How do you know when you need your tranny flushed?
#1
2003 Acura MDX
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How do you know when you need your tranny flushed?
Is there something specific to look for to know when I need my tranny flushed? i Currently have 104k miles on my car... I dont know if it was flushed previously.
#3
I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to flush Honda automatic transmissions. You're supposed to drain and fill it. Of course that doesn't clean it all so I would suggest you do that a couple times within a week. You can check if it even needs serviced by looking at the fluid on the dipstick which you can find near the back of the engine bay on the driver's side. The fluid is supposed to be purplish/reddish so if it's brownish then it needs done. It will also smell pretty bad if it's gone bad. The 2.5 transmission also has a filter that you can either replace or just clean. I just did mine a few days ago and it made a huge difference.
#4
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by c29842984
I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to flush Honda automatic transmissions. You're supposed to drain and fill it. Of course that doesn't clean it all so I would suggest you do that a couple times within a week. You can check if it even needs serviced by looking at the fluid on the dipstick which you can find near the back of the engine bay on the driver's side. The fluid is supposed to be purplish/reddish so if it's brownish then it needs done. It will also smell pretty bad if it's gone bad. The 2.5 transmission also has a filter that you can either replace or just clean. I just did mine a few days ago and it made a huge difference.
thnx
#5
1. Drain tranny by taking off drain plug on tranny pan.
2. Unbolt tranny pan and take off.
3. Unbolt tranny filter.
4. Either replace or clean(I used carb cleaner)
5. Bolt everything back (make sure you replace the gasket(biggest pain for me was getting the old gasket off))
6. Refill tranny with around 3.5 quarts.(took me 4 in the end)
7. Start the car and run it through the gears several times.
8. Check level and repeat step 7 if you need to add more.(when checking level the car has to be off because Honda trannys are like that)
***Be sure to use Honda ATF-Z1 only!!!!
2. Unbolt tranny pan and take off.
3. Unbolt tranny filter.
4. Either replace or clean(I used carb cleaner)
5. Bolt everything back (make sure you replace the gasket(biggest pain for me was getting the old gasket off))
6. Refill tranny with around 3.5 quarts.(took me 4 in the end)
7. Start the car and run it through the gears several times.
8. Check level and repeat step 7 if you need to add more.(when checking level the car has to be off because Honda trannys are like that)
***Be sure to use Honda ATF-Z1 only!!!!
#6
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by c29842984
1. Drain tranny by taking off drain plug on tranny pan.
2. Unbolt tranny pan and take off.
3. Unbolt tranny filter.
4. Either replace or clean(I used carb cleaner)
5. Bolt everything back (make sure you replace the gasket(biggest pain for me was getting the old gasket off))
6. Refill tranny with around 3.5 quarts.(took me 4 in the end)
7. Start the car and run it through the gears several times.
8. Check level and repeat step 7 if you need to add more.(when checking level the car has to be off because Honda trannys are like that)
***Be sure to use Honda ATF-Z1 only!!!!
2. Unbolt tranny pan and take off.
3. Unbolt tranny filter.
4. Either replace or clean(I used carb cleaner)
5. Bolt everything back (make sure you replace the gasket(biggest pain for me was getting the old gasket off))
6. Refill tranny with around 3.5 quarts.(took me 4 in the end)
7. Start the car and run it through the gears several times.
8. Check level and repeat step 7 if you need to add more.(when checking level the car has to be off because Honda trannys are like that)
***Be sure to use Honda ATF-Z1 only!!!!
thnx
#7
2003 Acura MDX
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Originally Posted by c29842984
I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to flush Honda automatic transmissions. You're supposed to drain and fill it. Of course that doesn't clean it all so I would suggest you do that a couple times within a week. You can check if it even needs serviced by looking at the fluid on the dipstick which you can find near the back of the engine bay on the driver's side. The fluid is supposed to be purplish/reddish so if it's brownish then it needs done. It will also smell pretty bad if it's gone bad. The 2.5 transmission also has a filter that you can either replace or just clean. I just did mine a few days ago and it made a huge difference.
What was the difference?
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#10
Originally Posted by TL-Ridaz96
your instruction is great. But I have no idea where the tranny pan or the filter is at.
#14
Originally Posted by DJBLAST
where can i get the fluid for the tranny? At any auto store, or only the dealership?
#16
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by vanz
How much do you guys think the dealership is going to charge to change the tranny fluid?
#17
2003 Acura MDX
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Originally Posted by meazz1
I took my to a local place I usually go and he charged me $32.00 to drain and put new Honda ATF.
#18
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Originally Posted by c29842984
I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to flush Honda automatic transmissions.
That's a big bad false myth.
Flushing is a good thing. This is to ensure most of the old fluid is gone and replaced with new fluid.
#21
2003 Acura MDX
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Originally Posted by GSteg
Do you live in Canada or something? lol
maryland.. and after 2 quarts, the level is still below the last dot.
#22
Originally Posted by GSteg
That's a big bad false myth.
Flushing is a good thing. This is to ensure most of the old fluid is gone and replaced with new fluid.
Flushing is a good thing. This is to ensure most of the old fluid is gone and replaced with new fluid.
#23
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Originally Posted by DJBLAST
I just bought 2 quarts for my tranny for 13 dollars.... thats a little ridiculous
You'll need 4 quarts total. I recommend you not drive your car until you get all 4 quarts in the tranny.
#24
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Originally Posted by meazz1
I took my to a local place I usually go and he charged me $32.00 to drain and put new Honda ATF.
FYI, any advance auto/autozone/pepboys will take your old oil/fluid for free.
#26
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whoa. dealers around here have it for around $80 I believe.
If flushing the tranny is bad, then the Honda/Acura dealer will not approve of the service. I will be getting my tranny flush soon
If flushing the tranny is bad, then the Honda/Acura dealer will not approve of the service. I will be getting my tranny flush soon
#27
2003 Acura MDX
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Originally Posted by cambo
should be something like $5.35 per quart before tax.
You'll need 4 quarts total. I recommend you not drive your car until you get all 4 quarts in the tranny.
You'll need 4 quarts total. I recommend you not drive your car until you get all 4 quarts in the tranny.
I put in 2 quarts, and it filled it good... i didnt completely drain it, the fluid was just low.
#28
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I guess even the dealership uses the term "flush" when they really don't mean it. They assume most of their customers are completely oblivious to the workings of their cars. I didn't know that Honda/Acura did not recommend a "flush" till I started reading this forum.
#29
Burning Brakes
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Originally Posted by DJBLAST
maryland.. and after 2 quarts, the level is still below the last dot.
#30
Originally Posted by Wampum
Dood, just in case you are not aware: You are supposed to check your ATF while your car is running. Run your engine (drive around the block), park your car, run through the gears, then check your level. Oh and make sure you're on a level surface
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