libert69

iTrader: (7)

tranny flush (3x3) $89
brake flush $125
spark plugs $160 (1.5hours labor)...im probably going to do this myself
b service w/synthetic $126...ill have jiffylube do it for 70 bucks and mavis to rotate for free

04 tl w/88k miles

Majofo

Spark plugs are a pain unless you remove the support, but those prices, as always, are inflated. You need to be prepared and read some tips from Azine on getting to the rear spark plugs.

Brake Fluid (Castrol GT LMA) - $10-20
ATF-Z1 Tranny Fluid - $30-$40
Spark Plugs (6 Iridium) - $40

+ your own labor and a helping hand - could save $200-$300

I wouldn't let anyone flush my brake fluid.. except for some trusting friends. Just by 1-2 qts of Castrol GT LMA. Suck out as much as you can from the reservoir. Then fill it up. Cap it. and bleed each of the four lines in the right order.. I think it's LF-RF-RR-LR or LR-RR-RF-LF. I've done it both ways.

You need a glass jar (so you can see the contaminants). A little fluid syringe to suck out the reservoir fluid. A 3/8" clear hose to clear the lines at each side and a buddy to pump the brake. Be careful and don't get any fluid on the paint.. it'll strip it.

I'm pretty sure Jiffy charges $125 just to suck out the reservoir and refill it, which is ridiculous because without bleeding the four lines it's like they didn't do anything at all.. plus they may leave air in the lines if they do bleed the each side and if they get some on your car.. oh well.. trust me I knew a few guys who work there and at others and I wouldn't let them even look at my car.

As for the ATF 3x3 Here's a link on how Acura performs it: http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/B080100.PDF

Or 01TL4TL has a nice write-up here: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...t=tranny+flush

This is very important so if Acura quoted you $89 on a 3x3 that may be okay. I wouldn't let anyone but myself or Acura do this one. Also, when was the last time you had the ATF changed?

04DCTL

def. do spark plugs yourself
it is not hard at all! just make sure you have the correct tools or you can mess something up!
i am not sure about the other prices but im sure majofo has it down for you!
good luck

Majofo

Yeah the correct tools!! lol...

01tl4tl

there is no way acura said 89 for a 3x3!! unless the revised method with doing it all on the lift saves so much time....ask them for specifics- the fluid alone is 7 -9 dollars per quart!
Acura usually considers a straight drain and refill 3 as a trans service unless otherwise specified
The new method isnt needed for our cars, read the tech bulletin
just drive 5 minutes using each gear up and down, then drain 3-refill-drive 5 yadayada

regular or synthetic DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid for street drivers is $3-$6 per quart
I can do my TL with 1 qt, some say it takes them 1.5--

bleed order is: start at driver front then clockwise around the car= LF RF RR LR and no other way!!!! its due to the ABS system piping

You are much better off having a local private import shop (look in phone book for ad with honda/acura in ad) work on the car than jiffy-
do you really want them working on the most important part of the car??
for minimum wage???
Wanna bet they dont even KNOW the correct order? Go ask the ~tech~

You can do the brake fluid flush in 45-60 minutes the first time, after that its simple because you know where everything is
NOTE: acura says start at year 3 and then every year!
It really is important, and can be changed after 1 year and be found contaminated

NGK Iridium spark plugs- the correct one for you- are just under 7 bucks each
Be careful with the coils- fragile internals

Bearcat94

^^

Thats what I was thinking on the tranny "flush". Sounds like drain 3 qts; replace 3 qts. Double, double check to be sure. A "3x3" should be about 9 qts of new fluid total.

If you can do the Spark Plugs, do the oil change too. $70 for some new kid at Jiffy Lube is a nice way to screw up a $20k car. Plus DIY Synthetic and you'll *still* save $30 - $40.

01tl4tl

I dont use glass jar for brake fluid- way to easy to end up broken
A 16 oz sports drink bottle is good thickness and see thru.
You also need a turkey baster (do not take the one from kitchen) $2
Place the plastic bottle to the left of the master- put shop rags under and around as brake fluid EATS car paint
suck out fluid and place into container- DO NOT expose the holes on bottem of master cyl. Removing most of the fluid is fine- then gently pour the fresh new fluid on top of the old- then start the bleeding/flushing process
After each wheel you will need to refill the master

01tl4tl

ask the kid at jiffy what the torque spec for the oil drain plug is, and how do they tighten the drain plug?

29 foot pounds is the right torque, not 50, not tight as you can, not with the air gun and strip the threads out of the oil pan....

01tl4tl

hahahah bear - a 3x3 should be about 9 qts

must be that new math they teach kids now = I thought 3 times 3 was a full 9

Bearcat94

T, I say "~9 qts" because the tranny won't necessarily drain *exactly* 3 qts and refilling to the mark, won't necessarily take *exactly* three qts.


IIRC, the Service Manual says a drain and refill will require 2.8 qts. So three drain and refill is ~ 9 qts of new fluid.



Edit - SM says a drain/refill on the AT is 3.2 qts. So, still, the complete, so called "3 x 3" will be *around* 9 qts.

Majofo

- I have this old mason jar that I use.. but you're right.. I like the mason jar because when I bleed the lines I have a two way valve that I screw on top that creates a bit of a vacuum that way I can bleed the brake without having to tighten and loosen the securing nut (that and a watchful eye - pesky air bubbles).

I'll have to make one for a plastic bottle.. hmm..

btw.. can you explain a bit more how the VSA piping effects the drain order. My last drain was reverse.. ..I was brought up draining farthest away to closest.. but I tried the recommended order as well and didn't notice a difference..

I tried searching but haven't read an explanation. I thought the valves are normally open on our VSA system so reverse order is okay?? I started reading and everyone says LF-RF-RR-LR.. but no explanation.. even the service manual doesn't explain it.. I just thought the order was preventative from air getting in from an unwatchful eye.. well I'll just count this last fluid change as a fluke in case there are consequences of a reverse order and change it in the recommended order from now on.

TL1999

cheap prices from a dealer...

libert69

iTrader: (7)

looks like im going to try and do the transmission fluid myself...which stores sell honda atf z1 fluid? only the dealer?

ross7778

This is wrong. The manual says start at year 3 and then every 3 years after that. Changing your brake fluid every year is unnecessary.

Majofo

Trust 01TL4TL. Unless you want to spend hundreds of dollars for parts and unnecessary repairs due to moisture and air seep. I'm not sure if there is a bulletin from Acura but I'd check your fluid after a year once you're past the 4th year and make your own conclusions.

Besides it's such a simple procedure.. Spend $10 and 15-30 mins every year.. that's not asking a lot for those who care to take care of their cars.

tech_rcd

I would get Amsoil tranny fluid not Honda. It will reduce the heat in your tranny and will last much longer.