280,000 Miles. Change trans fluid or not?
12-27-2015, 09:20 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
280,000 Miles. Change trans fluid or not?
I recently inherited a 2004 Acura TL with 280,000 miles from my brother for free. He wanted a new car and just did not want to put any money into the TL. Car runs strong and everything still works perfect. Now for the not so good, he was very lax on maintenance. He told me the trans fluid may have been changed "at some point" but he can't remember having it done. My mechanic does not want to even change the fluid. He's from the old school and feels at this point it would do more harm than good. He said just check level and add fluid if needed. So question is would you change the fluid or just leave it? This is a second car for me and will probably only see about 5-6k a year.
If you can believe it even the suspension is 100% original!! Changing that out this week.
If you can believe it even the suspension is 100% original!! Changing that out this week.
12-27-2015, 10:06 AM
#3
Since you got the car for free, you can't feel too bad about putting some coin into the car. I would definitely change the fluid (multiple drain and fills), and replace the switches. When it's all said and done you will have some coin into it, but it's still better than a car payment. Feel very fortunate if the transmission still performs at an acceptable level.
12-27-2015, 11:08 AM
#5
Senior Moderator
Check the fluid against a white cloth or paper towel. Is it Red , Brown or Black?
If its Red or Brown, go ahead and do a drain and fill (just a drain and fill). Drive it around for a few days. Do another drain and fill I would say after putting 200-300 miles. If I remember correctly the 04 TL also has a replaceable transmission filter, I would replace it with a magnafine 3/8 filter.
I have a 6MT so I don't use ATF in my TL but I am currently running Valvoline Maxlife ATF + Lubegard red in my CRV and shifts have never been quick, crisp and smooth. I love this combo (This is a video of my CRV shifting
)
Going to be using this combo in my mothers RDX soon.
If its Red or Brown, go ahead and do a drain and fill (just a drain and fill). Drive it around for a few days. Do another drain and fill I would say after putting 200-300 miles. If I remember correctly the 04 TL also has a replaceable transmission filter, I would replace it with a magnafine 3/8 filter.
I have a 6MT so I don't use ATF in my TL but I am currently running Valvoline Maxlife ATF + Lubegard red in my CRV and shifts have never been quick, crisp and smooth. I love this combo (This is a video of my CRV shifting
Going to be using this combo in my mothers RDX soon.
12-27-2015, 11:13 AM
#6
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If the car has a good history I would invest in the needed repairs to keep it current. I would hate to see a solid Acura god down the drain because you didn't change some simple fluid. If your good with cars you can do 90% of it yourself. Brake Fluid, Power Steering fluid, Oil, Filters, Anti freeze all will be easy. I would get the flush done professionally if the fluid looks or smells burnt.
12-27-2015, 11:14 AM
#7
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Since you got the car for free, you can't feel too bad about putting some coin into the car. I would definitely change the fluid (multiple drain and fills), and replace the switches. When it's all said and done you will have some coin into it, but it's still better than a car payment. Feel very fortunate if the transmission still performs at an acceptable level.
Going to check color of trans fluid and will do a drain and fill sometime this week. I just can't imagine not doing at all. My brother drove it 95% highway so maybe that why the trans is still in good shape. Fingers crossed it lasts another 50k.
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12-27-2015, 11:26 AM
#8
I don't mind putting a few bucks into it at all. All said and done with suspension (Tein H Techs with Koni orange), tires, tune up, timing belt service, etc.... I should be into it for about $2900. And yes it beats a car payment. Already have one of those. Definitely don't need another.
Going to check color of trans fluid and will do a drain and fill sometime this week. I just can't imagine not doing at all. My brother drove it 95% highway so maybe that why the trans is still in good shape. Fingers crossed it lasts another 50k.
Going to check color of trans fluid and will do a drain and fill sometime this week. I just can't imagine not doing at all. My brother drove it 95% highway so maybe that why the trans is still in good shape. Fingers crossed it lasts another 50k.
12-27-2015, 11:27 AM
#9
Intermediate
Thread Starter
If the car has a good history I would invest in the needed repairs to keep it current. I would hate to see a solid Acura god down the drain because you didn't change some simple fluid. If your good with cars you can do 90% of it yourself. Brake Fluid, Power Steering fluid, Oil, Filters, Anti freeze all will be easy. I would get the flush done professionally if the fluid looks or smells burnt.
What's the best fluid to use in these transmissions? My other car is a mustang and runs solely on Amsoil fluids. Would like to use that unless anyone can recommend something better for these cars.
