transmission
Transmission Pan Gasket
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master 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
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Metric socket setEssential
Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential
Plastic or composite scraperEssential
Brake cleaner or contact cleanerEssential
Clean lint-free ragsEssential
Funnel for transmission fillEssential
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Parts
- Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda gasket
- Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 94109-20000 or equivalent
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- Honda DW-1 ATF — 4 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Allow transmission to cool completely if recently driven
- Raise vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
- Verify vehicle is level front-to-back for accurate fluid measurement
- Place drain pan beneath transmission pan area
Procedure
- 1Drain transmission fluidLocate 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 specTransmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 2Remove transmission pan boltsOnce 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 specPan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 3Remove transmission panCarefully 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.
- 4Inspect pan and filterInspect 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.
- 5Clean pan and magnetThoroughly 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.
- 6Remove old gasket materialUsing 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.
- 7Install new gasketPosition 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.
- 8Install transmission panCarefully 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.
- 9Torque pan boltsTighten 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 specPan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 10Install drain plug with new washerInstall 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 specTransmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 11Refill transmission fluidLocate 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.
- 12Check fluid levelFor 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
- Lower vehicle from jack stands
- Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes to reach full operating temperature
- Re-check transmission fluid level on level ground with engine running
- Inspect underneath vehicle for any fluid leaks at pan gasket and drain plug
- 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.
P0218Transmission Over Temperature ConditionP0700Transmission Control System (MIL Request)P0701Transmission Control System Range/PerformanceP0710Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor CircuitP0711Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Range/PerformanceP0730Incorrect Gear RatioP0750Shift Solenoid AP0751Shift Solenoid A Performance/Stuck OffP0760Shift Solenoid CP0765Shift Solenoid DP0770Shift Solenoid EP1786Shift Control System 3-2 Malfunction
Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →