid it in your manual if you have one 3.25 I think quarts 02-06 crv 2.4 4cyl

[@rajashekaran5715]

Hi, mine is 2006 honda crv, do I need to change every 60.000 miles? I have never changed some far, I have done140.000.

[@antonios4926]

Thanks for the video.From uk

[@HowtoAutomotive]

ANTONIOS thank you for watching!

[@lenbata]

Does it have transmission filter?

[@LSMG2004]

Thank you, sir! Great video

[@HowtoAutomotive]

A Mejia thank you for watching! Have you done the service yet and did everything go smooth?

[@LSMG2004]

@@HowtoAutomotive I actually ran into the issue that my transmission dip stick is missing. But I wouldn't have known that without your video, so now I have to get that before I can proceed. I'm fairly certain that the previous owner never changed the fluid, so I will go with your advice and just change the fluid instead of flushing it

[@HowtoAutomotive]

A Mejia you can change the fluid again in a couple of months for best results.

[@LSMG2004]

@@HowtoAutomotive awesome, thanks again!

[@Andr1019_]

Hello everyone, I’ve hit my first delima! My daughter has a 2005 Honda CRV EX AWD that I am trying to complete a drain and fill on her transmission, and did a drain and almost exactly 3.3 quarts came out (I did measure so confident on amount). Dumped in exactly 3.3 quarts of DW1 back into the transmission. These numbers seem to be what I should have expected from my research on the make/model/year. started car and ran the trans thru all the gears to distribute fluid and let it warm to operating temperature. turned the car OFF and pulled the dipstick, wiped and checked the level…the fluid is not even touching the bottom of the dipstick :(. I will add that this car has zero leaks of any kind….it’s been a great car and has no shifting issues at this time. Here’s the funny thing….I can go out after it sits all night and check it cold and it is exactly even with the top of the XXXX marks on the dipstick. So everybody I talk to is saying car must be at operating temperature then shut car off and check level on level ground within 60 seconds and no more than 90 seconds, and when I do this the dipstick is completely dry but shows perfect after sitting all night and cold. Sooooo, do I need to add until full when it’s warm (which would be putting in much more than the recommended 3.3 quarts) or are late models different and need to be checked cold? It seems if I add more fluid when warm, that the level would be way over max when cold. I know Hondas are picky on fluid levels and don’t want to hurt her car. Thanks in advance for any help you can give to explain what I’m doing wrong!

[@DadiiePayasoxD]

Why mine has a 1/4 inch pipe coming out . Can you help me ? It is a different motor maybe ?

[@JustifyJustin]

I speak under correction but isn't the correct protocol to flush it using 3x 3 bottles?

[@marcoardiano2652]

Buenas tardes que pasa si la luz del tablero de directo no funciona

[@DanielSchoonover]

Hey, this video is great. I just want to confirm. Replacing the Trans Fluid will also take care of both the front diff and transfer case as they are all part of the same system on a 04 Auto CRV? Thanks for your time.

[@OnTheAir]

No, the transmission fluid only is for the transmission and front drive (transaxle). The rear differential has its own fluid supply. The rear differential is a bit more difficult to change but inexpensive. Usually needs to be replaced before the 100,000 miles specified by Honda. I drain and replace rear diff. fluid every 60,000 miles or so. You must use only the specified Honda brand rear differential fluid.

[@jesuscabrera6865]

Question, does it have to be that kind of transmission fluid? Or can like valvaline be ok?

[@hackdeez1075]

Use honda genuine fluid they are sensitive transmissions

[@renzrenz3465]

I have 04 crv ang has 135k miles. I bought it 2ndhand with no service info. I think it has original ATF and Im thinking to replace it. Any suggestions?

[@1966johnnywayne]

Better safe than sorry.

[@vickistevenson3660]

So Curious do I have to take it to the Honda dealership for transmission check

[@jonny3031]

I have a question about my 06 CRV VSA switch. Should it press and depress (make the click sound) like the cruise control button

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Patrick johns I’m not sure.

[@maximilianbutton5389]

Patrick johns yes. My 06 CRV clicks and stays pressed when the system is off, the orange triangle with an exclamation mark lights up on dash, and returns to initial position when turned back on (default).

