How many quarts does a Honda transmission hold?
It depends on the model and transmission type. Generally, a conventional Honda automatic holds about 9 to 12 quarts of transmission fluid, while a Honda CVT uses roughly 7 to 9 quarts. For exact capacity, check your owner’s manual or Honda’s service data for your specific model and year.
Why the number isn't universal
Transmission fluid capacity varies with the engine size, number of gears, torque-converter volume, cooling routes, and whether the specification refers to total system capacity or the amount needed for a pan drain and fill. Honda typically specifies the correct ATF type as DW-1 unless noted otherwise.
Typical capacities by transmission type
Below is a practical guide to what you might expect across common Honda configurations. Use these as a starting point, then confirm with official documentation for your vehicle.
Conventional automatic transmissions
Most traditional Honda automatics with a torque-converter and multiple gears have a total system capacity in the 9–12 quart range. This includes fluid in the pan, torque converter, cooler lines, and internal passages.
- 4- to 6-speed traditional automatics commonly fall near 9–12 quarts total capacity.
- Early or larger-displacement models may skew toward the higher end of that range.
In practice, the exact number depends on model year and specific transmission design. Always verify with the official specifications for your car.
CVT transmissions
Honda CVTs generally require less fluid than traditional automatics, with total capacity typically around 7–9 quarts. Some models may differ slightly depending on configuration and cooling loops.
- Most modern Honda CVTs sit in the 7–9 quart range for a full system capacity.
- Variations can occur by model year and the presence of auxiliary cooling considerations.
As with other configurations, the exact capacity should be confirmed via the owner’s manual or official Honda service data for your vehicle.
How to determine your exact capacity
To avoid guesswork, use model- and year-specific sources when confirming transmission fluid capacity for servicing.
- Check the owner's manual or the service/repair manual for the "fluid capacity" specification of your exact model and year.
- Use Honda’s official support site or contact a dealership service department to verify the precise capacity and required ATF type (typically DW-1, unless specified otherwise).
- Decide on the service method (pan drain-and-fill vs. full system flush) since the amount of fluid you replace will differ by method and model.
- Follow the recommended ATF type and procedure to ensure proper fill level and lubrication (overfilling or underfilling can cause shifting or lubrication issues).
Having the exact figure prevents overfilling, which can foam and cause performance problems, or underfilling, which can lead to insufficient lubrication and damage over time.
Practical tips for servicing
When planning a transmission fluid change, consider these practical notes to avoid common pitfalls:
- Always use the manufacturer-recommended ATF (often Honda DW-1) unless the manual specifies a different type.
- For some models, a full flush should be performed only with professional equipment; many owners opt for a pan drain-and-fill as a safer alternative.
- Record the exact capacity for your model year to ensure the correct amount is added during service.
Consulting the official documentation for your exact vehicle is the best way to ensure the correct fluid type and quantity are used during service.
Summary
Honda transmission fluid capacity varies by model, year, and transmission design. In general, conventional automatics you’ll find in many Hondas hold about 9–12 quarts, while CVTs typically require about 7–9 quarts. Always verify the precise figure and fluid specification in your owner's manual or with Honda's official service data to ensure accurate servicing and long-term reliability.
How much transmission fluid does a 2005 Honda Accord 2.4 L take?
For a 2005 Honda Accord 2.4L, a transmission fluid drain and refill requires about 3 to 3.5 quarts of fluid, while the total capacity is 6.9 quarts. Always use Honda Genuine ATF-DW1 or compatible fluid and check the level with the engine running and transmission in Park after refilling.
Transmission fluid capacity
This video shows how to check the transmission fluid level in a Honda Accord: 54sBrian BalatbatYouTube · Feb 16, 2023
- Drain and refill: Approximately 3 to 3.5 quarts.
- Total fill (if the torque converter is also drained): 6.9 quarts.
Important notes
- Use the recommended fluid: Honda Genuine ATF-DW1 (or its predecessor, ATF-Z1, which is backward-compatible).
- For a drain and refill, you will need around 3 quarts, but it's good to have a fourth quart on hand just in case.
- Always check the fluid level with the engine running and the transmission in Park after you've finished refilling.
- For a complete fluid change, the torque converter must also be drained, which requires more fluid and is a more complex process.
- If you are unsure, consult your owner's manual or a professional.
How many quarts of transmission fluid does a 2009 Honda Fit take?
For Automatic Transmission: SP5A....SL040
| Capacity: | 5 speed SP5A Total Fill 6.3 quarts. |
|---|---|
| Capacity: | 2.6 quarts Initial Fill. |
How much transmission fluid does a 2007 Honda Accord take?
The 2007 Honda Accord's transmission fluid capacity is 3.1 to 3.2 quarts for a drain and refill, depending on whether it is a 4-cylinder or V6 model. The total refill capacity is approximately 6.9 to 7.4 quarts for the 4-cylinder and V6, respectively, if you are flushing the entire system.
Drain and refill capacity
- 4-cylinder: ~3.1 quarts
- V6: ~3.2 quarts
Total capacity (for a complete system flush)
- 4-cylinder: ~6.9 quarts
- V6: ~7.4 quarts
This video demonstrates how to change the transmission fluid on a 2003-2007 Honda Accord: 1mFly BeeYouTube · Jan 18, 2017
Important considerations
- Check the dipstick: Always check the transmission fluid level with the dipstick after filling, as capacities can vary slightly. Do not overfill.
- Refer to the owner's manual: Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the most accurate information specific to your car.
- Use the correct fluid: Ensure you use the correct type of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) recommended by Honda, such as DW-1, to avoid damaging the transmission.
This video shows how to check the automatic transmission fluid level on a 2003-2007 Honda Accord: 47s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Dec 14, 2018
How many quarts of transmission fluid do I need for a drain and fill?
For a standard transmission fluid drain and fill, you'll typically need 3 to 5 quarts, but you should always measure the amount you drained and refill with the same amount to start, then check the level using the dipstick after running the engine. The exact amount varies by vehicle, and it's crucial to check the owner's manual or look up specifications for your specific make and model, as a drain and fill will not replace all the old fluid.
How to determine the right amount
- Drain the old fluid: Let the old fluid drain completely.
- Measure the drained fluid: Measure how much fluid was drained. This is your starting point for refilling.
- Refill with the measured amount: Put the same amount of new, correct transmission fluid back into the transmission. Using a funnel can help with this process.
- Start the engine: Start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes, shifting through all the gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) while holding the brake. This circulates the new fluid.
- Check the level: Turn the engine off and check the fluid level with the dipstick. Add more fluid in small increments if the level is low, or drain a small amount if it's too high.
- Re-check: Repeat the process of running the engine and checking the dipstick until the fluid level is correct according to the dipstick's hash marks for a "hot" reading.
Important considerations
- A drain and fill is different from a full transmission flush, which requires significantly more fluid (10-12 quarts or more) because it aims to replace all the fluid, including what's in the torque converter.
- You should always use the specific type of transmission fluid recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer to avoid damage.
- Some vehicles, like certain Land Rovers, do not have a dipstick and require a fluid extractor to add new fluid. Consult your owner's manual to be certain.
