How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
Car Maintenance ▸ January 18, 2022

A Transmission Fluid Change Cost is not usually something that we budget for. There are so many fluids that help keep your vehicle running smoothly. One of the most important and commonly overlooked is the transmission fluid. A transmission fluid change is often something that is debated. We rea here to tell you that you should. The question is how much money should a transmission fluid change cost. Also how often should this task be performed?

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When should you replace your fluid?

Transmission fluid changes can vary. Some manufacturers’ maintenance schedules call for fresh fluid every 100,000 miles. Some Ford manufacturers even advise every 150,000 miles. There is a popular opinion among mechanics that call for a transmission fluid change every 50k miles. If you drive a manual transmission this will require more conventional gear oil than your automatic transmission oil. Either way, you will want to consult your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s maintenance recommendations.

Like all of the other fluids in your car, the transmission fluid will at some point deteriorate. Frequent stop-and-go city driving as well as continually hauling heavy loads will speed up this process. Driving in these ways, which are unavoidable in some cases, will raise the transmission’s internal temperature. Increased heat will put more strain on the transmission as well as the fluid. Transmission fluid, unlike oil which acts solely as a lubricant serves two purposes. It is both an oil and a hydraulic that helps facilitate gears while shifting and serves as a coolant.

If you are prone to driving in high-stress conditions like the ones mentioned earlier. You should consider a transmission fluid change. If not be more vigilant about checking the transmission fluid levels. Or have a repair shop check the condition of your fluid on your next service.

Typically you will want to change or flush your fluid if you notice any of the following conditions:

  • Gears Slipping. This happens if the fluid in your transmission is old and dirty. Contaminants can block the flow of fluid. This reduces the hydraulic power
  • Gear shifting issues
  • Vehicle stalling out
  • Lunging of the vehicle
  • Grinding or knocking noises

Why it’s important to perform a fluid flush on your vehicle:

There are times when your vehicle may be having trouble shifting. Shifting gears is a vital component to safe and efficient driving. A transmission fluid flush can extend the life of your transmission. This routine maintenance can save you costly repair dollars down the road.

Having your fluid flushed not only replaces your old and used fluid. But, it also cleans the transmission components. These components over time can build up dirt and debris that can cause transmission failure. Fluid flushes also help you get more performance than a simple fluid replacement does.

HOW TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR TRANSMISSION

To avoid costly damage to your vehicle, you will want to change the fluid frequently. This will ensure maximum longevity. Dirty fluid will not disperse heat well. Cleaner fluids are a more effective lubricant. Not changing the fluid will cause wear and tear on the clutches as well as other transmission components. When the clutch components begin to lose their grip, older fluid will be the only thing keeping your transmission from slipping.

To prevent this damage, ensure that your vehicle’s fluids are flushed according to the owner’s manual.

How Much Does it Cost to Change Transmission Fluid?

Automatic Transmission:

Typically an automatic transmission fluid change cost is higher than a manual transmission. This is because the job may also require that your oil filter and pan gasket be replaced as well. The total cost for this service you can estimate to be anywhere from $300-$500. With parts costs coming in at around $150-$275, and labor costs compromising the remaining balance.

Manual Transmission:

For manual transmissions, you can get away with spending as low as $150. This is because there is no filter. Therefore no need to replace it or the gasket. The cost of this service will significantly drop, keeping the cost of parts at around $50-$60. With labor costs staying at around $75-$100. However, you will need to perform manual transmission fluid changes more often.

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How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
9th November 2012, 11:24
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Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


Hi Everyone,

I have Honda ZX CVT automatic.

I read somewhere that because a CVT is different from a regular auto-box the oil is also different a CVT specific oil needs to be used for replacement.

Of course the service centre guys seem clueless and talk about manual synthetic gear oil only.

any tips suggestions on what oil to get ?

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
 

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
9th November 2012, 12:21
  #2

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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


Have you checked the car's owner manual? The manual will have the specifications of what type of oil needs to be used.

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
 

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
10th November 2012, 11:57
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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


Use ONLY genuine Honda CVTF (Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid), not Honda ATF Z1 or DW1 (For the normal torque converter Automatics)

Any reputed Honda A.S.S. should be able to do it -my personal recommendation would be Linkway Honda Andheri(E)

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10th November 2012, 13:06
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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


A Honda expert mechanic has this to say:

- Very important for CVT oil changes to happen at 20,000 kms tops! Honda recommends a change every 40,000 kms, but that is NOT recommended due to our driving conditions (continuous stop-go traffic, heat, dust). This is one of the primary reasons you see so many bust CVTs on 75,000 km Honda Citys.

