smr2112

Anybody have an idea what a Automatic transmission flush on
a 2004 TL should cost? This would NOT be a simple drain and fill,
but a flush using a special machine to get all fluid otu, cleaning the
filter, drop the pan, etc.. No chemicals would be used to clean it
of course, or any such thing. Using ATF-Z1.

About how much should this cost? I am trying to compare the dealer
cost to a local shop's price.

What MID service or mileage does Acura recommend this at?
I am at 34000 miles and just over 3 years. So figure it's a
good investment.

chill_dog

Acura recommends not doing a flush, but doing the 3X drain/refill.

All info contained or linked HERE

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

^^^ yep. my local dealer has the same "machine" they want $170.

KJSmitty

As others have mentioned (in referenced thread etc..), even Honda/Acura does not recommend a flush machine. Many professional trans specialist don't either.
I'm an anal guy and previous professional mechanic and still wouldn't recommend pulling the tranny pan on your TL for a "cleaning". You will not find a traditional filter (its a metal screen) to change nor would you find anything in the pan worth the hassle of removing it etc..

Perform the procedure stated in the owners manual. Besides taking the skid/protection plate off under the engine/tranny, the process is quite easy. Both the fill and drain plug are easily accessible.

Pick up a case of Z1 from Acura for ~$120 (at least 9 qts), drain tranny, add three quarts and drive. Repeat this process at least 3 times (I did 4, like I said - I'm anal...)
I made it a 4 day process - drained, filled and drove to work the next day. Did this 4 days (left skid plate off until complete), took me less than 10 min a day.

Done right with no "adverse effects" to the car.. Saving money was just icing on the cake..

Your mechanic can do this as well with just a short drive between drain/fills. If at a local shop, I would even offer to do the driving if I were you (if you have the time off etc).

34K miles is a great time to do this. Mine was at ~27K if I remember right. I'm a firm believer in every 25-30K intervals on AT's. Besides, the Z1 was looking brown and nasty though I read this is quite normal for this trans and fluid... However, like you stated, it's a "good investment"/(preventative Mx)..


Good luck

smr2112

I'm glad I ask! So I read the service bulletin - no flush!

I am sure the local garage I am using will do exactly
this if I show them the bulletin. They appreciate that
some people care about their cars and will gladly
do what it takes to do it the right way (so it seems).

The dealer of course, could care less what I think about
the car. They just want to maximize profit.

So no need to drop the pan? I didn't realize this until
today by the TL has no dip-stick to check the A/T
fluid. Evidentally this is a trend.

KJSmitty

Nope, no reason to drop the pan (just the under engine skid/protection plate so you can get at the drain plug).

You should have a Trans dipstick on the drivers side.

Stand on the drivers side at the wheel well, hood open, facing the engine. Look at the large ribbed "air" hose going to the engine from the air-cleaner box. Now look down the left side of that air hose (toward the front of the car), you should find a short dipstick with a yellow pull loop on the top. That's the trans dipstick.

Now, while standing there, look down the right side of the "air hose" down to the aluminum trans housing. You should see a large goldish silver colored "nut" with a machined flat base about 1.5 inches in diameter. That is the trans "fill" plug. Tell your mechanic he will need a breaker bar to get it loose and it will sound like he broke it when it comes off... All seriousness, it's on there pretty good.
Cheers

frenchnew

Even if the term "Flush" is being used, some of the equipment out there are not exactly doing a flush.

They are connected so that with the engine running, the pressure from the transmission fluid coming out is pushing fresh new transmission fluid back in at the exact same rate.

(Do a search for a T-Tech machine on the web).

This same method can be used with 2 clean containers instead.

The hard part on the TL is getting at the only outside hose connection on the transmission.

I personally will use the T-Tech method with Honda ATF-Z1 fluid (12 to 14 litres) as this is the only way of replacing over 95% of the old fluid in one shot.

The prescribed Acura method of doing the fluid drain & fill service 3 times (Acura calls this a complete transmission fluid change) only replaces 81.76% of the old fluid after the 3rd service.

