DreamMachine

The owner's manual for the 2002 Acura TL specifies changing only the fluid, not the filter. Some sources argue that the internal filter does not need replacing. This is supported by EricTheCarGuy. Nonetheless, there are videos demonstrating filter replacement. Common belief holds that the filter should be changed along with the fluid, akin to motor oil, but it appears that many opt to replace only the fluid. What is the recommended procedure for this vehicle?

zeta

iTrader: (1)

^
If you are not the original owner of the car, I would change the outside ATF filter ASAP, as I did on my preowned 03 CL-S automatic, which had 51K miles.
Even though the previous owner stated that the transmission had been rebuilt about 10K miles before I acquired it.
Obviously, you can't get to the internal ATF strainer assembly; therefore, it is what it is, depending on the previous owner's ATF fluid change interval frequency.
The 'go to' ATF recommendation here is the Honda DW-1, personally, because I like to live dangerously , I opted to use the lower cost Aisin DW-1 available at RA for the best price per quart. No issues thus far in South FL's hot / humid stop & go environment.

Saudade

If you just purchased (or are planning to purchase) this TL, I would change all the fluids and associated filters unless you had recent service records showing they have already been serviced.

How many miles are on it?

asb32952

Will be changing my external filter next 3x3 fluid change. My question is this filter an OEM or aftermarket? Seller is from Hong Kong. I can get an aftermarket for about $16 on AliExpress.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/40501225212...mis&media=COPY

asb32952

Used Valvoline full synthetic last time on both 5at cars. No issues. Got 3 gallons for $52 when Amazon had it on sale which they still do from time to time.

zeta

iTrader: (1)

There is no way to know or tell if that is a Honda OEM factory filter & the price is ridiculous, IMHO.

The rockauto Beck/Arnley one below is what I used 3 years ago & will be the one I use next year when I change the ATF filter again.
It will fit your 2G TL even though it's not listed, just take the OEM part number and part number search to confirm, if you want.

thoiboi

that looks fake as shit..

jmk2003

must have been the ‘Made in Japen’ labeling 🙄

DreamMachine

The vehicle has approximately 140,000 miles. The filter might have been replaced during a fluid change a few years ago. It's puzzling why the manual doesn't mention it, although it does refer to the oil filter.