Dealer tells me the automatic on my '03 TLS does not have a filter. There are threads on this site that rec "changing the spin off filter". So, filter or no filter?

 

The simple "DIY" procedure for replacing the ATF filter is here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-problems-fixes-117/transmission-bypass-spin-filter-replacement-852465/


What do the dealer's know ???

 

Yeah the dealer told me "no one ever orders this filter...you don't need to replace it". Uhh huh.. So I told him that's ok order me one anyways
Same with the 2nd/3rd gear pressure switches- "no one ever order them"

 

Thats because by the time they realize they need replacing, so does the rest of the transmission

Or they find out about them here, after having to follow the AV6 swap out thread.

 

use our sponsoring dealers for your parts needs when you can,
Not only do you save $$ over local, they get verification azine works and they help keep us alive!

 

I got my spin-on filter from Delray via internet order. Be sue to have a little more than 3 quarts of ATF for the refill, and make sure it's Acura OEM fluid.

 

Don't waste your money on Acura DW-1. Get Honda ATF DW-1 at any honda dealer. It is literally the same thing, it just costs less.

 

Unless you know the Acura service manager....

Unfortunately, in Jersey Honda dealers aren't cutting many breaks.

 

My experiences were reversed. So, buy wherever it is cheaper and convenient, and it doesn't have to be from dealers. As far as trans filter, amazon has the best price for $17.96 (Beck Arnley 044-8003, or $14.60 ATP Automotive B-265) , dealer is $45.

May as well buy 2, it is good for 60k miles.

 

Amazon's parts compatibility says the Beck Arnley won't fit my 2000 TL. One reviewer claims the dimension is slightly off. A reviewer of the ATP says it's made in Taiwan and feels less substantial than OEM. I checked Rock Auto and the only external filter they have is some bullshit AC Delco which requires cutting a trans fluid line (not unheard of....the service manager says when they've replaced trannies they cut a line and install this type of filter). For all the problems the early transmissions had, and for my money, I'm not going cheap on this part. I believe I mentioned you can get this part from Delray Acura via internet order and discounted a bit. Since most other dealers probably never sold one, what are the options?

 

And the OEM filter doesn't come with the o-ring gasket, part # 91301-P7W-003. Better order one in case the old ring is damaged.

 

On Amazon Beck Arnley 044-8003 is the correct filter for your car. Why they said it isn`t is a head scratcher.

 

You can even get this at your local autozone guys http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...mString=search
I got this from a search for "transmission filter" for a 2003 Acura TL. The bottom one is the spin on and the other is the internal one. Part TF558 is what's needed. Boom