fjpthree

Has anyone changed the tranny fliud in their 09 TSX. If so, where is the drain plug located? (How many quarts of fluid needed?)

hkycards

I have the same question as well for my 2009 TSX that I just purchased this past Oct (2010). Is there a filter kit to purchase when you purchase the tranny fluid too?

its rayden

i thought it said in the owner's manual. can't remember...

fjpthree

Did mine a few weeks ago. 3 quarts and no filter. Remove the shield under the car. Look for bolt that is painted blue. Fill through the dipstick.

Supreme

iTrader: (1)

Did you purchase the fluid from the dealership?

levistar

I would suggest you use only Acura/Honda ATF. Honda uses a very unique formula for their fluid. Keep your receipt. If you have any warranty issues, you will have proof Acura/ Honda ATF was used.

fjpthree

Bernardi Parts. http://www.bernardiparts.com/Departm...ds/Fluids.aspx

There are many internet sites you can use and compare prices. I also own 2 other Hondas (Pilot and Accord), so I order in bulk and also order wiper blade inserts, etc.

b.ike

Can we just do a normal drain and fill for our trans fluids?
For those who frequent the 3G TL section...
Not sure if the whole 3x3 fluid change thing only applies to the TLs, as their autos seem to have a lot of problems? Seems like those guys over there are very strict about carrying this out and thats all they recommend doing even on trans with low mileage..

MrOtocinclus

The service manual does not require the 3x3... the only time I've seen it in Honda's documentation is when you've had to substitute regular motor oil in a pinch. Then they recommend the 3x3.

I recently did a 1x3 on my wife's Accord with 71k miles, and her car's been running fine.

Another thing, if you do your own oil changes, it's not a bad idea to change the ATF every other oil change, just preventative maintenance, you know?

its rayden

whoa, isn't that a little overkill? or are honda transmissions that shoddy?

MrOtocinclus

Hehe, yeah, it's probably a little overkill. Perhaps once a year would be better.

I don't think that Honda transmission are shoddy, it's more like cheap insurance, you know? Preventative maintenance. Plus, you're underneath the car anyway, might as well maximize it.

I don't know if it's possible to send in your ATF to get it analyzed, but that would probably be the first step in determining optimal ATF change intervals if it were.

hkycards

Guys, thanks for the info for the tranny fluid change. This is my first Acura (09 TSX). I love the car and the MPGS.

I do all my maint. However, my other 3 vehicals are all dodges (2 durangos and 1 Ram). When I change the tranny fluid in those vehicals, there's a filter and gasket along with the ATF.

So it looks like the Acura is definatley easier to work with. Aside from removing the plastic splash shielf underneath.

Thanks again for the info. I'll swing by the Honda dealership today to pick up 3 qsts of ATF.

its rayden

the transmission probably has a non-serviceable filter, not *no* filter. so if you wanted change the filter, you would have to do a partial tear down of the transmission to access it. this depends on how it was designed. it could be as easy as taking off a cover, or as difficult as removing the entire transmission.

let us know what you find out

fjpthree

No filter. Everyone has good suggestions regarding intervals...JUST FOLLOW THE MM AND YOU WILL BE OK.

jebus_TSX

Im a Honda Technician this car takes approx. 3.7 quarts of trans fluid, Use honda recommended fluid Z-1. The drain plug is a square plug ( can be easily removed with a ratchet ) Remember you check Trans fluid with the engine off!!!

eta_vu

Hi all-

I just bought my '09 TSX used with 52,000 miles. When should I change the ATF? Mileage? How often after my initial change?

Froglet

Yes, use HONDA/ACURA FLUID!

I don't think it needs to be changed too much, unless you live in a climate w/ harsh weather extremes that can take a toll on fluids.

Froglet

I normally do a full fluid drain/refill on used cars. =) GLuck.

eta_vu

Hey I found this write-up. Has anyone done something similar to this? More specifically: drain ATF, then drive the car, then drain and fill again. Some input on everyone's method would be great. I'm looking to do this myself since it is super simple!

Btw, click "write-up" to see the DIY.

Froglet

I've done it on my other hondas. It's pretty simple and easy to do. Not sure on the TSX though. The main thing to remember is to use STRICTLY HONDA/ACURA OEM ATF and to make sure you don't under, nor overfill.

Good luck.

its rayden

whoa whoa... you want to drive the car while the ATF is partially drained? that's a terrible idea, unless you plan to fill before the drive....

Froglet

I think he is simply wanting to OCD the fluid change. keke.

Basically you would drain/refill, drive the car and go through the gears and then repeat the drain/refill for a more thourough fluid change.

I have done this before as well, might as well since the interval is quite some time, better to get more FRESH FLUID in there. But in all honesty I don't think it matters.

eta_vu

Yeah, I was going to follow the DIY. Forgot to mention to refill before the drive.

Drain-refill-drain-refill.

If I honestly thought about driving the car with a drained transmission then I should probably take it to the shop but I'm not that stupid.

eta_vu

I was talking to one of my buddies who owns a Honda accord and he mentioned that with Hondas you have to check the fluid level while the engine is running.

Anyone aware of this? Does this apply to Acura since they are powered by Honda?

Thanks for all the info thus far!

Froglet

Are you sure he's not talking about the radiator/bleeding the cooling system? KEKE.

Although I cannot confirm directly, my experience tells me there are two temps and two levels of read, hot/cold. Hot being operating temperature, cold, being ovnot driven & at standstill (check in morning).

I always check my fluids on a flat surface and during the morning (saturday or so).

When you do this drain/refill, keep tabs of where the level currently is at, and check your manual.

After the initial drain/refill and quick drive, you would not necessarily get an accurate reading, so just drain it and refill w/ fresh fluid. Don't overfill and just check it.

1)ck fluid in morning
2) drain & refill
3) quick drive
4) drain & refill w/ caution
5) ck later in day or next morning to bring to level.

Just put in what you took out. =) Hope I didn't confuse you, I'm sure you got it.

eta_vu

Thanks for the info! After googling my question and reading through several forums it seems that this is a controversial topic. Apparently most manuals say to bring the transmission to operating temperatures then shut off the engine and check the fluid. Mechanics and others say you just check the fluid while the engine is still running. Either way, I think you just need to warm up the fluid to get an accurate reading.

eta_vu

I've come across some people mentioning that a flush (drain-fill-drive-drain-fill...) is not recommended and could potentially hurt your transmission.

Should I just do a drain & fill then? Like I said earlier I'm at 52,000 miles right now.

TSXV6Guy

Read your car's manual: it says to check tranny fluid with the engine off. This is valid for most Honda/Acuras.