I just replaced my ATF fluid about 2 months ago. The dealership told me replace it everty 30k but I hear people on here replace it every 3-6 months?

 

It wouldn't hurt, my trans was replaced 09/09 from Acura it was the post 05 "redesigned unit" since then I've been doing a drain and fill ever 15k. My last 2 were with the new ATF DW-1. Tranny feels as smooth as I've ever felt it.

If you have not been regularly servicing the tranny or its a pre 05, leave it as is. Changing the fluid might be a catalyst for a future failure. Never do a "power Flush" as it will probably result in instant failure.

 

who on here is doing it every 3 months??

15 kmiles / every other engine oil change, do 3.4 qts atf change
thats one drain and refill

ck your atf level now if you only added 3 qts at change

Method: engine cold- drive 15 minutes easy freeway cruise to warm fluid
not stop and go traffic--that gets fluid too hot
At 15 min, get off freeway and park on safe level ground
Engine OFF- in Park- and level needs to read BETWEEN the dots
not at either- BETWEEN.. at that particular fluid temp
indicated level changes with fluid heat

 

My 2000 TL had trans replaced at 83,301 miles on 10/21/08 and I got
a unit w/ 3 yr, 3k warrantee (Cost me $700.00 labor).

It was replaced again at 92,198 miles on 6/30/09.

Mileage is now 113,451 w/ 21,253 and almost 3 yr. on latest trans and its' probably due for a service - As far as I know it most likely still has the old Z1 atf in it -

What would you recommend for a service procedure given that DW-1 is being used now? - I'll probably have the dealer do this one and I think it is out of warrantee by now as the original rebuild happened back in 08 even though only 30k mi elapsed.

It works just fine at this point and I don't want to hasten its' demise.

Thanks

 

a simple drain fill to get some fresh fluid in. You can do it yourself in a matter of 30 min or less. Its just like changing the oil.

 

hahahahahah 3 Months???? And I tought I was being agressive with 1 year changes....

 

A 1x1 or 3x3?

 

1x3 every Year...

3x3 is if you had a really really old ATF there or flushing out the old Z1 for the Newer DW-1.

 

since its a rebuilt trans with reasonable miles and needing dw-1
If it were my car, a 3x3,,more likely doing the `engine running fluid swap method`
a/k/a `honda accord method` as found on utube and trans threads here
(with slight variation for TL use)

Do you agree Kris? was it you who posted that methods link?

 

why need 3x3?

I just finished 1x1 today. Will run it for a week and do one more time on Saturday.

The DW-1 is not cheap. Local dealer charges for $8.4x + tax. But no shipping fee. Online deal with S&H kills.

 

1x1? Like in 1 quart only change?

 

Now I get it.

I thought 1x3 means once with 3 drain and refill.
3x3 equals to 3 * 3 drain and refill

 

Right!

1 Drain and Refill x 3 quarts = "1x3" < Normal ATF Change.
3 Drain and Refill x 3 quarts = "3x3" < Flush Old Stuff Out.

 

note!!! trans can drain up to 3.4 us qts!!
measure what came out and refill exactly

if swapping out old zr fluid for the new dw1, you want to do a quick 3x3.
meaning less than 5 minute drive between drains- with shifting thru every gear up and down-(pushes old fluid from selenoids) then back on the ramps and drain again

Yes old and new mix, but this limits it as much as possible

The better choice is running engine and hot swap the fluid,,pour in new as old comes out,,run thru gears on jackstands (this is what the acura dealers machine does)
that gets out all the old you can expect (a little may remain)

in a year, do a basic 1 x 3 qt change- and stay on that routine forever
8 bucks per qt seems high, but $2500 for a rebuild on the trans... really is high!

ck your honda and acura dealer (use same fluid) honda sells for less and may do the entire full fluid change on machine for ~100 bucks on a special
Ask the service MANAGER,, not the saleperson/service writer

if diy ask the parts MANAGER for the ~acurazine discount~,,the good guy discount,,the starving student discount,,
they have at least 10-15% leeway on pricing with retail customers

for online purchase ck our sponsoring acura dealers- see VENDOR list, they give us 25-30% off and deals on shipping -

 

When I pour the 3 Quarts the trans sits dead On at Middle Point while Warm. When cold is just a little bit down from the Top Dot.

I have never used more than 3 quarts XD so My change cost me less than 30 Bucks every Year.... Perhaps is the Fact that I have 2 ATF Coolers + Magnefine Filter and I Only Replace the Filter but never drain the Coolers..

Happy Holidays from BAJA, Mexico!!!

 

I would be interested in knowing where you mounted these 2 coolers. If you have any pics, please post, as I would like to install 2 if I could. Are these the tranny coolers they sell on amazon.com?

 

In front of the radiator. There is no point in installing 2. It wont help fix the issue our trans has.

 

I installed 2 just b/c I First went with a very little one, After looking at the Comptech ATF Cooler just bought a second to have the proper size.... 2 of the ones I have = 1 Comptech size...

In front of Radiator Driver Side there is enough space!