Recently I decided to switch over to valvoline cvt in my 2019 honda civic ex-t coupe. I've noticed a fresh cvt smell when going from P to R to D if I have the fan on the upper vents. I did my 4th drain and fill last night. There's zero leaks, spills, etc. It's the strangest thing. I know plenty of people who have run valvoline cvt for years without issues and specifically this one. Is it possible I'm slightly under filled? The transmission vent tube is clear, the fill plug is secure. Just very odd. Car drives fine. So I don't get it. The picture is from the 3rd gallon of the old castrol cvt I took out. The other is what I'm putting in. Thank you in advance! Crazy how much it's taking to get all the old castrol cvt out with its red dye.
Valvoline cvt smell in vents?
- Thread starter 802civic
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Propflux01
$100 Site Donor 2025
Maybe slightly overfilled, foaming, and venting out the vent tube?
That's what I thought at first. But I'm on a lift, and I check the overfill bolt every time after warming it up until the fans come on twice. It's definitely not overfilled. I'm wondering if it's a reaction to the castrol that's still somehow in there? You'd think after 3 drain and fills it would be all out. I guess 3 years of running castrol cvt has really caked on a layer of red dye. Maybe I should do the filter behind the fluid warmer/cooler? Maybe that will help? Yes my cabin air filter is brand new too. I'm on my 4th drain and fill as of last night, so I'll drive it awhile and let the valvoline really mix in I guess. It's not a very large system, which is why I'm surprised it's still coming out red. It's certainly much less red than when I started though.
Propflux01
$100 Site Donor 2025
Only other thing I could think of is some kind of spill that’s a bit hidden. I know like gear oil, you lose one drop of that and it stinks seemingly forever. I can’t think of any other reason unless it just stinks when hot and the vent lets the smell out and it gets into your HVAC.
MolaKule
Staff member
A common psycho-medical occurrence: It's called Odoriousrememberus.
Can't help with your odor issue as I have neither a CVT nor have I used ML.
I am just curious why you're going to such lengths to switch from the Castrol, especially since your pics show the drained fluid looking quite good. Also, why is it so important that the ML not have a red tint?
I am just curious why you're going to such lengths to switch from the Castrol, especially since your pics show the drained fluid looking quite good. Also, why is it so important that the ML not have a red tint?
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