So I was wondering how often should I change my transmission fluid. I kinda figured I should have already done it. I'm just hesitant because the last time I changed tranny fluid, my tranny died a week later. Probably had nothing to do with it, but I always manage to put the two together. August will make 2 years since i got the car, and november will make 2 years since the transmission has been replaced. i.e. last ATF change. thanks

 

what is the current mileage of your car and which year is it?

 

do a 3 qt honda atf change now and then once a year
Your old one had issues that new fluid killed it- that is standard on the old trans!
now you have a good unit- keep it filled with at least partial fresh fluid
or do a full fluid changeout
on a budget- do just one time at 3.2 qts
total capacity is 7.3

 

ok that sounds good. But its 03 with about 135,000

 

you're saying a dump and fill right?

 

the OP has 2 years on a rebuilt trans- so it counts as fairly new
a straight drain and refill will suffice,,, takes 3 to 3.2 qts
use HONDA ATF

 

loosen and retighten fill and drain plugs with engine cold- so you know they will come out~

then go for a 15 minute freeway warm up drive, more crud flows out when fluid is warm.
Drain whatever it will give up,,those last drips add up!

 

Went to Acura today and they did mine (3 liters) for $107 tax in and they gave me a free coffee and washed my car for me. Not bad... 2003 TL with 69,000km... If it breaks its now their fault??? I always do my own fluids but in this case I want to have some history with the dealer in case all hell breaks loose.

 

whats the acura canada warranty on gen2- are they honoring the usa court case to 7.9/105kmiles?

no guarantee if it fails now they will cover you- it helps- but a lot of factors are involved

only 107 loonies (usa 120 or more) for 30 dollars of fluid, 10 minutes of lower skill level techs time, a coffee and car wash--wow
not cheap- but the insurance value of it may pay you back
they charge the same in the states

I would warm the car up per book and ck fluid level
NEVER trust anyone- especially the kid at the dealer

 

I change mine often. It costs about $24 for the Fluid. Every 10,000 miles. I have a 99. 135,000 on it. I have cleaned the upper selonoids. It works perfectly! Still! fingers crossed. When I change the fluid, the tranny always shifts better.

 

I need to do this but I'm scared lol. When you loosen up the drain plug, how do you manage 3.2 litters coming out. I assume it all gushes out into the pan. So you drain 3.2qts , add 3qts of fresh z1... Take it for a quick spin going through. Gears. Drain another 3qts and add the other 3?

 

that would be a called a 2 x 3 method

the drain plug isnt a normal bolt- the end of a ratchet fits into the plug!!

You have changed engine oil and filter before?this is easier- no hot filter to deal with!

Use the same type oil drain pan, and the fluid can go to hazmat collection site or oil recyclers-part store

leave the top plug in until bottem one removed- slows fluid rate, then open filler and it will drain fairly quickly--watch the catch pan remains under the flow, and then as it drips- let it drip...same as engine oil change

best to warm up drive 15 minutes so crud is suspended in fluid an drains out

 

drain 3, add 3, drain 3, add 3, drain 3, add 3... until everything is cherry red and fresh. What I mean is I saw you mention drain 3.2 qts.. How will I be sure I drained that amount. Sorry for sounding like a noob, but I am... Lol. The seafoam thing was one of my 1st maintenance jobs lol.

 

Has anyone heard of or tried the Femco Draining System? I am trying to order one to make my trans fluid draining simpler and more tidy. It consists of a brass plug that replaces your normal drain plug. The unit contains a spring-loaded valve that allows the fluid to be drained through a fitting attached to a tube so you can simply drain the fluid into a jug or bottle without spilling a drop. The valve/plug remains in the transmission and needs no tools to operate once it's installed. You may not need to even lift the car very high to drain the fluid.
They are used a lot in heavy equipment, trucks and aircraft.
To see what it looks like, you can do a search online for Femco oil drain.
Can someone tell me the size and thread pitch for the trans drain plug?

Thanks.

Don

 

when you drain the trans fluid- you know its gotten as much as 3.2 when the drips stop coming out the drain~
If you stopped when it was down to a trickle- only got out 3 qts

 

I always measure what comes out and put the same amount in. Then check the stick after it's warmed up.

 

I asked the manager and he said there is no warranty left. The case is US only but I hear they still have goodwill assistance. I'll take the TL there for the annual transmission drain and fill and for regular oil changes.

I read their timing belt and spark plug service was $1,060! Ahhhh. I dont know if that includes parts or not. I've done them on several honda's in the past, it's not that hard. Add taxes and fluids and your at $1,300 for a 4 hour job and $150 in parts....

 

^ that's a bargin as they charge us more than that without the plugs