Here’s What Happens If You Change Lifetime Transmission Fluid in Your Car
Changing automatic transmission fluid. Automatic transmission fluid change myth busted, DIY with auto mechanic Scotty Kilmer. Should you change your car's automatic transmission fluid. Transmission fluid change. How to change your transmission fluid. Lifetime transmission fluid myth busted. Car myth vs truth. Car manufacturers claim that most newer cars don't need fluid changes for their automatic transmissions, but that's a lie. Car advice. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 54 years.
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Happy New Year to you too! 🎈 Do you change the CVT fluid in EVs?
Don't buy a CVT Nissan Pathfinder. My 2014 went out at 50k. Expensive fix
should I trust the dealer to do it?
The show looks like crude oil off an oil rig surprising it came out of a CVT transmission
My 2009 Toyota Corolla is at almost 105,000 miles. I don’t know if the transmission fluid has ever been changed. It’s about 65 percent sludgy and still has a dark crimson color to it. Should I change or live on borrowed time? Or should I change the TF and keep the old fluid in case the transmission starts slipping?
The fluid lasts the lifetime of the transmission the same way that a full SCUBA tank can last for the rest of your life.
1998 Honda CRV..Bought it for $600. 189,000 mi. Owner stated a lot of slippage in gear. I checked the fluid...black...Drove it home..drained fluid, less slippage, a few days later, drained fluid, now it was shifting great and no slippage...Drained again...Well...it's a Honda..acts like it never had a problem. 325,000 miles, the clear coat is peeling but it runs Fine!! Keep the videos coming...
I miss the Transmission Dip Stick. :(
I own five cars I've done many transmission fluid changes. To make changes easier, I purchased a tall clear pitcher (like for kool-aid) and after i drain the old transmission fluid, I pour the old fluid in that pitcher. I then mark the fluid level...pour out the old fluid, clean it out, then fill it with new fluid up to the mark. Makes it very easy.
I do same 👍
🤯
"what's the lifetime of the fluid?" "It's the lifetime of the transmission." "What's the lifetime of the transmission?" "It's the life of the transmission fluid."
You got it!!!
The warranty is the lifetime.
Circular logic
As long as you have your transmission service by the dealer, its lifetime as long as u own it. Not transferable to next owner If work gets done some where else , the lifetime is over. But if u changing vehicles every 3 to 6 years, you won't have to worry about transmission
@@DanielGarcia-zz9eg Unless it's a Jatco 😳. (Nissan)
In 1964 my father and our mechanic were discussing automatic transmissions. My father said, “The perfect automatic transmission would be continuously variable”. Dad is gone now, and I do miss his insight.
and what does it mean? english is not my native language so, i understand the words but make no sense to me
@@daviT_con_T A CVT, continuously variable transmission, does not have set gear ratios, but a belt and pair of pulleys that change size to what gearing is currently needed. Some CVT may have a set mechanical 1st gear, but all other ratios are by CVT belt.
I think snowmobiles have always had them.
@@rogersmith7396 snowmobiles and scooter bikes use a slightly different type, it's not really a cvt it's more like a friction disc or a clutch that engages based on engine rpm
your dad was wrong sorry. They are garbage, they can't handle the load and there is no shift. People want to feel the shift that is why they simulate the shift in CVTs just awful. Buy a manual and be done with it.
Scotty, you couldn't be so right! My mother had a '07 Honda Civic hybrid with the CVT transmission. It started slipping after 80,000 km the dealer who sold her the car couldn't find the problem. When she asked if changing the fluid could make a difference, they told her the old routine of lifetime fluid crap. On a trip to the USA it started to slip pretty bad, so she took it to a dealership over there. The first thing the mechanic asked is when was last time the fluid was changed? They changed the fluid and it solved her problem! Since then she had the fluid changed every 50,000 km and she never had a problem ever since.
we have the same car since new. at 156k miles now and they weren't easy miles. cvt fluid regularly changed and its doing good
No Honda has lifetime transmission fluid. Check your owners manuals!
@@linkzz00You mean Honda does or Honda doesn't?
@@sl4983 “No, Honda has lifetime…” would mean you don’t have to change it. “No Honda has lifetime…” would mean you do have to change it. I hope that clarifies it for you.
Odd, my Honda CVT manual says to replace the fluid every 40 000 km...even has an entry where the dealer is suppose to sign-off on that specifically...
Scotty I'm so glad that I found out about you and your tireless efforts and bringing the best automotive knowledge to the public. You have an incredible gift. I watch your videos daily. Your videos have given me an insight into the automotive world that I never knew. Because of your automotive expertise, I've been able to do my own tuneup, chose the best fuilds for my car (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport - 2.4L 4 cylinder GDI engine). Please don't ever retire. The world needs you. Now more than ever. Again, thanks so much for your informative automotive advice.
