2016 Honda Civic transmission fluid change 

Thank you. I had a oil leak and it turned out that transmission plug had worked itself out and I had a leak. I couldn't find a repair manual so I took to RU-vid and found your video. Thank you, you helped confirm my diagnosis and showed exactly how to change the fluid and identified all of the components.

Thanks for all the tips and tricks to do a complete fluid change. Video clarity was excellent too!

Great video, I just changed mine out. Instructions were spot on. Thanks again.

One of the best-explained CVT fluid changes I’ve viewed thus far. Good job 👍

Great video, thank you! I was waiting for a good video before I tackled this on mine. Liked and subscribed.

Great tutorial! Dealership keeps sending me emails to try to get me to change my CVT Transmission Fluid on my 2019, which is a total scam since it has less than 5K miles. Looked at the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual and it shows like 25K miles at the lowest if you live in a smoggy, mountainous area, and drive at low speeds frequently. The maintenance guide of the owner's manual says to bring it to the dealership with: "Do not attempt to check or change continuous variable transmission fluid yourself". I've worked on my own cars and figured that was bogus. Turns out it is. Thanks for putting this video together!

Totally agree with your viewpoint on Honda transmissions! I had one changed on my Odyssey for around $5000. I learned my lesson and now change the trans fluid every 14k miles on all my Hondas with Honda fluid.

Thanks, I do my own maintenance too and I was unsure of how to check how much fluid is in the transmission. This is the only video that I’ve seen that explains how to remove the level check bolt to be sure of the level. Thanks again.

Thank you for the video. There are many tutorial videos but you are the one of the two videos I found that actually involved check bolt. Great job on that.

I also put a K&N filter in my air box. I think it noticeably improves throttle response, especially when aggressively passing someone on the highway. I love how you get all the torque down low between 2500-4000 rpm. This CVT is underrated. It makes it a very satisfying commuter car

I saw you, Danny A, removed the check bolt and it looks quite big. I think I can use a hose to insert into the check hole and on the upper end I use the funnel to fill in the fluid. That makes the job more easier for us. Next time to change my transmission fluid for my 2016 Civic, I use this method. Thanks for showing us the Video.

Love the details others have missed. The fill check is nice.

I opened my checkbolt and kept it level. Mine was overfilled. Glad I seen this video

Your edits are awesome man. Great video 👍👍🤘🤘💙💙

Thanks to this video I successfully serviced my 2016 Honda Civic#Doityourself

Great video. All ready to change my cvt fluid. Big help!

Quick tip for people looking to do this: Take the fill plug off AFTER you take the drain bolt off. I had the fill plug off when I took the drain bolt off and the fluid came out horizontally and went all over my driveway before I could move my pan in time.

Wow thanks for posting this video! My son has a 2018 civic and I was just wondering how to replace trans fluid so we can start doing it n our own, it’s getting to the point where the cost for service at the dealership has sky rocketed that doing most of the service ourselves will be more financially beneficial!

Changed the CVT fluid at 50, 000 km. The fluid was very clean, and no metal dust on magnetic drain plug, seems like Honda's CVT was properly engineered. would recommend doing the fluid change based on the service indicator on the dash.

Job well done! Great video my man.

Perfect, thanks for the detailed instruction.

There is a filter for the CVTs. There’s one located inside the CVT fluid pan (Part #25420-5LJ-003) and another under the air box assembly that you remove to access it. This filter is a paper filter (Part #25450-P4V-013) that I change with every CVT fluid change since it’s responsible for catching the fine to medium particles in the transmission. It’s a simple change too. All you have to do is remove three bolts to remove the housing and the filter is located inside. Recommend replacing at least that filter to maximize transmission longevity. Wouldn’t recommend replacing the oil pan filter often since it’s responsible for filter the big chunks of metal and as long as you’re good with servicing the fluids this shouldn’t be an issue. Hope this helps anyone! 🤙🏽

The best video i ever seen. Thank men you did a good job.. tumbs up 😁

Thanks for sharing! This video is really helpful for me.

Loved the honesty and hard work. Would love to see more service videos. And will subscribe to your channel as well. Hope you make a service video on a 2019 civic touring.

You should change the external transmission filter too. Located forward of the fill plug inside that silver cap/cover. Also, replace both "O" rings inside of the transmission filter cover plate, since you did all that work to removes the air box.

Thank you for this! Just did mine today.

Hey, Danny! This is a great video, I will probably be using this as a guide to change my ATF by myself for the first time. My question is, what tools should I have at the ready? Obviously some screwdrivers, maybe long nose pliers? Please advise, thanks! :)

Thanks to this video, i was able to do my transmission oil today. It was a success but i had some minor hipcups. When i was all done and started my car, i started getting multiple warning signs , like power steering is failure, brake, downhill, cant remember the rest but im guessing is when i un plug the sensor from the air intake box. After like 10 to 15 min it fix itsself.

you explained very perfectly. it's very helpful video. love from pakistan ❤😊

That's EXACTLY right about it to a mechanic! Don't trust em. Well said brother 👏

Thanks man, very detailed video.

