CrimsonElan

The rule of thumb of drain-and-refill ATF is that you refill exact how much is drained out. You are underfill the ATF. You saw overfill because you did not measure the ATF level in the way which can be found in owner's manual.

bvogel7475

Just wanted to add that you should always use the Honda Trans fluid for all of your Transmission fluid changes. Have heard nightmare stories of people thinking they could try another brand and end up wrecking their transmission. Crimson's comment about the Trans Fluid amount is right on point. I always drain my fluid into a clear bottle and mark where the level it filled to. Then I pour out the old fluid for recycling and pour the new fluid into the clear bottle up to the mark and fill it with that bottle. You should drive the car or at least run through all the gears before you check the trans fluid level and it needs to circulate to get the correct reading. This is all a very easy process that the dealer typically charges a lot for.

Joe Las Vegas

I just changed mine, of course it was overfilled (damn dealer), 4 qts came out, put 3.3 in and it was low, put .2 more, total of 3.5 qts, still a bit low, will drive around good then check again later.

Joe Las Vegas

He did check the fluid level the way the manual says. Rule of thumb is, the dealer will always overfill, so don't put in the amount that came out, 3.3 is supposed to go in after draining, try that first.

Joe Las Vegas

Drove a while, checked again, it needed 3.8 qts to gets past the low mark, might need .1 qt to get close to the high mark. I took out 4 qts and it was slightly above the high mark before I changed the fluid, so much for the manual caliing for 3.3 qts��

Joe Las Vegas

Drove a while again, still low, just forget this POS manual that says 3.3 qts, just put in 4 qts and be done with it. Good for me anyway, keeps it simple, I bought a case of 12 qts for $81.25, now I can do 3 fluid changes.

CrimsonElan

So 4 qt drained out and you put 4 qt back in, right?

Joe Las Vegas

Yes, but when I checked before changing the fluid it was above the max line, I'll check again soon when hot. Still, I assumed it was way overfilled because the manual says 3.3, and then 4 qts came out, not my fault if the manual is wrong. Dealers piss me off anyway, the very often overfill, that's why I do all the fluid changes myself.

V6X6

I'm jealous of that funnel dc5k20z1. Where did you get it?

thoiboi

I put "transmission funnel" into amazon and look at what I found
crazy.. huh?

V6X6

Thanks, I have one on the way now.

Skidoor

I just did the tranny fluid drain and re-fill on my 2014...the 2nd one, the one thats supposed to be done around 50-60K miles. The fluid was substantially darker than the new fluid, which to me possibly confirms the reported issue relating to overheating of the fluid. (TSB) For kicks, I tried using an extraction pump with a 1/4 inch length of tubing shoved down the fill hole but it was not able to get all the fluid out...only about 2/3 of it....it occurred to me that maybe the reason the fluid changes are so frequent as specified by Acura is that when you do a drain and re-fill (like the dealer normally would) you are only replacing a fraction of the total amount of fluid in the tranny.

Acc20yrs

I was looking online and found this transmission filter at parts geek.com. Does anyone know where it is located on the car and has anyone changed this transmission filter?

01spirit750

It appears to be mounted below the drivers side CV shaft..

https://www.acuraoemparts.com/auto-p...-atf-pipe-scat

01spirit750

Sorry. item #2 in the diagram.

andysinnh

There's a TSB on the 4th gen TL's about "gurgling" that says to replace that filter and drain/fill the system. Had the work done on the wife's TL. In her car, the filter is right under the battery. Easy to see but a pain to get to - and I'd imagine the RDX would be a lot more challenging. It's easy replacement (like the fuel filter on a lawn tractor) if you have a clear shot....

andy

Acc20yrs

Thanks a lot!

Acc20yrs

How come I don't see the dealers changing this filter. I have tow RDX's (2014 and 2015) and both had a tranny drain and refill once at least and the dealer didn't even mention this filter nor changed it! SMH

Acc20yrs

Had the tranny serviced today. I asked about this filter and was told RDX has no external transmission filter!!! Now I am confused! Someone please help!

01spirit750

The only recommendation I have is to print out the parts diagram I attached and take it to the dealer. Ask the service writer to have his lead mechanic come and take a look.
I had the same issue with my 2006 TL. I did a lot of research and looking at the parts diagram and found that most dealers do not know that there is a filter. So naturally when we got the 2017 RDX I did the same research and found that there is an external filter.

To be honest sometimes the mechanics at the dealers do not know everything. Transmissions are one of the more specialized systems.

Acc20yrs

Thanks so much for your input I am printing the diagram right now!!

auskip07

Let us know what they say at the dealerships?

Skidoor

FWIW I had the local garage drain/refill the transmission fluid recently on my Mom's car (2009 Toyota Camry) and they changed the transmission fluid filter as well and charged 100 bucks for it.

Acc20yrs

Thanks will do!

Acc20yrs

Sounds about right.

auskip07

Im a little surprised that they wouldnt replace that inline filter. The maintenance schedule is a little overkill (compared to other transmissions) for them to leave out replacing a filter which might extend the life of the fluid. (i also think that an external trans cooler would help significantly with the life of the fluid) They sell one for the honda pilot paird with the same engine / trans combo.

Acc20yrs

Yup I agree. I've been dealing with Acura for along time (first Acura was anew 1993 Integra LS) and the fortunately they do tend to cut corners.

auskip07

apples to oranges comparison but ive owned 2 SUV's with Trans coolers included with tow packages and i didnt tow very often but each of those cars went over 200k on the trans with regular services. 236k and 262k running fine when sold. I think i might install one on the RDX when i finish up a few other mods.

Acc20yrs

I would love to have trans coolers installed on my two RDX's but I don't know of any shops that I could trust doing the work unfortunately.

Tech

The Acura parts diagram shows an external ATF filter. It looks like an in-line fuel filter. 25430-PLR-003

Does this not get changed during a fluid change?

auskip07

No they dont change it from what im told. That will also be changed when i install the cooler

Tech

They must have a change interval for it.

Acc20yrs

My dealer doesn't even know it exists, I asked and they gave me the standard answer: "Honda transmissions have an internal filter".

Tech

The parts diagram shows one, so since I do ALL of my own servicing, I'll actually check for one the next time I am under the car.

Acc20yrs

Thank you let us know if you do change it!!

Tech

My RDX is new, but I'll let you know if there is one.

Acc20yrs

OK Thanks

Hud

If you read the owners manual it clearly states the transmission service, for normal driving, is due at 60,000 miles. Note the *fluid*4 on service item 3. Below the column you will see *4 means 60,000 for the first change, 30,000 miles thereafter.
wners manual also lists 3.3 quarts for a 'fluid change'.
I plan to change with a 1x drain and fill every 30,000, anything more exceeds Acura requirements and is likely overkill.

Tech

Exactly why I have always performed my own maintenance on everything from chainsaws to aircraft. An external filter exists as clear as day.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-.../#post16069658

Acc20yrs

yup dealers suck sometimes 😡