12-27-2015, 11:51 AM
#10
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
This is the same thing I've been wondering about.
ihatecars words were "changing the ATF on high mileage cars when it has never been done may cause more harm than good", same thing your mechanic said.
but surely it isn't good to use burnt up fluid for that long
hmmmm, tough decision
ihatecars words were "changing the ATF on high mileage cars when it has never been done may cause more harm than good", same thing your mechanic said.
but surely it isn't good to use burnt up fluid for that long
hmmmm, tough decision
Last edited by guitarplayer16; 12-27-2015 at 11:54 AM.
12-27-2015, 12:15 PM
#11
Intermediate
Thread Starter
This is the same thing I've been wondering about.
ihatecars words were "changing the ATF on high mileage cars when it has never been done may cause more harm than good", same thing your mechanic said.
but surely it isn't good to use burnt up fluid for that long
hmmmm, tough decision
ihatecars words were "changing the ATF on high mileage cars when it has never been done may cause more harm than good", same thing your mechanic said.
but surely it isn't good to use burnt up fluid for that long
hmmmm, tough decision
12-27-2015, 10:09 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
Think I am going to change my mind and not do the flush. Realistically I will only be driving it 5000 miles at year at most. Probably less. If it lasts another 20k that 4 more years for me. I don't think it worth the risk at this point. To many people telling me not to being that I have no idea if or when it was ever changed. Will just check fluid and top off as needed.
The trans holds 9-10 quarts of fluid, you can only drain 3 quarts at a time, maybe 3.5 at the most per drain and refill.
If you do even one drain and refill (even partial with 1 quart), you'll add back a lot of necessary chemicals & additives that help the transmission run.
How does the trans currently shift? With 280k miles and no timing belt, this car was never pushed hard so I doubt it has wear on the actual trans, but more likey the fluid has broken down.
12-28-2015, 06:11 AM
#13
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Check the color of the fluid. Fluid does break down so either way there is an end for the transmission if you don't do anything as far as fluids go.
The trans holds 9-10 quarts of fluid, you can only drain 3 quarts at a time, maybe 3.5 at the most per drain and refill.
If you do even one drain and refill (even partial with 1 quart), you'll add back a lot of necessary chemicals & additives that help the transmission run.
How does the trans currently shift? With 280k miles and no timing belt, this car was never pushed hard so I doubt it has wear on the actual trans, but more likey the fluid has broken down.
The trans holds 9-10 quarts of fluid, you can only drain 3 quarts at a time, maybe 3.5 at the most per drain and refill.
If you do even one drain and refill (even partial with 1 quart), you'll add back a lot of necessary chemicals & additives that help the transmission run.
How does the trans currently shift? With 280k miles and no timing belt, this car was never pushed hard so I doubt it has wear on the actual trans, but more likey the fluid has broken down.
12-28-2015, 12:16 PM
#14
Three Wheelin'
someone explained to me that the change of gears is hydraulic based. So, maybe a drain 1x3 and fill would speed that up.
You must have one of those transmissions that was built on pay day.
You must have one of those transmissions that was built on pay day.
12-28-2015, 08:22 PM
#15
Senior Moderator
Transmission runs great. Shifts smooth. Only thing I noticed is a slight 2 second delay when putting car into gear. Not sure if that's normal on these cars. Other than that, it shifts fine. I can tell you that my brother never beat on the car at all. Just drove it normally. I am still shocked that a car with 280k, highway or not runs so good.
Most folks replace the 3rd and 4th gear swtiches every 2 years or every 30-60K to help avoid damage to those gears. I'd honestly replace all of them in a little bit, but first just drain and refill the fluid with new Acura DW1 fluid.
12-29-2015, 05:34 AM
#16
Intermediate
Thread Starter
with 200K I also have the delay. Spec is 1.6 seconds for engagement according to the factory service manual. Over time the Pressure Switches and other sensors loose their flexiblity in plastic membranes. This causes the pressure to shift by + or - 5-6PSI causing all sorts of issues.
Most folks replace the 3rd and 4th gear swtiches every 2 years or every 30-60K to help avoid damage to those gears. I'd honestly replace all of them in a little bit, but first just drain and refill the fluid with new Acura DW1 fluid.
Most folks replace the 3rd and 4th gear swtiches every 2 years or every 30-60K to help avoid damage to those gears. I'd honestly replace all of them in a little bit, but first just drain and refill the fluid with new Acura DW1 fluid.
