How to check cvt transmission fluid level without dipstick

Q: How do I know if my CVT is low?

In the meantime, its a good idea to familiarize yourself with the tell-tale signs that you may be low on transmission fluid..

Symptoms for Low Transmission Fluid

Your vehicle shouldn't lose automatic transmission fluid in normal operation, so if the level is down, there's a good chance there's a leak somewhere. Consult a service professional immediately to have it addressed to avoid possible damage to the transmission. Also, some automatic transmissions do not have dipsticks or may require that a service professional inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Check the vehicle's owner's or service manual.

Table of Contents Show

Symptoms for Low Transmission Fluid
Step-By-Step Instructions For Checking Your Vehicle's Transmission Fluid
Did You Know?
What you will need
Post navigation
How do I check my CVT transmission fluid level?
How do I know if my CVT is low?
Does CVT transmission have dipstick?

You may not have a dipstick to check the automatic transmission fluid on a late-model Honda. If that is the case, you can check Honda’s automatic transmission fluid level by removing the bolt on the side of the transmission.

Caution!

Allow the engine to cool down.
Do not remove the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission pan.

What you will need

Mechanic Toolset Metric
Car jacks
Jack stands

Procedure

Drive your Honda until it reaches the normal operating temperature. Typically a 15-minute drive should be enough.
Park your Honda on level ground. Cycle the gear shifter through all the gears.
Turn off the engine and set the parking brakes.
Locate the bolt on the side of the transmission housing. Remove this bolt by turning it counterclockwise. You may need to jack up the vehicle and access this bolt from the bottom of the vehicle.
If the fluid slowly drips out of the hole, the transmission fluid is at the correct level.
If there is no fluid dripping, the level is low.
If the level is below the hole (no transmission fluid is coming out), add the recommended Honda transmission fluid until you start to see fluid dripping out of this hole. You will need to add transmission fluid from the filler hole on top of the transmission.
Reinstall the level check bolt and check the operation of your transmission.

We hope you find the Check Honda Transmission Fluid | No Dipstick Present guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Honda.

How do I check my CVT transmission fluid level?

Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth. Insert the dipstick all the way into the transmission securely as shown in the illustration. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.

How do I know if my CVT is low?

In the meantime, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the tell-tale signs that you may be low on transmission fluid..

Noises. ... .

Burning Smell. ... .

Transmission Leaks. ... .

Slipping Gears. ... .

Slow Gear Engagement. ... .

Vehicle Accelerates Poorly. ... .

Check Engine or Transmission Warning Light Is On..

Does CVT transmission have dipstick?

Some CVTs have a dipstick, some have two plugs, while others have three plugs. If your CVT has plugs instead of a dipstick, you need to find the fill/level plug. On plug types, the fluid should be level to the bottom of the plug hole threads.