Was about to do the 3x3 ATF change when I noticed this external filter that I never knew existed. [Part # 25450-P7W-003]
Looking over the service records, it seems that this filter has NEVER been changed in over 252k miles.

It's a pain in the ass to get at, removing the air filter housing, among other things, but WTF - is it worth changing now, or just do the 3x3 and make believe it's not there.

Good vid on youtube regarding install:

 

Hey Frank1212, don't feel alone......many folks including the Acura techs are unaware of the ATF filter.
But, if ya take the time to think about it and considering the age of our TL's.....the answer to your concern
is to replace the filter for all the right reasons that ya know why. "252k"

 

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Yes, you're right - actually, not that hard a job of a removal & install.

Will have the opportunity to clean things up while i'm down there, too.

Best price I found so far is $37.31 including shipping from hondapartsunlimited.

 

This ATF filter has aftermarket versions for less $, available at your local auto parts store.

 

=

 

once you find it = you got to replace it
thems the rules!!!!

 

Thanks, Skirmich

Just ordered the ATP filter from Amazon - $12.35 shipped - Sweet...

 

Can the O-ring on the threaded line that attaches to the filter be re-used?

 

While it's always best to replace such things, it may be possible to re-use the o-ring if ya need to get the car back together and can't get a new one right now. If deciding to re-use it, closely check the old o-ring for any signs of damage. (Maybe take it to your local parts store to see if they can match one up)

 

O-Ring Honda Part# 91301-P7W-003

Under 3 bucks at dealer.

 

I did mine, the Acura dealer actually tried to talk me out of buying it. I lied and told him mine was punctured. I just love shutting up people who think they know what I need more than I do. SMH. Its on there though, took me a whole 20 minutes, maybe 25...

 

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Is it true that the only tranny fluid that can leak out is in the filter itself?
Only a few ounces?

 

let see- filter near top of trans, gravity below = not too much!

PLUS the capacity of the filter itself- prefill some before install to help restore pressure = same as an engine oil change

 

This is in the DIY section of the forum too! https://acurazine.com/forums/problem...cement-852465/

I found mine at O'reily's for $22.99 PowerTorque FK398 - Automatic Transmission Filter Kit | O'Reilly Auto Parts, But I went to Autozone and they had it there for $32.99. I showed them online and they price matched for me.

Not sure if mine has ever been replaced, but I am now!

 

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Thanks for the link in the DIY section helpful pix, although I might not need to remove battery.

Bought ATP Automotive B-265 Automatic Transmission Filter Kit on Amazon for about $13.00 - Don't know why they call it a kit.

Looked it up on the ATP site and it's a fit for 2003 TL:

Products for 2003 Acura TL V6 3.2L 3210cc

 

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Update - did work last week - no problems except for the 2 10mm bolts with zero clearance holding the final bracket before unscrewing the filter.

All said, job done in under an hour for about $15.00, cost of ATP filter (Thanks for Amazon link, Skirmich ) and Honda O-Ring

 

I just did the first of my 3x3 tranny fluid changes, but didn't really have time for the inline filter.

Any opinions on when this filter be changed – with the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd of the 3 fluid changes? Can't be all 3, right?

TIA, Chris

 

I'm not sure it's that critical but I would say after the 3rd (or last) drain and fill

 

Do it last, if it has a built in feature like auto filters called bypass valve- when it gets full it simply lets fluid go around it instead of thru it
OR
do it first when engine is cold- its not going to generate that much more crud during 3x3
Afterwards, the new fluid will displace lots of crud and filter will be able to catch it

Its well worth the 20 bucks to blackstone labs for an analysis of the first draining
Whats in the fluid reveals all~