SWRA Clutch Transmission parts, repair guidelines, problems, manuals

Transmission general data

Number of gears Transmission Type Drive ATF (full capacity) L ATF (change) L ATF type
CVT FWD 5,9 2,5 Honda Multi Matic Fluid
Part type (1) Expand

CVTs SWRA / SWSA differ from each other not by engines (with which they operated), but by the purpose of CVT model (for FWD or AWD). In other words, Honda Fit cars with L13A and L15A engines were equipped with the same transmission SWRA / SWSA, but there was an important difference:

- SWRA 2WD

- SWSA 4WD

As the right hand drive Honda Fit of the first generation (produced from 2001 till 2007 ) served as a basis for other cars («Honda Airwave», «Honda Mobilio», «Honda Mobilio Spike»), then CVTs for these cars were slightly upgraded (the main difference lied in the housing mounting). These CVTs received new model names:

· Honda Airwave (from 2005 to 2007) 2WD – SLSA

· Honda Airwave (from 2005 to 2007) 4WD SLTA

· Honda Mobilio/Mobilio (from 2002 to 2005) 2WD SYEA

· Honda Mobilio/Mobilio (from 2002 to 2005) 4WD SYFA

· Honda Mobilio Spike (from 2002 to 2005) 2WD SFBA

· Honda Mobilio Spike (from 2002 to 2005) FWD SFCA

· Honda Fit Aria / Honda City (from 2002 to 2009) 2WD — SERA

In fact all these car models were equipped with the same CVT. Transmissions differed only in the drive mechanism (FWD or AWD) and in holders for the CVT case. All other components of these CVTs are absolutely identical. Therefore, these CVTs may become interchangeable with the help of several minor modifications. Modifications usually consist in replacement of holders and some sensors.

According to Honda’s manual, SWRA / SWSA transmissions require ATF change вариатора (CVT) every 45 thousand kilometers. When the car operates in harsh conditions ATF should be changed after 22,5 thousand kilometers.

Harsh conditions usually include:

1.Frequent and short drives - no more than 8 km in the summer time or 16 km in the cold season (at negative air temperatures).

2. Operations under conditions of high temperatures (above +32 °C).

3. Long engine operation at idle speed, driving with frequent stops in traffic jams. Towing of the trailer or running on mountainous terrain.

4.Driving on dirty, dusty roads or on the roads which are subjected to treatment with anti-icing compound.

Honda Fit cars of the first generation equipped with CVTs SWRA / SWSA often face problems with the CVT mount, which tears after the car mileage reaches 50-60 thousand kilometers. Symptoms of this problem include the following: increased vibration, kicks at starting from rest/braking. Visual inspection helps to detect this problem. The mount is oil-filled, therefore transmission specialists recommend using original spare parts.