i have on record that tranny has been replace with mine recently, and I assume that they have put new fluids once they change. now 105k service calls for tranny fluid change, but that assumes original tranny since mile number zero rite?
so I was thinking to count the 105k tranny fluid change from the mileage during which the tranny has been replaced. Is that safe assumption.

 

Use mileage of the new. A safe estimate would be every 30k miles (that would be from the date/mileage of when the new trans was installed.

 

ive heard some people just dont mess with the tranny at all but im not sure which is best.

 

if you have a replacement trans from acura -then count 30k miles from time of replacement and do a full change out

The book is old and full of lies!!!

 

If you're in doubt, do it now and start counting down from 30K again.

 

can the first drain of the 3X3 be cold?

 

iirc the owner book says 10 minute drive to warm the trans fluid before first drain
Probably so its all warm when you start the 5 minute drives between drains

And if I read it correctly - the book actually calls for 3 full 3 qt drains and then a 4th fill, for 12 qts total, not the 9 we have been using

The seafoam diy was whack for years,, until someone questioned the rear vac port going to all cylinders,,,now we use the correct vac port at TB~

 

Not to hijack this thread, but where do you re-fill the tranny fluid? The obvious is at the dipstick but that would take too long. I read the owners manual and it does not say.

 

Look in the DIY thread

 

that is waht i have been hearing too. If I recall correctly, I have been reading from some folks who say their tranny got busted shortly after tranny fluid change. Then on the other hand, is it ok to go without changing the fluid at all?

 

YOU have a fresh trans- the people with high miles and never changed get a prob
YOU should get on a 15k program or 30- then no problem ever for you!

It is NOT ok to not change the fluid

 

giant bolt on top of trans-- ATF stamped on it--thats the fill plug

 

I just did a 3 quarts X 2 times on my 2001 CL-S but they have the same tranny.
The acura Dealer charges $100 to drain 3 quarts and put 3 new quarts in which is easier to do then a oil change! Make sure you use honda ATF (well thats what they say)
When u pull the drain plug only 3 quarts will flush out and our tranny holds over 7 quarts, so you have to pull plug drain 3 quarts then plug up and refill 3 new quarts then drive around for a few min so the fluid mixes then pull plug again drain 3 more qurats put plug back on and refill 3 quarts. Thats what I did a 3quarts x 2times where some people do 3 X 3! I do 3 x 2 every 25k and my tranny is shifting like a chanmp!
check the drain plug (it has a magnet for metal shaving)

 

I had my tranny go at 35K (never changed the fluid) and at 99k (never changed the fluid) I now hav 160K when the new tranny had 30 k (first time I changed fluid it was dirty very dirty ( that cant be good for the tranny)
now that I change the fluid every 25-30k my tranny shifts like its new still!

 

Hmm, I am confused about what to do. Obviously, changing is a must but I am just about to make a trip of 3K-5K miles and it is just about the time to change the fluid (tranny replaced 77k and now 107k). I am wondering which is safe: change it and take off for a trip or go without changing which overshoots interval by 3-5K.
The shittiest situation would be tranny breaking down in middle of the trip.

 

If you have time to do it before the trip- its only going to help it shift smooth and stay cool
If you have to wait- you're still 30k miles ahead of what most people would do
So its not going to break down just because you're worried

Dont freak- its a preventative maitenance for you with your fresh trans- do it when you can

 

I would be more concerned with the 105 service=water pump timing belt being done, and new plugs with a seafoam treatment before the trip to make it best mileage

 

Agreed. Freeway trips are easiest on the tranny. TQ locks out for most of the drive.

 

I must have the kit installed because I don't see the bolt with ATF stamped on it.

 

Yeah, I did 105k service except this tranny thing. I know freeways easiest but I am expecting some serious up and downhill driving especially in the west.
Here is my itenariry just in case if you re interested ).

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...,79.101563&z=4

 

that's a trip - hope you're taking at least a week to do it.

 

2nd and 3rd gear changes are the wear issue
drop it in D4 instead of D5 when you hit hills, that drops it out of overdrive and casually pulls up the hill with the extra 500 rpm

 

I'd get the fluid changed, change the oil/filter and drive it locally for a week before a long trip like this.