[@slugbug55]

Will changing the ATF fix a trans slip? My 2004 CR-V slips a bit when going into high gear and engine revs to 5.5k when this happens. It has 200.00 km which is about 124,00 miles.

[@tatialo37]

Trans slip, not enough fluid. Change, then add .

[@slugbug55]

@@tatialo37 In my case this did not help at all. I guess my transmission is on its way out. It slips under load in all gears.

[@hailamsaochu3anitquavay627]

Thank you very much

[@SergioJr04]

One question, the oil filter is also changed together with the transmission oil?

[@LLF1234]

There's a video on it, but the short answer is no. Unless the filter has any damage to it or is leaking.

[@nunyabiznes5792]

no filter?

[@carolinazapata9921]

OK so I have a Honda CRV 05 and I like to know where is the transmission control module in my vehicle and how do I know when it’s bad can anybody tell me or send me a diagram please

[@V3ctor003]

Yes, here you go

[@danielguzman8346]

I have a 04 honda crv. I was told to replace the transmission oil. Do you recommend to change it with 164k miles?

[@99pkon]

Did you change it?

[@danielguzman8346]

@@99pkonyes I did. I went to my local oil changer.

[@basserx2]

Is there a trans filter to change on this also?

[@weiss27md]

no

[@ybanag]

Question: After draining some fluid out, can I also insert a tube into the dipstick hole and siphon/pump out more fluid from there? What are your thoughts on synthetic fluid. My 05 CRV 162k (changed @ 75k, 115k honda suggest normal @120k, +90k) is starting to slightly shudder and whine only when accelerating then goes away. Mechanic says it is an issue with Hondas and just replace tranny fluid more frequently.

[@juancardec3849]

My 2006 4wd honda crv was shuddering alot and it was the rear differential fluid

[@JoeSmith-kq6wu]

Why did you not change the inline filter just below the radiator?

[@taniamendoza2626]

Y el filtro onde lo lleba

[@themachine8009]

I own a 04 crv, never replaced the tranny fluid. Do u recommend me to do it? The car has run good so far. Someone told me not to do it cuz it will break at this point cuz it’s used to the metal shavings now. Thanks in advance.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Themachine If it’s not having any problems at all I would say it’s OK to service it. But if it is showing signs of a problem servicing it may cause more problems.

[@themachine8009]

How to Automotive thank you so much for your prompt response. I’d do that. I didn’t know much about cars till the last six months that I’ve been catching up. You tube is fascinating. I’m 45 years old now now and I was always told just replaced the engine oil. But there’s more to it if we want a long healthy car. I’m gonna keep learning and keep your vids coming. The car now has 200,000k miles and it runs great. I’m not a heavy driver. Maybe that why it has lasted me for so long. I’m planning to replace the coolant as well. It’s never been replaced. Thank you again

[@antonios4926]

@@themachine8009 Me too 2004 CRV 110,000 miles trans never been changed. I bought Honda ATF too but too worried it might cause problems, when there are none. Did u change the trans fluid in the end? I too have just started to change parts on my car as i have just retired. From Cyprus

[@antonios4926]

@@themachine8009 Thanks for the reply.

[@renzrenz3465]

@@antonios4926 did you change?.what happened.

[@lovegodessmls28]

I just got a used 2003 honda crv. Is it just me or are the transmission shifts a little jumpy. You can feel it kick a little. Is that normal or is that how honda tramsmissions are?

[@ABrokenSociety]

Mine does that as well. I changed my spark plugs and it seems to have made things a bit smoother. Do you have a ticking noise from your engine when it's warmed up, too? I'd like to know of that's normal since my mechanic actually told me it doesn't sound concerning. I thought I needed a valve adjustment.

[@lovegodessmls28]

@@ABrokenSociety mine does have a ticking but i believe it may just be because its a dohc, the engine is louder for a four cylinder. It may actually be the injectors.

[@renzrenz3465]

Try to change the shift solenoid

[@luissalasdehernandez2731]

I can't find the dip stick in my 2006 crv Honda. Does it really have one? Help me please!

