This is the 2nd time I have taken my 2016 Accord Sport to the dealer for CVT related service resulting in CVT performance issues.
OVER FILLED CVT AT DEALER: The First dealer overfilled the CVT after replacing CVT seals and caused the CVT to have symptoms of slipping, surging, getting stuck in gear on highway and didn't want to change gears. I personally had to correct the fluid level myself to resolve the problem. Then the CVT was fine.
UNDER FILLED CVT AT DEALER: Recently (May 2019) took the vehicle in for CVT fluid change at 24,425 miles. This time I used a different dealer. The CVT seemed to start hanging in certain gears around 40MPH, the engine RPMs were around 3800 and seemed like a long delay before CVT wanted to change gears. Asked the dealer to check the CVT.
Result was no codes found, recommend fluid change. I let them conduct the service and on the way home the CVT was acting up again. I checked the CVT fluid level using Honda technical document/instruction and found the CVT fluid level LOW and nothing came out of the check plug (LOW FLUID CONDITION).
CORRECTIVE ACTION (May 2019): I ordered 5 Quarts of the HCF2 fluid from Honda dealer (after dealer service), new drain bolt washer and new check plug with seal ring. Drained, refilled the CVT fluid myself at home to make sure the fluid was actually changed, conducted fluid check following Honda procedure, and now the CVT performs flawlessly.
CONCERN: Dealers don't have a lot of time and a lot of customers waiting on their vehicles. They need to get these cars in and out quickly. I honestly don't think the fluid change procedures in these CVTs are being followed to Honda standards causing symptoms. Twice, from the dealer, I have dealt with over-filled CVT and under-filled CVT fluid levels both causing issues after dealer services. It takes about an hour and a half to do this at home correctly. The dealer charges $201 for the service. I do the service at home for $67. I let the dealer conduct the service for record purpose in the event I have an issue with this CVT later, then I have proper documentation for service.
This is the 2nd time I had to change/correct the CVT fluid level after two separate dealers conducted CVT fluid service in order to correct the fluid level, which both fluid changes conducted by me, the owner corrected the CVT performance concern.
The Honda CVT in my 2016 Accord likes 10,000 mile fluid changes. Any further mileage results in degraded CVT performance, hanging in gears, surging, etc... When the fluid gets changed, it acts perfectly fine.
I live in extreme heat (desert) and do drive in mountain terrain occasionally. My car parks on a steep hill.
Update from Feb 5, 2020: At 28,685 miles on the vehicle (after recent CVT fluid change and level check), I was driving on the highway (flat surface) at approximately 55 MPH when I looked down for a speed check and also noticed the tachometer was at 3300RPM, also observed the RPM (engine speed) needle was fluctuating up and down between 3100-3400 RPM steadily, as if the CVT transmission was hung up on a certain gear ratio and didn't want to change to a higher gear to conserve fuel. I let my foot off the accelerator and then gradually applied acceleration to regain 55MPH speed and then the CVT shifted correctly. This has been an intermittent hard to duplicate concern that has been occurring since the car was new and I am afraid the CVT is going to go out soon or during a trip. I live in the desert / mountains and concerned about the CVT performance. I have changed the CVT fluid in this vehicle at least 5 times including dealer CVT fluid changes. CVT fluid was last changed by the Honda Dealer in May 2019 at 24,425 miles. I checked the fluid level in my garage and it was low according to Honda Technical Service Procedure for CVT fluid level check/ fluid changer this model vehicle and CVT model. I. corrected the fluid level by draining and refilling with Honda HCF 2 fluid, went through Honda technical procedure to obtain correct fluid level following exact sequences in Honda Technical manual. Vehicle CVT was and has been shifting fine until now, FEB 5, 2020 at 28,685 miles. Today it was quite cold (mid 30s) however, the CVT intermittent shifting occurrence happened when the vehicle was fully warmed up at operating temperature. I usually drive on regular streets and avoid the highway due to rocks hitting my car and windshield where I live. Not sure what's going on but, definitely this CVT has a lid of its own and I do not trust it. Very unpredictable which I understand is the design however, hanging in a certain gear ratio for a CVT transmission is not good. Will make an appointment with the dealer to see what they say however, previous occurrences have resulted in, lets go for a ride to see if we can get it to duplicate and I know the symptoms won't re-occur when they are in the car, as it is intermittent. I know Honda knows about this behavior but, they won't touch it unless it does it all the time where it can be proved. So I guess I will invest in a GO CAM and stick it on the dash where I can record the transmission selection (Sport or Normal), which I always drive in normal, and let the camera record this occurrence for them to see what's going on.