How is that engine going strong? i have a 2017 Kia Sorento with the same engine and I’m concerned with people’s reviews on any of Kia and Hyundai engines
Yes! Change it. When Subaru told me the cvt fluid was "Lifetime" I laughed.
Mazda does the same thing. *I did however manage to get 435k miles out of it without once even checking it. 🤦♂️🙏
on a Subaru I'd say change it every 5-7 years or like 36k mi
@@Byrd819 Wow...
Is the fluid change in a Subaru as easy as the Honda?
When you are at a dealer 90% of the time it's not the techs telling you that you don't need to change the fluid. It's the service managers.
Hi Scotty. I have a 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback in a CVT, and I really, really appreciate you for not only showing me how to do a the CVT oil change, but also for dropping little gems of knowledge on why and when to change. Cheers!
Hey, how’s the Honda Civic hatchback holding up? I’m shopping for a 2024 Honda civic, but feeling worried about this CVT business.
@@adamburton7471 No issues, I have approximately 30,400 on the dash. I can merge easily on the highway, and I also get great MPG. If you take care of your stuff, it’ll take care of you. Honda CVT engines are fine, it’s just Nissan you have to watch out for. Edit - however, if you want something more bulletpoof, I’d recommend the 2.0NA instead of the turbo. Turbos in general won’t last as long as something that’s NA. If you can, wait for the hybrid that’s coming out this summer.
The older non CVT Honda transmission had the dipstick to check level and refill which was easier than this new one. Excellent Scotty thank you
No, the newer Honda cvt has a check bolt. You remove the bolt, and pour fluid in, until it comes out the bolt hole. I don’t know why Scotty didn’t mention this?
I’ve been doing this on my 06 civic and now on my 21 civic. Scotty your awesome. Do this and take your time. About an hour worth of work including cleanup. The car will take care of you!! So will Scotty
Scotty is a Dying Breed, an honest mechanic . Like he says be careful when you leave your $100,000 car with a mechanic he can do all kinds of damage if he's incompetent
Ummm lol
Those tweekers like to drop things and forget what they do.
Indeed! He is a good guy. 👍
To start if I ever have a 100,000 car it’s because I’m very rich and I can afford that car even if my mechanic damage it, and second we are talking about cars that average people can afford like a 10,000 dollar car that you need to learn to do it yourself.
Same with a good honest dentist!
Could you imagine being Scotty's neighboor, just watching him rant on his driveway on the daily? lol
I would bring chips and beer plus stair and hear him all day! Lol
Just another reason to get up and greet the day... but with no like button on his sidewalk I will still watch his videos...lol... keep making the videos Scotty..!!
Why do you think he has had to move so many times...
Imagine being his Neighbor, hey can you look at my car? every other day.
🤣🤣🤣
I was told always make sure the fill plug can be undone first before draining to save any potential problem. As usual informative video. Regards Stephen
For these Hondas, the fill plug sits on top of the transmission and it’s just a rubber plug
.
True, especially on Subarus, where the factory wangs on those fill plugs mighty tight!
Scottie Scottie Scottie. 90% of the info you provide is great. Spot on. But that last 10% makes me question the rest. I do appreciate what you do.
Scotty, thank you. The last time I purchased a car was a new 2001 Honda CRV. I've been following the maintenance schedule and I am close to 200k. So far needed only tires ball joints and a couple of batteries. Now I'm waiting on delivery of a 2022 Rav4 hybrid... just 4 mos. To go - so trying to get up to speed for a new vehicle. I know your advice is good for the car, the money and for me. So again - thank you!
Congrats on the new Rav4.. its eCVT is about as good a CVT as you can get. There might be times you'll miss the simplicity of your 01. That's what I'm thinking when I finally replace mine. I think the the thing I will miss the most is not being able to use a key to start it. They just don't have the same level of security on this new tech. And they've had tons of time to perfect it. The less wireless the better IMO. If anyone reading can correct me and reassure me that things are finally new and improved in this area of theft resistance, great!
Why buy a hybrid? Have fun when you seen a new battery.
@@jaysmith179 the batteries have 10 years warranty... and he is buying the car new. so after 10 years, it's time to change the car anyway.
How much u want to sell it
The rav 4 hybrid uses toyota ws atf. Not cvt fe since the gearbox is electronic cvt.
Scotty, I watch your videos EVERY day and was just looking around at videos of how to change the CVT fluid on my Civic, which is the EXACT same model as this one, down to the color! THANK YOU for all you do... watching you for years and will for years to come!
Scotty, I have always liked to do as much maintenance or repair to my vehicles all my life. I'm 75 yoa now and still love doing it. Thank you for sharing your awesome knowledge and humor.