[@ChrisLinder82]

You have to reach down between the battery and the air filter on the right side. It's a ways down there and you have to wiggle it around to get it to clear a hose. It has a yellow handle. Shine a light down there and you should find it.

[@luissalasdehernandez2731]

I've found it. Thanks a lot!!

[@maximilianbutton5389]

Luis Salas De Hernandez see? Another miracle where the sealed transmission is now unsealed! Lol!

[@RMalai]

I have the same problem. could not see the yellow dipstick. have to go back to check again. there is another black covered hole with no dipstick. i dont know what is that one.

[@604roger]

Malai Samy Ramamoorthy its yellow. Probably turned black from dirt. Clean and check color

[@brianreyes5410]

What is the torque spec to tight it back up?

[@markrodgers1965]

35ftlb

[@essss9]

Hi how do I change the transmission filter?

[@embowling554]

Yes I wonder

[@mikon3270]

One is inside the transmission and there is another inline filter that is below the radiator that connects with the inlet and outlet trans line to the radiator. you can change out.

[@joeyhdz3435]

@@mikon3270how to change the one on the inside if the transmission is a sealed transmission?

[@steveh365]

Isn't there an actual fill port like the Odyssey has? 17 mm hex for a socket? Also the Odyssey has an actual filter to change, small black can filter about 2" diameter x 2 " long... How often should it be changed? I just serviced my '03 Odyssey this way.

[@McSlabbers]

Naw, different engine entirely

[@chrisgilbert9994]

What about trans filter replacement ??

[@HowtoAutomotive]

The filter in this transmission is basically a screen and not worth the effort to pull it apart to change it. It’s mainly meant to catch big chunks and if you have that issue you have bigger problems anyways.

[@thexflexclan]

Hey I have a question a have one of those 05 Crv and some how when I start the car won’t even see my check engine light flashing at all I know it supposed to show up when you start the key on position 2

[@HowtoAutomotive]

fredy Calderon I have seen the bulbs burn out. You’ll have to pull the cluster and check the board on the backside.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

* bulb

[@thexflexclan]

How to Automotive but so far I know those are Led bulds and it’s soldering with the circuit board o tried to check the other day and some how I ending up with the gas needle fell out ;( I tried to put it back and fuel gauge won’t work like it not accurate the light comes on when the needle it’s more then 1/4 of tank

[@angelisone]

@@thexflexclan How to Automotive is wrong. The Check Engine Light and Airbag Light are LEDs not bulbs. Do you know how to use a DVV (digital volt meter)? You will need it for troubleshooting.

[@thexflexclan]

angelisone i do how yo use it I think I tried to check for power in the soldering and it shows power but idk the light won’t light up

[@jreilly2213]

Would this be the same for the manual transmission?

[@carlinogonzalino4090]

How can I change the Filter?

[@antonios4926]

I could not get to mine out, so i just changed the oil. Still passed the inspection. Its very hard turn the filter to get it out. I cannot find my car tracker any idea where they install it. Honda CRV 2004.

[@josephmetro9543]

Filter???

[@332ARA]

no filter change?

[@gabew1503]

From what I've read the filter is inside the transmission on these vehicles.

[@JorgeGonzalez-vb2cs]

@@gabew1503 there is also an inline filter that is just under the radiator

[@Krel-888]

Hi i have a question everyone can reply, do i have to perform a transmission flush every 30,000 miles? i am using the recommended one from honda, did 3 times of drain and fill. do i have to perform flush or just drain and fill once?

[@JustifyJustin]

I have it as every 90 000 miles for an automatic transmission on the CRV mk 2.

[@DrewLivin]

Anyone have a crv with a stiff clutch and difficult to put into gear?

[@angelisone]

Have & seen many of these gas guzzler troubled CR-V. Has so much problem like a Ford. Remove the battery & housing assy. Take out those solenoids (sits on top & side of transmission) a clean, replace those O-rings and lube & install back in.

[@williamklein6749]

Should do this three consecutive times to replace all the fluid.

[@deseremere]

No need if you do it every 40K-50k miles. For newer Honda vehicles ATF service after 40-50K miles is a standard procedure, and it is only one drain.

