Can the CVT transmission oil of Honda CRV be changed by circulation?
2 Answers
It can be changed using a circulation machine. The function of the circulation machine is to push new oil to expel the old oil, achieving a replacement of old with new. This method cleans the oil passages more thoroughly. The following introduces the methods for changing transmission oil: Manual oil change: Start the engine to warm up the transmission to operating temperature; remove the drain bolt; after the old oil is completely drained, reinstall the bolt; add new ATF fluid; start the engine, shift from P to N, D, L1, L2, etc., and stay in each gear for at least 5 seconds; check if the automatic transmission fluid level is normal. ATF exchanger oil change: Disconnect a cooling oil pipe of the automatic transmission; correctly connect the ATF exchanger's inlet and outlet pipes and high-pressure air pipe; fill the exchanger with sufficient new ATF fluid; start the engine and let it idle; turn the exchanger's adjustment knob to allow new oil to flow into the automatic transmission while old oil flows into the waste oil recovery bucket; observe the cleanliness of the oil in the exchanger's inlet pipe, and stop the oil change once the oil appears relatively clear.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the CVT transmission fluid in my Honda CRV can indeed be changed using the flush method. I just had it done at my trusted repair shop. They used professional equipment to circulate new fluid and flush out the old, which felt much more thorough compared to the gravity method that only replaces a portion of the fluid. However, you need to be careful—the Honda CRV's CVT fluid level requirements are strict. If the old, dirty fluid stirs up sediment, it could potentially damage the steel belt structure. I recommend checking it every 40,000 kilometers or so, and before changing the fluid, use a scanner to check the transmission's condition to ensure there are no hidden issues. The flush method is slightly more expensive, but it protects the transmission's lifespan in the long run, avoids costly repairs, and helps with daily commuting smoothness.