Great video, that civic is the best purchase we made when we got ours in 2017, currently now has over 200k miles and has not gave us any issues. Very easy to work on. 👍
I purchased a high mileage Honda accord sport with a cvt transmission. I had no prior information about whether the cvt fluid had been changed before, I changed it and it runs just fine. Changing transmission fluid is often overlooked by most people and it shouldn't be. I change all of my fluids regularly including the brake fluid. It's the lifeblood of the car. I get over 200k on my Honda's and have never had to replace a transmission or an engine. I do my own maintenance so it's fairly cheap.
Just as important as your oil. Two things on a vehicle that you need to protect over all else is the engine and transmission. The small cost of fluid and filters will save you thousands down the line
Oh, a non fragile American.. So rare.
@Benjamin Burlos well you could go 100k before that needs to be changed but u get your point.
Well, Scotty, just changed the gasket, filter, solenoids on my 01 JGC Laredo w/227k miles because it’s been leaking ATF+4 fluids for years. Today, it shifts so smooth and saves me so much gasoline now. Who knew it would save me gas? I love my Jeep! 🇺🇸
Excellent. I drained out 5qts on my 07 JGC Laredo with 165k. Changed the filter. Cleaned the gaskets and changed the solenoids. Major improvement.and my Mpg went up noticeably.
Got a 98 jgc with some odd shifter behavior. Changed fluid but nothing other then that
@@salami99 still shifting oddly?
After i dropped the pan on a 93 buick the lockup solenoid started behaving, and it came to a stop a whole lot smoother. I did that at about 140k
@@salami99 You might have a stretched out Throttle Valve Cable that goes from the Throttle body on top of your motor, down the passenger side, then crosses over the tranny and then connects just above the tranny pan on the drivers side. The cable is about $79 and takes about 45 minutes to replace. BTW, this cable is adjustable, there is whitish, maybe yellowish clip to adjust the cable. This tells each gear when to shift. I replaced mine last year, while worth the $$$.
I mix valvoline max life with Toyota t IV , just cuz you read the manual doesn’t mean you know everything! You most definitely can mix fluids
Love your video!!! I have hated CVTs since I drove an early model Nissan about 13yrs ago. Your enthusiast/mechanical take has me reconsidering my biased opinion! Thank you for an informative and entertaining episode!!!
Filling before closing the bolt. That's a skill!
Lol I think he used the check bolt to fill the tranny
I've been lucky with my 2009 nissan sentra. Of course it has the dreaded Jatco cvt transmission. The car has 278,000 miles on it with the original trans and the fluid has never been changed. Haven't had any trouble out of it. The rest of the car has been well maintained and has been a good car so far.
Never changed the fluid in our 06 Ford escape
Thank's Scotty .You are allway's helping us.
You are the best, Thanks Scotty 👍😎
2004 Avalon with 120k. 35k or 40K hiway miles means more frequent changes when you do low mileage. I don't wait that long. Never had a problem. At my age and not having the tools, I watch my trusty mechanic. This time it will coincide with the oil change and the brake fluid change (8 years), and the lubrication of the appropriate parts of the undercarriage. It stil runs like the first day.
That clear fluid is transmission fluid? Freaking amazing. I've never seen transmission fluid that wasn't red and then crappy when you drained it
Scotty I do enjoy your enthusiasm and your knowledge I’ve changed my transmission fluid yesterday at 56 thousand on my insignia 2ltr diesel and it was black I’ll do it again at 70 thousand great videos scotty 👍👍👍👍👍
we luv you scotty...thank you for all your time...and effort!
Scotty, What priceless info! And it is no small feat to be talking and moving and pouring etc. at the same time.
It's his job, he makes money doing these videos, I m sure he s figured out by now how to do a good job.
Little Tip. If you change the transmission oil ALWAYS unscrew the screw of the filler hole first. Because if you unscrew the drain plug and the oil is once out and then, for whatever reason, you can not get the screw of the filler hole open, you have a problem 😎
These transmissions have a rubber fill plug, so you should be able to get it out as long as your hands aren't broken
@@heresalex2000 I am now not sure whether my screws are installed with a conical seal or with an integrated rubber seal. But they are in any case made of metal.
Not quite sure I understand what you're trying to say :c
@@richlb5357 I can only guess he is talking about vacuum lock. As in the fluid came out the bottom and vacuum sealed/sucked the filler plug in.
Or, he is saying don’t remove the drain plug before you know you can remove the fill plug and refill it. A transmission with no fluid is not useful.
Good video Scotty, I agree with you, my past 1998 BMW 528i also had a lifetime fluid, I changed it and the transmission filter as soon as I got it with Redline D4 synthetic every 50,000 miles, it lasted 300,000 miles, before I had slippage in the lower gears and turned in the car using the BAR junk car program in California.
You are right, Scotty. It is not hard to do. Just make sure to know what you are doing to avoid overfilling it or anything. It also doesn't hurt to watch a few videos of others doing it to see how it is done. This will just give you a better idea of what to expect.
