What Fluid Does a Honda CVT Transmission Take?

Honda CVT transmissions take Honda Genuine HCF-2 Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid. Do not substitute automatic transmission fluids like ATF DW-1, and only use alternatives that explicitly state compatibility with Honda HCF-2; a few older Honda CVTs (mostly early-2000s and some market-specific models) require earlier formulations such as HCF-1 or HMMF, so always confirm with your owner’s manual.

Contents

What Honda Specifies and Why It Matters
Can You Use Aftermarket CVT Fluid?
Service Intervals and Capacity Basics
How to Confirm the Correct Fluid for Your Car
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Fluid?
Summary

What Honda Specifies and Why It Matters

Honda’s modern CVTs are engineered for very specific friction characteristics and hydraulic behavior, which is why the company calls for “Honda Genuine HCF-2” CVT fluid. The bottle is typically labeled HCF-2 and sold through Honda/Acura parts counters and reputable retailers. Using the wrong fluid can cause judder, accelerated wear, shift quality issues, and even transmission damage.

Common Honda Models That Typically Use HCF-2

The following models and years commonly specify HCF-2 in North America. Always verify with your owner’s manual or the transmission dipstick/fill cap to be certain for your exact trim and year.

Civic (2014–present CVT-equipped trims)

Accord 4-cylinder with CVT (2013–present, non–manual, non–10AT models)

CR-V (2015–present CVT-equipped trims)

HR-V (2016–present)

Fit (2015–2020, CVT trims)

Many late-model Honda hybrids with “e‑CVT” also specify HCF-2, but confirm case-by-case in the manual

While this covers most recent U.S./Canada lineup, regional differences and mid-cycle changes can alter specifications, so the manual remains the final authority.

Older or Special-Case Honda CVTs

Some earlier Honda CVTs—especially from the early 2000s or in certain markets—called for older formulations such as HCF-1 or HMMF. Examples include first-generation Civic Hybrid CVTs and some Jazz/Fit variants outside North America. If you own an older Honda with a CVT, double-check the fluid spec on the dipstick cap or in the owner’s manual rather than assuming HCF-2 is correct.

Can You Use Aftermarket CVT Fluid?

Honda recommends its own HCF-2 fluid. If you opt for aftermarket fluid, it must explicitly state compatibility with Honda HCF-2. Using a “universal CVT” fluid without clear HCF-2 compatibility risks drivability issues and may affect warranty coverage.

Idemitsu CVT Type H2 (marketed for Honda HCF-2 applications)

ENEOS ECO CVT Fluid (check the label for HCF-2 compatibility)

Valvoline CVT Fluid (only if the specific product label lists HCF-2 compatibility)

Product lines change, so always read the latest label and data sheet. When in doubt, use Honda Genuine HCF-2 to avoid compatibility concerns.

Service Intervals and Capacity Basics

CVT fluid service timing in modern Hondas is controlled by the Maintenance Minder and can vary with driving conditions. Severe use (frequent short trips, heat, towing, mountainous driving) triggers earlier fluid changes.

Follow your vehicle’s Maintenance Minder; many owners see CVT fluid service between roughly 30,000–60,000 miles under severe use, and around 60,000–90,000 miles under normal conditions.

Typical drain-and-fill quantity is about 3–4 U.S. quarts (not the full system volume), but this varies by model and year.

Avoid “power flush” machines; Honda generally specifies a drain-and-fill procedure, sometimes repeated, to refresh fluid.

Always measure what you drain and refill the same amount with the correct fluid, then verify level per the manual’s procedure.

Exact capacities, torque specs, and level-check methods differ by model. Consult the service manual for your vehicle.

How to Confirm the Correct Fluid for Your Car

If you’re unsure which CVT fluid your Honda requires, use these steps to verify before buying or changing fluid.

Check the owner’s manual under “Specifications” and “Maintenance.”

Read the transmission dipstick or fill-cap labeling (many caps specify the fluid type).

Use your VIN on Honda’s official service information site or ask a dealer’s parts department to look up the spec.

Cross-check any aftermarket fluid’s data sheet for explicit “HCF-2” compatibility language.

These steps help ensure you purchase the correct product and avoid costly transmission issues.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Fluid?

Using non-approved fluid in a Honda CVT can quickly lead to drivability and durability problems because the transmission relies on precise friction and hydraulic properties.

Shudder/judder on acceleration or at low speeds

Slipping, flare, or harsh engagement

Overheating and accelerated belt/cone wear

Diagnostic trouble codes and potential limp mode

Possible warranty complications if improper fluid is found

If incorrect fluid has been used, a prompt drain-and-fill with the correct HCF-2 (possibly repeated) is often recommended; consult a qualified technician.

