TLTrance

I seem to recall from an earlier post (can't find it) where one of those monthly bulletins published by Acura indicates the correct way to change ATF, which included draining and filling three times.

Do all Acura dealers do it this way?

On a related note: Is there a MID code that indicates an ATF change?

BLACKURA_NY

iTrader: (6)

i've been debating changing mine, its turning a tad brown

however, many people have told me, only stick with the Honda ATF.. that its the best, and formulated for our cars

csmeance

Change it if is not red, period. It is recommened to use honda ATF ONLY, but you can use Amsoil ATF, it supposedly has the same characteristics as the honda stuff, but for some reason results in harder shifts. I would go with honda ATF and do the 3x drain and refill. There is a code for the transmission, it comes on at around 60K

Will Y.

The TSB containing the proper ATF change procedure is at: http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/B080100.PDF

The Acura dealers are supposed to do it that way, but it's better to ask than not.

The Maintenance Minder code is "3," but some people have taken to changing out the fluid @ 30K or so instead of waiting for the "3" to pop up.

FR4NCH1SE

I just did this service, at 59k miles, I went to my local acura dealer and they did it for me with 98 dollars with tax included. 3x refill. And my car runs alot smoother and better MPG. worth every penny, and pretty cheap if you ask me. I was thinking it would be 300 or something. Just take it to your acura. I got it done in about 45 minutes.

TLTrance

I'll definitely ask my dealer then... I doubt I'll be able to get it for $98, but if they can guarantee a three time refill, then I'll be happy

TLTrance

Is the Honda ATF the same as the one listed in the service bulletin, namely "Acura Precision Crafted ATF-Z1"

XS2K

I wonder if anyone has requested the 3X flush & fill from a dealer, or any service facility for that matter, and only received a 1X fill. How would you know? Would it be based on trust alone?

csmeance

If you are good with the dealership, you can ask who's going to be working on your car, and when its ready go to them and ask them. I know the guys at my dealership and they usually show me the fluid before they chuck it.

jkim23

Just did my transmission fluid change today for the first time. If you can change your own engine oil, then you can change your own transmission fluid. RR has a great DIY write-up for it.

There were two difficult parts for me though: 1) Getting the drain bolt loose. I broke my socket wrench trying to get it off and had to borrow a friend's to finish the job. 2) The ATF fill bolt on top was just as tough as the drain bolt. Instead of haggling with it (I actually bent my socket wrench handle a little), I just filled new ATF through the dipstick hole. That was another problem though, because I couldn't find a funnel small enough to seal the dipstick hole completely. Ended up finding a small rubber tubing in the garage and after modification; it fit perfectly inside.

Since I hand-tightened the drain bolt and I have the rubber tubing; future ATF changes will be a snap.

mhaze20

What des ATF stand for

gotkilled

iTrader: (1)

atf= automatic transmission fluid

how were you able to find a 3x3 atf change at the dealership for $98? That is a steal. If my dealership offered me that, i would run, not walk over there! the fluid is regularly at least 7.50 a quart and you would need at least 9 quarts to do a 3x3 job.

j1n

iTrader: (1)

By the price! they will charge you around 100$ just for the 1x change. so for the 3x3 it will probably be around 300$.

the 9quarts of honda Z1 ATF is around 70-80$ so there is no way there going to do a 3x3 for under 100.


the ATF change is easier then an oil change. Save youself over 200$
DIY threads: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89064
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=745892

Dan1629

so what do you guys do. drain refill drive around the block drain refill drive around the block again then do a last drain refill?

corduroy

i'm not sold on this 3x3 concept... seems like a waste of 6 quarts of transmission oil to me.

Dan1629

im deffinately into it because there is the issue of flushing the lines,converter, and trans cooler just want to make sure it is done right

j1n

iTrader: (1)

huh? why would you say you are not sold? the car has 9 quarts of ATF and you can only drain 3 quarts at a time. so you do it 3 times for a full change. how is that a waste of 6 quarts?