Can women do this?
@@sl4983why not?
@@sl4983 of course. I was watching a female mechanic's channel and she lifted the engine out and strip it down to reline the cylinder.
Just check the owners manual it'll specify how much trans fluid needed when replacing fluid.
I just changed my transmission fluid at 215.5k miles on my 03 Camry. Shifts like a dream! It's been changed 2-3 times in the past, so no reason not to keep doing it. One thing I had to do though was get a new bolt and washer and use thread lock, as it was leaking without the thread lock. The new one didn't come with it.
Pretty good for U-series transmission.
Your one of the few that do it. Blows my mind people think it lasts forever
Nice
my mercedes 722.9 lasted to 500k with fluid changes every 100k and it was still shifting strong and all original. Sadly the 4matic u joint didn't agree and decided to take the transmission casing with it as it failed.
@@yenpham-jb4wo It's my first car and I paid it in full last year. I want it to last as long as it possibly can so I don't have to buy another one for a long time.
The shop near me wanted $300 for a cvt transmission change for an accord. Mines is v6 so i wonder what the price would've been. Too much though. Did it myself for like $80 and now i have the tools to do it in the future. Thanks for the helpful tips sir.
Thank you very much my GF just got a Honda ILS and it's the first we have experienced and this information is vital.
I worked for a courier company 1993-2002 and we used ford econoline vans. We did exactly this 30k for dino oil and 60k for synthetic. Most trannys went over 600k miles and one went 952K miles. As for engines 5k for dino and 10k synthetic and engines went 300k to 750k. With 2nd motor and trans we had vans with 1.3 million miles on them. We also repacked front wheel bearing every 30k and replaced when needed. Also, plugs and wires 60k for reg plugs can ignition and 90k for platinum and direct ignition. Ford were the longest lasting vehicles we had, but I think everything went to crap after that.
Scotty is spot on about NOT flushing your transmission. I bought a 96 Buick regal back in the day and I wanted to take care of it so it lasted a long time. I thought I was doing the right thing when a mechanic suggested I flush the tranny fluid instead of changing it at 60K. Well, I ended up with a transmission that wouldn't shift properly after that and had to get it rebuilt. I would have been better off doing nothing but instead I paid for a flush and then I paid for a rebuild. (about $1500 at that time)
Since then the minimum wage has lost forty percent of its value and wages across all industries have stagnated except where the stock market is concerned. That annoying repair for $1500 would be $18,000 today or something outrageous like that. In todays economy you'd be better off dumping the car on some unsuspecting dealership or teenager and getting a new car subscription(car bought on credit) than actually fixing it. Dump and run hoping that good credit will save you when you get in line for a new car with markedly inferior quality.
The transmission in that Buick was far easier to rebuild than a modern transmission would be. I miss the good ol days of simplicity, and I think it's funny that suggesting a car from the 90s is simple. I remember when those cars were new and everyone went on about how complicated they were. If only we knew then just how crazy it would get...
Completely right. Had a 94 Chrysler New Yorker I wanted to take care of. Had a flush done. Never shifted right again.
As a mechanic and garage owner for 35 years I can tell you there are different types of machines to accomplish this process there's a difference between transmission flush machine and a transmission fluid exchanger. I personally own an exchanger and have used it for years with no problems ever but I also drop the transmission Pan and service it completely I don't just rely on the fluid transfer.
@@sdrape4964 At least it wasn't a sideways engine.
After watching some of your videos and others as well, drain and fill is the way to go. And I've been following this advice ever since 2019. Ive literally done this on 5 different vehicles.
Just changed my CVT oil for the second time... did the first one at 45,000 and now have 61,000 did it again... thanks for all your insight! ... what about the filter, have never done that.
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
I changed my fluid and used the valvoline max life tranny fluid and haven't had any issues. I've used that in all my vehicles and it's way cheaper.
CVT transmissions actually require frequent fluid changes compared to regular automatic because of the chain inside vs gears. I believe it’s every 30K compared to 60K.
No chains in CVT transmission buddy
@@badcommentbot8349 The newer Honda CVTs use a metal belt.
Every car is different
Scotty you are very informative, and funny guy, you have helped to save many people tons of money over last many years, thank you.
I change my trans fluid every third oil change (15,000 miles), this way you eventually replace all the old fluid and the fluid remains fresh if you continue to do this schedule without costing a lot.
SMART!!!
Fluid changes are far less costly than replacing trannys and engines! You're doing the right thing!
The Audi ones with lifetime fluid would break if flushed/oilchange. Your regime is akin to "if it aint broken, fix it untill it is", wasted money too since the untouched ones can do more than half a million miles easily.