Check post # 18 in the following thread for the calculation method;

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...0&page=1&pp=25

Best regards

Frenchnew

smr2112

So this is a very specific type or brand of machine?
T-Tech is OK?

I was sort of wondering really what the definition of
"flush" was. The local place sort of hinted at using
this machine just to get out all the fluid - no chemicals
or anything pressurized. Does this make sense?

Because I really want the local place to do it and
certainly don't want to damage the car.

frenchnew

I only know the T-Tech, there might be other brands out there.

The T-Tech method is called a fluid Exchange method.

If you see a T-Tech, you will understand as it consist of a clear plastic cylinder (Approx 8 inches in diameter X 40 some inches tall) with a piston inside.

You precharge the cylinder by filling the top portion of the cylinder with the new transmission fluid which pushes the piston to the bottom of the cylinder.

Once properly connected to you car's transmission, you start the engine and let the transmission generated pressure do the work.

The old fluid enter the bottom of the cylinder that pushes the piston up forcing the new fresh fluid out and in the transmission at the same rate.

There is no chemical flush additives unless they are added directly to your transmission.

Here is T-Tech's website ;

http://www.t-techonline.com/knowledg...prodid=1&cat=1

Best regards

Frenchnew

smr2112

Thanks, I just have to confirm the exact machine my shop has,
it sure sounded like this.

Get this...

So I called *2* separate dealers to ask about AT service and price.
They BOTH said the same thing: they just drain it 1X and refill - $90. What about what the owners manual says (3X) - "Nope, not needed at that
mileage, at 90K we'd do that". He should have just said you really
don't need it at 34k - would have been more honest. What's the
point of changing 3/8ths the fluid?

He should have just said "we're just trying to maximize our profit,
care of your care is really secondary to us"....now that would have
been honest.

Local place with the T-Tech said about $150-$200 - but we get out
ALL the fluid. Make more sense. If I go buy my own ATF-Z1, should
9qts would be plenty, right?

frenchnew

I would suggest 12 to 14 quarts as you want to run a more then needed through the transmission to get all the dirt out.

The Acura Dealer should be able to give you a 15% discount on a case of transmission fluid.

The dealer proposed method of service is what Acura reccomend.

Best regards

Frenchnew

smr2112

I was just at this shop to have my oil changed and ask.
They definitely have a T-Tech machine, and guy said it would
be like 18-22 to truely get out all the old because at least 4
quarts are in torque converter alone.

So I guess I believe that.

See what the dealerships do to you? Somebody is actually honest
and you still don't entirely trust them!

nollid

On the subject, I just bought a 99 Acura w/ 67,000 miles. I have no idea if the previous owner ever serviced the transmission. If they didn't, am I overdue?

frenchnew

Here is what the Acura's TL service maunal say's about the fluid capacityu of the A/T transmission:

7 Litres (7.4 US qt) for overhaul
3.0 Litres (3.2 US qt) for fluid change

Whatever the dealer tells us these days, you better have a good understanding of the mechanical sapects of your car if you do not want to be taken for a ride!

It also pay to have a good friend on the inside (a good mechanic) which you tip generously when he services your car.

Best regards from Montreal, Canada

Frenchnew

frenchnew

I would consider having the fluid serviced at this time if you want to keep the car a while longer.

KJSmitty

Doesn't really matter if overdue or not at this point... :-) If you don't have legitimate Mx records, I would definitely change it for the reasons below.

Whenever I purchase a used car etc., I immediately service all fluids and inspect everything that can/is a wear item... This way I know for a fact its done right along with the current state of all Mx items. This way you basically "baseline" the car for your ownership.

Good luckwith your 99.

01tl4tl

You can save big $$$ buying the fluid at Honda dealer instead of acura- its honda fluid!!

Most of us use 9 total- I would also say 12 is better but not drive it more than the 5 minutes between changes- a days drive is not doing anything for you

nollid

If I go to the place that changed my oil, should I tell them any specific about flushing my tranny fluid? And I am gathering that I should buy the fluid from Honda before hand and save some money? How much am I looking to spend all in all?