Hey guys, I'm loooking for some opinions on a trans fluid change. On my 04 TL, which I have had for 3 1/2 years and have yet to perform a trans fluid change, I have 130k miles on her of which I personally have logged 14k. I planned on performing the 3x3 myself, but there's still a few tools I need to perform said job, so I estimated about $150 total for fluid, a jack, stands maybe, and fluid catcher. I also called my dealership and they said they would do the service for $180. Here's the kicker though, I asked if that total includes the recommended 3x3 or if that price is for each drain and refill and they said they do all of it at once. I find that a little concerning, but I've never had that service performed by a dealership before let alone on an Acura. I've read up on the process of the 3x3 so I know what that entails but it doesn't seem like the dealership is following those guidelines. So, do it myself and save maybe $30-$40 or have people had good experiences with their dealerships. I should also not that I always have them change my oil and there's never been any problems there

 

dealer will ONLY do 1x3, DIY if you want to do 3x3, if not tell the dealer do drain and fill for 3 times when every other oil change. I would recommend you DIY unless you can afford and does not have time then send that to the dealer.

 

Right on, thanks for the input. Yeah I'll likely just do it myself, was really just curious about them actually doing the 3x3

 

The dealer will likely do a "flush" which IMO you do not want. Make sure you use OEM AFT. It's probably worth ordering it from an on line dealer since, even with shipping, there should be good savings. You may also need more than 9 (perhaps 10 since the manual says 3.2 qt at change) bottles but I'll let the AT experts chime in on that since I'm an MT. I "think" a little more than 3 comes out with each drain but I may be mistaken. I know when I do the drain/refill on my wife's CR-V it's not an even number of qts that comes out. So I actually measure what comes out and put that amount back in of new ATF.

 

Yeah that's exactly what I want to avoid and was thinking it sounded like they would do. I've watched a few videos and have done a fair amoint of research, so I feel pretty confident on the procedure. it's just that I live in an apartment and don't have a driveway or access to a garage so performing those tasks can be a bit difficult. But if the dealership will likely put me in a terrible position then I'll just figure it out and do it myself

 

You can go into ANY shop in your area and they charge only a fraction.

 

OP, there's a lot of good info in this thread:

https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...dually-903027/

 

Its funny Honda recommends drain and refill however the dealerships do not follow that, I know mine didnt even after questioning them on it.

 

Op-you could maybe try to post something in the regions section of Azine, there could be a member in your area, that has a driveway (and possibly some equipment needed) to help change the fluid?


just a thought....

 

Thank you, that was helpful!

 

Invest in some tools and do it yourself its as easy as an oil change. There are instructions in the "garage section" or you can youtube it also. search for eric the car guy he basically shows you how to do everything on hondas. If you can afford everything right now like the Jack and stands, ask a friend. great friendships a made working on cars