What type of transmission fluid does the Honda City and CR-V use? Differentiating between HCF-2, ATF DW-1, and e-CVT.

Both the Honda City and Honda CR-V are popular car models in Vietnam. However, the Honda brand name doesn't automatically mean a single type of transmission fluid should be used for all versions.

Depending on the model and configuration, the Honda City can be equipped with a geared automatic transmission, a CVT continuously variable transmission, or a manual transmission. The Honda CR-V also differs between the older automatic transmission and CVT on the gasoline version, and the e-CVT transmission on the hybrid version.

Therefore, it is necessary to determine the correct procedure before changing the oil:

Model and year of manufacture

Engine version

Gearbox type

Oil standards specified by Honda.

Transmission code or VIN number if further verification is needed.

Quick lookup table for transmission fluid in Honda City and CR-V

The table above is for guidance only. For imported vehicles, refurbished vehicles, or vehicles with replaced transmissions, garages need to check the VIN number, transmission sticker, and repair history.

What type of transmission fluid does the Honda City use?

Older Honda City models use a manual transmission.

Some older Honda City models in Vietnam use a manual transmission instead of a CVT. These vehicles require ATF fluid designed for traditional automatic transmissions.

The standards that typically need to be checked are:

Honda ATF DW-1

Honda uses ATF DW-1 for many automatic transmissions with torque converters. This is a completely different oil class from Honda's HCF-2, which is used for CVTs.

CVT fluid should not be used in Honda City vehicles with an automatic transmission (AT). Conversely, ATF fluid intended for automatic transmissions with gears should not be used as a substitute for HCF-2 in City CVT vehicles.

If the vehicle is in a generational transition phase, check the owner's manual or VIN number directly; the oil type cannot be determined solely by the year of registration.

Honda City uses a CVT transmission.

The popular generations of Honda City CVT in Vietnam use a belt-driven continuously variable transmission (CVT). Honda specifies the transmission fluid:

Honda HCF-2

Honda's manual notes that HCF-2 should not be mixed with other transmission fluids. Using fluids that do not meet the requirements may affect the performance and durability of the transmission.

HCF-2 is not just the name of a CVT fluid. It's a standard related to the friction characteristics, viscosity, power transmission, cooling, and protection of the pulley-belt assembly in Honda transmissions.

Therefore, when changing the oil for a Honda City CVT, the most important information to look for on the product is:

Has it been announced whether it meets the Honda HCF-2 standard?

Product page GARTZ CVT GoldThe product is certified to meet both Honda HCF-2 and Honda HMMF standards. This product can be used as a reference for the Honda City CVT once the vehicle is confirmed to meet HCF-2 requirements.

The GARTZ CVT Gold is designed for vehicles such as:

Frequent travel within urban areas.

Running services or continuous operation

Traffic jams often cause stop-and-go situations.

Regular cargo transport

Long-term friction stability is required.

However, operating conditions are only a selection criterion after the correct HCF-2 standard has been determined.

Honda City manual transmission

The Honda City manual transmission uses Honda MTF transmission fluid. HCF-2 or ATF DW-1 are not suitable for this version.

GARTZ 75W85 has application specifications related to Honda Genuine MTF Fluid. Garages should still check the viscosity and specific requirements in the vehicle's documentation before use.

What type of transmission fluid does the Honda CR-V use?

Older Honda CR-V models use an automatic transmission.

Many older generation Honda CR-Vs use a manual transmission. Honda's documentation for this vehicle group specifies:

Honda ATF DW-1

Honda also notes that ATF DW-1 should not be mixed with incompatible transmission fluids. Using the wrong fluid can alter the friction coefficient, causing unstable gear changes and affecting the lifespan of the transmission.

It's important to note that the number of gears is not a standard for oil. The fact that a product is marketed for a 4, 5, or 6-speed transmission is not sufficient to conclude that it is suitable for the CR-V.

Products should only be selected if the technical specifications match ATF DW-1 standards or if the vehicle documentation permits their use.

The GARTZ G6 product page currently lists Honda ATF Z-1, but this does not automatically mean the product meets ATF DW-1 standards. For CR-V models requiring DW-1, garages need to verify the product's technical documentation before making a replacement.

Honda CR-V gasoline engine with CVT

Newer generations of gasoline-powered Honda CR-Vs in Vietnam use a CVT continuously variable transmission. Honda's instruction manuals specify:

Honda HCF-2

Similar to the Honda City CVT, the gasoline-powered CR-V with a CVT requires oil with friction characteristics suitable for the pulley and belt system. ATF DW-1 should not be used for this transmission.

According to information released by GARTZ, the CVT Gold meets the Honda HCF-2/HMMF standard. Therefore, the GARTZ CVT Gold is a suitable product to compare with the gasoline-powered CR-V CVT, which requires HCF-2.

For the CR-V, you need to check the specific drivetrain version. The current Honda CR-V owner's manual indicates the approximate CVT oil change capacity as follows:

2WD version: 3.5 liters

4WD version: 3.9 liters

The actual oil capacity may vary depending on the oil change method, the amount of oil remaining in the system, and the specific procedure for each vehicle model. Do not rely solely on a general oil level; technicians must follow Honda's proper oil level checking procedure.

Does the Honda CR-V come with the Gartz CVT Gold engine?

One shouldn't draw such a conclusion simply because the gearbox name contains the letters "CVT".

The Honda CR-V e uses an e-CVT hybrid powertrain. Honda describes this system as consisting of a generator motor and a traction motor, operating on a different principle than the belt-driven CVT on the gasoline version.

So:

The CR-V CVT gasoline version and the CR-V e do not use the same oil by default.

