rsteagall

I have an Acura TL SH-AWD 2010

I regularly change oil and reset maintenance minder before it comes on at around 20% or so oil life. If I don't ever wait for maintenance minder to tell me when to change transmission fluid, how often should it be done?

In other words... how many miles is recommended between transmission fluid changes?

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

Typically every 30k mi. That is when the MID usually asks for it. You do know the code shows when you try to reset the oil life monitor each time?

Georgiey22

Take this for what it is worth...I purchased my 2013 TL Advance 2WD new (had 75 miles when purchased)...rather then have to do transmission 3X3 drain and fills at 30K miles, I drain and fill every 15K miles with Honda/Acura DW1 fluid. My rationale is that if I keep clean and fresh fluid in the transmission at all times I will prolong the life of my vehicle. I purchased my TL in March of 2013, I reached 15K miles in December of 2015 and currently I have 17K miles. Again this is the approach that I am taking and just thought I would share.

LaCostaRacer

I believe the manual calls for every 60k a drain/fill (no 3x3). I did a drain/refill every 20k miles until I got the original z1 ATF out of the car. I'm now on an every 30k interval for the same reasons as Georgiey22. I have been using Redline ATF which is a much better fluid than the Z1 or DW1- higher temperature protection.

The other advantage to changing more frequent is you can see how much metallic wear is on the magnetic plug. I take photos of the 'smear' on a white paper towel and see a noticeable difference in less wear. I'm looking forward to see if that trend continues.

lji

Have a 2010 TL SH myself and I want to say the MID should light up with that code around 60k. Note for SH vehicles, you'll also want to replace the transfer case fluid along with the transmission fluid. Had this done proactively by the dealer around 45k on my car even though it wasn't asked for by the MID...

willmosley

At 60,000 miles I did a 3x3 flush of the original Honda DW-1 for Royal Purple Racing ATF. I have noticed a marked improvement in shifting and a decrease in the amount of particulates on the transmission drain bolt. Now, I just do a change of the transmission fluid every 20,000 miles. It keeps everything fresh and saves me from having to do a 3x3.

hadokenuh

I do it as the MID says, which is every 30K miles. OEM fluid.

prepreludesh

I am currently at 94,000 miles and just got a "A13" MID reminder. (Oil change + Transmission Fluid Replace). I will look back at my maintenance book later and let you know when I got it replaced the last time. I swear I got it replaced only one other time and that was at either 30k or 45k?

potmilkz

damn prepreludesh... you waited a long time.. i do it every 30k.. and its the same process as an oil change..

csmeance

I suggest you replace the fluid every other oil change. I did my fluid at 47K and now again at 55K and the difference in shifting is incredible from the last time I changed the fluid! The fluid is cheap, might as well swap it out and have peace of mind

Tonyware

I'll add my 2 cents... if you live in areas were winter time is a bit crazy temperature-wise (cough cough Canada), it may be a good idea to change tranny and transfer oil as soon as spring arrives and temperatures stabilize around 10oC. Even if you don't get 30k miles/km or whatever during the winter, stop and go and hot-cold huge variations are noticeable in shifting. Drain and re-fill both when the weather gets ok and you'll feel the difference. I do that regardless if the maintenance code "3" shows up or not, first oil change in the spring.

Reorge

Drain and fill every 15K miles.