jcross1231

I just took my 16 RDX Advance in for the change to glare free dash vents today. The dealer says I missed a required change of transfer case fluid at 15k - that I should have gotten a maintenance reminder on it. I never did see such a reminder and have the feeling they're incorrect. It looks to me like it should post around 30k or so. What's the typical experience on getting this maintenance code? I think it's B3.

RDX-Rick

My 2016 Elite required replacement of the rear differential fluid at 30,962 Km (19238 miles).

It required the transmission fluid and transfer case oil, at 40,724 Km (25,304 miles).

You mileage may vary slightly because the reminder does not pop up until an oil change is also required, and that mileage depends on your personal driving habits.

jcross1231

That's helpful. Thanks. I forgot to point out I've got 21k on the vehicle. I suspected the service writer was just trying to generate revenue. About 75% of the miles have been steady state highway driving, which I suspect is a low factor in wear and tear. I never do let the thing get to the point where the oil reminder pops up. I tend to replace it at around 30%. Maybe I'm suppressing some of the other messages by doing that.

mrgold35

There is a good chance you are resetting the 1-6 codes associated with the A or B oil change reminders if you reset before the service due is displayed starting at 15%. You have to document and guess-i-mate service intervals for the 1-6 codes if you don't use the maint reminders pop-ups. I stick with the maint reminders on all three of my vehicles and they have a combined 385,000 miles between them. The only services I do early are changing the spark plugs at 75,000 miles and AT/Transfer case at 30,000 mile intervals. The Acura techs can reset individual 1-6 codes that are not displayed or due.

kipsy

is the transfer case a separate fluid change, or combined with the tranny ? ive done a tranny drain and fill at 15 and a rear differential change at 20k. did I miss something ?

mrgold35

There is just one code for AT and transfer case on the M.I.D. You might have to double-check the service ticket or ask the service manager if the Acura tech does both at the same time when service is due or skips one or the other. My service department only does a 1X transmission fluid exchange for around $100 unless you tell them you want the 3X for +$300. I always tell them to do the X-fer case with AT when I do the extra AT service code is not displayed on the M.I.D.

A Replace Engine Oil
B Replace Engine Oil and Filter. Inspect various systems and components

1 Rotate Tires and check tire pressure and condition
2 Replace air cleaner element, check drive belt and replace dust and pollen filter
3 Replace transmission fluid and transfer fluid (if equipped)
4 Replace spark plugs, replace timing belt (if equipped), inspect water pump, and inspect value clearance
5 Replace Engine Coolant
6 Replace rear differential fluid (if equipped)

kipsy

does the transfer case use tranny fluid as well ? are they connected and using the same fluid or are they separate devices ?

RDX-Rick

The owners manual suggests that the transmission and transfer case are two separate units, and they use different types of fluid.

jcross1231

Thanks for that information. That's a pretty big hole in their maintenance reminders, as I imagine quite a few people don't let the oil go the 10,000 - 11,000 miles it takes to run it down to the warning. I just can't bring myself to do that. Guess I'll just do the AT, transfer case and differential at 30,000 and call it good - if i have it that long. Unfortunately, that's probably about the point where the 2019's will be out.

Skidoor

The interval between oil changes as specified by the MID is approx 15000 km ...(around 10,000 miles)....and since that's a long time between changes, I use a quality full synthetic and that way I dont feel the need to reset the MID before it hits 0 percent.

Oh and yes, the transfer case is completely a separate device from the transmission and uses Honda/Acura Grade 5 hypoid gear oil....

bfaucett

These maintenance intervals are a joke and serve no other purpose than to gouge customers for service fees. Good atf and gear oil should last upwards of 100k miles and only real limit to synthetic oil is filter capacity

quantum7

My wife has a Toyota 4Runner with over 150,000 absolutely trouble free miles. I actually asked about the transmission fluid and rear differential since they never tried to sell her on a service. The owners manual and the service dept said lifetime fluid. I asked if they transmission and AWD system therefore had a lifetime warranty? They said no. But in their defense......the truck has been flawless! Acura setting such low maintenance intervals has got to be a $$$ for dealer program and/or a CYA legal requirement for failing parts. Does anyone else have intervals this low?

Nates NJTL

We have a 2013 RDX AWD. When our 3 year lease ended in 3-16, we decided to buy the car since it had around 15k miles on it. At the time we bought it, we changed the rear diff fluid, trans fluid and brake fluid. Now, about 21 months later, the car is about to turn 24k miles and the A123 service light comes on. So in 9k miles and less than 2 years, we need trans mission fluid and rear differential fluid changed again? Seems a bit quick. Also, does anyone know anything about transfer assembly fluid and how often it should be changed?

bfaucett

are you in stop and go traffic often? Time, use and miles are the major contributing factors for the minder. I've done searching on equivalent fluids for trans, tcase and rear diff and I'm not finding anything except tcase is 75w80 gear oil which can 50k plus on a quality fluid

Windy City Mike

jcross:

Saw your post mentions glare free dash vents. I've looked around and can't find them. Is this an aftermarket product? It looks like you got them at a dealership. Any info would be great.

Thanks,

WCM