Update from Feb 16, 2020: 28837 Miles, the CVT transmission has been performing flawlessly in any driving condition (highway, uphill, downhill, city, stop & GO, etc...) I have turned on the ECON button on the dash which apparently changes the way the CVT transmission and engine fuel trim behaves by reducing power and changing gear ratio (shift points). Activating the ECON button changes the programming from what I understand and makes the vehicle perform more efficiently to save fuel and behave less aggressively. The CVT has been performing perfect driving in this ECON mode and I have also noticed a SERIOUS INCREASE in fuel economy (34 MPG highway (ECON OFF) to 38 MPG (ECON ON)). I have not noticed any difference in performance besides it seems to have a little less power at take off from a stop, which I believe is to assist with easy/gradual acceleration. I believe the CVT in these cars are aggressive especially in the SPORT model with ECON turned off. These cars are very sensitive and I believe the hanging in a certain gear ratio at highway speed was due to traveling on a slight incline where th CVT was sensing the need for more power. I think the CVT shifting concern is a learning curve for people like me who are use to traditional transmissions that shift at certain points consistently where a CVT has a mind of its own and shifts based on power needs. Going to call this one an adjustment phase with the owner. Can't believe I forgot all about that ECON button and what it does. 4
Update from May 10, 2020: MAY 2016 entering on the highway, CVT transmission got stuck into a certain gear ratio and engine RPM was 4300RPM at 65 MPH, consistently for approximately 7 seconds on a flat surface with steady speed at 65 MPH, the CVT shifted when I noticed the engine RPM and I then released my foot from the accelerator pedal. I tried to grab my phone to record with a video but it had shifted already. This has been an intermittent problem since the day I drove it off the dealer lot.
I checked the CVT transmission fluid at normal operating temp, following Honda technical procedures and the fluid seemed to be low (no drip from the check plug hole). I added 14 ounces of Honda HCF-2 CVT Fluid, ran through the gears per technical procedure, immediately performed the fluid check and drained approximately 6 ounces of CVT fluid from the transmission check plug until a gradual drip (SPEC). CVT was approximately 8 ounces low on fluid.
I have driven the vehicle for 4 days, specifically the highway and have not duplicated the same concern again.
Update from May 10, 2020: Vehicle should be driven for a short distance using ALL GEARS including reverse after CVT fluid change. Final CVT fluid level check should only be performed after the CVT fluid has been changed, initial CVT Fluid level set, after short test drive running through all gears, then return to garage and perform final fluid check (I guarantee it will be 8-10 ounces low). Following Honda service procedure of drain/refill and CVT level set is not 100% accurate while vehicle is stationary. Vehicle MUST BE DRIVEN a short distance to properly circulate the CVT fluid and perform final check after short drive when vehicle is at normal operating temp (after fan cycles twice). This is the only 100% way to get the CVT fluid at the proper level. Two dealers left the CVT fluid low requiring a check/correction, I have personally experienced the same problem during CVT fluid change. Honda technical article for CVT fluid change is a guide, not a Master fail safe procedure, anyone changing CVT fluid in these vehicles including dealership technicians need to be fully aware of this problem with misinformation in Honda Technical Procedure for CVT fluid change and CVT fluid level check.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This is the 2nd time I have taken my 2016 Accord Sport to the dealer for CVT related service resulting in CVT performance issues.
