So can someone confirm that our cars have removable trans filters, and if its worth changing them?
1) UA6 They DO have an external filter, which is that filter marked #7 that we need to take our battery and airbox for. BUT, ive seen comments (like this, comment #4) saying that this filter is for the differential, and that there is an INTERNAL filter that cant be serviced (realistically). If true, theres no real point to change this filter as its not the point of failure for the UA6.

2) UA7s dont have this "external" filter. So in that case, I may be inclined to believe that both UA6 and UA7 have trans filters, but they are INTERNAL, and the UA6 external filter is just a differential filter?

Im about to get my pressure switches, and figured if its worth it i could get the filter and save on shipping.

 

All 2007-2008 models, including the Type-S UA7 VINs are all internal filters, so you wouldn't be able to service it unless you opened up your transmission.

 

As stated above, yeah, the 04-06 had a serviceable trans filter, and all 07-08 trims do not have such filter. Since the 07-08 transmissions were more resilient anyways, simple fluid drain + fills and you changing the pressure switches should be adequate for keeping your trans happy and running smooth.

 

To make it clear, I have a UA6 2006. So wondering if its worth to change the filter. I know its likely to fall apart as i remove it

 

your original statement was unclear, UA6 indicate 04-08 Base TL where UA7 is Type S. MY 2007 received a revised trans that fare better than 04-06, also the filter are now locate inside the bell housing instead of external. Hence why folks saying what they said.

I would change that filter on your 06 TL.

 

I was under the impression the UA6 designates the 04-06 non-face-lifted model and the UA7 designates the 07-08 facelifted models?
Find conflicting reports on this.

But understood, i'll try and swap out the filter then.

 

Please definitely change it out if you have a BDGA transmission (5-speed auto, 04-06). I've noticed that on many higher mileage TLs, the hardened glue of the filter breaks apart and chokes the fluid flow in the banjo bolt. These transmissions are very sensitive to fluid pressure.

The OEM part is cheap and should only take 2-3 hours to do for a beginner. Only real difficult part is removing the 3rd bottom bolt of the filter housing as its a very tight fit. I recommend unbolting that one first.

Make sure you also buy a new rubber gasket, o-ring and crush washers. Part #7, 22, 21, 24x2

 

Great details there Joe! I've changed that filter a couple times on mine, each time it's come out black as night - definitely a good maintenance item you can do yourself. That 3rd bottom bolt can be reached, cracked, and loosened with a small box wrench, it's just pretty tedious.

 

It is absolutely worth it to replace your filter. Previous owners have shown their filters to deteriorate and create debris. It's a peace of mind.

UA7 vins refers to the 07-08 Type-S models, because the Type-S models only came in those two years. However when referring to "UA6" vins, it'll refer to all TLs manufactured from 2004 through 2008.

 

I've changed the filter on my 2005 Acura TL and try to do so every 30k miles along with changing the pressure switches. I drain and refill every 10k mile