krypton4

I just purchased a 2015 Acura MDX Tech. I am considering installing a tow package. In the car's specs sheet it states that it has "transmission w/Oil cooler". If I want to tow the max weight, will I have to install an additional cooler for the transmission or is the one that came with the car enough?

p07r0457

Is your MDX FWD or AWD?

FWD MDX has a maximum tow rating of 3,500 lbs regardless of whether the auxiliary transmission cooler is installed, or not.

AWD MDX has a standard tow rating of 3,500 lbs, but that increases up to 5,000 lbs if the auxiliary transmission cooler is installed; part number 06255-5J8-326. This transmission cooler is an optional accessory, and is not included from the factory on any MDX.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

When you buy that optional accessory does it come with a placard which indicates the increased tow rating of 5,000 pounds? If not then it is my understanding, from a strictly legal perspective, the tow rating stays at 3,500 pounds. This doesn't really mean all that much unless an accident is involved and the other side takes a deep dive into the trailer weight and the placarded tow ratings.

p07r0457

Yes, the accessory cooler includes a replacement sticker stating the upgraded 5000# rating. The installation instructions advise to apply that sticker over top the 3500# sticker that comes on the hitch.

Page 3:

http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/p...u/BII51068.pdf

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Perfect, that's exactly how it should work as, once again from a legal perspective, only the vehicle manufacturer can change the tow rating.

Side note; I've spent time on a number of other forums where certain vehicles are sold with an optional trailer towing package, and folks insist (sometimes very aggressively) if they have a vehicle not so endowed, they can simply add the additional parts and they're good to go. Honda did it right in this instance by selling the parts and the additional placard as a kit.

SteveWhitter

Does the oil cooler circulate transmission oil to be cooled or is there coolant which must be replaced at some point?
If it is the transmission oil being circulated, I'm guessing more oil needs to be added when its time to change the transmission oil?

Steve

ZitoMD

It is plumbed inline with the existing transmission oil tubing. It circulates the transmission oil through its radiator before it goes back into the transmission. And yes, it will require a couple ounces more of transmission fluid to be added.

shenofjo

Do I have to do the oem oil cooler to get the placard? Any other oil cooler I can install to achieve this? I assume oem oil cooler kit would be costly? How much is it to get this kit? I’ve done trans cooler install on my sports car and wasn’t bad and cost me around $100 in parts.

NeoGeoH

Around $270 in parts for the kit. https://www.acuraoemparts.com/v-2018...mission-cooler

I will be adding when it is time for my ATF fluid change.

shenofjo

After shopping around, Acurapartsclub.com had the best pricing. I picked it up in person rather than deal with shipping though. I have it at the moment but haven’t installed the cooler just yet. Not sure I’ll actually go big with a full trailer to tow but probably still a good idea to have a cooler for these finicky Honda transmissions.

NeoGeoH

That is my logic. All I ever haul or plan to is a small utility trailer and our Jet-Ski (750lbs). More cooling is a good thing, just in case...

v300

I had the dealership install the factory trans cooler and topped up with the correct ATF. I did this for longevity of the trans system and the option for the tow hitch in the future. The kit comes with the tow hitch sticker 500lb tongue max weight and 5000lb max trailer weight.

shenofjo

I have been looking into the installs a bit more and came across the good service item to do while working on transmission cooler and that’s the trans filter! 25430-PLR-003

The question I have is how many quarts of trans fluid dw1 fluid need to buy to do the install.

E92Vancouver

I wouldn't install this unless you are towing, If you are not towing, you are just introducing 5 extra points of failure into your transmission system that could be catastrophic.