Went to my local Honda dealer today to buy 4 quarts of CVT fluid and washers for the drain and refill bolts.

The parts guy said it refills from the top, that their technicians don't open the side bolt so they don't change that washer.

Which means that they're just dumping in the amount of fluid they think is right, not filling it until it drains from the side hole.

Wondering if I should do the same thing because it's easier, or is there so much stuff to take apart to get to the top fill hole that it's not worth the trouble.

 

Most of the YouTube videos I watched ignored that middle drain plug. And most of the descriptions I've seen posted here and elsewhere likewise ignored that middle drain plug and simply estimate/measure the amount of fluid required. It's probably a fairly accurate method.

That being said, the proper procedure is to slightly overfill from the top, then on a level surface start the vehicle, slowly move the gear lever through all of the settings to get rid of any air pockets, then turn the engine off and open the middle drain plug and allow the excess to now drain from it. When finished the fluid is exactly level with that middle drain plug and is at the exact proper level for the transmission.

You can use either method. There are arguments both ways. My own preference would be to do it the proper way but not having been through it for the first time yet myself and seeing the difficulties I'm not sure if that's what I will actually end up doing. I am bothered though by thinking about the cost of putting in that middle drain plug and how Honda engineers must have thought it was important to spend money on it when they willingly cut so many other costs elsewhere on the car.

 

Idk, for me since I’m already under there removing one extra bolt isn’t going to slow down the process much and I’d rather not guess at how much fluid is in it. Sure you can measure the 3.6 qts but how much is remaining that didn’t drain out? With no dipstick to check the level I figure there’s a reason Honda’s engineers designed it that way so when I do mine, I follow spec and remove the lower bolt..not really a big deal for me. YMMV

 

It isn't a big deal. If it were a conventional automatic where the fluid is under pressure and used to actuate clutch packs, that's one thing. But in a CVT, it's only there for lubrication and temperature regulation. As long as you're within .1 quarts or so, you're fine. I don't blame people who go the extra mile for peace of mind, but it is by no means necessary.

 

I don't think I fit under the car unless the front wheels are on ramps, so I don't know how I'd be able to put the side bolt back in when then car is level (I have only two ramps, not four, and I don't even know if rhino ramps fit in front of the rear wheels).
Can you reach the side bolt from the top?

 

You’ll need to find a way to get under it..maybe a jack and jack stands? You need to remove the underbody plastic tray to drain it. You can kinda reach it from the top but it’s a tight fit. You’ll also need a long funnel or one with a hose/tube attached to refill it..the fill hole is too far down. You’ll also need an extension for the ratchet to remove the fill bolt. Ofc you can always bypass the side bolt as others have suggested if you’re ok with it..best of luck🤙

 

Oh, I can get to it when the car's on ramps, but then the car isn't level so if the fluid flows out of the hole I don't know if it's the right amount. The dealer's parts guy said they don't bother with that, they just add from the top. So I may do that. Just seems like there's a lot of stuff to take apart to do that.