This is one of the easiest fluid services on the 9th-gen Accord, provided you own the right fluid and can get the fill plug out. The 2.4L cars use a CVT with no dipstick, so you drain from the bottom, then pump fresh Honda HCF-2 into a side fill port until it runs back out at the level hole. The 3.5L V6 uses a conventional 6-speed automatic with a dipstick, and it takes Honda ATF DW-1.
The mistake people make is fluid choice. HCF-2 is specific to this CVT; HCF-1, DW-1 and aftermarket "universal" CVT fluids all cause shudder and long-term damage. The second mistake is cracking the drain plug first and then discovering the fill plug is seized. Break the fill plug loose before anything drains out.
| Item | Type | |
|---|---|---|
| Floor jack 2 ton minimum Lift the front of the car to reach the transmission drain bolt. | Required | shop |
| Jack stands 2 ton pair Support the car level on both sides so the fill level is accurate. | Safety | shop |
| Wheel chocks Block the rear wheels before lifting. | Safety | shop |
| Socket set 17 mm and 18 mm 6-point, 3/8 in drive Removes the transmission drain bolt and the fill/check plug; check which fits yours before you start. | Required | shop |
| Ratchet 3/8 in drive Drives the drain and fill plugs; some Honda plugs accept the 3/8 in square drive directly. | Required | shop |
| Socket extension 3/8 in drive, 6 in Reaches the fill plug past the subframe or from the engine bay. | Recommended | shop |
| Drain pan 6 qt or larger, low profile Catches the roughly 3-4 quarts of fluid that comes out. | Required | shop |
| Torque wrench 3/8 in drive, 10-80 ft-lb Drain and fill plugs thread into aluminum and must not be overtightened. | Required | shop |
| Fluid transfer pump Hand pump with hose, or long-neck funnel Pushes new fluid into the side fill port, which cannot be poured into directly. | Required | shop |
| Measuring container 2 qt graduated Measure what drained out so you can put the same amount back in. | Recommended | shop |
| Drain plug washer 18 mm aluminum crush washer (Honda 90471-PX4-000 type) One-time-use sealing washer for the drain bolt. | Parts | shop |
| Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid 4 quarts (2.4L K24W CVT only) The only approved fluid for the 9th-gen Accord CVT; HCF-1 and universal CVT fluid will damage it. | Parts | shop |
| Honda ATF DW-1 4 quarts (3.5L V6 6-speed automatic) Correct fluid for the J35Y 6AT; do not use in the CVT. | Parts | shop |
| Shop rags and brake cleaner Clean the case around the plugs and wipe spills off the subframe. | Consumables | shop |
| Nitrile gloves Keeps hot fluid off your skin. | Safety | shop |
| Splash shield clips Honda push-pin clips Replaces clips broken while removing the lower engine cover. | Consumables | shop |
2.4L K24W cars use a CVT filled with Honda HCF-2 through a side fill plug (no dipstick); expect about 3.2-3.7 quarts per drain. 3.5L J35Y V6 cars use a 6-speed conventional automatic filled with Honda ATF DW-1 and have a dipstick for checking; expect about 3.0-3.4 quarts per drain. Plug sizes are similar (17-18 mm hex, some accept a bare 3/8 in drive), but verify on your car before starting.
| Transmission drain bolt (CVT and 6AT) | 36 ft-lb (49 Nm) - verify in the service manual |
| CVT fill / level check plug | 33 ft-lb (44 Nm) - verify in the service manual |
| Wheel lug nuts (if wheel removed) | 80 ft-lb (108 Nm) |
Plug head sizes on these transmissions are commonly 17 mm or 18 mm hex (some Honda plugs accept a bare 3/8 in square drive), and torque values should be confirmed against the Honda service manual for your exact year and transmission before you tighten.
Follow the Maintenance Minder, but many owners change it every 30,000-40,000 miles, which is far earlier than the display calls for. The CVT is sensitive to degraded fluid, and a drain and fill is cheap insurance.
No. The 9th-gen Accord CVT requires Honda HCF-2 and nothing else is a proven substitute. Wrong fluid typically shows up as low-speed judder and can shorten the transmission's life significantly.
Usually 3.0-3.7 quarts depending on transmission and temperature. Measure what drains and put the same volume back, then confirm with the CVT fill/level plug or the V6 dipstick.
No. Level is set by filling through the side fill/check plug until fluid just weeps out with the car level and at the specified temperature, which is why you must loosen that plug before draining.