If it's that easy, I'm jealous. I just did this on our 2015 Corolla S+ with the goofy overflow "straw" system where you have to put the engine into diagnostics mode by shifting rapidly between P and N and other incantations and then it's like beat the clock when the D light comes on and you have to let the excess dribble out through the overflow tube before the D light starts blinking. I had no idea about this when I bought the car but understand this is typical for a CVT transmission - but never again!
CVT fluid change amount for 2018 CR-V drain and fill?
- Thread starter T_Mart
- Start date
On my 21 HRV the fluid change is very easy...
Last edited:
So much hokey pokey on what is generally considered simple, economical transportation.
I’ve done this on my Nissan CVT. Cold measure is the best way. I used a motor oil jug from an engine oil change to do the measuring. I let the jug drain upside down for a night to ensure it was totally empty.Honda makes it very easy to change the CVT fluid
You can just measure it and refill with the same amount, as long as you do the job cold.
I also made sure the car was level, but I don’t know that was necessary.
For those doing the "measure old and refill with same" get an economical kitchen scale from Amazon. I got one for my Corolla CVT fluid drain and refill since I wanted to see how much came out vs how much I ended putting back in minus the amount of overflow from the goofy straw mechanism. I was pleased that the amounts were within about 20 g or so. I got the Amazon Basics model for like $12 linked below. I see it's even on sale for 10 bucks! Very nice scale!
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics...254&sprefix=amazon+basics+scal,aps,158&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics...254&sprefix=amazon+basics+scal,aps,158&sr=8-1
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2021
- Messages
- 2,207
Putting back in what was pulled out operates under the assumption that what was in there was correct to begin with. If it was low from the factory or high, you’re simply redoing the same thing as prior. Putting in the stated amounts or using a dipstick or a check bolt are the best ways to do it.
In my case, it was the factory fill at 25,000 miles.
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2021
- Messages
- 2,207
I'm sorry, what?
You said my method was dependent on the previous person doing the change correctly. I matched up the factory fill amount, meaning no one else other than the Nissan factory touched the transmission.
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2021
- Messages
- 2,207
So, if the factory over or underfilled it, you just then also over or underfilled it. Just because it comes from the factory doesn't mean it's perfect.
It may be different but our son has a '22 Accord with the 10-speed transmission. We drained just a hair under 5 quarts and with the check plug removed, fluid started dribbling out at around 3-1/2 quarts. We knew that couldn't be right so we put the check plug back in, added 5 quarts, then ran it through all of the gears that we could (R, N, D, 1 - back and forth). When we pulled the check plug, it flowed out in a very, very thin, but steady stream. I'd guess that 250ml or so came out. That put us back to very close to what came out.
Do you not need to go through the gears with the CVT ?
Yes you do...
The dispensing equipment they use at the factory is way more precise than your eyeballs.
Besides that, the argument makes no sense anyways because most people don’t touch the AT/CVT fluid for 30-60-100k miles or ever and have no issues and the fluid level is never questioned.
But when it comes to changing it, all of the sudden the factory fill cannot be trusted. Makes zero sense.
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2021
- Messages
- 2,207
No one said it can’t be trusted but more and more especially since Covid, there are people finding transmissions and rearends with varying levels of fluids. GM is horrifically known for this the last couple years in underfilling truck rearends. Plus you also hear about people only pulling “4 qts” of ATF or engine oil out when it takes 4.5 or what have you. Or you see “it took me 5.5qts to reach mid dipstick” when it says to put in 5qts.
I’m simply saying that just because what was taken out, whether ATF, engine oil, etc. doesn’t mean that’s what was automatically supposed to go back in. Trust but verify.
It’s a nice way of saying “I don’t trust”
But then, why is this “verify” needed at the AT change? Wouldn’t it make sense to verify the level as soon as you get the vehicle?
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2021
- Messages
- 2,207
Putting together vehicles is a human endeavor. There will never be zero defects. To think otherwise is plain idiocy.It’s a nice way of saying “I don’t trust”
But then, why is this “verify” needed at the AT change? Wouldn’t it make sense to verify the level as soon as you get the vehicle?
This all comes down to the factory and whether or not they calibrate their filling equipment or even check it often enough. What I've seen, these systems are dummy-proof. The operator inserts the filler and either pushes a 'go' button or pulls a handle (like a fuel pump) and it automatically clicks off at the correct level.
Personally, I would always suggest doing the level check at least once yourself and after that, you can use the measure-and-refill-with-the-same-amount method safely and confidently (unless you have a leak).
If the proper fluid level check is too hard, get a trusted shop to do it. I just had our GS350 trans flushed because it it too much trouble without a lift, not to mention I am 71... I asked them their procedure.
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2021
- Messages
- 2,207
Whilst we’d like to think that’s true, we’ve seen examples, even on here, of trucks being under filled from the factory. So it can and does happen. Now, whether or not the amount that’s off is going to hurt anything is another discussion.
