🔧 Accord - Hybrid Transmission Fluid Change

Your Accord uses an electronic continuously variable transmission, or e-CVT. This service drains the old fluid and refills it with genuine Honda-specification fluid; it does not replace all fluid trapped inside the transmission.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Keep the Accord level and securely supported before working underneath it.
• ⚠️ Never rely on a floor jack alone; use four properly rated jack stands.
• ⚠️ The transmission and fluid may be hot. Let the vehicle cool before removing the drain plug.
• ⚠️ Do not touch, disconnect, or probe any orange high-voltage cables or connectors.
• ⚠️ High-voltage system isolation and 12-volt battery disconnection are not required for this service.
• ⚠️ Use only Honda ATF DW-1. Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid is not correct for the Hybrid e-CVT.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum, set of four)
• Wheel chocks
• 3/8-inch-drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch-drive extension
• 10mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Flat-blade trim-clip tool
• Torque wrench (10-80 ft-lbs)
• Fluid-transfer pump with 3/8-inch hose
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• Graduated measuring container (4-quart minimum)
• Long-neck funnel
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Honda ATF DW-1 transmission fluid - Qty: 3 US quarts
• Transmission drain-plug sealing washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill-plug sealing washer - Qty: 1
• Replacement underbody shield clips - Qty: As needed

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 📍 Park on a firm, level surface and apply the parking brake.
• 📍 Drive for approximately 10 minutes to warm the fluid, then switch the power system completely off.
• 📍 Chock the wheels before lifting the Accord.
• 📍 Lift and support all four corners at equal height so the vehicle remains level.
• 📍 Confirm that the replacement fluid is labeled Honda ATF DW-1.
• 📍 No infotainment service mode, scan tool, transmission relearn, or battery registration is required.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm and secure the vehicle

• Use the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Use the floor jack at the approved center lifting points, then place four jack stands beneath the approved side support points.
• Gently shake the vehicle to confirm that it is stable before going underneath.
• Keep the vehicle level for accurate filling.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield

• Put on the safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use the flat-blade trim-clip tool to release the plastic retainers without twisting them sideways.
• Use the 10mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to remove any shield bolts.
• Lower the shield and arrange its fasteners in their removal order.

Step 3: Loosen the fill plug first

• Locate the transmission fill plug on the front-facing side of the e-CVT housing.
• Place the drain pan underneath in case a small amount of fluid escapes.
• Use the 17mm socket, extension, and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to loosen and remove the fill plug.
• Inspect the plug and remove its old sealing washer.
• Do not drain the transmission until the fill plug can be removed. This prevents being left with an empty transmission that cannot be refilled.

Step 4: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Position the 8-quart drain pan directly beneath the transmission drain plug.
• Use the square end of the 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug.
• Finish removing the plug carefully by hand and allow the fluid to drain completely.
• Let it drain until only an occasional drip remains, usually 10-15 minutes.
• Pour the drained fluid into the graduated measuring container and record the amount removed.
• Normal drained fluid is reddish-brown. Metallic flakes, a burnt odor, or milky fluid require professional inspection.

Step 5: Clean and reinstall the drain plug

• Use shop towels to clean the drain plug and the transmission sealing surface.
• Remove the old washer and install one new transmission drain-plug sealing washer.
• Start the drain plug by hand to prevent cross-threading.
• Use the torque wrench with its 3/8-inch square drive to tighten the plug to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).
• A new washer helps prevent slow leaks.

Step 6: Refill the e-CVT

• Install the fluid-transfer pump on a container of Honda ATF DW-1.
• Insert the 3/8-inch pump hose into the open fill port.
• Use the fluid-transfer pump to add the same measured quantity that was drained.
• A normal drain-and-fill is approximately 2.2-2.4 US quarts (2.1-2.3 liters). Do not automatically add all three quarts.
• Pause periodically and use the graduated measuring container to track the amount added.
• Keep dirt, funnels used for other fluids, and HCF-2 fluid away from the fill opening.

Step 7: Install the fill plug

• Install one new transmission fill-plug sealing washer on the fill plug.
• Start the fill plug by hand until it turns freely against the housing.
• Use the 17mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the fill plug to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs).
• Use shop towels to wipe the transmission housing clean so any later seepage is easy to identify.

Step 8: Reinstall the splash shield

• Raise the lower shield into its original position.
• Use the flat-blade trim-clip tool to reset each reusable plastic clip before installation.
• Press the plastic clips into their original holes by hand.
• Use the 10mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to reinstall the shield bolts snugly. Do not overtighten bolts threaded into plastic retainers.

Step 9: Lower the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift each end slightly and remove the jack stands.
• Lower the Accord slowly onto level ground.
• Remove the wheel chocks only after the vehicle is fully lowered.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ With the brake pedal firmly pressed, start the Accord and verify the green “READY” indicator appears.
• ✅ Move the selector slowly through Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Park, pausing approximately three seconds in each position.
• ✅ Inspect beneath the vehicle for leakage around both transmission plugs.
• ✅ Take a gentle 10-minute test drive and confirm there are no warning messages, abnormal noises, or delayed engagement.
• ✅ Recheck the floor beneath the transmission after the test drive.
• ✅ Record the service date and mileage. No transmission-fluid maintenance reminder reset or scan-tool relearn is required.
• ✅ Take the used fluid to an authorized oil recycler or service facility; never pour it onto the ground or into a drain.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹6,000-₹11,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹2,500-₹4,500 (parts only)

You Save: ₹3,500-₹6,500 by doing it yourself!

Local labor rates vary. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.