So the service light came on "A16" at ~10k miles on my wife's '15 TLX all wheel drive Advanced. I've searched several forums and plan on tackling this as a DIY.

Bought the Acura DPSF fluid and a hand pump/hose setup to pump it back into the differential once drained.

Here's the problem. When I got under the rear end today, my wife's differential looked different than all of the pictures I've seen posted of previous year's TL models or other Acura's (RL, etc). I only see one plug (with a 3/8" square drive) midway up the case. No second lower drain plug?

There is a bolt at the bottom of the case, but it's a standard (10 or 12mm?) hex socket head, not the square typical for a drain plug?

Any ideas or pictures?

 

Nothing? Surely others have done this by now?

Just to repeat... does anybody know about what changed between Gen 4 and Gen 5 (TLX) on the rear dif? It also looks different than the RL's as I've researched those forums as well. Owners manual only lists one capacity (1.97 qts) so I don't think I have multiple ports to drain/fill. Just looking to find someone with insights or access to the factory service literature so I can get a few clues/diagrams so I know where to drain.

Thanks in advance!

 

2015 Acura TLX - Rear Differential Fluid Inspection and Replacement

http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/p...untry=1&lang=0

 

Thanks for the post. Unfortunately I can't access the link. Any chance you could cut/paste an image of the relevant steps/diagrams of the drain and fill holes.

Thanks again!

 

Follow the instructions in this thread to access the Acura/Honda links.

https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...8/#post8398357

 

Much appreciated! Thanks so much.

For documentation if other's want to know the punch line w/o accessing the link: The 2015 apparently has the drain plug located on the driver's side, near the input shaft. See photo below and step by step instructions including an air purge (never would have guess this step?)

1.
Remove the filler plug (A) and the sealing washer (B).

2.
Remove the drain plug (C) and the sealing washer (D), then drain the rear differential fluid.

3.
Remove the metal particles from the magnetic surface of the drain plug.

4.
Install the drain plug with a new sealing washer.

5.
Refill the rear differential with rear differential fluid to the proper level (E).

Fluid Capacity:

1.82 L (1.92 US qt) at fluid change

2.33 L (2.46 US qt) at overhaul

Recommended fluid:
Acura All-Wheel Drive Fluid (DPSF)

6.
Loosely install the filler plug with the used sealing washer.

7.
Do the rear differential fluid air bleeding.


Start the engine.

Shift the transmission to P position/mode.

Wait for 1 minute.

8.
Turn the engine off.

9.
Remove the filler plug and the sealing washer.

10.
Refill the rear differential with rear differential fluid to the proper level.

11.
Install the filler plug with a new sealing washer.

 

Just did the rear diff change today. Very easy, took maybe 15 mins. Drain and fill plugs use a 3/4 in driver and snap open easy. I used a simple hand pump thing from autozone I’ve had for years. I think it cost $15 originally. This job is not possible without one. Fill plug has “DPSF” stamped right under it.

Took two two quarts without spilling over so I’m probably going to buy more... I thought it was supposed to only take 1.5 for some reason.

Drain plug had significant metal on it:

Before:


After: