03tlp

Believe it or not 3.2Tls do have an external filter that very few people are aware of. There are a whole lot of threads about transmission maintenance (and failures) and I thought there should be a dedicated thread to this little known filter. I called a few Acura and Honda dealerships and 2/3 didn't even know the part existed until they looked it up on their computer and the other said that he has never seen the part changed. The part number is 25450-P7W-003 which is also shared by the 99-03 Honda Odyssey (Tranny also prone to failure). Why this filter isn't listed in any manual is beyond me but I believe that this little filter is contributing to our tranny woes. I found the part for $45 which I think is a little pricey but is inexpensive insurance in the long run. I'm getting the part sometime this week and I will try to post pictures when I do get around to changing it. I can't find the schematic of the tranny now but I know it's somewhere on the site so if you find it please post it. The filter looks like a fuel filter that is next to the filler bolt and should not be all that difficult to change. We may need to remove the air filter box to make some room but that is about it. Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

twistedwedge

interesting...would like to see a schematic

2K1CLtypeS

Here are some pictures w/ brief instructions. I have a CAI so getting to the filter was easy:















Make sure that while removing the steel fluid line not to damage the o-ring. I replaced mine when I replaced my filter. Be sure to coat it with trans fluid before installing the line.

jjashaa

iTrader: (23)

#9

PART# 25450-P7W-003 FILTER (ATF)
$44.12
$35.30 (online)

acutee

Wow, this is a good thing to know. I will definitely need to change mine. Good find.

Where online did you find it for $35?

acutee

Did fluid leak a lot when the filter is removed?

2K1CLtypeS

Just the fluid that was in the filter. Not much from the trans side. Try to keep the filter as level as possible as you remove it to keep fluid spillage at a minimal. A shop rag will help too.

03tlp

Thanks for the pics and instructions. This is something everyone should know about. You wouldn't let your oil filter go 100k+ without being changed, why would you let this one? I just wish I had known about this little secret sooner.

You can find the filter here for $35 but with shipping and handling charges you might as well call your local Honda dealership with the part number, it should be about the same price. The acura dealer was more by about $5 here in CT. http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...1=&inputstate=

03tlp

Hey 2K1CL - Did you notice any difference in shift quality after you changed the filter?

2K1CLtypeS

Not a noticable difference. I had no issues with my trans so it was more of a maintaince thing rather than a fix to a problem. Kind of like engine maintainance....you change your oil and your filter..... nothings wrong with your engine but you change your filter to keep the oil as clean as possible and to prevent problems in the future......

rob-2

It's interesting that it's there, in my shop manual there is no reference to when it would need replacing.

I'm going to get mine replaced with my next service. 130k on the original filter is likely pushing it.

fsttyms1

This filter is known about, I even posted about it in a thread the last couple days with a pic of where its at. I can tell you its not part of the cause of the trans failure problem. Its not a key element but it wont hurt to change.

ChrisQ1980

Yeah, it's a good idea to change it but the PROBLEM is the clutch packs, and small passage ways creating an overheating condition. I'm gonna change mine as well.

TLer trash

It's similar to what honda did with fuel filters for the last few years before they put them in the tank. Same filter, same location as always, but NO recommended replacement. I try to do them at 100k or so also.

99TLhot

my is a 99 TL and i dont think i have the external filter!

fsttyms1

After looking it doesnt look like the 99s have one. Its probably the reason they last longer

99TLhot

and im plan to install a tranny cooler but dont now wich hole and the flow direction, can any one help?

99TLhot

99 doesnt have the oil jet either.

fsttyms1

If i remember right the 99 has one built into the radiator. If so you could just use those lines.

99TLhot

im try to find out which line, i see a line run across the top of the tranny i might try to pull out the line to see if there a if the red ATF in it tomorrow, but i still confuse about which way is the flow tho, i might try to hoop up a clear rubber line and start the car and turn it off right away and see. Think that a good idea?

fsttyms1

look for lines that connect to the radiator (other than coolant)

99TLhot

hey Fsttyms1 thanks alot, i might not do it tho, like you say if im not racing or towing den i dont need it. you remind me of my dad!. What you put that things in your car for!!!!!!

99TLhot

that what he alway say

rob-2

Would a tranny cooler help reduce the chances of a tranny failure?

FirePR2002

^^there have been threads on that question. going from memory on this, but i think the general consensus was that it's not a big help if any at all. someone correct me if i'm wrong...

fsttyms1

No none at all. Fluid isnt the problem, overall fluid temp isnt the problem. Getting adiquit fluid to the part is the problem

ChrisQ1980

THink this is the post that jinxed me. lol I'll be sure to change the filter on my NEW trans now.

acutee

I was looking at the filter last night and it is best to remove the battery to get a good working space.

