I’ll be taking my ’04 TSX (NHB, MT,non-navi) to the dealership soon to have the audio module replaced – the center stack went dark about a week ago – and I’m trying to decide whether to have any fluids (oil excluded) replaced during the service visit. The odometer is reading about 40,750 and none of the fluids have been replaced (again, oil excluded, of course.) I bought the car new in October of 2003 and it’s about to go through its fourth (yikes!) New England winter, so coolant replacement would seem to be a good idea, but if anyone thinks I’d be jumping the gun, feel free to say so. (No, I haven’t tested it to gauge its condition.) I’ve seen A’zine posters advocate “early” replacement of the MT fluid, but I’m not sure about the need at this mileage reading. Most of my driving is highway; it’s very rare for me to be in severe stop-and-go traffic and having to shift almost constantly. As we all know, braking with the OEM pads and rotors could be better, but I don’t think my car’s braking performance has diminished, at least not to the point where it’s apparent to me.
So, whaddya think, replace one, two or all three now? And if you say wait, what mileage to you think that particular fluid ought to be replaced at?
(Correct me if I’m wrong, but the owner’s manual doesn’t specify normal- and severe-use mileages for replacement of fluids, does it? I took a few looks at the maintenance schedules posted in Acura Owner Link. By the way, I definitely put myself in the normal-use category.)

 

I replace brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage.

 

I would do all three. I think MT fluid is recommended about every 30k. at least it was in my civic. the mt fluid is one that I wouldn't play around with not doing.

if you're about do up for an oil change, you might talk to the service manager and see if they'll give you a discount if you do 3 or 4 of them at once.

 

Thanks to BoxedUp and gftgrill for their responses. I was hoping to hear from more than just a couple of fellow owners – especially from some of the longtime members and anyone with strong opinions about when the various fluids ought to be replaced – thinking I might be able to establish some sort of consensus. Earnestly requesting more thoughts and recommendations.

 

My mechanic friends say the new radiator fluids will go 100m miles but the stuff gets nasty and eats things like water pumps etc…. They recommend every two years…same on fluids for anti-lock brakes…Trans at 30m or two yrs not a bad idea….but I tend to keep cars for a while….also when I sell I can look the buyer in the eye….

 

If you just follow the manuals recommendations, you should be fine. Not sure what else you're looking for here. It's all pretty straightforward.

 

What I'm seeing in the Maintenance Schedule is, at 20,000-mile intervals:
"Inspect all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks."
That leads me to believe that Acura isn't calling for automatic replacement of fluids (other than oil) at any particular mileage figures; it wants the fluids checked and replaced when inspection indicates the need. (Maybe I'm missing something in the manual.) I was hoping to hear from members with opinions on the general adviseability of replacing any or all of the original fluids at around the 40,000-mile mark.

 

This is what you are suppose to do in normal driving conditions for 40,000 miles:

Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 276 of your owner's manual).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie-rod ends, steering gearbox and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect drive shaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Inspect all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.

You are right it doesn't state when you are suppose to replace the transmission fluid?

 

According to the service manual, many items only require inspection at 40K miles. However, since we are approaching winter, it wouldn't hurt to take care some of the items so you don't have to worry about them later.

Normal condition:
- The MTL is scheduled to be replaced at 120K or 6 years. I would just replace it now at 40K since the fluid is very inexpensive and easy to replace.

- Brake fluid is scheduled to be replaced at every 3 years. Just replace it as it's also very inexpensive and prevent much more costly problems later when the warranty runs out.

- The OEM coolant is long-life type 2 and the first replacement is 120K or 10 years. It depends if the existing coolant is OEM or it has been diluted with water or something else. Replace with OEM type 2 when in doubt.

- Spark plugs are scheduled to be replaced at 110K. I would inspect them and replace if necessary. A fresh set of plugs can restore performance and save fuel, especially during the winter season.

- Air filter is scheduled to be replaced at 30K. A clean filter can restore performance and save fuel.

- Dust pollen filter is scheduled to be replaced at 30K as well.

- Well, don't forget the engine oil and filter.