- Some Indian Honda dealers wrongly use EP80 oil for transmissions. This is apparently not well-suited to CVTs. AS d_himan posted, genuine Honda CVTF is your best bet.

- If you want to buy from the after-market / online, he recommends Idemitsu's CVT-specific oil.


Last edited by GTO : 10th November 2012 at 14:07.

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22nd March 2013, 06:47
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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


I recently had an incident where the CVT Unit had to be replaced as the previous owner hadn't ever changed the oil once in >40,000 kms. The system had jammed up the car wouldn't go past 1st gear. I did, however, manage to find a refurbished unit to fit in.

Honda CVT Oil costs about 400 Rs/Litre when I last checked (Dec 2012) and in Mumbai it seems to be available only with Honda. (I also highly reommend Linkway Andheri (E)). You will need about 4-5 litres for the model you specified. They charge about 1500 more for filter/labour.

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28th December 2013, 18:03
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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


Quote:

Originally Posted by enkash

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

I recently had an incident where the CVT Unit had to be replaced as the previous owner hadn't ever changed the oil once in >40,000 kms. The system had jammed up the car wouldn't go past 1st gear. I did, however, manage to find a refurbished unit to fit in.

Honda CVT Oil costs about 400 Rs/Litre when I last checked (Dec 2012) and in Mumbai it seems to be available only with Honda. (I also highly reommend Linkway Andheri (E)). You will need about 4-5 litres for the model you specified. They charge about 1500 more for filter/labour.

Could you let us know as to what was the estimated amount given by Honda to replace/repair the CVT box and how much did you end up spending on purchasing the refurbished CVT box??

Your info would help us compare maintenance costs of a CVT with that of a DSG as we've seen many instances where people have to shell out a fortune over DSG repairs.

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16th March 2016, 03:11
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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

A Honda expert mechanic has this to say:

- Very important for CVT oil changes to happen at 20,000 kms tops! Honda recommends a change every 40,000 kms, but that is NOT recommended due to our driving conditions (continuous stop-go traffic, heat, dust). This is one of the primary reasons you see so many bust CVTs on 75,000 km Honda Citys.

- Some Indian Honda dealers wrongly use EP80 oil for transmissions. This is apparently not well-suited to CVTs. AS d_himan posted, genuine Honda CVTF is your best bet.

- If you want to buy from the after-market / online, he recommends Idemitsu's CVT-specific oil.

This is quite an eye opener. Slightly OT perhaps but is there comparable critical oil change advice for the Honda torque converters as well? I'm asking from the standpoint of the Civic ATs.

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How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
12th March 2018, 15:58
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Honda City Automatic Transmission Oil


Hello Everyone,
Honda City has had both the Torque Converter and CVT transmission in India.
The oil grade is different for both.
Can Respective owners list out the grades and Brands available in the open market.
The ASC normally wouldn�t sell it over the counter. Their labour charges are certainly on the higher side.
It will be beneficial for many of us.
Thank you in advance.

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
 

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
5th April 2019, 15:47
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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


Good info, about changing CVTF every 20000 KM's.
After buying the new vehicle, can we delay the second free service, till we get to 5000 km, if more than the stipulated 6 months time. Or is it a must that we need to get "time- bound" servicing schedule. . for BRV-AT
. ?

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
 

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8th June 2019, 08:35
  #10

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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


Quote:

Originally Posted by greendream

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

Hello Everyone,
Honda City has had both the Torque Converter and CVT transmission in India.
The oil grade is different for both.
Can Respective owners list out the grades and Brands available in the open market.
The ASC normally wouldn�t sell it over the counter. Their labour charges are certainly on the higher side.
It will be beneficial for many of us.
Thank you in advance.

Honda HCF-2 Transmission Fluid - This is from Honda Jazz CVT manual.

I recently changed transmission fluid for my Jazz CVT . Overall cost came around Rs.2028 ( Rs.1718 + Rs.154 CGST + Rs.154 SGST )at service centre. This was done ar 20k kms ( 24 months service ). Do not get it replaced with alternate fluids, Honda transmission is very sensitive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fossilalan

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

Good info, about changing CVTF every 20000 KM's.
After buying the new vehicle, can we delay the second free service, till we get to 5000 km, if more than the stipulated 6 months time. Or is it a must that we need to get "time- bound" servicing schedule. . for BRV-AT
. ?

