I have a 2010 rdx , 153k miles. The Transmission fluid has never been changed. It still looks reddish from the dipstick. I am wondering if I should drain and fill it? Or not?

 

Are you the original owner since new? I'm assuming you have a fwd RDX. You can set up an account on the Acura's Owner's website with the VIN to see the service history IF the RDX was serviced at an Acura/Honda dealership (if you purchased used). You have the option to do a 1X ($150) or 3X ($450) 5AT fluid change. Do not do a 100% AT flush and it usually works best to use Acura/Honda fluid. It is recommended to change the 5AT, transfer case, and sh-awd rear diff every 30,000 miles under normal driving usage. This is assuming you want to keep the RDX a bit longer. My 08 RDX was handed down to my daughter and it has +220,000 miles with 5AT/transfer case/sh-awd fluid changes every 30k.

 

I heard that Honda's REALLY love fresh fluid, but they are ultra picky about what kind. So if you decide to do it, make sure it is OEM Honda fluid...

I know if the CRV Forum, lots of quirky transmission issues get resolved by doing a 3X fluid drain & Fill. (Not that hard or expensive if you do it yourself)

 

change it, and yes, use OE fluid

 

Thanks for the replies. It is a SH-AWD. Got it from someone I know and it was never changed. My main concern was hearing stories how changing ATF for the first time at high mileage can be risky. Potentially kill the transmission. The car has been well maintained otherwise. I am thinking I will change it, then maybe change it a couple more times in the near future.

 

Ive owned quite a few other makes with high km's. Never had an ATF drain and fill kill one of them. I suspect it comes from power flushes which may pressurize the system, or from transmissions that were too far gone. If your tranny isnt shuddering/making metallic noises/shift flaring then it cannot hurt to do a drain and fill. Like others said, change the fluid with oem fluid and pay attention to the amount you are taking out and putting in. My partners car is at 330k km or 205K miles and ive done about 3 drain and fills on it. It shifts very well and i may do another in the spring for routine maintenance.

 

I do my ATF, xfer case, rear diff, and power steering religiously every 30k. I only use Acura OEM fluids or the Honda equivalent.

Remember to ONLY put Acura DPSF or Honda Dual Pump Fluid in the rear diff. I've read posts on other forums claiming some dealerships recommended ATF DW-1 for the rear diff.

 

I go by the color and the smell test .. Tranny fluid can smell ‘ burnt’ if that makes sense. I don’t believe changing fluid now would be a problem .
I’ve told a friend one time why not wait till the tranny grenades then you get new fluid with a new transmission..

 

yes, new fluids have things for high mileage transmissions. lubegaurd red is recommending and I ran it in mine.

 

Out of curiosity, who recommended it? I heard Honda products are ultra picky and you need to stick to their fluids

 

Any and every Honda specialist shop will only recommend Honda ATF. The automatics in particular are super picky. Even manuals, stick with Honda MTF, unless you use a racing MTF such as Torco which is approved for Honda manuals.

 

i did some research before I changed the ATF. I don't remember exactly, but i'm pretty sure lubegaurd red has a good reputation in the Honda/Acura community. I just used valvoline walmart ATF. OEM purists will say to use OEM on everything. These cars are from 2007. fluid technology is way above what it was back then. valvoline ATF exceeds the Honda spec from 2007. Just like walmart 5w-30 exceeds 2007 mobile one. do what you want though. my two cents.