what up zine have owned my TL for about a week and a half and Im enjoying it greatly but I have a question my tranny fluid looks a little brownish when i check it the reason i am concerned has nothing to do with shift quality it shifts fine but i was assured that all my fluids were changed the car was certified with 49000 miles, i read the car fax the dealer gave me as well as looking it up online not nervous or anything just thinking I should change it as well as the filter any opinions

 

I can assure you the fluid were NOT changed!!!
better check the ps-brake fluid and coolant for condition too
Engine oil was probably all they did

Carfax has no idea what services were really done- it only going by what dealer reported

 

I'm also certain that the dealership would not change the transmission fluid as the Acura transmission fluid change is 100,000 miles according to the factory service schedule as long as the car is not driven under severe conditions, then 60k. Once again, the fluid is only dyed red and will change color over time and is not indicative of the condition of the fluid.

 

you can do the basic 3 qt drain and refill now- then keep an eye on the fluid

the trans holds 7.3 qts but you cant get it all out at once- thats why the 3x3 requires driving to move fluid towards drain
Acura says only the basic 3 qts is needed for a trans service `unless you used dex3 in an emeregency topoff situation`- then you must do a 12 qt push thru to remove all traces of that stuff- its bad news for acura trans
Use ONLY Honda ZR atf from any honda dealer or import parts stores often carry it too

 

Smell the dipstick will tell you more than color of fluid
First hint of burnt- you have a problem

 

Is it true that the it's okay to use the amsoil ATF fluid? I've heard that this is much better than the Honda ZR atf.

 

while there are several members here using amz with no known issues,,you have to change ALL the fluid- meaning a 12 qt push thru (3x3) to convert to it
Thats expensive

Others will say the honda fluid is specially made to work with the honda transmission and should be the only fluid it ever sees
I am among those- but Im gen2 and had trans failure(s)

IMO if its still in warranty- stay on the honda fluids

 

thanx for the help will change it this weekend