A great service, very well done, One comment, you can use what brand name you like, however it has to meet or exceed the Honda spec. HCF-2 and say so right on the bottle There are some great CVT fluids on the market, But you need to buy one with the Honda spec. HCF-2 More than likely for half the Price

Nice work Danny.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEO IT IS VERY INSTRUCTIVE. I LOVE IT

I greatly appreciate this video. Exactly what I was hoping to find. It gave me the courage to make me think I can do it! Ha! So imma give it a go! Where can I find intervals on when to service radiator (drain and fill)? I don't want to rely on "maintenance minder" feature. And should cooling system be flushed? I can't find anything in the manual, forums or by contacting the dealer. Thanks for the vid! 👍😊

Great video! Do you happen to know the part numbers or mm sizes for the crush washers for both bolts?

Thanks for the video, I just changed my transmission fluid today, for those interested the car requested the fluid change at somewhere around 50,000 miles and I changed it at 51,xxx miles because that was when it was due for an oil change as well. Also the crush washers for the drain and check bolts are different sizes on my car. The check bolt washer is a 20mm ID x 28 mm OD aluminum washer. The drain bolt crush washer is a 18mm ID x 26 mm OD aluminum washer. I did not have a new check bolt crush washer and couldn't get one in a reasonable time frame so I wet sanded the crush washer on a flat surface using 220 grit sandpaper and continued sanding with progressively finer sandpaper stopping at 600 grit. I got this idea from a knowledgeable sounding fella on RU-vid. You can look up the video by searching "how to reuse a crush washer". I know that's not ideal but nothing is ideal in a pinch. It doesn't leak anyways. I hope this helps some people out!

Thank you so much the dealer was charging me a arm and a leg for the service

You just did a drain and fill so you didn’t get ALL of the old fluid out. Plus, some drained back out. Drain and fills never really get 100% of the fluid out. Nice detailed video though. Good honest correct information. Never use any other transmission fluid in a Honda/Acura other than the OEM fluid. There is a filter inside the transmission fluid pan. Two bolts hold it on. Cheap and easy to do. You don’t need it yet though with your mileage.

Thanks for this very helpful

Hey man, great video. How did you jack up the car so that you were able to get the jack stands under the correct jacking points? The only other jacking point i know of in the center of the car, my jack just cannot reach or get under there. I've got ramps, which I'm assuming would be ok, but I'm a big guy and there is very little room under there when I change the oil.

Nice video. I clean my drain pan, carefully pour what I drained into a clean empty graduated 5 qt oil jug, then replace exactly what I drained.

Hi danny nice vídeo but I have a question I have a Honda Civic 1.5 touring can I do it like that too and why u didn’t change the transmission filter ?

thanks for showing you are awesome.

Thanks for making this video

I'm starting to do everything myself now. Mechanics charge me up the ass for my LX model. I now know how to change the oil and the filter, and reset the oil life. If you can please let me know what else I can do myself that would be tremendous help. Saves money and I would atleast be a mechanic for my car lol

Thanks for the great vid

6:37 you can fill up thru check hole and you save a yourself a hasle from removing the air filter.I used clear hose like for aquarium but thicker.But you are right my is Honda HRV so air box is not in the way like civic

Have you ever decided to change the CVT transmission filter? It is inside the warmer assembly. A few bolts, it's near the top of the transmission in the engine bay, under the airbox.

Thanks for this video. Can you add a video on changing engine coolant?

I have yet to do this but I am willing to bet going through the fill plug wouldn't be that bad with a pump and some tubing from home depot. I have a mazda cx9 and I do it that way when changing the fluid in my ptu unit...just one less thing to break if you can do it that way.

Got a question on the video you mention at16:21 did u start the car n have it running while you we’re switching gear?

Can you post the Honda part numbers for the drain plug crush washer and the check bolt crush washer?

Screw it, you got a like subscribe and a bell. Nice video.

Hii i need your help, my 2016 civic 1.5 turbo has problem on the CVT transmission, i have a CVT transmission from a 2017 civic 2.0 naturally aspirated, they are the same transmission? Tks

Good explanation. Thanks

nice helpful and informative video

Excellent instructional video...I'm curious why you didn't also change the cvt transmission filter (3 verticle bolts) that's right in the front of the fill hole? Could that have possibly been the other 1/4 to 1/2 qt to equal the 3.7 qt fill ratio ?

Does it mention anything in the service manual that the transmission fluid needs to be at a certain temperature when checking level?

Wow, I own this car as well as a 2012 Camry. The tranny fluid change is 10x harder on the Camry. So much so I don't want to do it myself. But for my Civic, yeah I will easily do this myself.

Thanks for your help

To avoid removing the air box you can buy a double funnel pump. Definitely makes it easier

Does the car have to be perfectly level? Im on ramps in the front and jacked the back. My garage is sloped. So im unuse what level really is.ni think the back is a tad lower then the front of the car. Not sure how sensitive the transmission is to over filling? Ill measure the liquid which was drained to see how much came out.