@@pflaffik Says who? Who and what can substantiate your claim? Even at 70,000 miles a "lifetime fluid" WILL have some metal particles and deterioration. That is simply a mechanical fact, as Scotty has pointed out here. Gears, CVT belts and chains, clutch packs, and bearings wear and they throw their debris into the oil/fluid. Even the gear reduction on a Tesla has a fluid change interval.
@@pflaffik based on what evidence? How many cars have you owned or worked on? I've owned nothing but beaters most of my life and made them last for pennies because of maintenance schedules like this. Do you keep track of costs and maintenance on your vehicles for long term? I do, so I have comparisons and how much money I've spent on maintenance and what's lasted. Ive put over 300k on some of the known worst transmissions doing this so forgive me if I'm not going to take someone who doesn't work on cars and owns an Audi seriously.
If I could remember one-tenth of what you teach on your videos; I'd be 10 times smarter!! Bless you for All you Do & for sharing your knowledge❣️
Do we also need to replace the strainer in the oil pan and the filter in the transmission cooler?
Great, great info as always!
So glad I got my 2020 Civic Sport Sedan with the 2.0L naturally aspirated port injected engine and a 6 speed manual transmission! The Honda and Toyota CVT’s can absolutely last many miles, but they still won’t be as reliable and cost as little to maintain as a 6 speed manual 👍🏻 Great video as always Scotty!
Manual is good, dual mass flywheel is not, very expensive to change, mine lasted only 100k miles.
But you will need to replace the clutch.
@@ozzesty7314 The clutch shouldn’t need to be replaced if the vehicle isn’t abused.
@@johnlavender242 even if it does its typically not too difficult, it was very easy in my 02 eclipse gt
so isnt your civic the Si?
On "lifetime" fluid transmissions you usually want to loosen the fill plug before the drain plug because in the event you strip out the fill plug you'll probably want to put off the fluid change until you can get yourself a new plug.
Thank you, Scotty.
What about replacing the transmission FILTER in a 2016 Accord that has a CVT? Many thanks!
Thank you for this, Scotty. Funny enough I was going back and fourth with two service advisors regarding changing my CVT fluid at 30k... Some serious boneheads! Any mechanic who does not advise you change your fluids frequently is not a good mechanic! Never stop making videos, good info is very hard to come by these days and you do a great job.
30k seems a little soon.
@@greenspiraldragon trust me, it wasn't. I know my driving habits. The fluid was pretty dark even at only 32k
I do all my own maintenance, no lifetime fluids... just proper service intervals
@@greenspiraldragon No such thing as too soon. It will never do harm to change it earlier. It can do harm if you wait too long.
If you have a CVT one of the best things you can do is install an aftermarket transmission oil cooler. Heat kills transmissions.
Have had a actron scanner for years, it would give me a start point along with your videos! Still shade tree mechanic, have to be with five granddaughters!
❤
I really enjoy watching your videos Scotty. There is a overflow plug to check for under or overfilling of the tranny fluid. Car has to be very level for correct reading. May help someone who does there own maintenance
Yes. If you just put back in how much came out, you'll never know if it was under or overfilled. (Some early 3rd Gen Tacomas were shown to be underfilled from the factory.)
Thx for the tips.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Scotty just to lyk if you put the car in neutral and unclip the air box there's a plug on top of the transmission labeled HCF-2 where it's intended to be filled from. On the 1.5L you can see the plug without moving anything. Also I work at a Honda dealer and we recommend transmission services every 30k/3years 👍
Thank you so much for that information cause I have a 1.5L
How many quarts does a 1.5 accord takes?!?
@@black7966 if you’re talking transmission fluid it takes abt 3.8 QT. Funny enough the engine takes 3.8Qt as well
I fill it threw the check plug can do the whole services from the bottom and no chance dirt falling into the trans.
@@zackm6850 true, but ive never had a problem with dirt falling
Spot on with your skepticism Scotty! Not having a dipstick is built in discouragement to check fluid levels along with these lifetime synthetic fluids. They all seem to be "sealed for life" with no dipstick because apparently too many people top up with the wrong fluid etc. etc. So much for the dingalings, now what about those who arent? I just had the transmission fluid changed in my second hand Holden Cruze (Australian Chevy Cruze) after 10 years and 90k kilometers. Of course it was black. A noticeable improvement in shift quality afterwards too but my main aim is for the transmission to last the life of the car not the fluid! My Kia Sportage is 9 years old and is only scheduled for a fluid change at 140k under severe operating conditions. I will be getting it changed at its next service too which is 130k. I would hate to find out how much a rebuild would cost on one of those 6 speed jiggers let alone some of the 10 speed wonders coming out nowadays.
My daughter had 5yr old mustang with 100k miles.. started slipping. Simple tranny fluid exchange.... no problems for another 80k miles
@@mdf8884did you do it, or a shop?
