Good afternoon all - full disclosure I am asking on behalf of the Mrs as she has a 2018 RDX AWD. A little below 53k on the clock.

She has an A123 code. I did the oil change already, filters inbound. I know the 3 means transmission fluid change and transfer case fluid change, but I get conflicting information on the rear diff. Isn't that A126? The one dealer I spoke to said they would do tranny, transfer case, and rear diff as part of their A123 service. But then they also want to bag me for >$800.

Also, from prior experience on another vehicle, I know *not* to use universal ATF. A 2018 Acura RDX uses Acura/Honda ATF DW-1? And how much does it take?

What about the oil for the transfer case and rear diff?

Also, what is this "3x3" ATF oil change for Acuras? Sorry I still drive a stick lol.

Thanks!

 

I do as well!

Your glove box owners manual should list the specific types of fluids needed for the ATF & transfer (case?) changes.
Usually, the ATF interval replacement amount is a little over 3 quarts.
Acura/Honda DW-1 ATF is the best default go-to. You can find good deals on e-bay versus going to the dealer & paying their retail.


A 3X3 ATF change procedure is when you want to try and replace ALL the ATF within the case rather than just dilute it, at every ATF change interval, with 3 quarts.
This is done for those who have either neglected regular maintenance or those who purchased an old Acura, it presents with transmission problems and dark / burnt smelling ATF.

 

GL5 gear oil for the transfer case. I use Mobil 1 75W-90.

Honda Dual Pump II for the rear diff. I only use OEM Honda fluids for the transmission & rear diff.

I learned something new today. I thought 3x3 was standard even when following the 30k interval, but my trans fluid is always super clean during the second flush so I end up only doing a 2x flush/fill. Glad to know this is normal.

 

If one desires to undertake a 3X3 it can be used in place of the up-charged mechanical type flush processes that repair facilities offer as well.
When I purchased my used automatic 03 CL-S in 2019 with 51K miles, the previous owner stated that the transmission had been rebuilt at 40K; however, he could not state if the rebuilder used Honda DW-1 or others.
As a result, since I'm cheap and the car is used as a daily beater around town, I performed a 3X3 and used Aisin DW-1 as an experiment and alternative to the more expensive Acura DW-1. So far so good.

 

Folks thanks for the response. I checked the owners manual I have on hand, it just talks about engine oil, not transmission. So this helps.

Any quantity for the transfer case and rear diff? I know you have to pump it until it seeps out, but I didn't know if it's quart between the two or more.

Thanks!

 

Not to steal OP's thread, but Zeta, thanks for the suggestion.

I had no idea there was an aftermarket fluid made to DW1 specs. Might give it a try. Honda DW1 is $10/qt at the local dealership and they don't sell larger bottles of it, ergo $70 for a DIY 2x drain/fill.

 

10&B,

When I googled your MDX's trans fluid interval, I get 60k as the answer which sounds about right. My RDX's older transmission has a 30k interval.

The manuals are kind of useless for this... all modern Hondas just tell you to go by the maintennce schedule. Personally I feel there's lots to gain and little to lose by doing fluid changes on a regular schedule or even whenever the fluid looks dirty. Oil is cheaper than metal.

0.4 QT capacity for the xfer case w 2.6 QT for the rear diff... hey same as my RDX. But yes, just fill until fluid starts to overflow from the fill hole.

 

Thanks all I might as well do the rear diff since it's 53k on the clock. I'm debating the 3x3 because, while not trying to match a dealer, I highly doubt they would do that.

In the end though, it's up to the Mrs and whatever it takes to get another thing off the honey do list lol.

 

Here's another DW-1 option, different manufacturer, with a five quart offering.