2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Hello i am new to this site as i just bought a 2007 hybrid. Anyways I performed a cvt fluid flush today. it was very easy I have an image to share because it tells a story. Ask me anything you got trouble with or questions with because i will be doing all kinds of preventative maintenance to keep my honda running like new.

About the CVT fluid change: Very simple to do it by yourself. usually one has to only use 3 quarts to do a fluid change every 30,000 miles but when i bought the car the owner did not change it for 114,000 miles so i had to do a flush meaning changing it 3 times. I had to use 13 quarts. Each drain and fill took about 3.3 quarts of fluid. Between each drain and fill i took the car for a drive in city and on highway for about 10 miles.

Here is the picture i was talking about: In this image you will see what tools are needed, short description of what i performed. It also shows before and after images of cvt fluid condition. puts into perspective why one should change the every fluid on time as required to avoid costly repairs.

http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/...luidchange.jpg

you can see how dirty the fluid was and how clean it is now after draining it 3 times. Next time, after 30,000 miles, i will only use 3.3 quarts instead of using 13 quarts as I did this time.

let me know if you have trouble seeing the image. I have to figure out how to work this thread.
Attachment 2787

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

You probably should change whenever the M/M indicates that you have to. Mine tells me it is time at about 30,000 Kilometers. I think if I remember correctly it is indicated by the # 4 or #3? Nice post! H

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

I know this thread is old but I wanted to add my own observations:

I just did a CVT fluid change on a 2006 HCH with just 28K miles. CVT fluid has never been changed as far as I can tell.

I did a drain and fill of 3qt, and the first drain looks like the OP's "first drain" picture in color. Additionally, the magnet on my drain plug was completely covered with black fuzz.
I did another drain and fill of 3qt a week later; it looks like the OP's "flush #1"picture.
At this point, the magnet on my drain plug had some black fuzz.

Based on my observations and this post, I may do another drain!

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

I would agree 100% on a 3rd change 1-2 weeks after the second. From that point continue to replace the fluid every other oil change. This will put you on a 12-15000 mile replacement schedule. Changing fluid is really the only thing that you can do to keep a CVT healthy. $30 every 12-15000 miles is worth it to me.

On HCH1 and Insight, you can drop the pan and replace an internal filter as well as clean off a larger magnet on the wall of the CVT. I haven't done this myself, but I plan to give it a shot on the higher mileage HCH2.

On another matter, it seems that you've switched to IC for your charge/discharge efforts. It would be nice to post the results in your 4 mile hill thread when you're done.

Steve

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

The CVT filter on HCH II looks to be external to the pan, it is actually an in-line filter.

In my old Subaru I actually unplugged the ATF oil line while the engine was running to do a self-forced flush and this might also be possible safely with the HCHII. Not sure, not really worth investigating since 3 drain-fills gets 90% of the fluid. That was not true with the Subby.

Dropping the pan is not a bad idea though, there might be a lot of gunk in there that you can manually clean out by wiping the surfaces clean. However I noticed that the CVT drain plug is located below the pan which pretty much guarantees that you get all/most of the fluid from the pan out. In some pans the plug location guarantees that 1/4qt remains in the pan but HCHII pan looks like it won't have much left after a drain on level ground.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...NSMISSION+CASE

You can see two more magnets (items 6 & 7 on the inside of the pan), and I think you're right...

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...NK&vinsrch=yes

Item 19 appears to be an inline filter.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Oh didn't know about the extra magnets in the pan. Yes it would be nice to clean those out so that they can grab new shavings instead of holding on to old shavings.

Official Honda service manual (I caved and bought a CD from eBay) gives you step by step on replacing the inline CVT fluid filter. As you can imagine it is dead simple. But it appears to be one of those "lifetime" parts? If it is anything like the Insight CVT filter it probably could use a replacement.

http://www.insightcentral.net/forums...vt-filter.html

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

LOL... I did the same... CD Manual off eBay. I never thought to check it. I swear when I don't have a hard copy, I have a hard time remembering to "check the manual."

Honestly, I think the purpose of running the CVT fluid through the radiator is to heat it rather than cool it. Even after extended driving, my fluid is only warm to the touch. Cooler weather/cooler fluid seems to create engagement issues on both cars.

I'm replacing that ba$tard.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

You can put a magnefine in there instead. I like the in-line magnet idea.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=2437581

EDIT: Not a straight swap though, non-oem filter may not fit the clamp, so it could dangle loose.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Hmmm... How would that work?

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

If you mean how would a person secure the magnefine filters in place of OEM, I'd think zip ties would work. If Macgyver carried around zip ties instead of duct tape he could have saved twice as many damsels in distress.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

LOL

Did an oil and CVT fluid change today. If the CVT filter were a snake, it would have bit me square in the pupil. Wow. Obvious.

While I was there, I quickly removed it and blew it out. It behaved like it had a check or bypass valve in it. On that basis, I would hesitate to replace it with anything but OEM even at ~$20.

My CVT fluid looked like crap, and I replaced it at last oil change. I was in a rush, and I didn't take the time to check to see if the pan could be dropped. I had to swap out the pack too. Some seriously crappy sticks in this one with multiple daily recals.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Yes the OEM filter has a bypass so that flow is never blocked. For what it's worth, I believe most if not all aftermarket in-line trans filters have a bypass valve on it. I know that the Magnefine I mentioned does have a bypass value.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

I have a 207k mile 07 HCH2 that I bought with 192k on it, with no maintenance records. CVT seems to work as it should.