OVER FILLED CVT AT DEALER: The First dealer overfilled the CVT after replacing CVT seals and caused the CVT to have symptoms of slipping, surging, getting stuck in gear on highway and didn't want to change gears. I personally had to correct the fluid level myself to resolve the problem. Then the CVT was fine.
UNDER FILLED CVT AT DEALER: Recently (May 2019) took the vehicle in for CVT fluid change at 24,425 miles. This time I used a different dealer. The CVT seemed to start hanging in certain gears around 40MPH, the engine RPMs were around 3800 and seemed like a long delay before CVT wanted to change gears. Asked the dealer to check the CVT.
Result was no codes found, recommend fluid change. I let them conduct the service and on the way home the CVT was acting up again. I checked the CVT fluid level using Honda technical document/instruction and found the CVT fluid level LOW and nothing came out of the check plug (LOW FLUID CONDITION).
CORRECTIVE ACTION (May 2019): I ordered 5 Quarts of the HCF2 fluid from Honda dealer (after dealer service), new drain bolt washer and new check plug with seal ring. Drained, refilled the CVT fluid myself at home to make sure the fluid was actually changed, conducted fluid check following Honda procedure, and now the CVT performs flawlessly.
CONCERN: Dealers don't have a lot of time and a lot of customers waiting on their vehicles. They need to get these cars in and out quickly. I honestly don't think the fluid change procedures in these CVTs are being followed to Honda standards causing symptoms. Twice, from the dealer, I have dealt with over-filled CVT and under-filled CVT fluid levels both causing issues after dealer services. It takes about an hour and a half to do this at home correctly. The dealer charges $201 for the service. I do the service at home for $67. I let the dealer conduct the service for record purpose in the event I have an issue with this CVT later, then I have proper documentation for service.
This is the 2nd time I had to change/correct the CVT fluid level after two separate dealers conducted CVT fluid service in order to correct the fluid level, which both fluid changes conducted by me, the owner corrected the CVT performance concern.
The Honda CVT in my 2016 Accord likes 10,000 mile fluid changes. Any further mileage results in degraded CVT performance, hanging in gears, surging, etc... When the fluid gets changed, it acts perfectly fine.
I live in extreme heat (desert) and do drive in mountain terrain occasionally. My car parks on a steep hill.
Update from Feb 5, 2020: At 28,685 miles on the vehicle (after recent CVT fluid change and level check), I was driving on the highway (flat surface) at approximately 55 MPH when I looked down for a speed check and also noticed the tachometer was at 3300RPM, also observed the RPM (engine speed) needle was fluctuating up and down between 3100-3400 RPM steadily, as if the CVT transmission was hung up on a certain gear ratio and didn't want to change to a higher gear to conserve fuel. I let my foot off the accelerator and then gradually applied acceleration to regain 55MPH speed and then the CVT shifted correctly. This has been an intermittent hard to duplicate concern that has been occurring since the car was new and I am afraid the CVT is going to go out soon or during a trip. I live in the desert / mountains and concerned about the CVT performance. I have changed the CVT fluid in this vehicle at least 5 times including dealer CVT fluid changes. CVT fluid was last changed by the Honda Dealer in May 2019 at 24,425 miles. I checked the fluid level in my garage and it was low according to Honda Technical Service Procedure for CVT fluid level check/ fluid changer this model vehicle and CVT model. I. corrected the fluid level by draining and refilling with Honda HCF 2 fluid, went through Honda technical procedure to obtain correct fluid level following exact sequences in Honda Technical manual. Vehicle CVT was and has been shifting fine until now, FEB 5, 2020 at 28,685 miles. Today it was quite cold (mid 30s) however, the CVT intermittent shifting occurrence happened when the vehicle was fully warmed up at operating temperature. I usually drive on regular streets and avoid the highway due to rocks hitting my car and windshield where I live. Not sure what's going on but, definitely this CVT has a lid of its own and I do not trust it. Very unpredictable which I understand is the design however, hanging in a certain gear ratio for a CVT transmission is not good. Will make an appointment with the dealer to see what they say however, previous occurrences have resulted in, lets go for a ride to see if we can get it to duplicate and I know the symptoms won't re-occur when they are in the car, as it is intermittent. I know Honda knows about this behavior but, they won't touch it unless it does it all the time where it can be proved. So I guess I will invest in a GO CAM and stick it on the dash where I can record the transmission selection (Sport or Normal), which I always drive in normal, and let the camera record this occurrence for them to see what's going on.
