[andrewtl96]

Just use OEM Honda HCF-2.

 

[andrewtl96]

Far as what I can tell there is no filter for the CVT fluid. I do plan on doing the changes every 30K. We'll see what the future holds for the CVT in terms of punishment or abuse. I do have an enthusiast's heavy foot, I previously had a 2012 Sentra with a CVT as well, and drove it hard (even if it was slow). More like spirited drives, no racing, obviously. This one is different, heavier but more power and possibility for more power as well (which I know it is frond upon. SO, any and all protection is warranted and will be taking those precautions along with a cvt cooler.

The Honda CVT used in the 9G & 10G Accords ('BC5A') actually have two fluid filters, one in the fluid pan & one behind the heat exchanger 'warmer'. I have replaced both on different occasions, the one in the pan is probably good for 100k+ miles under normal conditions, as it it massive (I have a thread on replacing it). The filter behind the CVT warmer on the other hand is quite small, I would change it every 60k to be on the safe side.

 

[andrewtl96]

Let us know how it goes. It’s good to know there are other options. I just used Valvoline full synthetic CVT Fluid in an 2019 HRV. So far so good.

After my experience with Amsoil CVT (it caused my CVT to slip), I will not trust any of the 'one size fits most' transmission fluid ever again.

 

[andrewtl96]

@ 67,000 miles on my 2017 cvt I have done 1 d/f with the Honda fluid and 4 d/f's with Amsoil. I haven't encountered any problems. The Amsoil is a real synthetic fluid which can tolerate more heat before breaking down. You may want to read / ask over at bobistheoilguy about fluid dynamics. Going with the Honda fluid is the safe bet if you are not sure but since it sounds like your driving style produces more heat in the transmission then you may want to change the fluid more often. A trans. cooler would be helpful but I have wondered about deleting the trans. warmer, if that is even possible, (it warms up the fluid to get better mpg's.).

I get shit mpg now anyways (miami traffic + my driving style) so, deleting the warmer (hopefully no warning lights) would be ideal, imo and replacing with a cooler would be best. I'll probably stick with the OE stuff and run a cooler to aid it.

I have a thread on possibilities of adding a CVT cooler to the 9G Accord.

https://www.driveaccord.net/threads/9g-accord-cvt-cooler-thread.566753/#post-6908794

Unfortunately, I've stalled out on getting any real progress. I have an 8G Accord radiator that is close to fitting, but would take some custom brackets to bolt in. I lately have had the thought of adding a larger water-to-oil cooler, which I think could be plumbed into the hot or cold side of the cooling system. Problem is finding an oil-to-water cooler thats got fittings the right sizes & orientation to be added with minimal work (and doesn't cost hundreds of $$$).

One thing for sure, it is certainly possible to remove the OEM CVT 'warmer', adapters are available to add a stand-alone oil cooler. My issue with this is if you live in climates where the weather gets cold, then you rely solely on the transmission itself to get warmed up.

 

[andrewtl96]

Even though engineers design these things for these specification, they don't do thing surrounding the enthusiast frame of mind. Being that there are vehicles running CVT's without warmers it is something that can be done. My concern is a sensor that will throw a code if deleted. Cooler is often better, maintaining a suitable temp to ensure longevity under strain is always a plus.

I've done some browsing on the 10G Civic forums, and quite a few have used the PRL CVT cooler with no issues. I don't think there is any 'code' that could come up for the CVT fluid temp being too low, I think there is only temp monitoring for when the fluid gets too hot.

 

[andrewtl96]

My concern isn't too much from the added cooler, rather deleting the warmer.

EDIT Side note, just looked at PRL's site and they don't have the cooler listed. Might have removed it?

There are no sensors running to the warmer, you should be okay to remove it.
PRL discontinued the CVT cooler kit a few years back.