Nice, havnt seen a video with Scotty getting down and dirty doing a repair video. I know hes getting old, but I love it.
very educative Thank you regards
Change the external AT filter. (Yes, it does have one, follow the lines to the heat exchanger at the base of the radiator .) The Honda shop manual indicates 3 spill and refills with a drive cycle between them, which replaces ~72% of the fluid. If you change the external filter behind the radiator for the final spill, that goes up to 80%. (Each time it's done is 7-8% more fluid replaced. ) .
Scotty I completely agree with you. I have a BMW and I took it in 4 years back to get the transmission fluid, filter and pan replaced. Dealer gave me an absolute headache about it saying it’s lifetime and I’m wasting my money blah blah blah. I ended up doing my own research and found the company that makes my transmission. They recommended every 40k -60k miles to replace the fluid pan and filter. They even make the transmission fluid for that transmission for a fraction of the price the BMW dealership wants. Dealer charged me $1300 to do the job. After that I did it myself for $350, I have the dealer software so it made it much easier and was more simple than I thought. Saved me around a grand. Now I want to get a timing chain replacement done as a preventative crazy dealer gave me a quote nearly 8K. Eventually that will be my next job once I get there timing alignment tools. Although I will probably pay a mechanic to come and visually verify my timing is right before I close everything up.
The dealer wants to sell you another car not expensive service that costs them
@@nunyabusiness3786 Dealership does not make much of there money selling cars, the majority comes from repairs, extra coverage, extended warranty and maintenance cost.
@@Brandon-cl5mr It does depend on the dealership but helping someone make their product last forever is never in the best interest of a merchant
Hey Scotty ur fun man! Thanks for all the videos u make. Keep doing it!😊
What about the internal filter how often do you recommend to change it
Hey Scotty... you forgot to mention that many cars with CVT or regular transmission now have filters. What about changing the filters also?
My 2015 Camry SE has a filter. the transmission filter itself is pretty easy to change(held in by 2 bolts). The only way to change it, is to drop the pan. Pretty big mess tbh. Since I have to drop the pan everytime, I just end up replacing the gasket also
I completely agree CVT fluid needs to be changed around 30k miles
Yeah I knew someone who bought a used Lancer where the dealer had just changed out all the fluids before sale, a month later the CVT kept slipping out on the highway, they wanted to bill her for the replacement until she found the history of the vehicle, the CVT fluid wasn't changed in the first 120,000km of ownership, WTF. The dealer was going to leave her dry initially... I nearly flipped. She got a brand new CVT.
35,000-45,000 is a good all around mileage to change fluid.
@@williamoneal2763 I’m obsessive so 30k for me
@@mcc7762 I use the Amsoil CVT fluid It’s the best CVT fluid out there Also changing it every 30K is smart On mine I not only have a filter in the pan But I have an inline filter as well It’s a paper cartridge and should be changed every 60K That’s something everyone needs to look in to If that inline filter clogs say goodbye to your CVT regardless of all the fluid changes. I know all Nissan CVT since 2012 have this inline filter Also Mitsubishi CVT have an inline filter as well
What about with automatic? I have a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.
Bought a 2003 explorer , changed oil, but never got around to changing the transmission fluid. Sold it at 320,000 miles and it still worked great. Lots of problems with the heater blend doors but never a problem with the 4.0 engine or transmission.
Love your show great video thank you 😊
Lifetime fluid, good for the lifetime of the fluid. I like "flushing" the fluid, but not a power flush. I like using the trans to move the fluid in and out by itself through the cooling lines. Use a couple 5 gal buckets, one empty and one full of clean fluid, the pump then just uses the buckets as the cooler, expels the old fluid into the empty bucket and draws in clean. If you use clear lines to extend the cooler lines you can see when the fluid is clean. Then you finish up with a pan service and a new filter, and top off. I could be wrong doing this, but it's always worked for me.
I do this as well.Putting brand new oil into a transmission with about 6 to 7 liters of old dirty oil in the converter which contaminates it as soon as you start the car makes no sense to me.
Yep! That's exactly what I've always done, even on vehicles with 100K. Never had an issue.
I do my CVT every 40-50k miles and a lot are highway miles. If lots of City miles I'd do every 25-30k 👍 PS- great video Scotty!!! 💕 loved the Whey protein jug 🤣
Thanks Scotty got mine done today by Honda
What do you do about changing the filters in the CVT-equipped Hondas? Mine has an external and an internal filter, and it seems to be difficult to get the pan off of the CVT.
In some older cars, you can drain the torque converter too!! Make sure you have a big drain pan, because some transmissions with drainable torque converters hold nearly 2 imperial gallons all up. Most of this is in the torque converter. When I serviced the transmission in my car, it took a good 5 minutes for the torque converter to drain.
The car I'm redoing,I had the whole engine/trans on the work bench so it was the perfect time to get all the fluid out. It's got 130k,and I've changed the fluid 2x before in its life but now I know this time I got all the fluid out. And it wasn't all that bad,glad I've done it before because folks complain that they're usually junk.
