Recently purchased a 2004 Acura TL with 165k miles (Auto Trans). I've been using this site as a resource for how to maintain the vehicle, I'm planning to do some preventative maintenance and wondering how this looks.

The previous owner had the vehicle serviced at the local Honda/Acura dealership. I was able to get the service records and here are some of the highlights:

• Odometer : 87k Service: Transmission drain & fill (1x1)
• Odometer: 105k Service : Timing Belt
• Odometer: 123k Service: Transmission Full Flush (3x3)

Planning To Do:

• Already done some of the easier stuff (Air Filter / Cabin Air Filter)
• Oil Change (Obviously) has <20% oil life left)
• Transmission Drain & Fill (1x1)
• 3rd and 4th Gear Pressure Switch
• Transmission Filter (maybe not necessary?)

The car is running/driving/shifting fine at the moment. Looking to do some preventative maintenance to hopefully keep it that way for a while. Anything else you would add or skip , looking to place an order from www.oemacuraparts.com soon.

It does have some cosmetic flaws and issues common for these 3G's and its age:

• Worn Leather Seats
• Cracks in Dashboard
• Door lock issue (bad relay in MICU) which I'm not looking forward to, I may just deal with the manual locking for a while. I was able to get another interior fuse box from a 2004 Acura TL base from a junkyard but I'm not sure if these parts are interchangeable.

I've tried to be thorough and make use of the search function here. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

Welcome to the forum!

As you may know, the trans is what needs the most attention on these cars.
It's been 40K since the 3X3, so my recommendation is to do another 3X3 and do the filter.
I know everyone does it differently...I do a 3X3 when I get a new TL and a 1X3 every second or third oil change.

Brake fluid is a neglected maintenance point--has it ever been flushed? How does the power steering fluid look?

Also, check your coolant. And all the other the usual stuff.

Do not throw away your old trans switches until your sure the new ones function properly. (Experience.)

Have fun!

 

Good point on keeping my old trans switches.

I checked some of the fluids today and I'd say they look in pretty good condition. I attached some photos.

Trans Fluid

Current Oil (About to be changed) vs Trans Fluid for comparison

Brake Fluid

Coolant looks to be right level, most likely used Acura Blue

Power Steering Fluid

 

That is DIRTY trans fluid. Change it ASAP.

 

That is DIRTY trans fluid. Change it ASAP.

 

change the brake fluid as well!! it looks black!

i'd also fill the coolant.
and fill the power steering reservoir, looks low.

 

+1 change that brake fluid before it's water corrodes the brake system components

 

That's the AUTO trans Pair of TLs !

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