I followed the advice here and changed out the tranny fluid on both my TLs. (They were both equally more brown than red.) I only did a drain and refill, drain and refill on each one instead of the recommended 3 times. Yep, I know - too cheap I guess. Went with the Acura fluid - 12 qts for $42. Amsoil was becoming a pain to locate and pricey. I will do more frequent changes if it bothers me. Actually felt the '04 TL shift better - but maybe just in my head.

Anyway - some questions and comments regarding instructions how to do....

• Other thread says to refill using the fill plug. If you had the tranny recall done for the oil jet, this cannot be done this way as the "fix" utilizes the fill plug opening. I was successful in using the dipstick hole instead.

• On the '04 - the splash guard - is it necessary? Apparently I am not of the gene pool that can successfully remove those clips without breaking them. (OK, the first two broke while really trying to take them out gently, but the rest broke out of pure rage.) Does this splash guard really need to be put back on? My '02 does not even have one.

• If you choose not to put the splash guard back on (or ran out of replacement pins) the next time you change the fluid, there really is no reason to put the car on jack stands - just reach under and you can easily reach the drain plug. I was able to do my '02 without bothering with the stands - just reach under.

• The '02 actually drained out more fluid than the '04 - unless because it was not on any stands or jack, just sitting on the tires.

Anyway, it was very easy, and really recommend people to do it themselves and save some serious cash. And please, let me know your thoughts on the splash guard.

Thanks guys - here's to a Healthy, Happy 2006

 

Not a tough job to tackle.

Comment on the clips. All I did was press the center piece of the clip with a pointed tool (even a small philips screw driver would work) and the pin just popped out nice and easy.

 

You pushed on the center? Maybe that was my prob - I was trying to PRY it out cause I saw a couple indentations on the side - so I stuck my screwdriver in there - and ended up breaking them all. Hmmmm...so you just push IN on the pin?

 

Yes,

Broke many myself on previous cars until I realized this easy process..

 

what do you guys think tho - a necessary part to put back on? Does it serve a real purpose?

 

I'd get the clips at the dealer and put it back on. Just my preference. I like the covers. It may also be slightly possible for them to contribute to slightly higher MPG since the bottom of the car will be "smoother". Then again, maybe not.

Also, after changing my 05's fluid (Ref Link) it took about 100-150 miles to feel the full improvement so give it time. Cold (I noticed the NJ location) weather also makes the g-box notchier until warmed up for a good while.

 

How many miles were on the TLs before you changed? I took my TL into the dealer for 2nd oil change and they talked me out of changing the transmission fluid. Almost started arguing about getting it done but they basically said don't do it because the factory fuild has an additive blah blah blah. The more I read the more I want to replace the tranny fluid.

 

Like Adobman stated, I too would put it back on. You might find the same/equivalent "clips/pins" at AutoZone etc..

Cheers

 

Blah Blah Blah is exactly right!

If you're due for your 2nd oil change, you LIKELY due for your 1st trans fluid change. GO FOR IT! And don't even think twice about the GM Friction Modified. I did it at around 8,000 miles and its been 4,500 since with NO PROBLEMS. Go to a regular independent repair shop if you have to.
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Here's a way to remove the clips, per the April 2005 Acura Service News bulletins.

 

yup, just spray some WD40 on the clips and they'll come out MUCH easier.

 

was at dealer last night picking up an air filter and I asked about the tool - he said they did not have it. I told him about the clips - he said, yeah, we break them all the time - we just put new ones in. Oh, OK I said - how much are those rascals? He said they were like $2.50 or $2.95 EACH! WTF!? It is a dinky little pin. For now cover remains off - now it matches my 2002 - which never had one to begin with.