It tells me to do a B13 service, so I guess it's time to change the CVT fluid.

Should I pick up (and replace) a filter too?

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Per my post above, I did not, but I would choose to buy a Honda replacement if I had it to do over again.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

I'm seeing two different styles of filter: a cylindrical, axial flow filter (looks about like a generic fuel filter for something with a carb):

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/QHkAA...ZV/s-l1600.jpg

and the Beck Arnley 044-0339 (or others too):

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/xcoAA...fo/s-l1600.jpg

is the latter an internal filter or something?

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Barrel type. It's readily accessible. The other one is internal. I've never seen its replacement described, nor am I confident the CVT bottom can be readily dropped with the engine installed.


If you pursue that, please post up your results.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Thanks, just wanted to make sure I get the right one.

Related: disposal of CVT fluid... do I just mix it in with used oil and take it to the auto parts store?

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

I don't remember. I keep it separate. It's basically transmission fluid. I'd ask your preferred recycler what to do with transmission fluid.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

And Honda OEM is the best option?

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

No. It's the ONLY option regardless of what marketing materials might suggest.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

25430-PLR-003 is the right part number for the filter right? The dealer didn't have a part number handy (and internet was crappy).

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Per this, it appears to be the case:

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...-+RESERVE+TANK

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Thanks. I wonder if they just searched transmission or something.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

I pulled the undertray off, did the oil, went to do CVT fluid and realized I can't find my tranny funnel (and don't have time to go grab one).

Maintenance reminder is at 5%. Is there any problem with resetting it now and replacing tranny fluid/filter next week? I assume it's just a reminder rather than changing anything.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

I never worried about the maintenance minder until it was past 0% and in the negative hundreds. :)

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

It's a high mileage car, so I'm trying to maintain it reasonably. If it actually did something other than count down I wouldn't reset it now.

Given that I don't know the maintenance history I guess I should also do the service that you recommend in your signature (plugs, EGR port, 12V reset but I'm having trouble finding the radio serial, and pick up a grid charger to cycle the battery - I get frequent recals so that should help).

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

If it's not hand-written in the owner's manual or elsewhere, you likely just need to go to the dealer with proof of ownership.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

There are various places online that refer to getting the serial number of the radio by pressing 1 and 6 simultaneously, turning ignition to accessory mode, and holding it for a while... that doesn't seem to work for me. Then, you can send it to Honda and they'll send you the code.

I'll check the owner's manual, it isn't in the car right now. On my dad's S2000 there was a little printed sheet with it on it but I don't know if that was normal.

Where you refer to idling to charge it, you mean in L? Mine doesn't tend to charge at idle unless I'm in L or very low.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Mine was hand written on a label stuck to the owners manual. Never heard about the 1&6 trick.

Not sure what you're referring to, but it will only idle charge for certain after a 12V reset (disconnect for 60 seconds and reconnect). I just leave it in P.

This makes the battery forget its SoC, so it force charges the battery at 4-5A to see how it responds, so it can calculate the SoC. Doing this 3X times consecutively can simulate a short grid charge or get a coded battery high enough to get it through emissions.

If you have the time, a 12V reset every 30 minutes followed by an idle charge can be somewhat effective in getting some function back into the pack. Tedious though.

Grid charge/discharge (conservative) can do a battery a lot of good.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

https://www.hondapartsonline.net/blo...nda-radio-code and I've seen it elsewhere too. It claims it gives you the serial, which you can use to get the code.

Only doing it after a 12V reset explains it.

I see your link regarding grid charger/discharger is marked outdated - do you have a current link anywhere?

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Link is current. Info is outdated.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Right, I meant a link to current info.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

If the info was current, the link would be to current info. :)

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Regarding the radio code, it's on a Honda Anti-Theft Radio Identification Card, just like the one for my dad's car was. 66221 (not like I'm worried about someone stealing the radio).

I guess I'll do the reset tomorrow.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

I had to replace the 12V in my wife's car, and I was fortunate that the code was written in the maintenance book, in the place where it said "radio code" :)

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Thanks for this post, all. So, can someone help me with exactly how much transmission fluid the HCHII is supposed to take? The owner's manual clearly states the capacity is 3.0 US quarts. When I drain and refill, 3 qts barely registers on the bottom of the dipstick. I usually have to add somewhere around another 10-16 oz. to get it to register in the safe zone. I'm pretty sure I'm checking it correctly - engine fully warm, parked on a level surface, parking brake engaged, run shifter slowly down through all of the gears, then back up to park, pull out dipstick, wipe it off, reinsert dipstick, pull it out and read it. What am I missing? Does anyone have an exact number of quarts or ounces for best fill?

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

Not sure what you're doing. You should check it in accordance with the instructions in the owner's manual.

http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/p...6/NC0606OM.pdf

Page 195.

It takes 3 qts.

You'll know if it's low because the start clutch will slip.

Re: 2007 Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush DIY Very Easy Applies to 2006-2011
 

[QUOTE=S Keith;263249]Not sure what you're doing. You should check it in accordance with the instructions in the owner's manual.

Huh. I've been checking transmission fluid in vehicles with the engine running for so long I just assumed it was universal and never thought to check the manual. Wiping egg from face. Thanks much!!

Re: 2006.Civic Hybrid CVT Fluid Change Flush