Hi All,

Forgive my noobness in the subject, but I just started being educated in cars and have somewhat of a financial means to take care of mine now. My question is my 2003 tl had its transmission rebuilt back in 2011 with ~150K miles on it. It's sitting at 200K miles on it, and I'm wondering whether or not I should change the AT fluid, or whether or not I should. Reason I'm asking is because according to the service records, a AT fluid flush was performed in 2010 at 121K miles and soon after in 2011 is when it went caput. Do you guys think the same thing will happen again or should I just go for the AT change anyways. Currently, the car shifts fine (smooth shifts) and there are no flares or noticeable transmission noises/issues. The only thing I did notice was that back between 2012-2013 when idling in park, the revs would shoot up for no reason. Thanks in advance for any advice and help.

 

I would say yes! Do the 3x3 Drain/Fill process, if you're up for the task. But waiting 50k seems a little too long of a wait. I usually change mine between 6k-8k miles! Jus my two cents though..


Doing the 3x3 drain/fill isn't tooooo hard of a DIY. check previous forums (search bar) on how to do it. Also change out your ATF filter.


Hope this helps.

 

How does the fluid look? If it still looks good (pink), then at a minimum I would do a single change (approx 3 quarts). If it's looking tired, do a 3x3 change and replace the filter.

 

I'd agree with this. Also, the reason your original trans may have went south could have been because a flush of the transmission was done. If they hooked a machine to it and flushed it that usually means certain death to it

 

Check the fluid, does it still look redish in color or is it black and smell burnt? It minimum i would do a simple drain fill (3 quarts is all that will come out) and replace the external spin on filter. Do NOT bring it somewhere that will hook a machine up to it and flush it out.

 

Let me add just one thing: a drain/refill is easier than changing the motor oil. Use only genuine Acura/Honda fluid (sorry, that's 2 things).

 

Mine failed twice without warning. And like everyone else said, don't have a machine extract the fluid.

 

How do yo add transmission fluid? I looked all over the engine bay and didn't see where to add. Do you have to put it on a lift an add it from under the car like a manual transmission?

 

Thanks for all the input I'll get the 3 x 3 done as I think the last time I had it changed they used a machine on it. I will make sure to not let that happen again. I'll also try to look up videos on how to check the tranny fluid.

 

to ck the fluid level find the stick located in middle of engine bay at trans/engine connection
ck owner manual for fluid temp for cking level = cold or warm, reading should be BETWEEN the 2 dots - not at either end, in the middle of the range at specified temp
Some years book says cold others want 15 minute freeway cruise
free owner book download at Acura Owners Site | Exclusive Knowledge, Service, & Benefits

to refill trans, find large bolt on top center of trans with ATF stamped on it
If you have an original trans with recall kit installed there will be a small black hose and bolt in the place where the filler hole is

the trans will only give up 3 to 3.5 qts of its total 7.3 qt capacity at a time,
then you have to do a short specific (under 5 minutes) drive, to push old fluid towards the drain without totally mixing old and new fluids
Please read your owner book carefully on procedure

 

Any time a thread like this pops up I like to share this video:

 

"IF" you dont have the Oil Jet kit installed or a trans replaced after 05 there is a ATF fill bolt. It can be seen if you look straight down from the drivers side under the area of the black rubber intake pipe that goes from the air filter box to the throttle body.

"IF" you have the oil jet, its still in the same spot but you will need to remove a 10 (or 12)mm bolt and pull straight up on the oil jet to reveal the hole. You will need a long funnel or a hose to attach to a funnel to make things easier.