This procedure drains and refills the transaxle differential fluid in the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo to maintain proper lubrication and extend transmission life.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drain plug washer × 1 — 94109-20000 or equivalent copper washer

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 2.5 qt

Preparation

1. Drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes to warm transmission fluid to operating temperature, then allow to cool for 10-15 minutes
2. Park on level surface and apply parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove plastic undertray/splash shield if equipped to access drain and fill plugs on transaxle

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate differential drain and fill plugs
   On the front of the transaxle (passenger side of engine bay, underneath), identify the differential drain plug on the lower portion and the fill plug on the side. The fill plug is typically positioned higher than the drain plug. Clean area around both plugs with shop rag to prevent contamination.
2. 2

   Remove fill plug first
   Using 17mm socket, loosen and remove the fill plug before draining. This ensures you can refill the differential after draining. If fill plug is seized or stripped, do not proceed with draining until issue is resolved. Set fill plug aside in clean area.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Drain differential fluid
   Position drain pan beneath differential drain plug. Using 17mm socket, carefully loosen drain plug. Remove plug by hand for last few turns to avoid dropping into drain pan. Allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 5-10 minutes). Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or burnt smell indicating potential transmission issues.
   ⚠Fluid may still be warm - use caution when removing drain plug
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Install drain plug with new washer
   Remove old crush washer from drain plug and discard. Install new drain plug washer onto plug. Clean drain plug threads and sealing surface on transaxle case with clean shop rag. Thread drain plug in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Refill differential with Honda DW-1 ATF
   Using fluid transfer pump or funnel with hose inserted into fill plug hole, add approximately 2.5 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF. Fill until fluid begins to drip from fill hole, indicating proper level. Allow fluid to settle for 1-2 minutes and top off if necessary until fluid reaches bottom edge of fill hole.
   ℹ️Only use genuine Honda DW-1 ATF - do not substitute with other fluids as this can damage the CVT transmission
6. 6

   Install fill plug
   Wipe fill plug threads clean. Thread fill plug in by hand to start, then tighten to specification using torque wrench. Ensure plug is secure but do not over-tighten.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Lower vehicle and verify
   Reinstall plastic undertray/splash shield if removed. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes. Check underneath vehicle for any leaks around drain and fill plugs.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both drain and fill plugs are tightened to proper torque specification
2. Reinstall all plastic undertrays or shields that were removed for access
3. Dispose of used transmission fluid at appropriate recycling facility - do not pour down drain

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and engine idling, verify no leaks from drain or fill plugs
• Test drive vehicle for 5-10 minutes, cycling through all gear ranges
• Re-check for leaks after test drive
• Monitor transmission operation for smooth shifting over next few days
• Verify proper fluid level by checking that fluid drips from fill hole when plug is removed with engine off and transmission at operating temperature

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