I have a 2010 TSX - Auto - Stealership wanted $189 to change my transmission fluid... INSANE

I am assuing these now have a drain bolt, can someone confirm this? If it does, is there an easy way to get to it? Where can I find it? (I have come up blank on a search)

Yes, I realize that about 1/4 is left on a drain not a flush. I have done this before on other vehicles, just not this one and I prefer to not just poke around aimlessly.

3 quarts of Honda ATF? I will stick to the Honda, just for warrantee purposes bought from my dealer under my name so it does show up.

I do find that having to change the trans AND brake fluid at 30k is a bit rediculous, but both are relatively simple.

 

changing tranny fluid at 30k is completely unnecessary

 

well was told since they have internal filters that cant be changed easily that's why they want you to change every 30k.

 

i change my ATF with honda's Dw-1 every 15k or so... shouldnt wait any longer than that because the fluid starts turning brown. It should always be pink. Dont pay the dealer that 189.. thats crazy.. Do it yourself for less than $25 dollars.. It is easier than an oil change.. Or go to a independent mechanic and get it done for $60-$70..

Right after changing the oil, you will feel a much smoother shift.. Dont be cheap on the transmission oil, keeping the fluid fresh and clean for a few hundred dollars is better than spending 3k on a new transmission.


The fluid change does not replace the transmission filter.. The filter is inside your transmission and is suppose to last for the life of the car.

 

here is what Acura says regarding fluid capacity/specs..

A/T Fluid Capacity


Change 2.6 US qts (2.5 L)Total 6.9 US qts (6.5 L)


Automatic Transmission Fluid Type


Type Use Honda ATF-Z1
Use only Acura ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do not mix with other transmssion fluids.
Using transmission fluid other than Acura ATF-Z1 may cause deterioration in transmission operation and durability, and could result in damage to the transmission.

 

Whether you do the drain/fill or the dealership does it, not a bad idea...

I would never recommend a flush - a drain/fill is enough. ATF is not only a lubricant, but also part of the friction solution for the clutch packs. That is why it turns brown after a while - not burnt, it's natural wear of the clutch packs, and those little friction particles...

My other car is an '03 Oddy - personally changed out the fluid every 30K and still on the original transmission - perhaps Honda/Acura has improved things, but the 2G Oddy's were hard on transmissions.

 

transmission fluid change is very simple on the tsx. Remove your drain bolt from under the vehicle, then fill through your dipstick. Buy yourself a 2 dollar funnel from autozone, advanced, orielly's whatever. Also, oem fluid does not have to be used, and will not void warranty as long as the fluid being used is of equal spec or better.

 

I disagree. OEM fluid use in Honda / Acura transmissions is critical to get proper shifting and torque converter operation.

 

so they guy telling you its not that important that works at acura as a mechanic doesn't know what he's talking about

 

I assume that you will put your money where your mouth is and pay for any transmission repairs when a warranty repair is denied based on non-approved fluids being used.

It is very simple. If you use Redline or some other fluid and you have a tranny issue the the dealership will refuse warranty service on that failure and you're stuck with the bill.

Manufacturers spend millions testing fluids for their cars. Why would you want to use non-approved fluids just because some random internet expert tells you it is better?

 

meh. I'll stick to oem. Problem solved.

 

there are certain things that i will buy oem, and trans fluid is one of them, esp with hondas' history.

 

This forum has helped me a great deal in my almost 6 years ownership of a very nice TSX automatic. I joined the forum so I could post this.

A quick lube place told me that my transmission oil was starting to look brown. So I agreed to replace it at around 85K miles.

It was a big mistake, the "generic" oil they used caused the transmission to shudder between 2-3 and 3-4 gears at times.

I took it to an Acura dealer who said the oil "smelled" like the wrong type of oil and replaced it with Honda's DW-1.

What a difference!

So my advice is don't be a fool like me and use something other than DW-1 transmission oil. I do not work for any company related to the auto industry or oil industry so take this as my honest contribution to this forum, just like many of you gave me good advice over the years.

Thanks.

 

Hi guys, I know it's an old thread but just to let people that doesn't know about the Honda/Acura inline magnet transmission filter located outside. You should change it every 30K miles. I did that for my family 10 TSX, 07 Fits, 11 Fits, and 04 RSX. On the TSX and Fits it's located on top of the transmission, you need to remove the air filter housing to get to it. On the RSX you need to lift the car up and it'll be right of top of the sub-frame.

I got the filters on ebay, make sure to get the 3/8" type and some large zip-tie from local hardware store just in-case the old bracket won't fit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Magnefine-...38870e&vxp=mtr