Do you check oil levels via check bolt when engine is hot or cold or warm? Read CVT oil expands 10% when hot.

Jack, could I just measure how much fluid comes out, then replace it with the exact amount of fluid? I have no way of getting the car level so I cant do the check bolt methood.

should the car cool down for at least 12 hours like in morning time to change trasmission fluid.. i herd do not change while its hot

Thank you so much. How do you know which crush washers to get? If I'm looking on Amazon, it's confusing

my 2016 civic has 170,000 miles lol. Never had a problem. iv changed my TF twice. will do it soon again.

The trans fluid filter is where the oil cooler is and it CAN be ordered at the dealer. If they can find it, get the part # off the internet and give it to them. Or order a Wix from Rock Auto.

Great video. So now that you know it takes 3-1/4 quarts, do you think next time you will leave the check bolt installed and just put in 3-1/4 quarts?

Im having a hard time getting the drain bolt off. Should I use a breaker bar? Is it a 1/2" drive or 3/8" drive?

My 2017 civic EX has 190K km on it, bought it with 30K km on it. About to do my first CVT oil change. 1. On a manual I found it says to run the car till operating temperature and then start to drain/fill the oil. Is this necessary does the oil amount/thickness change with temperature? 2. Can I just add the same amount of CVT oil back in which drained out? Without having to go through the check bolt procedure? 3. Read if a car has gone long without a CVT oil change that a full flush is not recommended as it can damange the transnission by removeing the sludge, is this true? If so a oil change would be enough? Regards, Rev

Nice Video very informative. Did I miss hearing about a certain fluid temperature? I don't have Honda car, just curious.

Hey i had a question can I use that same fluid on a honda accord 2018 sport?

Going to try this this weekend! Question! You let the fluid come out of the check bolt and let it flow until it just dribbles...By doing that and fluid draining out, wouldn't that hinder the amount of fluid you're putting in and be the incorrect amount? What would be the difference between just adding the 3.7 liters from the get go?

Thanks man I appreciate it

Can you do a video how to flush and refill a Honda Civic 2016 coolant system;please? THANKS

Can you make a video on how to jack up the front and rear of the civic to get the whole car on jack stands?

Hey I see you have a K&N filter. Did it improve your mpg or performance?

Hey man! Question, where did you buy your transmission fluid. Cant find any stores that sell the honda genuine transmission fluid

Whats the difference in the plugs that are removed for the engine oil and transmission oil?

Once the flowing stop you need to start the car then refill again then open again the check bolt then wait again to stop the flow? I dont understand :(

Great Job, and I agree.

Closed the check bolt and just put 3.7 when honda services it they just drop 4, mine calls for 2.3 quarts and dealer put 3

Can I ask what tool you used to take off the the plastic clips.

I have had my 2017 for about 70k. I suppose it would be wise to get the tran fluid changed ASAP?

Thsnks, this wss good.

At 16:50 when you started the car and ran through the gears is it okay that the air filter is still off? Also what did you torque the check bolt to?

The key to a honda transmissions longevity is not the oil it the temperatures they’ve always had a history of running really hot a good way to make them last is add a additional cooler

Thank you so much!

Nice Video. What's the size of the socket to remove the square-shaped drain bolt?

How often should you change your transmission fluid on a Honda Civic 2016? I took it to the dealer for an inspection yesterday and they suggested I do that because the car has 32000 miles and they recommended at every 30,000 miles. When I looked online, I see a range from 37500 miles to 90,000 miles. Are they just trying to scam me?

Done! Thanks for the terrific video again. Made me sort of feel like a man 😂 I assume 'check engine' light will eventually go off?

Hey my friend! Me again. I had intended to dive into this tomorrow (along with an oil change). I can't seem to find jack points. I've googled my brains out for it. I know about the pinch welds to rest it on jack stands, but not the actual jack points to lift it to be able to rest on jack stands. If you or any viewer can advise, MUCH obliged! Thanks

My 2018 Civic EXT with the 1.5 liter turbo, GDI, CVT. I change the transmission fluid every 35k miles. I currently have 122,600 trouble free miles. Hoping to get at least 300k miles without repairing the engine, turbo,or transmission. 🙏

Very informative video. I'm wondering if that is"too often tho". 45-60k to replace the fluid should new enough I imagined. What does the service manual calls for?

I have a 2018 Honda Accord LX With 30,000 miles is it time for a transmission fluid change?????

Does CVT transmission oil expand in volume if it is old and dirty? My 2017 civic now has 190K km on it, and bought it used with 30K km on the odometer. First CVT oil swap I'm doing and think I may had my car slanted forward as when I drained the oil, 4.8 litres came out. Now I only have 4 litres to refil the car with. Do I simply use the 4 litre and add 0.8L of the old oil I've taken out? I don't know if the old dirty oil expands in volume. And I'm hesitant to use the bolt level check if indeed the CVT volume expands of the car is not leveled properly. What do you guys think?

On my civic it says transmission oil is it the same as transmission fluid