How many quarts of fluid does a CVT transmission hold?
There’s no single number for every vehicle. In general, CVTs typically require about 5–7 quarts for a standard drain-and-fill, and roughly 9–12 quarts for a full system refill; some applications may need more or less.
CVT transmissions come in many designs, and their fluid paths include the main transmission case, a cooler loop, and sometimes a torque converter. The exact capacity is dictated by the model, year, and the service procedure (drain-and-fill versus complete refill). The following sections explain how capacities vary, how to determine your exact figure, and the best practices for CVT servicing.
Understanding CVT Fluid Capacity
CVT capacity is driven by design complexity and what you are removing and replacing during service. The following factors influence how much fluid you need to have on hand when performing a fill.
Key factors that influence capacity
The amount of CVT fluid a vehicle holds depends on several factors:
- Transmission model and year: Different manufacturers and generations use varying sump sizes and fluid routing.
- Drain vs. complete refill: A drain-and-fill typically replaces only the fluid in the sump, while a complete refill may flush and refill the entire circuit, cooler lines, and torque converter.
- Cooler line and cooler reservoir: Some CVTs include a separate cooler loop that adds volume to the system.
- Torque converter presence and volume: Some CVTs have a torque converter that adds to the total capacity even though some models are effectively torque-converterless.
- Filter and screen: Replacing the CVT filter or screen can affect the required fill amount if you’re performing service that requires full system replacement.
- Fluid type and viscosity: While not changing capacity, using different CVT fluids may have different fill procedures and recommended amounts per service bulletin.
- Vehicle configuration: AWD/4WD variants and models with additional modules may alter total fluid capacity.
Understanding these factors helps clarify why a single number cannot satisfy all CVTs. Always verify with official specs for your exact vehicle.
How to find the exact capacity for your vehicle
To obtain the precise quarts for your CVT, follow these steps. The list that follows helps you verify the correct amount for your model rather than relying on generic estimates.
- Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or service manual for the listed CVT capacity, including whether the figure is for drain-and-fill or full-system replacement.
- Check the manufacturer’s official website or service bulletins for your model year; many automakers publish exact specifications per VIN or model.
- Ask a dealer or authorized shop with access to OEM service documentation for your specific vehicle configuration (engine, trans, AWD, etc.).
- Review a reputable repair guide (Chilton, Haynes, or a factory workshop manual) that lists CVT capacity for your model and year.
- If you are performing a maintenance task, confirm with the service advisor whether the job requires a drain-and-fill or a complete system refill, and whether the cooler lines must be bled or flushed.
Having the exact specification prevents overfilling or underfilling, which can affect CVT performance and longevity.
Summary
CVT fluid capacity varies widely by model and service procedure. Typical drain-and-fill quantities are generally in the 5–7 quart range, while full-system refills often fall in the 9–12 quart range; some vehicles may fall outside these bands. Always reference your owner's manual or manufacturer service data for your exact model and follow the indicated procedure to ensure proper fill level and transmission health.
If you share your specific vehicle make, model, year, and whether you’re performing a drain-and-fill or full-system refill, I can provide a more precise estimate of the required CVT fluid and the steps you should follow.
