Hey all. 2020 MDX tech. Just turned 10k miles and brought it in for an oil change. Acura recommended a drain and refill for the rear diff. It seems really soon for that. Is that normal?

 

It has always been around 15,000 to 17,000 miles for rear diff for 08 RDX and 11 MDX sh-awd and my 18 RLX and 19 MDX hybrids. I would only change if the M.I.D. alerted you at the first oil change to do it.

 

First diff fluid change is pretty low mileage if I recall, after that it goes longer. Still lot's shorter interval than a conventional open, posi, or locker rear differential, but there is lots more going on in that rear diff compared to a classic open diff. And in the hybrid you have two motor/generators in that fluid spinning at up to 9,000 rpm. (the hybrid uses ATF in the rear "diff" )

 

10k miles is too early.
the schedule is 15k, then 30k after that. I just changed mine at 18k. very simple job, didn't have to jack the car up, just take out the spare tire. 3qts of oil is around $40

 

Sounds like the dealership is trying to "up-sell" unnecessary services to help with revenue. My local Acura dealership is down to more than 1/2 the vehicles they usually have on the lot because of the microchip shortage and used cars are more expensive also.

 

We got our rear diff service at 13K miles. It's only $99 service for peace of mind. That first change is very important. I wouldn't extend it beyond 15K miles.

 

So apparently the B6 reminder did appear on the information screen, which means that the car was due for rear diff fluid. Is this something that can wait until 15,000 miles? Or should we bring the car back and have it changed?

 

I would stick with the M.I.D. notification and get it done now. If not, you have to keep track of the "6" service manually until you sell the vehicle if you wait until 15,000 miles.

 

The dealership cleared the reminder. Does that mean it won’t come up again when it’s due?

 

How many miles you got now? I would change it ASAP. My local Acura dealer charge $99 for rear diff change. Not a lot of money for peace of mind.

 

The M.I.D. will think the rear diff was changed if the dealership cleared the "6" code and didn't do the service. The "6" code might not be seen again for around 30,000 more miles down the road (rear diff oil will be in there since new).

 

To each its own but I didnt change my rear diff in my Hybrid until a little after the 50k mark. Fluid came out clean as whistle.