Methodx

I need some opinions? I have a little over 30k on my auto. I have recently checked my tranny fluid and it looks really good. It is clear with a hue of pink. Do you guys think its worth replacing or do I still have some more time. I only thought of changing being the miles and I will be at the dealership for the power steer hose recall. I believe you guys said it would cost me around $85 to do it myself and the stealership wants $110. Its worth the extra $25 for me to save any hassle from them down the road.

Simba91102

First of all, at 30K miles, you really don't need to change the fluid (the MM will call for a change at around 80K to 90K miles). But.... if you do, the $85 figure is if you do the 3x 3 change (drain it three times, each time replacing 3 quarts) yourself. I'll pretty much guarantee you that the $110 figure from a dealer is for a one time change (one drain, add 3 quarts, and that's it). Which is really all you need to do. If you feel the need to change it, drain the fluid, add three quarts of new ATF, put a new washer on the drain plug (18MM), and you'll be good to go (at around $30). If you do that every 30K miles, you'll have the ATF change covered.

Methodx

That was my gut feeling also just wanted to be sure. I will hold off for now as I did not remember what the recommend intervals from factory. I had some issues with the dealer when I had my STI. Seems like once you have a headache with them even once you try to avoid it at all costs. Thanks for the reply

Methodx

So I had the recall done and then it happened. The service writer comes to me and asks if I want the 30k service. This included cabin filter, TB service, tranny fluid and tire rotation. I said I thought the recommended tranny fluid change was around 60k his reply was no Acura recommends it at thirty. I replied then why would they put that in the owners manual. His took a second got a confused look and so no its thirty. I said no thank you.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

^
Good for you.

It's not absolutely necessary, but I'd do the 3x3 @ 30k. This is especially true if you've never replaced the tranny fluid until now. While the tranny is breaking in, there are metal shavings in the fluid, and since the tranny is being broken in, that's more wear on the fluid.

Just my

Methodx

Does Acura transmissions have a magnet in them? I was spoiled with my STI as it had a huge one in the tranny. The first time I changed the fluid I saw a good amount of flakes on it.

Simba91102

There seem to be a few opinions on this (the whole magnet thing). I've never seen anything definitive on it, but I'm inclined to think it's urban myth (someone who actually knows can feel free to disabuse me of this inclination). The 04 and 05 models are not equipped with the maintenance minder and the service interval for the AT fluid is for the first change at 120K miles (60K under the severe service schedule). I think 120K miles is too long, but I also think 30K is kind of a waste. And a 3x3 change at 30K is just a huge waste of ATF in my opinion. I recently changed the ATF in my 05 (second time) and it had been about 60K miles (all highway). It still looked and smelled like new. Let your conscious be your guide.