EE4Life

In case you didn't know, Acura ATF-Type 3.0 (Acura P/N: 08200-9016A) is re-bottled ZF-Lifeguardfluid 8.

This ATF is used in the ZF sourced 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT) used in TLX V6 models.

The MSRP for a quart is $32.95. Bernardi has it for $23.72.
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With German components and fluids....comes German vehicle maintenance costs.

loulinjai

Transmission fluid is a sub item number in the maintenance calculator, I don't have a TLX but I am considering one. Does anyone know how many quarts does it take for a fluid change and approximately the time/mileage requirements for fluid replacement intervals are?

$30 for a quart is insane! (for a Honda branded fluid)

EE4Life

9AT fluid change is 3.5 US qt (3.3 liters), per the owner's manual.

accord1999

The fluid change mileage if driving in mountainous areas is 40,000 miles for the first change then every 30,000 miles. I'd expect that in normal conditions, the change mileage to be about 1.5x that.

Mr Hyde

So unlike many other ZF transmissions with "sealed" transmissions, and "lifetime" fluid, this one has recommended maintenance intervals?

I didn't actually read that part of the manual yet; was waiting to take a good look at the underside of the car without the panels mounted.

Acura_2004

I was wondering about that myself.

The Chrysler 200 uses this same ZF transmission, and I went to their website, and downloaded their Owners Manual. In the Maintenance Section for the transmission, it states:

"Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the life of the vehicle. Routine fluid and filter changes are not required. However, change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for any reason."

So I guess Acura does not believe in this sealed for life, that many other manufacturers are advocating. Whenever I see the words sealed for life, my question immediately becomes, how do you define its lifetime? 100K miles? 150K miles?

Like many people, I can see how proper maintenance with proper fluid changes, would help extend the life of the transmission. But I can also see the manufacturer sealing the transmission so that ignorant owners do not use the wrong transmission fluid thereby ruining the transmission.

So what do you think? Are other manufacturers are sacrificing long term longevity? Or can those sealed for life transmissions last 200K, 300K, or even 400K miles? I gotta believe changing the transmission fluid (a la Acura's recommendation) would give you a better chance at achieving 300K or 400K miles (assuming the proper maintenance and fluid was used).

Mr Hyde

The Zf in my BMW was equipped with "lifetime" fluid, According to the manual, they defined lifetime as 100k. Lifetime to the manufacturer is definitely not the same as lifetime to a consumer, but then again, it was a BMW.

They also described it as sealed, but it did have drain, and fill plugs similar to the type you'd find on a differential.

The fiill procedure was the same as well, except that after the initial fill, you needed to run the car through the gears, and refill again. A transmission dipstick would have been nice, but it was axed just like the oil dipsticks in later models.