Gfaze

$31.76 at hondapartsnow.com

http://www.hondapartsnow.com/discoun...0-P7W-003.html

acutee

...

acutee

Got mine replaced on the weekend. It wasn't that hard. The key for this job is Tools. You need to have an offset wrench # 10, like a Z shape to remove the 5 bolts (4 on the filter side and 1 on the back holds the trans fluid tube), the 6th bolt you can use your regular socket tool. Total 6 bolts as shown on the pictures above thread. The trans filter itself is either 1" or 15/16. You can use either adjustable wrench or open wrench. I have a 1" socket but it would not fit in the open space because it is 2" long socket, so I used my 15/16 open wrench. Once you remove the fluid line from the filter, use paper towel to plug it, then slowly remove the filter and stand it up so fluid will not drip on the other end. I made a mistake due to the thread answer above thinking to pay attention to the fluid in the filter, but that was not where the fluid leaked for me.

Here is where fluid leaked, once you removed the filter, put it aside and quickly put paper towel or a rag on the transmission side where the filter goes in, about 2 or 3 oz of fluid will come out. I was looking at the old filter and trying to cut it open, then when I looked over, fluid was on the floor. Anyway, it is very easy to do and I remove my battery for easy access. I think it is easier than working from the top down through the air intake.

acutee

Based on my own experience with my car, it is definitely an improvement. The shifting point from 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 is a lot smoother. No hard jerking and yanking at the shifting point producing a metal to metal contact sound. I can still feel the jerking but a smooth one, the shifting contact sound seems to be obsorbs by flowing fluid; like a tennis racket with the vibration stopper. Normally it jerks very hard when the tranny is still cold in the morning, I had to ease on the gas when it shifts or drive it like a stick shift to avoid jerking. With the new filter, I can feel the fluid flow sufficiently. It downshifts and upshifts a lot quicker than before. I am sure any new filter is a good maintenance for the right price.

Neejay

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for this. I'll be doing this in sometime in the near for for certain.

ht02tl-s

doing this for sure sometime this week! thanks for bringing up the subject with a nice diy guys. im starting to notice some gear slippage. really hope that new atf fluid and filter solves the problem. beats paying 2500+ for a new tranny!

FISHYTL

When the transmission gets replaced on a 99 TL with a remanufactured unit, there is an external filter kit that gets installed. Im sure you can get this kit from the dealer.

rjheiss

I have a few questions if you don't mind:
What's the part number for the o-ring? This is #23 in the diagram? I presume it is not included with the filter.
The filter is depicted as #9 in the diagram, what is that second piece? The photo looks like the filter has a threaded extension and screws into the body of the transmission. Any sealant needed on the threaded part? Was the original screwed in by Hercules? Tough to remove?
Why is it necessary to remove that single bolt behind the oil jet? What is that used for?

Thanks, I'm going out for that filter as soon as the weather turns a little warmer.

acutee

- #23 is the o-ring that is not included with the filter. I re-used that o-ring. Just remove it carefully and you wont need it; replace if it is bad only. lube it before re-install.

- #9 is the filter, there is no second piece that you will need, that is the o-ring that comes with it.

- You don't need any sealant, it has an o-ring that comes with the filter on that end. lube it before installing. very easy to remove, the end-nut on that filter is 15/16, any adjustable wrench will do it.

- You need to remove that nut behind the oiljet because it holds the tranny fluid tube that is plugged into the filter. You have to remove that nut so that you can PULL out the tube off the filter. #23 o-ring is for that tube. it will be a little tight, just wiggle it a bit and it will come off. you can't wiggle it if that nut is not removed.

totaledTL

According to that diagram, #9 (filter) should come w/ the piece he is asking about (item between filter & transmission). Is that an o-ring?

acutee

That is the o-ring. it comes with the filter.

rjheiss

Thanks guys ! It looks easy enough. I'll probably just get the o-ring at the parts counter in case it's needed. If not this time, next time the filter gets done in a few years. I think I'll drain the transmission first just to reduce any spillage when I'm pulling lines off or disconnecting the filter. A few more questions:
Should I remove the airbox or the battery for easiest access?
About how much extra ATF will I need to add to my usual 3 quart refill?
Anyone cut the old filter in half to see the accumulation of metal shavings that are in there? Come to think of it, if the filter is doing such a good job, why do I see all that crap on the magnetic drain plug (of other TLs, mine is usually just a fine residue of what looks like a graphite lubricant).