You will lose warranty, but most of the time nothing happens within the first 2 years of ownership. Just make sure you change transmission fluid ( CVT) every 20-25k kms from service center.

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
 

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
16th July 2019, 09:46
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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


What's the correct interval to get the CVT Transmission oil replaced?

My Baleno CVT is due for its 40K service this week.

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
 

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
29th July 2019, 17:25
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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


Quote:

Originally Posted by Prodigy07

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

What's the correct interval to get the CVT Transmission oil replaced?

My Baleno CVT is due for its 40K service this week.

Quoting my post again.

My vehicle is at MASS for 40K service.

Please let me know if I need to replace the CVT transmission oil.

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29th July 2019, 21:13
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Prodigy07

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

Quoting my post again.

My vehicle is at MASS for 40K service.

Please let me know if I need to replace the CVT transmission oil.

Would strongly suggest. CVTs are delicate and fluid changes greatly help. I will be changing mine at 15k, 2 year SERVICE. It lives a horrendous bumper to bumper life

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1st February 2020, 19:06
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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


Quote:

Originally Posted by Prodigy07

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

Quoting my post again.
My vehicle is at MASS for 40K service.
Please let me know if I need to replace the CVT transmission oil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by d_himan

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

Would strongly suggest. CVTs are delicate and fluid changes greatly help. I will be changing mine at 15k, 2 year SERVICE. It lives a horrendous bumper to bumper life

Have any of you changed the CVT fluid yet? Neither me nor BHPian Oxy below found anything concrete from the service center. I am still searching for a way to understand the check the fluid and plan for replacement based upon its condition. Can anyone suggest how to find out if the CVT fluid is going bad?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oxy

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

Apologies for the late reply. It looks like even the service folks don't have a clue when to change the transmission fluid for the automatic car. When I asked for it to be changed, I got a clueless response saying it is not needed until 1,40,000 kms. This applies for the manual variant is my guess.
I just did my third service and it was not changed. I was assured there will be no problems. I will make sure I get it changed in the fourth service.
Even the owner's manual does not have any mention of when the transmission fluid is supposed to be changed.

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
 

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid
4th February 2020, 11:23
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Re: Correct Gear Oil for CVT Transmission


Quote:

Originally Posted by Researcher

How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

Have any of you changed the CVT fluid yet? Neither me nor BHPian Oxy below found anything concrete from the service center. I am still searching for a way to understand the check the fluid and plan for replacement based upon its condition. Can anyone suggest how to find out if the CVT fluid is going bad?

From my experience of owning Automatics a little more than a decade, the Service Centre chaps hate doing work on ATs – only select mechanics receive training to work on an AT; fluid changes require a proper flush or ‘cycling’ to get rid of residual oil in the gearbox – much more time consuming than a normal gearbox change; In DSGs, there’s a mechatronics learning manoeuvre which needs to be performed in an open space – a time consuming job without much monetary returns per hour. I managed to get fluid changes done at Honda, Hyundai and VW – much before scheduled intervals. And the gearboxes love it. My VW, with it’s notorious DSG 7 speed is smooth as silk after 5.5 years. Slight roughness disappeared completely in my Honda and Hyundai.

With Maruti, the SA relented when I insisted – I anyway knew far more about Automatics than he did. However, there was no stock of CVT Green 2. They said you’ll need to order it in advance ...the 4 Speed Torque converter’s ATF was available though.

So, to cut it short, no haven’t done it so far. But I will in the next 5-6 months.


Last edited by d_himan : 4th February 2020 at 11:24.

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How much does it cost to change cvt transmission fluid

How often should I change my CVT transmission fluid?

For example, Nissan will recommend that you change the fluid every 25,000 miles. Most manufacturers fall into a range between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. Many car owners find that their manual doesn't specify a time. If this is the case, a good rule of thumb is around 50,000 miles.

Does CVT transmission fluid need to be changed?

Most CVTs (continuously variable transmissions) need inspections and/or fluid changes. We advise owners to refer to the owner's manual for specific guidance and to keep records of related services. Remember that unlike engine oil, transmission fluid should never burn off.

What happens if I don't change my CVT fluid?

Particles and debris are flushed out when you change the fluid on a vehicle. If you don't ever drain your transmission fluid, these will remain circulating in the transmission. Although they may not damage the transmission itself, they actually allow the transmission to shift properly as the miles accumulate.

How long does a CVT fluid change take?

Mostly, the average time it takes to change the fluid in a transmission it 1 hour.