12-30-2015, 12:33 PM
#17
Intermediate
Thread Starter
with 200K I also have the delay. Spec is 1.6 seconds for engagement according to the factory service manual. Over time the Pressure Switches and other sensors loose their flexiblity in plastic membranes. This causes the pressure to shift by + or - 5-6PSI causing all sorts of issues.
Most folks replace the 3rd and 4th gear swtiches every 2 years or every 30-60K to help avoid damage to those gears. I'd honestly replace all of them in a little bit, but first just drain and refill the fluid with new Acura DW1 fluid.
Most folks replace the 3rd and 4th gear swtiches every 2 years or every 30-60K to help avoid damage to those gears. I'd honestly replace all of them in a little bit, but first just drain and refill the fluid with new Acura DW1 fluid.
12-30-2015, 02:37 PM
#18
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
The reason it's lasted 280k miles is because it was driven 95% highway. Now that you won't be driving it on the highway as much and only doing 5k a year, there will be a lot more stop and go and torque converter lockup.
Change the fluid. It's previously been done. It's not black. It's not too late. Do a 1x3. It will not shock the system. Change the switches. You will prolong the transmission a lot longer than your expected 2 years.
But hey, it's your car. Do what you wish. Happy Motoring.
Change the fluid. It's previously been done. It's not black. It's not too late. Do a 1x3. It will not shock the system. Change the switches. You will prolong the transmission a lot longer than your expected 2 years.
But hey, it's your car. Do what you wish. Happy Motoring.
Last edited by ggesq; 12-30-2015 at 02:39 PM.
12-30-2015, 03:34 PM
#19
Intermediate
Thread Starter
The reason it's lasted 280k miles is because it was driven 95% highway. Now that you won't be driving it on the highway as much and only doing 5k a year, there will be a lot more stop and go and torque converter lockup.
Change the fluid. It's previously been done. It's not black. It's not too late. Do a 1x3. It will not shock the system. Change the switches. You will prolong the transmission a lot longer than your expected 2 years.
But hey, it's your car. Do what you wish. Happy Motoring.
Change the fluid. It's previously been done. It's not black. It's not too late. Do a 1x3. It will not shock the system. Change the switches. You will prolong the transmission a lot longer than your expected 2 years.
But hey, it's your car. Do what you wish. Happy Motoring.
12-30-2015, 07:51 PM
#20
I can understand the conundrum. I think you would have to go into as mentioned with a 1x3 change and the switches and go from there. But go into with the mindset that if it does fail soon after that then so be it. Kinda like taking $100 to the casino and if you loose then ohh well, but if you win then hey that's great
12-31-2015, 03:04 AM
#21
Senior Moderator
I have never been so undecided about doing something on a car. I got 4qts of DW1 from honda so I will think about it for another day. I would just be really upset if right after it starts having problems. Already spent a few bucks fixing this car up. Don't want to add a tranny to the list right now.
The only helpful advice I can give you is do the pressure switches before you do the fluid if you are on the fence. It'll def improve the trans and help keep things operating well. After that I'd suggest you do the fluid too as you'll drip a little bit (100ml) when changing the switches and need to top off anyway. If you do decide to do the change, save the old fluid. You can put it back in if there is a problem with the trans and that should help it out.
Worst case scenario, you can also buy a honda accord V6 trans, swap over the range switch and save a ton of money. About $500-1K for the trans and a swap is a few hours of labor. Swap over the new pressure switches too!
Last edited by csmeance; 12-31-2015 at 03:08 AM.
12-31-2015, 06:33 AM
#22
Intermediate
Thread Starter
The only helpful advice I can give you is do the pressure switches before you do the fluid if you are on the fence. It'll def improve the trans and help keep things operating well. After that I'd suggest you do the fluid too as you'll drip a little bit (100ml) when changing the switches and need to top off anyway. If you do decide to do the change, save the old fluid. You can put it back in if there is a problem with the trans and that should help it out.
Worst case scenario, you can also buy a honda accord V6 trans, swap over the range switch and save a ton of money. About $500-1K for the trans and a swap is a few hours of labor. Swap over the new pressure switches too!
Worst case scenario, you can also buy a honda accord V6 trans, swap over the range switch and save a ton of money. About $500-1K for the trans and a swap is a few hours of labor. Swap over the new pressure switches too!