Dan1629

is this the way you would do it?

csmeance

Whatever it may seem to you, the truth is that this is the correct way to do it. The pan holds 3 quarts of oil while the torque converter, trans and the lines hold the other oil. When you drain it only 3 quarts comes out, and you refill it back into the pan. Then you drive around the block and the new stuff mixes in with the old stuff resulting in 33% new fluid and 66% old fluid. Then you drain again and refill and you end up with about 60% new fluid. Drain and refill again and it comes out to 90% new fluid.

j1n

iTrader: (1)

yes make sure you go thru all the gears.

ray6712

actually the tranny holds about 7 quarts total. So in draining and refilling three times you actually flush out most of your dirty fluid.

hotgrease

it seems like the 3x3 doesn't really get rid of as much as advertised (or am i missing something?). replace 3 quarts and it's 1/3 new (9 total). replace 1/3 of that and you're replacing 3 quarts of 1/3 new ATF which is 1 quart new being replaced with new - only 2 quarts old being replaced = 5 quarts total so far. therefore 5/9 new overall. replace 3 more quarts: [(5/9)x3] = 1.7 quarts new being replaced with new. 3 - 1.7 = 1.3 quarts old being replaced. 5 quarts + 1.3 quarts = 6.3 quarts old replaced overall. only comes out to 70% new. does the old and new ATF not get completely mixed before the second and third changes? granted 70% is better than 33%.

con5tant

iTrader: (4)

is there a place(online?) where i can get Honda Z1 ATF cheaper than they sell at the dealership?

Dan1629

Thank you for the info, I feel much better doing it myself. Im coming up on 22k and I am ready to dump that fluid. Everyone seems to forget that the a/t trans is a very expensive trans. If I dont take the extra effort or time to take care of it it will be shot right after warrantee is up.

ajs800

iTrader: (1)

I plan to do the 3x flush this weekend and will use Amsoil Synthetic at $8.50 a qt, so I"ll have it done for under $80. I plan to change the filter as well.

The amsoil synthetic is superior to the Z1 fluid and is totally fine to use in the TL.

j1n

iTrader: (1)

you can find it cheaper online but after shipping costs its no longer cheaper then going to the dealer and buying it. call your acura and honda dealer and see how much it is. it was cheaper at honda so i went there. acura dealer was charging 1$ more per quart.

Dan1629

What filter? I was told that there was none and that it is a sealed unit

ajs800

iTrader: (1)

yep, there is one...it's not the typical internal filter. It is under the hood.

#7

ajs800

iTrader: (1)

It is located directly under the air filter casing. You may need to replace o-ring and washers as well...I'm not sure since I have not yet done this.


#7, #21, #24, ???


http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

Dan1629

you are the man! I am definately going to change that also no doubt. Thank you for the diagram and parts list. cant get over it,im going out to the shop to take a look at it. I knew there was something!

tweeder82o

i was reading this thread yesterday and today i had my oil changed at the dealer so i asked the person there some questions about the 3x3 ATF change.

he looked up my car and said that a 3x3 isnt really neccarry for this car, especially that my previous owner did a ~3qt drain and flush every 15k miles, which comes to about $100. so he recommended that i just do that same and keep it up like the previous owner did, especially when a 3x3 would be like 6 hours of labor which would run about 300 dollars.

ajs800

iTrader: (1)

I just realized you have a TypeS... It is different, but it appears that it still has a similar filter setup.

http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

Dan1629

different spot also. I went out to the shop it looks real crowded down there im gonna have to put it up in the air later and take a look see. I couldnt see it from above

TLTrance

The maintenance minder just popped up with my next service... A123... Alas, the 3 has popped up (despite supposedly receiving a 3x3 about a year ago from Autowest Acura of Stevens Creek). I've posted about my piss ass experience with that before -- regardless, it appears I'll have to do a true 3x3 soon.

TLDude876

iTrader: (7)

Is Honda ATF Z1 the same as ACURA ATF Z1?I noticed they actually have the same part number. Will the ACURA ATF work in a Honda Prelude? Will the HONDA ATF work in an 04 Acura TL? I have both cars and was wondering if it will work either way.

gotkilled

iTrader: (1)

yes, they are the same except for the labeling.

chaiwala

IMO

Red Line ATF D4>Amsoil ATF>Royal Purple Max ATF>Mobil1 ATF>Honda Z1 ATF

Some have argued that Honda ATF Z1 is the same as Mobil 1 ATF but who knows.

-MiG-

iTrader: (3)

I got a great deal on ebay for Honda Z1, 9 qts, for $67 shipped, so honda Z1 it is this time, this the next ATF change.

ray6712

hey for all interested your local carquest probably carries the honda atf z-1 for cheaper than the dealership, its where I purchase mine

leedogg

FYI, here is the Service news re: ATF changes along with another article re: Flushing

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/A08010A.PDF
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/B060200.PDF (pg 3)