I own a TLX 2020 and the acura dealer in Ontario is quoting $720 plus tax for a transmission fluid change along with the transfer case fluid change.
I enquired the same in a reputable local mechanic who quoted around $250 inclusive of taxes for just the transmission fluid change.

I called up Acura to get the oil cost alone and the following was the breakdown
1. ATF 3.1 Transmission Fluid - $76 per bottle and around 4-5 bottles needed for the change.
2. Transfer Case Fluid - $27 and only 1 bottle is needed.

So the fluids alone comes down to almost $400 and the labour is around $300 with a Acura dealer.

Seems like they follow a procedure to warm up the transmission and then change the fluid and then run the car in all 4 gears and stuff like that.

The cost difference for just the oil is massive between the dealer and the local mech. The local mech uses a similar oil which is similar to ATF 3.1 and its called Kendall Versatrans CVT.

Not sure which route to take. Any thoughts?

 

Check with your local Honda dealer. They did mine a few years ago and were considerably cheaper than the Acura dealer.

 

Sounds like the dealer is also offering a complimentary wallet flushing service... you could easily DIY and save yourself a few hundred $$$.
https://honda.oempartsonline.com/oem...e-3-1-82009017

Edit: I'd question any mechanic telling you that CVT is a valid substitute for ATF 3.1. Honda has different CVT fluid (HCF-2).

A quick google search suggests LiquiMoly TopTec 1800 or Valvoline MaxLife ATF as alternatives for Honda ATF 3.1. You could still save yourself tons of money and use OEM fluid by doing the service yourself.

 

Honda quotes 100$ less for the entire process.

Honda = $620 + tax
Acura = $720 + tax

 

A quick google search suggests LiquiMoly TopTec 1800 or Valvoline MaxLife ATF as alternatives for Honda ATF 3.1. You could still save yourself tons of money and use OEM fluid by doing the service yourself.[/QUOTE]


There is a process for the oil change like running the transmission to get to a temperature and stuff like that. I dont want to mess it up DIY. Besides ZF9 is finicky !

 

I find most Honda transmission fluid drain/fills to be no more difficult than oil an oil change It can be more time consuming if you need to do a 3x3 drain/fill like my RDX requires.

Of course if you're generally not comfortable doing your own work, take it to someone who is. I just feel most shops charge too much for trans fluid changes based on how easy they generally are.