Hi,

Last week, I noticed oil in my radiator and that my CVT fluid was white. I narrowed things down to a corroded radiator fitting, which allowed coolant to enter into the CVT fluid lines. When that happens, the fluid turns into an off-white color.

This CVT fluid is very expensive. I thought I could do a couple of drain and fill sequences and have things turn back to normal. I find, however, the CVT fluid comes out white after just a few minutes in the CVT.

Is there a way to flush the CVT while it is still in the vehicle? I really don't want to pull that transmission out just to clean things. Has anyone had any experiences with this problem?

Thanks,
Chris

 

https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...10/#post103115

 

Hi, Thanks. I would call that more of a drain and fill, not a flush. The drain and fill option is not working for me.

I can add also that flushing by disconnecting the oil cooler lines and physically pumping in clean CVT fluid while the tranny ejects contaminated CVT fluid does not work either. I just blew through twenty quarts of CVT fluid. That coolant mix is tricky stuff to get out.

I am now looking at removing the CVT, cracking it open and seeing how much I can clean out.

Thanks for the help, it just doesn't work for me in this case.

 

Back from the depths of my garage...I did take that CVT out of the car, open it up, and clean the three big sections with Brakleen. I got the cleaning fluid at a local Pep Boys. So, if you run into a situation where you get coolant in your CVT, I would recommend a drain and fill first. Then, you can optionally try flushing by forcing fresh CVT fluid while the tranny ejects the mixed stuff. I can definitely say, I am glad I cleaned out that transmission. That white stuff was everywhere. When I sprayed the big parts with Brakleen, it just rolled right off.

In some ways, the transmission is better off than it was. I remember there was a shudder during low speed acceleration. That has now shifted to a more grippy clutch.

Well, the Civic is back on the road. I just thought I would share my experiences for the next person who runs into this problem.

Good Luck,
Chris