Differential Fluid Change - Front

This procedure replaces the differential fluid in the integrated front transaxle assembly of the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo to maintain proper lubrication and extend component life.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Differential drain plug crush washer × 1 — 94109-20000 or equivalent
• Differential filler plug O-ring × 1 — 91345-P2A-003 or equivalent

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 2.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine and transmission to cool for at least 30 minutes if recently driven
4. Raise front of vehicle with jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove driver-side front wheel to improve access if needed (optional but recommended)

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate differential drain and fill plugs
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the differential drain plug on the bottom of the transaxle housing and the fill plug on the side of the transaxle. The drain plug is a 17mm bolt at the lowest point of the differential section. The fill plug is located on the driver side of the transaxle case, approximately mid-height.
2. 2

   Remove fill plug first
   Using a 17mm socket and ratchet, loosen and remove the differential fill plug completely before draining. This ensures the fill plug is not seized and you can refill after draining. Inspect the O-ring on the fill plug for damage and have replacement ready.
   ℹ️Always remove the fill plug before the drain plug. If the fill plug is seized and cannot be removed, you will still have fluid in the differential.
3. 3

   Drain differential fluid
   Position drain pan under the differential drain plug. Using a 17mm socket, slowly loosen the drain plug. Once loose, remove by hand and allow fluid to drain completely into the pan. This will take approximately 5-10 minutes for complete drainage. Inspect the fluid condition for metal particles or burnt smell which may indicate internal damage.
4. 4

   Clean and inspect drain plug
   Once fluid has fully drained, remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and discard. Clean the drain plug threads and sealing surface with a shop rag. Inspect the magnetic tip of the drain plug for excessive metal shavings. Minor fuzz is normal, but large chunks indicate potential problems. Clean the drain plug hole area on the transaxle housing.
5. 5

   Reinstall drain plug with new washer
   Install a new crush washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug into the transaxle housing by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten the drain plug to specification using a torque wrench. The crush washer should compress to form a proper seal.
   ℹ️The drain plug uses a crush washer that must be replaced every time it is removed to prevent leaks.
6. 6

   Fill differential with fresh ATF
   Using a fluid pump or funnel with flexible hose inserted into the fill hole, slowly add approximately 2.5 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF. Fill until fluid begins to drip out of the fill hole opening. The correct level is when fluid is at the bottom of the fill hole threads when the vehicle is level.
   ⚠Vehicle must be level during filling. Fill slowly to avoid overfilling, as excess fluid can cause transmission issues, foaming, and potential seal damage.
7. 7

   Install fill plug
   Allow excess fluid to drain from fill hole until it stops dripping. Install a new O-ring on the fill plug if the old one shows any wear or damage. Thread the fill plug into the transaxle housing by hand, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
8. 8

   Clean up and reinstall wheel
   Wipe away any spilled ATF from the transaxle housing and surrounding areas. If the wheel was removed, reinstall it and tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification using a torque wrench.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands safely
2. Dispose of used ATF properly at a recycling center or auto parts store
3. Record the service date and mileage for maintenance tracking

Verification

• Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes, then shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 2 seconds in each
• Return to Park and let engine idle, then check underneath vehicle for any leaks around drain and fill plugs
• Check transmission fluid level using the transmission dipstick or level check procedure to ensure proper fill (differential and transmission share the same fluid)
• Take a short test drive (5-10 minutes) and recheck for leaks after the fluid has circulated and reached operating temperature

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