Update from Feb 16, 2020: 28837 Miles, the CVT transmission has been performing flawlessly in any driving condition (highway, uphill, downhill, city, stop & GO, etc...) I have turned on the ECON button on the dash which apparently changes the way the CVT transmission and engine fuel trim behaves by reducing power and changing gear ratio (shift points). Activating the ECON button changes the programming from what I understand and makes the vehicle perform more efficiently to save fuel and behave less aggressively. The CVT has been performing perfect driving in this ECON mode and I have also noticed a SERIOUS INCREASE in fuel economy (34 MPG highway (ECON OFF) to 38 MPG (ECON ON)). I have not noticed any difference in performance besides it seems to have a little less power at take off from a stop, which I believe is to assist with easy/gradual acceleration. I believe the CVT in these cars are aggressive especially in the SPORT model with ECON turned off. These cars are very sensitive and I believe the hanging in a certain gear ratio at highway speed was due to traveling on a slight incline where th CVT was sensing the need for more power. I think the CVT shifting concern is a learning curve for people like me who are use to traditional transmissions that shift at certain points consistently where a CVT has a mind of its own and shifts based on power needs. Going to call this one an adjustment phase with the owner. Can't believe I forgot all about that ECON button and what it does. 4
Update from May 10, 2020: MAY 2016 entering on the highway, CVT transmission got stuck into a certain gear ratio and engine RPM was 4300RPM at 65 MPH, consistently for approximately 7 seconds on a flat surface with steady speed at 65 MPH, the CVT shifted when I noticed the engine RPM and I then released my foot from the accelerator pedal. I tried to grab my phone to record with a video but it had shifted already. This has been an intermittent problem since the day I drove it off the dealer lot.
I checked the CVT transmission fluid at normal operating temp, following Honda technical procedures and the fluid seemed to be low (no drip from the check plug hole). I added 14 ounces of Honda HCF-2 CVT Fluid, ran through the gears per technical procedure, immediately performed the fluid check and drained approximately 6 ounces of CVT fluid from the transmission check plug until a gradual drip (SPEC). CVT was approximately 8 ounces low on fluid. I have driven the vehicle for 4 days, specifically the highway and have not duplicated the same concern again.
Update from May 10, 2020: Vehicle should be driven for a short distance using ALL GEARS including reverse after CVT fluid change. Final CVT fluid level check should only be performed after the CVT fluid has been changed, initial CVT Fluid level set, after short test drive running through all gears, then return to garage and perform final fluid check (I guarantee it will be 8-10 ounces low). Following Honda service procedure of drain/refill and CVT level set is not 100% accurate while vehicle is stationary. Vehicle MUST BE DRIVEN a short distance to properly circulate the CVT fluid and perform final check after short drive when vehicle is at normal operating temp (after fan cycles twice). This is the only 100% way to get the CVT fluid at the proper level. Two dealers left the CVT fluid low requiring a check/correction, I have personally experienced the same problem during CVT fluid change. Honda technical article for CVT fluid change is a guide, not a Master fail safe procedure, anyone changing CVT fluid in these vehicles including dealership technicians need to be fully aware of this problem with misinformation in Honda Technical Procedure for CVT fluid change and CVT fluid level check.
- monty4169rm, Phoenix, AZ, US