12-31-2015, 04:29 PM
#24
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Would like to post pics but it's a portable lift and I won't be using it till next weekend when I do the suspension. It's the bendpak BL-5000-XL. Will take some pics then.
http://www.bendpak.com/Shop-Equipment/QuickJack/BL-5000XL.aspx
http://www.bendpak.com/Shop-Equipment/QuickJack/BL-5000XL.aspx
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Slpr04UA6 (12-31-2015)
12-31-2015, 05:59 PM
#25
It's better than what I have, since I don't have one at all, but that's not a lift - that's a portable quick jack. It only raises the car as much as a jack.
I thin KN has a max jack which is awesome for home use. Either one of those, or a 7000lb lift is in my future.
I thin KN has a max jack which is awesome for home use. Either one of those, or a 7000lb lift is in my future.
12-31-2015, 07:11 PM
#26
Intermediate
Thread Starter
It's better than what I have, since I don't have one at all, but that's not a lift - that's a portable quick jack. It only raises the car as much as a jack.
I thin KN has a max jack which is awesome for home use. Either one of those, or a 7000lb lift is in my future.
I thin KN has a max jack which is awesome for home use. Either one of those, or a 7000lb lift is in my future.
"A hydraulic machine by which automobiles are hoisted above the floor to give access to the underparts".
By that definition it is very much a lift.
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mattpete (01-04-2016)
12-31-2015, 08:59 PM
#29
1. transmission runs for years and no maintenance or fluid change is done
2. transmission begins to act up
3. owner changes fluid
4. transmission poops itself
5. owner blames transmission fluid swap
With that being said, I have heard that it is NOT good to do a transmission FLUSH with a pressurized machine if it has never been done before and it has high mileage. I'd also think that a flush may not be good in any situation, and simply a drain and fill multiple times would be a better course of action.
01-01-2016, 09:14 AM
#30
Intermediate
Thread Starter
OK maybe is half jack and half lift. I debated the max jax but with my garage setup I don't have the height to lift it high enough to stand under the car. The quick jack is 1/2 the price of the max jax and I figured if I have to work on my back anyway I may as well not spend twice the money for height I can't use. I never like jack stands so for me this was a great alternative, plus I can throw it in an SUV and bring it to anyone of my friends houses to help them out when need be.
01-03-2016, 01:00 PM
#32
Intermediate
Thread Starter
01-03-2016, 01:00 PM
#33
Intermediate
Thread Starter
01-04-2016, 10:13 AM
#34
Senior Moderator
Do it OP..
I was in a similar situation with a similarly glass transmission on my 99 Accord v6 (currently sitting at 266K) . Mechanic years ago (~140K) told me not to change fluid so I didn't.. fast forward a few weeks ago and transmission started acting very funny.. Decided to just bite the bullet and change fluid (Just a 1x3 to try it out) ... HOLY SHIT car started shifting wonderfully again..
TL ; DR: do it.
I was in a similar situation with a similarly glass transmission on my 99 Accord v6 (currently sitting at 266K) . Mechanic years ago (~140K) told me not to change fluid so I didn't.. fast forward a few weeks ago and transmission started acting very funny.. Decided to just bite the bullet and change fluid (Just a 1x3 to try it out) ... HOLY SHIT car started shifting wonderfully again..
TL ; DR: do it.
01-04-2016, 04:43 PM
#35
I recently inherited a 2004 Acura TL with 280,000 miles from my brother for free. He wanted a new car and just did not want to put any money into the TL. Car runs strong and everything still works perfect. Now for the not so good, he was very lax on maintenance. He told me the trans fluid may have been changed "at some point" but he can't remember having it done. My mechanic does not want to even change the fluid. He's from the old school and feels at this point it would do more harm than good. He said just check level and add fluid if needed. So question is would you change the fluid or just leave it? This is a second car for me and will probably only see about 5-6k a year.
If you can believe it even the suspension is 100% original!! Changing that out this week.
If you can believe it even the suspension is 100% original!! Changing that out this week.
Now "flushing it" is a different story.
Have fun
01-04-2016, 06:20 PM
#36
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Going to do a drain and fill this weekend. As far as the switches is there any place cheap that has them or should I just go to my local acura dealer. And how many are there to change?
01-05-2016, 07:34 AM
#37
Senior Moderator
Read all about it here: https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...2006-a-729149/
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ggesq (01-05-2016)
01-05-2016, 07:39 AM
#38
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Read all about it here: https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...2006-a-729149/
01-05-2016, 07:46 AM
#39
Senior Moderator