Do not use the HCF-2 standard from the belt-driven CVT version for the e version.

I will not recommend the Gartz CVT Gold to you without confirmation from the technical documentation.

You need to check the owner's manual, VIN number, and the exact oil requirements for the hybrid powertrain.

Honda Vietnam now clearly distinguishes between the gasoline-powered CR-V versions with CVT and the Hybrid versions with E-CVT in the product specifications. This classification is a mandatory step before selecting the appropriate oil.

What are the differences between the Honda HCF-2, HMMF, and ATF DW-1?

Honda HCF-2

HCF-2 is the oil used in some of Honda's newer generation CVT transmissions. It is a common standard on Honda City CVT and Honda CR-V gasoline CVT transmissions in Vietnam.

Honda HMMF

HMMF is an oil developed by Honda for certain generations or markets of Honda's Multi Matic and CVT systems.

HCF-2 and HMMF should not be considered two freely interchangeable designations. Honda itself notes that the scope of application depends on the vehicle model and code. If the manual lists HCF-2, the replacement product must declare HCF-2.

The GARTZ CVT Gold claims to meet both HCF-2 and HMMF standards, but technicians still need to determine which standard the vehicle requires.

Honda ATF DW-1

ATF DW-1 is used for Honda's geared automatic transmissions. This oil is not intended for belt-driven CVT transmissions and should not be used as a replacement for HCF-2.

In short:

Gartz CVT Red or CVT Gold for Honda City and CR-V?

The GARTZ website introduces CVT Red for Honda models using CVT. However, when compared to the detailed published standards:

Gartz CVT Red announces Honda HMMF

GARTZ CVT Gold announces Honda HCF-2 and HMMF.

Since the Honda City CVT and CR-V gasoline CVT models, which are popular in Vietnam, usually require HCF-2, the Gartz CVT Gold is a more reliable option to compare against.

Do not choose CVT Red solely based on the vehicle name Honda City or CR-V. Only use it if the specifications stated in the vehicle documentation fall within the product's stated range.

How to determine the correct transmission fluid for a Honda vehicle.

The search process should be performed in the following order:

Identify whether the car is a Honda City or a Honda CR-V.

Check the year of manufacture and engine version.

Determine the type of transmission: manual, automatic, CVT, or e-CVT.

Read the oil specifications in the owner's manual.

Check the label or gearbox code if the information is unclear.

Compare the OEM specifications with the product's stated specifications.

Determine the appropriate oil capacity and change procedure.

Do not mix with oils of other standards.

If the owner's manual is unavailable, they can provide the VIN number, year of manufacture, version, and a photo of the vehicle's decals to a garage or GARTZ distributor for verification.

Common mistakes when changing Honda transmission fluid.

I noticed that Honda vehicles all use the same type of oil.

The Honda City CVT, older CR-V AT, and CR-V e have different powertrain configurations. Therefore, they cannot use the same type of oil regardless of the car brand.

Use ATF for CVT transmissions.

ATF DW-1 is for automatic transmissions with gears. Honda City and CR-V, which use CVT, require HCF-2 and cannot be replaced with a standard ATF.

Use CVT belt drive fluid for e-CVT Hybrid

The name e-CVT is misleading, but hybrid transmissions don't work the same way as belt-driven CVTs. You need to consult Honda's documentation for specific instructions.

Choose oil by color.

The color of the oil—red, yellow, or clear—is not a technical standard. The selection must be based on HCF-2, HMMF, DW-1, or the corresponding OEM requirements.

Select products by level

A product designed for a 6-speed gearbox may not be suitable for every 6-speed gearbox. OEM standards and friction characteristics are the deciding factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of transmission fluid does the Honda City CVT use?

The Honda City CVT, popular in Vietnam, uses oil that meets the Honda HCF-2 standard. GARTZ CVT Gold claims to meet HCF-2 standards and is a verifiable product after confirming the correct vehicle model.

What type of oil should be used in a Honda CR-V with a CVT gasoline engine?

Honda CR-V gasoline engines using CVT transmissions require Honda HCF-2 oil or a product certified to meet HCF-2 standards. Do not use ATF DW-1 for this transmission.

Can older Honda CR-V models use a CVT transmission?

No, if the vehicle uses a geared automatic transmission and the documentation specifies Honda ATF DW-1. The type of transmission needs to be determined before selecting the oil.

Does the Honda CR-V use HCF-2 oil?

Do not assume otherwise. The CR-V e uses a hybrid e-CVT transmission, which is different from a belt-driven CVT. You need to consult the owner's manual and VIN number for specific information.

Is the Gartz CVT Gold compatible with Honda City and CR-V?

GARTZ CVT Gold is certified to Honda HCF-2/HMMF standards. This product is suitable for comparison with Honda City CVT and CR-V petrol CVT when vehicle documentation requires HCF-2. It does not automatically apply to the CR-V e.

Conclude

The type of transmission fluid used in Honda City and Honda CR-V depends on the model year and the specific transmission type.

The gasoline-powered Honda City and CR-V models using CVT transmissions, commonly found in Vietnam, typically require the Honda HCF-2 standard. For this group of vehicles, the Gartz CVT Gold is a product with a published standard that can be used for comparison.

Older Honda models with geared automatic transmissions may require Honda ATF DW-1. The CR-V e, with its e-CVT hybrid powertrain, requires independent verification; it does not use a belt-driven CVT as assumed.

For accurate advice, please provide the year of manufacture, engine version, and VIN number to the nearest GARTZ garage or dealer.

Technical reference source: Honda's HCF-2 oil manual., Honda CR-V specifications, GARTZ CVT Gold.