Probably a stupid question... My 2008 RDX is at 92.3K, and in the last oil change cycle it showed the A3 code -- change transmission and transfer case fluids. I bought a case of ATF-DW1 (plus a quart of oil for the transfer case) and went to Pep Boys. However, they refused to flush my transmission, saying that if I haven't flushed it before, it is dangerous to do so now. Have I flushed it before? I don't remember; after all, this car is 8 years old. I tried to mostly adhere to what the maintenance minder told me, but I'm not 100% sure. So -- are they right? Is there any danger? What do you experts suggest? Thanks!

 

Pep Boys is right in more ways than you know. Flushing your trans would of most likely sent your trans to the graveyard in a month or two. And when it did die then you would of blame them for the rest of your motoring life. Also, if they did any other trans service other than a Flush as you've requested, that may be interpreted as fraud.

Disclaimer
FYI. In no way, shape or form I would consider myself an expert at anything. Lol

 

Acura/Honda transmissions are not designed to be 100% flushed for transmission oil changes. You have to a 3X add/remove oil change with short drive in between to replace the majority of the older oil. I made this mistake with my 97 Honda Accord 15 years ago at a quicky lube place and it killed my 4AT in a month.

Have you had the RDX since new and followed all the M.I.D. services? There should have been a 5AT/transfer change around 30K on average. The second 5AT/transfer oil change can be 30K - 70K later depending on your driving conditions. You might be just on schedule according to your driving habits.

I change my oil every 30K at Acura; but, the tech just does a 1X exchange for $100 instead of the 3X exchange for about $250-$350 (depending on dealership). I have +350,000 miles between all 3 of my vehicles keeping with that AT oil change schedule and have zero issues (knock on wood).

 

as an avid DIY'er, I would simply drain the fluid (which only 3 quarts will drain out) then fill it back up with 3 quarts.
do this this 3 times in total.
and I would only use Honda transmission fluid

 

There's a good DIY on here for doing the 3x drain/fill.

I did mine last summer, and it's no too bad (about like doing 3 oil changes).

The only thing I did different was drive a little between each drain/fill (about 100 miles). Honda recently changed their ATF formula, so I wanted to be sure to get all of the old out.

 

Thanks everyone! I'm a bit less of a DIYer than everyone here (changing air filter or Navigation unit OK; changing oil not so, in part because I live in a small townhouse). So, to reiterate: change ~3 quarts of transmission oil; drive for a week; repeat 2 more times. Correct? Also, do I need to change the filter? If so, is this the right one? Beck Arnley 044-0383 Auto Trans Filter

 

^correct.
I did this recently with a 2012 Kia Sportage.
3 quarts drained out and I replaced 3 quarts.
to be sure, there is a overflow bolt that you can undo and if you pour too much, it will over flow out

I havent done the 2nd drain yet, it's been about a 500 miles I think...just havent had the time, but eventually I'll do the 2nd drain and fill.

 

also, I believe the filter is housed inside the tranny.