Bring extra oil, check your spare to ensure it's pumped and bring a can of quick inflate tire repair incase you have a flat and cannot change the spare.

I'd also suggest a case of water in the trunk. If you have a gun, thats good too.

My rule of thumb - under 40, keep it in D4.

 

I change my tranny fluid every 10,000 miles. $18-$21 bucks. 110,000 on my 1999 TL. It still shifts like new. If anyone here says that changing the Tranny fluid isn't a good thing=DON'T BELEIVE em! Keeping clean/cleaner Tranny fluid in the car is a good thing.

 

this is what i learned at school

If the old transmission fluid is extremely dirty, be aware that when the fluid is changed, the new ATF contains a fresh supply of detergents and dispersants, and these will:

• Loosen varnish and other deposits that have accumulated inside the transmission
• Carry this material throughout the transmission, including valves and solenoids
• Possibly remove varnish that has formed over worn seals and open up a leak
• The supply of new friction modifier will increase the “slippery” level of the fluid which might increase the amount of slipping on upshifts

when i had my 99, did a 3x3 and month later it died, then, with this one, same thing, died 2 months later, so im avoiding changing the fluid,i do check it, for color and smell, and smells fine and no brown/black color

 

ok after posting and thinking about the tranny, there are pros and cons about what i said, yes for an old high mileage tranny, wouldnt be the best thing to do the 3x3, drain/fill may be the better choice. and vise vera if u got a lower mileage tranny..

every 10k i think is overkill but if ur on ur orig tranny, keep doing it!

im just paranoid if i had it go out and had to get it fixed, since majority of us are out of warranty now, and were on our own..


btw, if i do a drain and fill, 1 bottle is more than enuff?

 

I changed mine every 8k and that trans lasted the least amount of time.

 

No, it takes 3

 

yeah that is exactly what i would do,
i also upshift to 4 as it sticks at 3 at some downhill freeway ramp.

 

I meant the automatic side or the shifter D5 and D4.
If its shifting funny now, go have the dealer tech take a quick test drive with you to be sure its ok- I dont understand sticking in 3rd?

If the click click noise is an axle bearing at the trans end- change the trans fluid to be safe
that ends your concern!

do a 3x3 which is actually 12 qts if done `per the book`-not 9, you are supposed to drain and refill it 3 times and then a final fill- that would really make sure the old stuff is cleaned out of the tubes and piping and TQ
read the owner manual and see if you agree with my interpretation of it

 

i know 2 people who had this problem right after a fluid change & a mechanic told the same thing but is this true

 

in the case of the OP who has a replacement trans- starting now and keeping a schedule is the best plan

IF you have 100k miles and the fluid was never changed- a fluid change now will often result in trans failure- the new fluid containing a large does of cleaners and unknowns that help wash away the little remaining friction on the disc

 

If you are still covered on the extended warranty- by all means go change the fluid and keep the receipts- write mileage on it -document the change even if diy- take a pic
Then if/when it fails- you have proof of trying to keep up with maitenance

 

i was told to leave it just add if needed

 

^^Oh heck naw...who told you that mess

 

did mine yesterday - fluid after 30K was DIRTY. broke 2 extensions on the ATF bolt. shifts so much smoother now. changing my interval on tranny fluid to 20K now.

 

for you- maybe 10k and do it all again~
with an analysis from a lab on clutch material in the fluid

fire 1x3 or 2 or 3 or 4?

 

3x3.a tad

shiftin' like buttah!

 

Maybe that's why dealers only flush 3 quartz and add 3 new quarts during changes so the new fluid mixes with the old fluid and does not remove all the stuff as u posted above but does freshen the fluid up.
If u drain 3 and refill 3 every 30k u keep the fluid fresh but don't shock the tranny with tottaly new fluid where it messes it up!
WhAt do u guys think?

 

If you have a fresh trans- then start it on a fluid change program before 30 and keep with it.
Those on original trans should hope for warranty failure then get on an early fluid change program

A full fluid change is going to be better than a partial- as far as the fluid is concerned in its operation