When do you change the filter
@@rickvigil5847 I change the filter every time I change the trans fluid in my car, which is about every two years or so. Engine oil filter is changed every oil change, which is twice a year, regardless of mileage.
@@rickvigil5847 I change the filter every time I change the trans fluid in my car, which is about every two years or so. Engine oil filter is changed every oil change, which is twice a year, regardless of mileage.
@@rickvigil5847 I change the filter every time I change the trans fluid in my car, which is about every two years or so. Engine oil filter is changed every oil change, which is twice a year, regardless of mileage.
Looks like Scotty’s drag strip has been repaved..He wore out the road with all those test runs.
Chiming in only because I recently changed the AT in our 2 vehicles. First let me say that AT changes have come a long way from the days of dropping an oil pan, replacing the gasket and filter, etc. It's much more like an engine oil change, or a differential fluid change, in that there's a clear drain and fill. The cars I recently changed were a 2020 Honda Odyssey and a 2018 Honda Pilot. I changed the Odyssey because the OBDC indicated to do so. Of course I researched online how to do it, and it's a good thing I did because there are 3 different AT's in those vehicles with 2 different AT change procedures with different fluids. AT's are so highly tuned to specific rheology, that changing the fluid could mean catastrophe. Unfortunately that also means buying fluid from the dealer - I had to buy 4 Qts @ ~ $18/ea! And, that only really changes out about half the AT. Some AT's have "flush" procedures where you're supposed to drain, fill and repeat 3 times - I get what that is trying to accomplish, but you're just using fresh, expensive ATF to dilute what can't drain by itself, and repeating that enough times to get most of the old ATF out. Seems like such a waste IMHO. The Pilot, on the other hand, didn't call for an AT change but instead was exhibiting some odd shifting behaviour - I'd almost call it hesitation, or like it couldn't decide what gear to be in when the RPM was low. Turns out after consulting some people "in the know", this is a well known issue with that particular 6 speed (which Honda also uses for Ridgelines) when the ATF is going bad, and the solution is just to change the ATF. The procedure was similar to the Odyssey, the fluid was cheaper (more like $10/qt). After the change, it's a brand new transmission I've also changed "lifetime" transmission fluid in other vehicles - most notably a BMW I kept to 200k before selling it to get a larger vehicle - changing the fluid in that MT (stick) made it much smoother to shift, the affect was quite noticeable. A couple other notes - The safer method for replacement is to measure what comes out and replace with the same volume, at the same temperature. So, it's best to change the ATF while "cold". Some vehicles will have dip sticks and some don't - the Odyssey didn't but the Pilot did - which actually makes refilling the AT easier than the contortionist designers at Honda. Lastly, there is often a check level plug - just like you'd have in a plain gearbox or differential, but the fluid level needs to be checked at a specific temperature, and this plug isn't always easily accessible. So in short, do your own ATF changes, they are easy, but be sure to know the correct procedure and use the correct fluids. Oh, and be sure to buy an extra quart of fluid - you'd hate to assume that online or dealer instructions are correct only to find that you need more oil and then have to find a way back to the dealer (that might not be open). This happened with the Pilot - online and dealer said 3.7Qt is the change volume, and wanted to sell me 4Qt only, but I insisted on a 5th Qt. About 4.3Qt came out of the vehicle. Good thing I got that extra Qt!
Awesome video Scotty!! Just in time too, as my 2018 Civic is nearing the 35k mile mark.
@@Kamal_AL-Hinai I'm going to have to will myself to put in the elbow grease. 😂
My car is a 2018 Honda CR-V with 186,000 (I am a very active Uber driver here in San Antonio). Unfortunately, I did not change the transmission fluid until it had 170,000. Fortunately, the fluid that I pulled out looked no worse than that on this video. Believe me: the changing the transmission fluid was just as easy as changing the oil.
Great tutorial on how the change and check the transmission fluid. Really helpful!
You are something else , Scotty. Thanks for all the informative analysis.
Hey Scotty, is there no filter and gasket that needs changing in CVT transmission?
Totally agree, there's no lifetime transmission fluid. I own a 2016 Honda Fit, and I found information about maintenance intervals when I bought it and strictly followed it. The maintenance should always be done on time. And you'll make your car last longer. It's not hard to do- just follow Scotty's instructions! :)
I love to see Scotty inspect things up close, He looks like he is looking at a priceless diamond.
Very good content as always scotty
Some older Mercedes have an actual gearbox dipstick and even a drain plug on the torque converter, you can get pretty much all the old fluid out, and don't need to measure the old fluid. Just drain it all and refill.
