I purchased the parts for the automatic transmission filter replacement but after I contacted my mechanic he said that my car, 2004 TL, doesn't come with the filter installed with the original transmission.

The filter and housing is only added after the original transmission is replaced with a rebuilt unit to catch any new part debris. I trust the guy but this didn't come up in any of the forum discussions so I wanted to ask.

 

Standard on the '04. Here's the part listing:
25450-RAY-003 ELEMENT (ATF) 04 - 06 TL 16.27 12.20

Might be helpful:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/c-036-diy-transmission-filter-replacement-pics-787078/

 

Your mechanic doesn't know what he's talking about.

The filter isn't part of any regular maint or service interval. Some have told strories about Acura techs not beleiving such a part even existed.

 

what he said. there is a filter but its not a maintenance item

 

DIY instructions are posted in the garage and easily searched..... Trust the 7 years of information listed here.... Trust your mechanic... meh not so much....

 

Upon further reflection, I find it interesting that your mechanic supposes a filter is necessary to catch "new part debris" from a replacement trans, but somehow assumes a new trans (i.e. the original) would not have "new part debris".

 

Thanks everyone. I will skip the independent shop and go to the dealer instead with my ATF filter change parts list.

 

Alot of dealers are clueless also... Print out the DIY and caryy with you to the Stealership....