akash77

Hello,

I just noticed some fluid is leaking under my 2003 Acura MDX. Its in the passenger side. Fluid color is brown. There are lot of fluid is leaking. Can anybody let me know what kind of fluid it might be, transmission, oil, or something else? I did not hit anything recently. So I don't know why suddenly this happened. Any help would be highly appreciated. Do I need to take it to the dealer ? Do you think I should tow it instead of driving?

El Genio

Front or Back?

I have an 03 too so I'm a little concerned myself.

akash77

Front side .. and I noticed that it from the coolant reservoir .. but I don't why the coolant color is brownish ... it should be light blue or green .. any idea guyz ?

billman730

Needs a flush till the fluid is clear water than start again with the addition of antifreeze. Brown is generally not good. If it were a used car I would suspect Bars Leak was added to seal a problem in the block. If this is possible do not drain the solution. The "fixed" leak opens back up if the fluid is removed or goes to low in level.

If not sealer than something is dirtying the water as an oil leak will. Often seen as a chocolate color but milky, when stored in the bottle brown is about what it looks like. Head Gasket most often is the cause. In the warm summer go for the clear water flush and see what comes up...

billman730

A second thought. Overflowing could be from the pressure boost a leaking head gasket causes. Adding oil to the water in itself is not the issue. Pressure getting into the 14lb system is. Air will replace the mucky fluid causing trouble. Check it out soon...

vybzkartel

Antifreeze/coolant has always looked brownish, to me!

akash77

Guys, thanks for your reply. I tried to go to local honda dealer. Then in the middle of the road engine light came on and the car stopped. So I had to tow it to the dealer. Dealer checked it and they said " Torque converter clutch stuck off. Transmission cooler lines busted in radiator causing coolant to mix in transmission fluid. Recommended to flush transmission and replace radiator. Estimated cost to repair vehicle including diagostic fee $820.58 plus tax and shop fees". Any thoughts on this? What should I - do I need to do it from the dealer or I can take to some other cheap places.

billman730

At a Jiffy Lube my company paid around $200 to flush out my trucks transmission. Also did the radiator for around $100. 230,000 miles on the truck.

Not sure what the parts cost for your fix. Be thankful it was not a head gasket issue. The dealer has the car and the correct parts to fix it and you have some leverage as an Acura Customer.

You may save $100 at a local shop. You can't be sure of the parts they install. At a garage you get what you pay for.

Acura does not want you leaving unhappy possibly writing letters complaining etc. A dealer may be a bit more expensive but is more likely to see you satisfied than not.

vybzkartel

^^ What he said.

And, you'll get peace of mind knowing that the work was done by a (factory trained?) Acura technician!

El Genio

Ehhh, I think a trusted mechanic can do just as well as a stealership. It make take a little long because he doesn't have the parts but you will save some $$. You should have a lot of experience with the guy and have seen a lot of his work before you take something major to him.

vas25tl

I try to do as much stuff myself as possible. When it comes to something more labor intensive, I typically take it to a family friend (mechanic) or to a local Honda shop.

I would also still try the Honda dealer, could be pretty cheap and you know it's still done by Honda Factory Trained technicians. My uncle does all their MDX service at the Honda dealer.