Great interest in your Honda CVT fluid change. I have a 2006 Subaru Outback. I guess you would call it a CVT transmission. I don't think we have ever changed the transmission fluid. Would it fall under the same standards as the Honda?
does it have gears? if so its not a cvt. but if its a 2006 depending on the mileage i really wouldn't touch it, it really depends on the mileage and the condition of the fluid. if your fluid is still somehow red then your probably safe to drain and fill it, if it has a drain bolt. if its dark brown i would leave it alone and just check the level.
06 outback has a conventional 4 speed auto. Just drain and fill
Always stick with the original fluids. Went from Toyota WS in a 08 V8 Sealed 4 runner transmission at 85k over to the Amsoil WS equivalent. Technically a better fluid, but the computer lost it's mind thinking the solenoids were breaking. No damage, no shavings, did the solenoids since it was on the codes, and ended up just going back to WS and no problems since. Stick to dealer fluids unless you're putting a totally new transmission in from the start.
Been using amsoil in my 2014 sienna 2wd ,shifts better with each fluid change
Scotty said he uses the Valvoline with WS Compatibility on his Toyotas "for years" with no problems whatsoever. Am about to use it since I have it, but can not go wrong using OEM TOYOTA WS!
I use the Valvoline multivehicle CVT fluid and it works fine. I actually mixed it with the factory fluid because I can't drain all of it out at one time. It is still shifting fine so I don't guess it hurts anything.
Never had a problem with Valvoline ATF in Honda Accord or Toyota RAV 4 and Highlanders
Great advice Scotty you are spot on trans fluid does get dirty and Burnt
What about on a hybrid vehicle it doesn't have a pan so the fluid coming out is going to be the capacity of the transmission? Leave it alone or still change it?
Hey Scotty it’s actually easier than how you did it there’s a fill plug on the top of the trans, a little difficult to get to in this particular model but if you move the shifter to the rear than it’s easier to get to then just pour it right into the top instead of that contraption you made. The fill hole you used in fact is a fill hole but more so a “check level” hole. Anyway for anyone reading it is easy like ol Scotty said it was.
There's a fill plug on the top?
@@sl4983 yes, if you move the shifter to the rear and look to the left side of the eng. air filter box in the eng. bay straight down it’s a rubber plug with a little metal 90 degree post. Pull it straight out and you can fill from there but don’t put more than 4 qts in.
It still pisses me off that they took out the dipstick for the transmission. Seriously how much money do they save by doing it this way? Three dollars?
My 2021 Tacoma has no dipstick. WTH. Says you need a scan tool to change the fluid.
Where are our dipsticks??? 🤷🏽♂️
Thank you for the video
Hi Scotty, I was wondering what you thought of Subaru CVT from 2013 on. I have a 2013 Subaru impreza and have preformed regular Preventive Maintenance. I bought the car used, so I fixed the transmission pan oil leak and changed the CVT fluid with it. Just wondering your opinion on the Subaru CVT's.
The opposite is true about a flush -- if you happen to have stuff holding your transmission to gether (say slush) sometimes flushing it (or even just draining and refilling) can knock some of that loose. But plugging up holes in the trans is probably the more likely issue you'll run into. I remember what a mechanic once said: you either change it regularly (so every 100k miles for an automatic, or about every 60k for a CVT, or you don't change it at all and just leave it -- one or the other, but preferrably change it regularly for maximum trans life). Also if you buy an older car with other 100k miles and you don't think the trans fluid has been changed (one, don't buy the car, but if you did) don't bother changing it if it runs fine Now I will say geared automatics are more durable than CVTs so not everyone one will break down if you don't change the fluid (CVTs I think are more prone to failure if you don't) as I do know some people who have gone 150k or 200k miles without ever changing the fluid, but it's not advised normally.
Id like to see videos of tranny fluid flushes on unknkown mileage over 200k
but plugging
Thanks for this. I have a 2008 with 120k miles with factory transmission fluid. Been debating whether the change or not. Mechanic told me not to and you said not to so I won’t haha
Don’t forget to put it into the S “gear” when you want more aggressive acceleration, it helps a lot. Just put it back into D once you’re cruising at a steady speed again; that way your RPMs aren’t staying higher than they need to be.
Bolony. Heavy acceleration automatically kicks down your transmission into passing gear.
@@shawnmcculley2995 On modern Honda CVTs, S makes the system prefer lower gear ratios/higher RPM ranges, and everything that comes with that. Yes, stomping the pedal while in D will also get you there, but it’s more responsive when it’s already in the right range.
@@shawnmcculley2995 Selecting “S” makes it kick down faster and helps keep it there. It’s also great for going downhill as it increases engine braking - a lot.
@@billd9667so is good for downhill and not uphill?
@@sl4983 that’s fine, but not necessary. It wastes fuel in most cases.
Well Said Scotty Well Said. Thank you again for another informational Video Sir
Good video, what about the fluid in the converter ? Shouldn't that be pumped out ?