[@user-oe1nt4pp8n]

That's more of a ATF change, not really a drain, a lot of the transmission fluid is still going to be in the torque converter.

[@karleencabigas131]

Do I really need Honda ATF?

[@ABrokenSociety]

Most Honda people will tell you yes, however you just need to buy Idemitsu brand ATF-DW1. It's fully compatible with the 02-06 CR-V gen, and idemitsu actually supplies Honda's OEM fluid. They're literally the same thing. Idemitsu is a good $3 less a quart, though!

[@Krel-888]

Always use HONDA GENUINE. Honda transmissions are extremely sensitive.

[@ABrokenSociety]

@@Krel-888 My comment above explains why that's incorrect. OEM Honda fluid is overpriced. Idemitsu's fluid is one to one the EXACT same fluid. They make Honda's fluid.

[@angelisone]

@@ABrokenSociety ATG, you & I are correct. Been using it for over 2 decades. People get conned into thinking that they must by Honda.

[@angelisone]

@@ABrokenSociety What do you use for the rear differential fluid?

[@CarlWF6J]

Size of crush washer? didn't see it anyplace

[@beast64375]

440k miles on mine and still going...

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Nice!

[@josephmetro9543]

Didnt even mention in line filter front of car

[@BruceBalistreri]

Sorry to be a cheapo, but do I REALLY need the washer?

[@robinwilson-sauls9891]

FILTERS????

[@NilsJakobson]

transmission service without replacing transmission fluid filter? are you kidding me?

[@Gods_Patriot]

Internal filter. Just change your fluid regularly and youre good

[@hemtet5500]

Is this automatic, manual I wish you would say in the title save wasting time

[@jaymekuan4869]

The fluid is ATF which stands for automatic transmission fluid.

[@hemtet5500]

@Jayme Kuan yeah it would be nice if there was just some mention of it anywhere in the title we're not all Americans with the Grandma drive train

[@frankciccone8559]

If you watched it, you would have seen him shift from P to R to N-D-2-1. Just like your granny.

[@hemtet5500]

@@frankciccone8559 my granny or anyone else I know would drive this lame crap

[@vickistevenson3660]

I was looking at your video and you are incorrect, my 2004 CRV Honda has a sealed transmission and no dip stick

[@HowtoAutomotive]

vicki stevenson I'm sure your vehicle has a dipstick and is not a sealed unit. It may be difficult to find but it's in there. And this is something you can definitely do yourself no need to take to the dealership.

[@vickistevenson3660]

How to Automotive no dip stick even hand mechanic look at it ..but thanks for the reply

[@maximilianbutton5389]

vicki stevenson no offense, but you should fire your mechanic! Call your Honda dealer if you don’t believe me and you will be surprised that they will be happy to service your “sealed” transmission for $300. It temporarily becomes unsealed while they do it, then it is sealed again, so you feel that you can’t do it on your own. Or, you can take your time and do it properly for under $90 yourself if you’re comfortable with doing own oil change. Procedure is almost the same. Best wishes!

[@MrSbfan2000]

I'm sorry but don't trust them....I had a car that was a "sealed system" even had a mechanic check. Then when the transmission blew up I found out that it had a very cleverly hidden dipstick. Not really such a thing has a sealed system...at the very least there is a way to fill it when it's changed.

[@maximilianbutton5389]

MrSbfan2000 I agree. That mechanic was either too smart and lazy to do tranny service, or was so incompetent that couldn’t find the dipstick and played it dumb saying it’s a sealed unit. Shame on him. Thanks to the author for the great video and everyone who commented. Best wishes to ya all!

[@LairdScooby]

Please, NO!!!! NOT DW-1! It has been shown to fry torque converters on pre-2007 cars, use an aftermarket Z-1 equivalent instead! Z-1 or an aftermarket equivalent is thicker when hot than DW-1 is when it's cold, in other words at its thinnest, Z-1 is thicker than DW-1 at its thickest. Currently trying to recover my 2002 CR-V from some idiot filling the box with DW-1! Other than that, great vid! 👍