Summary

Honda CVT transmissions take Honda Genuine HCF-2 CVT fluid; don’t substitute ATF or non-specified products. Most late-model Civic, Accord (4-cylinder CVT), CR-V, HR-V, and Fit use HCF-2, while some older CVTs may require HCF-1 or HMMF. Verify with your owner’s manual or VIN-specific guidance, service the fluid per the Maintenance Minder, and stick with fluids that explicitly meet the HCF-2 spec to protect your transmission.

What kind of fluid does a Honda CVT take?

HCF-2 Transmission Fluid
HCF-2 Transmission Fluid is used specifically in Honda vehicles with second generation Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT).

How often should Honda CVT transmission fluid be changed?

The recommended Honda CVT transmission fluid change interval is highly dependent on driving conditions, with standard use generally requiring a change every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but more frequent changes (potentially as often as every 25,000 miles) are needed for severe conditions like mountainous driving, heavy loads, or extensive stop-and-go traffic. Always refer to your specific Honda’s owner’s manual for precise guidelines and the recommended fluid type, such as the HCF-2 for some models.

Standard vs. Severe Driving Conditions

Standard driving: A good rule of thumb is to change the CVT fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Severe driving conditions: If you frequently encounter:
- Mountainous areas at low speeds
- Lots of stop-and-go traffic
- Towing heavy loads
- High-RPM driving

Then you should consider changing the fluid more often, possibly every 25,000 miles.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual

Always check your specific Honda owner’s manual for the most accurate and vehicle-specific guidelines.
The Maintenance Minder system in your vehicle can also alert you to maintenance needs based on your driving habits and conditions.

Why Fluid Quality Matters

Even if the fluid appears clean, its protective properties degrade over time.
Sticking to the recommended intervals helps to maintain the transmission’s performance and can prevent premature failure.

Fluid Type

For many Honda CVTs, the required fluid is Honda’s HCF-2.
Always use genuine Honda transmission fluid for best results.

What is the CVT equivalent to ns3?

The most accurate alternative to Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid is a fluid explicitly labeled as meeting the Nissan NS-3 specification from other reputable brands, such as Idemitsu CVTF Type N3, Aisin NS-3 fluid, or a high-quality synthetic CVT fluid from Valvoline or Amsoil, which also meet the NS-3 standard. Using a fluid that doesn’t meet the NS-3 specification can cause transmission damage, so it is critical to confirm the label before purchasing.

Why a specific fluid is needed:

Specialized frictional properties: Nissan CVTs require a fluid with unique metal-to-metal frictional characteristics for the belt or chain system to grip the pulleys without slipping.
Protection against slippage: The NS-3 fluid’s properties are designed to prevent slippage and overheating, which can lead to transmission failure.

Reputable alternatives that meet the NS-3 specification:

Idemitsu CVTF Type N3: This fluid is specifically designed and approved for Nissan and Infiniti CVTs using the NS-3 standard.
Aisin NS-3 fluid: Another option that is known to perform well and is used by some Nissan owners.
Valvoline Full Synthetic CVT Transmission Fluid: A popular alternative that explicitly meets the NS-2/NS-3 spec.
Amsoil Synthetic CVT Fluid: This fluid is known for its exceptional metal-to-metal frictional properties and durable lubrication properties, making it an excellent choice for Nissan CVTs.
Castrol Transmax CVT Fluid: This is another option known to be compatible with NS-3 CVTs.

Important Considerations:

Check the specification: Always verify that the fluid you choose is explicitly labeled as meeting the NS-3 specification.
Consult your owner’s manual: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure compatibility.
Warranty considerations: If your vehicle is still under warranty, using the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Nissan fluid might be the safest choice to avoid potential issues.

What transmission fluid does Honda recommend?

Honda recommends using their own brand of transmission fluid for most of their vehicles, particularly Honda ATF-DW1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for conventional automatic transmissions. For Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs), Honda uses specific fluids like HCF-2 for second-generation CVTs and CVT fluid for first-generation CVTs, according to Tempe Honda. Some older Honda models might have used ATF-Z1, which has been superseded by DW-1, according to a YouTube video.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Conventional Automatic Transmissions: Honda recommends using Honda ATF-DW1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid), which is backward compatible with ATF-Z1.
Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs):
- First Generation: Honda specifies a dedicated CVT fluid.
- Second Generation (including those in the Civic, CRV, and Accord): HCF-2 is the recommended fluid.
Manual Transmissions: Honda recommends Honda MTF (Manual Transmission Fluid).
9-Speed Transmissions: These use ATF Type 3.1.
10-Speed Transmissions: These use ATF Type 2.0.