1.5L I4 TurboFWDCVTgasturbo
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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transmission

Transmission Pan Gasket

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
9
Steps
12
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the transmission pan gasket on the CVT transmission, including fluid drainage, pan removal, gasket replacement, and refilling with Honda DW-1 ATF.

Warnings

Transmission fluid can be hot enough to cause burns. Allow transmission to cool to ambient temperature before beginning work.
Only use genuine Honda DW-1 ATF. Use of incorrect fluid will damage the CVT transmission and void warranty.
ℹ️This procedure requires the vehicle to be level during fluid refill for accurate level checking.

Tools required

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Parts

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Fluids

  • Honda DW-1 ATF — 4 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Allow transmission to cool completely if recently driven
  3. Raise vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
  4. Verify vehicle is level front-to-back for accurate fluid measurement
  5. Place drain pan beneath transmission pan area

Procedure

  1. 1
    Drain transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Using the appropriate socket, remove the drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely into the drain pan. This will take 5-10 minutes for complete drainage.
    Torque spec
    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Remove transmission pan bolts
    Once fluid has stopped draining, locate all transmission pan bolts around the perimeter of the pan (typically 14-16 bolts). Remove bolts in a criss-cross pattern, starting from the center and working outward. Loosen bolts gradually to prevent warping the pan flange.
    Torque spec
    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Remove transmission pan
    Carefully lower the transmission pan. Some residual fluid will remain in the pan. Tilt pan to drain remaining fluid into drain pan. Note the position of any dowel pins if present.
    Pan may contain 1-2 quarts of residual fluid. Lower carefully to avoid spillage.
  4. 4
    Inspect pan and filter
    Inspect the inside of the pan for excessive debris or metal particles. Small amounts of fine material on the magnet are normal. If excessive debris is present, further transmission inspection may be required. Note that some CVT transmissions have an internal filter that is not serviceable during pan removal.
    ℹ️The 1.5L Turbo Accord uses a CVT transmission. The internal filter is not replaceable during this procedure.
  5. 5
    Clean pan and magnet
    Thoroughly clean the transmission pan interior, paying special attention to the magnetic drain plug or magnet. Use brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Clean the magnet completely of all metal particles.
  6. 6
    Remove old gasket material
    Using a plastic scraper, carefully remove all old gasket material from both the transmission housing mating surface and the pan flange. Do not use metal scrapers that could gouge the aluminum surfaces. Clean both surfaces with brake cleaner and verify they are completely clean and dry.
    Do not gouge or scratch the aluminum mating surfaces. Deep scratches will prevent proper sealing.
  7. 7
    Install new gasket
    Position the new gasket on the transmission pan, aligning all bolt holes. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed and will stick to the pan; others may require careful positioning during installation. Verify gasket is properly seated and all bolt holes align.
  8. 8
    Install transmission pan
    Carefully raise the transmission pan with gasket into position. Align any dowel pins if present. Start all bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement and alignment before tightening any bolts.
  9. 9
    Torque pan bolts
    Tighten transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward. Torque all bolts to specification. Make a second pass in the same pattern to verify all bolts are properly torqued.
    Torque spec
    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Install drain plug with new washer
    Install new crush washer on drain plug. Thread drain plug into transmission pan by hand, then torque to specification. Do not reuse the old crush washer.
    ℹ️Always use a new crush washer to ensure proper sealing.
    Torque spec
    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fill plug or dipstick tube (depending on model year configuration). Using a funnel, add approximately 3.5-4.0 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF. For models without a dipstick, fluid level must be checked through the fill/check plug opening with transmission at operating temperature.
    Only add Honda DW-1 ATF. Generic or universal CVT fluids will damage the transmission.
  12. 12
    Check fluid level
    For models with dipstick: Start engine, run through all gear positions, return to Park, and check fluid level with engine running at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed to reach proper level. For models without dipstick: With vehicle level and transmission at operating temperature (170-180°F), remove fill plug and verify fluid level is at the bottom of the fill hole. Fluid should just barely drip out.

Reassembly

  1. Lower vehicle from jack stands
  2. Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes to reach full operating temperature
  3. Re-check transmission fluid level on level ground with engine running
  4. Inspect underneath vehicle for any fluid leaks at pan gasket and drain plug
  5. Top off fluid if necessary after test drive

Verification

  • No fluid leaks visible at transmission pan or drain plug after test drive
  • Transmission fluid level is correct when checked at operating temperature
  • Transmission shifts normally through all gear ranges
  • No unusual noises from transmission during operation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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More procedures for this vehicle

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