kl323

Hello,

My 2007 RDX currently has ~14400 miles on it.

The oil life is 0. I scheduled an appointment for Wednesday this week.

The dealer is charging me $200 + tax on this service, which I think is a pretty good deal compared to other dealers in the NYC area.

Anyway, my question is regarding differential fluids. I find it strange that I need to change it every 4k.

My last service was @ 10k miles. I had the oil change, tire rotation+balance, and differential fluids changed. I DO NOT recall the service code. I did some search on the site and see that it could potentially be the A16 service.

I do need this advice regarding this service though.. Is it too early for a second differential change?

Thanks! First time poster! Thanks!!!

mav238

Dealers typically charge an arm and a leg for the maintenance work. I personally would change my own oil for like $20.00 total in oil and filter parts, and bring it to a dealer to specifically change the rear differential fluid for like $100.00. JMHO.

MMike1981

well - u shoudlnt have to change your diff fluid every 4k - in extreme circumstances (like u live on a mountain and climb it every day) maybe and only then - but if ur doing it every 4k you are getting taken - its intial change is 7500-15k, then most likely about 20-30k thereafter.

they did your 'initial' diff change mayyybe at the right time if ur car was calling for it; but 4k miles later is way to soon.

kl323

Thanks, I just wanted to check. I'm going to decline the differential change @ the day of the service.

MMike1981

ur owners manual has all the checkups/miles required for all your fluids - it may be wise to give it a gloss over just to know for next time

kl323

Thanks!

I need to look again. I downloaded the manual the other day from the forum. All I was able to find were the codes.

I'll look again when I have time.

Thanks!

wrestrepo

Do you make the dealer fill the warranty book? check that you had a code for the differential fluid at the last service. It doesn't make sense that you have to do it after only 4K miles.
However, it's interesting that you have very very very little miles for the age of the car and I wonder if that's a factor.

kl323

I don't have dealers do that.

I actually went thru the manual again. I can't locate those pages with the services needed @ each interval of miles.

I recall seeing a thread somewhere on the forum that the differentials were changed in some RDXs prior to it hitting the 15k mark.

I drive the car very little. Once a week, three times at most. Usually I take it on trips of 30 miles. I drive in NYC...so its stop and go traffic w/ flat terrain.

Anyway.... I'll start keeping track of the codes from now on. It's pretty costly to maintain this car! ARGH

wrestrepo

The thing is that there are no "intervals", you just need to listen to the car and the computer will tell you when.
My diff came up at 12-14K, don't remember exactly when.
The manual tells you what to do, not when to do it.
Keep track of the service on the book, it's pretty easy and probably add a few bucks at time of resale.
You can probably get a 2010 with the right financing and pay (per month) just about what you would pay for a used one.

stockpicker1102

kl323 sorry to steal the thunder here ... kl323/'81/wrestrepo/mav (seems like youre the most active folks here)... are most of these acura vehicles service-able in honda / independents? [ive seen some acuras before going to my honda dealership but just for basic stuff] or with acura, dealerships have monopoly in servicing (eg with some parts that are more unique to acura)...

MMike1981

u should be good for most service at any honda dealership - maybe just call in advance to check - but def should be good for all fluid changes etc

kl323

You raise a good point. The whole reason for me doing these oil changes at the dealer @ a premium is for the sake of warranty.

God forbid something goes wrong down the line, I'm covered because I've been maintaining my car with Acura.

Now regarding bringing it to Honda...Acura wouldn't be too happy about this?

wrestrepo

The warranty should not be an issue so long as you have RECORDS of the changes, therefore you should get the people making the changes stamp and sign the warranty book.
I don't really know how it works if you make the changes, they say that you need to keep receipts, but I buy oil in "bulk" for my other vehicle (I do the oil changes in that one myself), so I kind-a wonder...maybe someone can provide a little insight.
Oil changes are really important, but they are the stupidest/easiest thing to perform and I don't really know why people are charged that much for them. The most delicate part of the change is to not f-up the plug, so you can get a torque wrench for that.

stockpicker1102

thanks amigos... looking at b/new route - hence, might playsafe in year 1-3 -- at worst, if acura experience is no diff w/honda, shift to honda for basic stuff (already familr there) during yr 1-3. by yr 4, go to independentsor diy ..btw might get this wkend... - inventory on lots seem good... 2-3 days accdg to 2 dealers... not many configs to choose fm unlike cr-v anyways lol

kl323

Just came back from dealer. He said I had my differential changed last time with only 10k miles because of the age of the car 2007.

He did tell me to get my brake fluid and cabin filter changed. I decline that. The latter is easy to do.

But is the brake flush and fluid change necessary?

Thanks!