Transmission Rebuild - Automatic

Complete disassembly, inspection, rebuild, and reinstallation of the CVT automatic transmission for 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo models.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• CVT transmission rebuild kit (seals, gaskets, clutch packs) × 1 — Use OEM Honda CVT rebuild kit
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 94109-20000 or equivalent
• Drive pulley seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Driven pulley seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Torque converter seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steel belt assembly (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM Honda CVT belt only
• Start clutch assembly (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Forward/Reverse clutch seals × 1 — Use OEM specification
• All transmission filter elements × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve body gasket set × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for SRS system discharge
3. Raise vehicle on lift to comfortable working height ensuring proper support
4. Remove engine under covers and transmission splash shields
5. Install engine support bar across engine bay to support engine weight
6. Drain transmission fluid completely via drain plug and capture for inspection
7. Remove front wheels and both front axle nuts (unstake first)
8. Prepare clean, organized workspace for transmission disassembly with labeled containers for parts

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transmission from vehicle
   Disconnect shift cable, wiring harness connectors, and cooler lines from transmission. Remove starter motor. Separate lower ball joints and disconnect axle shafts from transmission. Support transmission with transmission jack. Remove transmission mounting bolts following proper sequence: upper bolts first, then lower bolts. Carefully separate transmission from engine ensuring torque converter remains with transmission. Lower transmission from vehicle.
2. 2

   Remove external components and torque converter
   Place transmission on sturdy workbench. Remove valve body cover and drain remaining fluid. Remove all external sensors and wiring harnesses. Remove transmission pan and filter. Remove torque converter from input shaft, checking for scoring or damage. Inspect converter for metal debris in fluid.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disassemble transmission case
   Remove all case bolts in correct sequence (refer to service manual). Carefully separate transmission case halves using plastic mallet on boss areas only. Remove accumulator pistons and springs, keeping organized by location. Remove parking pawl mechanism and shaft. Extract main valve body assembly and set aside on clean surface.
4. 4

   Remove CVT pulleys and belt assembly
   Remove retaining hardware for driven pulley. Using proper puller, carefully extract driven pulley assembly. Remove CVT steel belt with extreme care, supporting entire circumference. Inspect belt for cracks, discoloration, or wear. Remove drive pulley assembly. Mark orientation of all components during removal.
   ⚠CVT belt must never be kinked or dropped. Support full circumference during removal and storage.
5. 5

   Disassemble pulley assemblies
   Using hydraulic press and proper fixtures, disassemble drive pulley. Remove movable face, fixed face, and inspect hydraulic chamber seals. Measure pulley face wear with calipers; maximum wear limit is 0.15mm from service manual specification. Repeat process for driven pulley assembly. Inspect all bearing surfaces and seal grooves for damage.
6. 6

   Remove and disassemble clutch assemblies
   Remove start clutch assembly from input shaft. Using spring compressor, compress clutch springs and remove snap ring. Carefully release spring pressure and disassemble clutch pack. Remove forward clutch and reverse brake assemblies. Inspect all friction plates for glazing, warping, or thickness loss. Measure steel plate flatness with dial indicator.
7. 7

   Inspect and measure all components
   Clean all metal components thoroughly with approved solvent. Inspect all bearing surfaces, seal grooves, and mating surfaces for scoring or wear. Measure all clearances, end play, and component dimensions against service manual specifications. Check case for cracks or porosity. Inspect oil passages for blockage using compressed air. Document all measurements.
8. 8

   Rebuild valve body
   Disassemble valve body on clean surface, organizing all valves and springs in order. Clean all valves, bores, and passages with lint-free cloths. Inspect valve bores for scoring. Replace all seals and O-rings from rebuild kit. Reassemble valve body with new solenoids if worn. Test all valve movement for smooth operation. Torque valve body plate bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reassemble clutch packs
   Install new friction plates and steel plates in correct order per service manual. Soak new friction plates in Honda DW-1 ATF for 30 minutes before installation. Install new seals on clutch pistons. Assemble start clutch with new springs and snap ring. Measure clutch pack clearance with dial indicator; adjust to specification (typically 0.8-1.2mm). Install forward and reverse clutch assemblies to transmission case.
10. 10

    Reassemble pulley assemblies
    Install all new seals and O-rings to pulley hydraulic chambers. Using hydraulic press, reassemble drive pulley with movable and fixed faces. Install new bearings if removed. Repeat for driven pulley assembly. Verify smooth movement of movable faces and proper seal installation. Lubricate all moving parts with Honda DW-1 ATF during assembly.
11. 11

    Install pulleys and CVT belt
    Install drive pulley assembly into transmission case. Carefully install CVT steel belt onto drive pulley, supporting entire circumference. Position driven pulley assembly and carefully slide belt onto driven pulley. Ensure belt is properly seated in both pulley grooves. Install driven pulley retaining hardware. Verify belt alignment and pulley rotation before case closure.
    ⚠Verify CVT belt is not twisted and sits squarely in both pulley grooves before proceeding.
12. 12

    Reassemble transmission case
    Apply thin coat of ATF to all seal surfaces. Install new case gasket. Install valve body assembly with new gasket. Install accumulator pistons with new seals and springs. Carefully mate transmission case halves, ensuring all components align properly. Install and torque case bolts in specified sequence from center outward. Install parking pawl mechanism.
13. 13

    Install external components
    Install new transmission pan gasket and install pan. Install new transmission filter. Install all sensors with new O-rings. Install valve body cover with new gasket. Install torque converter with new seal, ensuring proper engagement with pump (should have three distinct 'clicks' as it seats). Measure torque converter depth to verify proper installation.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install transmission to vehicle
    Raise transmission into position with transmission jack. Align transmission with engine, ensuring torque converter pilot engages properly. Install all transmission mounting bolts and torque to specification starting with lower bolts, then upper. Reconnect axle shafts with new circlips. Reconnect ball joints. Install starter motor. Connect shift cable, wiring harnesses, and cooler lines. Install new axle nuts and stake properly.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)

    Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Fill and initialize transmission
    Install new crush washer on drain plug and torque to specification. Fill transmission with 8 quarts Honda DW-1 ATF through fill tube. Start engine and cycle through all gear positions while monitoring fluid level. Add additional ATF to reach proper level on dipstick at operating temperature. Using Honda scan tool, perform CVT relearning procedure and verify no DTCs. Road test vehicle through all speed ranges and verify smooth operation.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to proper specifications using torque wrench
2. Replace all crush washers, gaskets, and seals with new components
3. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
4. Double-check CVT belt orientation and seating before final assembly
5. Ensure transmission case bolts are torqued in proper sequence

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks at all connections
• Check transmission fluid level at operating temperature with engine running
• Perform complete gear selector test through all positions (P-R-N-D-S-L)
• Road test vehicle and verify smooth acceleration with no slipping, shuddering, or unusual noises
• Verify shift points occur at proper speeds and engine RPM
• Use scan tool to verify CVT adaptation values are within specification
• Check for any stored or pending transmission diagnostic trouble codes
• Verify transmission fluid temperature reaches and maintains normal operating range (75-95°C)
• Confirm no vibration during acceleration or deceleration
• Recheck all mounting bolts and axle nut torque after test drive

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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