AcuraGuy2016

Have a 2019 MDX Sport Hybrid just over 40k miles and threw a maintenance code 3.

I assume that is drain and fill transmission fluid. Does code 3 also include changing or a drain & fill of the twin motor unit (TMU) fluid?

Do both use the Honda DW-1 transmission fluid?

What is a good and fair price for the service, both with and without TMU in 2024? How much is too high to push back?

What to do if you suspect a dealer is price gouging? Does this have to be done at an Acura Dealer? Can it be done at a Honda dealer or independent shop that services Acuras?

AcuraGuy2016

Separately what does the "regular" 2019 3G MDX ZF9 transmission drain & fill cost? I've heard the ZF9 is more expensive, so if I feel like I'm being gouged, wondering if I'm being quoted the wrong service, which is also concerning

mvl

Go to owners.acura.com and download the manual for your vin. It will tell you what the 3 is, and the fluid requirements.

Unlike the other MDX models, the Hybrid uses the cheaper transmission fluid (I think DW1, check the manual) and is only a 1x drain/fill, so transmission service should be substantially cheaper for a hybrid. Probably $100-$200 cheaper.

Call a few dealers and get quotes. Yes they charge more than anywhere else but they also offer more convenience and amenities than other places.

mrgold35

I had the B126 service pop up on my 19 MDX Adv Sport Hybrid with +53,000 miles in March/24. I added the 7DCT service because it was last done at around 30,000 miles. I'm trying to stick with a 25,000-30,000 miles or 4 years max for the DW-1 fluid for the 7DCT and TMU. Decided to add the 7DCT since I will be in the middle of a +5000 miles summer trip to the PNW if I waited.

B: Engine oil and new oil filter, inspection of brakes, hoses, steering, suspension, fuel lines, etc. I bring my own jug of Mobil 1 0w-20 full syn oil to cut cost and avoid previous overfill issue
1: Rotate tires and adjust PSI (check full size spare PSI). Done this at home before taking to dealership
2: Replace engine filter and cabin filter. Order both from Amazon and replaced at home (Bosch 6029C HEPA, Amazon, $17 and CA12061, 17220-5J6-A10 engine filter, Amazon, $17)
6: TMU service. $139.95+tax at my Acura dealership for 3 qts+parts+labor
Extra service 3: 7DCT service. Added this extra service at $189.95+tax 1X drain/fill for 4qts+parts+labor

Make sure to review the service ticket for the amount of fluid and make sure DW-1 was used for the 7DCT and TMU. Also double-check your engine motor oil level because the Acura tech sometimes over fills (3.5L takes 5.7 qts and 3.0L takes 4.5 qts w/ filter). The 7DCT is good with a 1X gravity drain and refill for service compared to the 3X drain/fill/run through gears/repeat for the 6/9AT for +$450 at dealership.

AcuraGuy2016

Thank you all. The info has been most helpful avoiding an incompetent dealership from overcharging for the wrong service, and potentially ruining the transmission. Unfortunately, I still need much help finding a competent dealer that knows what they're doing and charges a fair price for the correct service. I started another thread on that, since I'm in need of help there. Thank you.

AcuraGuy2016

Can any Acurazine user who has successfully gotten a Maintenace Minder Code 3 (7DCT transmission 1x drain & fill with DW-1 ATF) and/or a Maintenance Minder Code 6 (Twin Motor Unit TMU 1x drain and fill with DW-1 ATF), please share the detailed work scope and price, also showing that it was a 3G MDX Sport Hybrid.

Of course, block out your personal info and VIN, but please share detailed correct scope and prices, including parts and labor quantities & prices, would be extremely helpful.

The dealers in Houston TX are either extremely incompetent or greedy and want to charge $450+ for the 3x ZF ATF drain and fill and $200+ for differential fluid, both of which are the regular MDX services and incorrect for the Sport Hybrid. Not only are they overpriced, they will ruin the Sport Hybrid.

Please help me. I want to give them a chance to make it right before formally going to Acura Client Relations. It shouldn't be so hard to get these maintenance services. Thank you very much.