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CVTF Cooler Cleaning

Special Tools Required 

*: Available through the Honda Fool and Equipment Program 888-424-6857

NOTE:
  • Before installing an overhauled or remanufactured CVT, you must thoroughly clean the CVTF cooler to prevent system contamination. Failure to do so could cause a repeat CVT failure.
  • The cleaning procedure involves heated CVTF delivered under high pressure (100 psi). Check the security of all hoses and connections. Always wear safety glasses or a face shield, along with gloves and protective clothing. If you get CVTF in your eyes or on your skin, rinse with water immediately,
WARNING:
  • Improper use of the ATF cooler cleaner can result in burns and other serious injuries.
  • Always wear eye protection and protective clothing, and follow this procedure.
  1. Check the fluid in the cooler cleaner tank (The fluid level should be 4.5 inches from the top of the filler neck.) Adjust the level if needed; do not overfill. Use only Honda CVTF; do not use any additives
    Fig 1: Checking Fluid In Cooler Cleaner Tank
    G08093208Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  2. Plug the cooler cleaner into a 110 V grounded electrical outlet.
    NOTE: Make sure the outlet has no other appliances (light fixtures, drop lights, extension cords) plugged into it. Also, never plug the cooler cleaner into an extension cord or drop light; you could damage the unit.
    Fig 2: Identifying Plug Cooler Cleaner Into 110 V Electrical Outlet
    G08093209Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. Flip the HEAT toggle switch to ON; the green indicator above the toggle switch comes on. Wait 1 hour for the cooler cleaner to reach its operating temperature. (The cooler cleaner is ready to use when the temperature gauge reads 140°F to 150°F.)
    NOTE: If the red indicator above the HEAT toggle switch comes on, the fluid level in the tank is too low for the tank heater to work (see step  1 of this procedure).
  4. Select the appropriate pair of fittings, and attach them to the radiator, to the hoses, or to the banjo bolts for flow through the ATF cooler cleaner.
    Fig 3: Attaching Radiator To Hoses And Banjo Bolts For Flow Through ATF Cooler Cleaner
    G08093210Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Connect the red hose to the cooler outlet line (the line that normally goes to the external filter on the transmission).
  6. Connect the blue hose to the cooler inlet line.
  7. Connect a shop air hose (regulated to 100 to 125 psi) to the air purge valve.
    NOTE: The quick-connect fitting has a one-way check valve to keep CVTF from entering your shop's air system. Do not remove or replace the fitting. Attach the coupler provided with the cooler cleaner to your shop air line if your coupler is not compatible.
  8. Flip the MOTOR toggle switch to ON; the green indicator above the toggle switch comes on. Let the pump run for 5 minutes. While the pump is running, open and close the air purge valve periodically to cause agitation and improve the cleaning process. Always open the valve slowly. At the end of the 5-minute cleaning period, leave the air purge valve open.
    NOTE: While the pump is running with the air purge valve open, it is normal to see vapor coming from the filler/breather tube vents.
    Fig 4: Opening Air Purge Valve
    G08093211Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  9. With the air purge valve open, flip the MOTOR toggle switch to OFF; the green indicator goes off. Leave the air purge valve open for at least 15 seconds to purge the lines and hoses of residual CVTF, then close the valve.
  10. Disconnect the red and blue hoses from the CVTF cooler. Now connect the red hose to the cooler inlet line.
  11. Now connect the blue hose to the cooler outlet line.
  12. Flip the MOTOR toggle switch to ON, and let the pump run for 5 minutes. While the pump is running, open and close the air purge valve periodically. Always open the valve slowly. At the end of the 5-minute cleaning period, leave the air purge valve open.
    NOTE: While the pump is running with the air purge valve open, it is normal to see vapor coming from the filler/breather tube vents.
  13. With the air purge valve open, flip the MOTOR toggle switch to OFF. Leave the air purge valve open for at least 15 seconds to purge the lines and hoses of residual CVTF, then close the valve.
  14. Disconnect the red and blue hoses from the CVTF cooler lines.
  15. Connect the red and blue hoses to each other.
  16. Disconnect the shop air from the air purge valve. Disconnect and stow the coupler if used.
  17. Disconnect and stow the fittings from the CVTF cooler inlet and outlet lines.
  18. Unplug the cooler cleaner from the 110V outlet.

    Tool Maintenance 

    Follow these instructions to keep the ATF cooler cleaner working properly:

    • Replace the two magnetic nonbypass spin-on filters after every 20 hours of use, based on the hour-meter, or when you notice a restriction in the flow.
    • Check the level and condition of the fluid in the tank before each use.
    • Replace the CVTF in the tank when it looks dark or dirty.
      Fig 5: Identifying Magnetic Nonbypass Spin-On Filter And Filler Cap
      G08093212Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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