Question about Trans Fluid Replacement vs. Flush
12-18-2016, 02:49 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Question about Trans Fluid Replacement vs. Flush
My 1999 TL owner's manual recommends "Transmission Fluid Replace" every 90,000 miles. Around 90,000 miles, I had everything connected with the 90,000 mile point accomplished. Among the many services was "Change Trans Fluid." The parts breakdown on the bill showed "Quantity 3 ATF-Z1 Fluid." OK.
Now I've just returned from a more recent service at 146,000 miles where the inspection notes on the invoice show "FLUIDS GETTING DARK"; the Maintenance tech I checked out with wants to either a) FLUSH the transmission or b) Change the Fluid. (Can't remember which he said). He told me the cost was $329.99. When I had the Trans fluid changed at 90,000, the parts cost was $15.80 for the fluid. Also, during this most interesting conversation, he told me the recommended interval for Transmission Fluid replacement is 60,000 miles.
Nothing sounds right about any of this. Just 8,000 miles earlier, at 138,000 miles, I had the car serviced at the same dealer, and no mention was made of the transmission fluid color on the inspection checklist they use for every visit. Nor does his 60,000 mile number agree with my owner's manual. Finally, whatever they think they want to do with the transmission --- change or flush --- shouldn't cost $329.99.
I've been going to this dealership for MANY years; I own two Acura's and I've always thought they were straight shooters. I am wondering now if some turnover has occurred and perhaps they have a different agenda than in the past. Oh --- on this same visit, the invoice claimed the car had a "driveability issue" and recommend the "Induction Service." The car runs fine with normal gas mileage.
Opinions?
Now I've just returned from a more recent service at 146,000 miles where the inspection notes on the invoice show "FLUIDS GETTING DARK"; the Maintenance tech I checked out with wants to either a) FLUSH the transmission or b) Change the Fluid. (Can't remember which he said). He told me the cost was $329.99. When I had the Trans fluid changed at 90,000, the parts cost was $15.80 for the fluid. Also, during this most interesting conversation, he told me the recommended interval for Transmission Fluid replacement is 60,000 miles.
Nothing sounds right about any of this. Just 8,000 miles earlier, at 138,000 miles, I had the car serviced at the same dealer, and no mention was made of the transmission fluid color on the inspection checklist they use for every visit. Nor does his 60,000 mile number agree with my owner's manual. Finally, whatever they think they want to do with the transmission --- change or flush --- shouldn't cost $329.99.
I've been going to this dealership for MANY years; I own two Acura's and I've always thought they were straight shooters. I am wondering now if some turnover has occurred and perhaps they have a different agenda than in the past. Oh --- on this same visit, the invoice claimed the car had a "driveability issue" and recommend the "Induction Service." The car runs fine with normal gas mileage.
Opinions?
12-19-2016, 11:00 AM
#2
Drifting
Your dealership is doing you right and looking after your best interest.
The darking of the ATF is expected and normal because changing three quarts of ATF only changed 43% of your trans fluid. A trans flush will take about 2 hours and a case of Z1 ATF... $100. 2.0 hrs x $150 = $300 + $100 ATF = $300. The service writer is doing you a solid by recommending a 100% ATF exchange.
One thing you should question is what is a "flush"? If flush is just a "Drain n Fill" then that's perfect. If flush is done with pressure forcing ATF through the trans then I would say no thanks and give specific directions to perform Drain n Fill only. However, since they've done a Drain n Fill in the pass, one could assume that a flush is a Drain n Fill.
90k ATF service interval is factory recommend. Give all the auto trans problems Honda has had in the past, hind sight suggests 90k service interval is too long in-between service intervals, hince the lower 60k recommend service intervals. Personally, I would recommend 30k-40k service intervals, depending on your driving style and conditions.
Induction Service - You have a 17 year old car. An intake cleaning wouldn't be a bad idea... Specifically, the throttle body.
.02
The darking of the ATF is expected and normal because changing three quarts of ATF only changed 43% of your trans fluid. A trans flush will take about 2 hours and a case of Z1 ATF... $100. 2.0 hrs x $150 = $300 + $100 ATF = $300. The service writer is doing you a solid by recommending a 100% ATF exchange.
One thing you should question is what is a "flush"? If flush is just a "Drain n Fill" then that's perfect. If flush is done with pressure forcing ATF through the trans then I would say no thanks and give specific directions to perform Drain n Fill only. However, since they've done a Drain n Fill in the pass, one could assume that a flush is a Drain n Fill.
90k ATF service interval is factory recommend. Give all the auto trans problems Honda has had in the past, hind sight suggests 90k service interval is too long in-between service intervals, hince the lower 60k recommend service intervals. Personally, I would recommend 30k-40k service intervals, depending on your driving style and conditions.
Induction Service - You have a 17 year old car. An intake cleaning wouldn't be a bad idea... Specifically, the throttle body.
.02
Last edited by 01acls; 12-19-2016 at 11:04 AM.
12-19-2016, 11:07 AM
#3
Drifting
Your dealership is doing you right and looking after your best interest.
The darking of the ATF is expected and normal because changing three quarts of ATF only changed 43% of your trans fluid. A trans flush will take about 2 hours and one case of DW1 ATF... $100. 2.0 hrs x $150 = $300 + $100 ATF = $300. The service writer is doing you a solid by recommending a 100% ATF exchange.
One thing you should question is what is a "flush"? If flush is just a "Drain n Fill" then that's perfect. If flush is done with pressure forcing ATF through the trans then I would say no thanks and give specific directions to perform Drain n Fill only. However, since they've done a Drain n Fill in the pass, one would assume that a flush is a Drain n Fill.
90k ATF service interval is factory recommend. Give all the auto trans problems Honda has had in the past, hind sight suggests 90k service interval is too long in-between service intervals, hince the lower 60k recommend service intervals. Personally, I would recommend 30k-40k service intervals, depending on your driving style and conditions.
Induction Service - You have a 17 year old car. An intake cleaning wouldn't be a bad idea... Specifically, the throttle body.
.02
The darking of the ATF is expected and normal because changing three quarts of ATF only changed 43% of your trans fluid. A trans flush will take about 2 hours and one case of DW1 ATF... $100. 2.0 hrs x $150 = $300 + $100 ATF = $300. The service writer is doing you a solid by recommending a 100% ATF exchange.
One thing you should question is what is a "flush"? If flush is just a "Drain n Fill" then that's perfect. If flush is done with pressure forcing ATF through the trans then I would say no thanks and give specific directions to perform Drain n Fill only. However, since they've done a Drain n Fill in the pass, one would assume that a flush is a Drain n Fill.
90k ATF service interval is factory recommend. Give all the auto trans problems Honda has had in the past, hind sight suggests 90k service interval is too long in-between service intervals, hince the lower 60k recommend service intervals. Personally, I would recommend 30k-40k service intervals, depending on your driving style and conditions.
Induction Service - You have a 17 year old car. An intake cleaning wouldn't be a bad idea... Specifically, the throttle body.
.02
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