MustBeTL

My 2008 Base TL Auto is finally over 60,000 miles and I'm going to have the tranmission fluid changed. What is the recommended procedure these days? I was planning a 3X change but I saw a few mentions that it is not what Acura recommends anymore. Is 1 Drain/Refill with Honda/Acura ATF DW-1 enough, or is 3X still recommended? I can't find the time to do it myself so i'm having a shop do it and they thought 1X Drain/Refill was fine, but i'll push for a 3X if its what everyone says.

I was thinking of having my pressure switches changed while up on the lift since I feel a tiny bit of the common studder at certain lower RPM's, but new oil may be enough.

On fluids, I used to read all sorts of people recommending Red Line ATF, but now that Honda finally updated their ATF i'm fine just sticking to OEM.

Any opinions on 1X or 3X tranny oil change appreciated.

thoiboi

No need to fix what isn't broken: 3x3 DW 1 tried and true method also replace the 3 switches as well



https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...2008-a-840630/

MustBeTL

That thread is awesome! Exactly what I was hoping to find. And on the tranny, is there a DIY write up on the 3X tranny change? I know I've seen it where someone broke down what to do and how to drive/shift in-between the changes.

b15

If the car is shifting fine and shows no abnormal behaviors or fluid issues, an alternative (which is what I did) is just do one drain and fill over the next 3-4 oil changes. You're not getting fresh fluid in as fast as a 3x3 but you are constantly removing old and introducing fresh fluid. It's also more convenient.

truonghthe

I would do 1x3 and wait for the next oil change to do another 1x3.

svtmedic

I'll offer my 2 cents. As long as your fluid is clean no need to do a 3 x 3. I didn't know Honda was updating there atf. It is up to you on whether not you want to use a redline or Amsoil or something of the sort. I would just stick with oe fluid. As for the pressure switches my 07 has 107,000 miles and some change on it and shifts very nicely. At wot my shifts are very crip and quick. Under normal driving the up shifts a nice and clean with almost no feel. If you do the service yourself it's fairly cheap for about 3 quarts. I I was told by my dealer that the Acura does not actually have a transmission filter which I found out via research is not true. I'm not sure if I want to change mine or not next time I do my drain and fill. I hear the filter is a pita. My ATF is at the correct level checked via the dip stick, Color is red and not dirty, that again all services were done by the dealer, which doesn't really mean squat, from what I understand changing the fluid at 60 is normal and then every 30. If you want to get it done at the dealer. Shouldn't pay more than 125from what I understand changing the fluid at 60 is normal and then every 30. If you want to get it done at the with tax. If you are a diyer, then shouldn't cost any more than about 30 bucks. I always say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Pressure switches are not expensive and a very easy DIY a little bit of a pain in the butt to get to from what I understand From a friend, but very diyable. These are just my 2 cents.

svtmedic

Sorry about that post I have no idea what happened. The dealer should not charge you any more than about 125. If you do yourself it shouldn't cost more than about 30 bucks maybe 40. Could be the discount I get at my dealership that makes my little cheaper not sure.

MustBeTL

Thanks everyone. I'm having a local mechanic check out something else so in the process and while the car is on the lift i'll probably have him do a 1X oil change, and then i'll do 1X-2X more myself after a week or two.

I'm almost positive I have an older type of oil in my tranny from 2008, can anyone confirm this? So if I do a 1X change, that means most will be the new ATF DW-1 oil, but some of the old stuff will still remain. That ok to have that mix going on?

truonghthe

^^^^ When was the last time you had AFT drain and filled? if anything prior to 2013 its most likely to have Z1 fluid. Both Z1 and DW-1 can be blended as I bought my TL back in 2012 with Z1 fluid and when the dealer got the car they drain and fill it with DW1 and the car drive without any issues.