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Acura MDX: How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid

Just like your engine oil, the ATF in your transmission needs to be changed at fairly regular intervals. This article explains how to change the fluid yourself.

By Ryan Christian - May 13, 2016

This article applies to the Acura MDX (2001-present).

Changing your engine oil is common sense when it comes to vehicle maintenance, but a slightly less known job happens just a couple feet away from the engine's drain plug. While most everyone knows to change their engine oil or to have it changed, quite a few people forget about their transmission fluid. In an automatic transmission, the fluid gets older and spends time becoming less effective until a change is needed. If the ATF change isn't done regularly, the transmission can act up and ultimately fail, causing a massive headache for both the driver and their wallet. In this article we will go over the basic steps of how to do an ATF change on your Acura MDX.

Materials Needed

  • Jack and jack stands
  • Oil catch pan
  • 4 quarts ATF DW-1
  • 17mm socket and extension
  • 3/8 ratchet
  • Long funnel

Your transmission fluid will need to be changed around 35,000 miles, or once every two years. Acura's service interval is much larger but these transmissions tend to be fussy when it comes to fluid changes. Long intervals between drains can lead to premature failure. While this job is easy, it's still extremely important, and you will want to treat it the same as you would do with engine oil changes.

Step 1 – Jack up the car and remove the drain bolt

Just like with a standard oil change, the first step of this job is to jack the car up and remove the drain bolt. It isn't necessary to lift both the front and back of the car, since everything you will need to work with is located on the front half of the car.
Once the car is securely lifted off the ground, crawl under the car and locate the drain bolt on the side of your transmission. Put your oil catch pan under neath and use the 3/8 ratchet to remove this bolt; let the transmission drain.

honda pilot acura MDX automatic transmission fluid change replace drain how to DIY
Figure 1. The location of the drain bolt on your MDX.

Step 2 – Locate and remove the filler bolt

Once you have drained the fluid from your transmission and replaced the drain bolt, it is time to refill your transmission. Locate the fill bolt on your transmission and remove it using the 17mm bolt. You will need an extension to reach the bolt.

honda pilot acura MDX automatic transmission fluid change replace drain how to DIY
Figure 2. The filler bolt on your transmission.

Step 3 – Refill your transmission

Use the funnel to pour the ATF into the transmission fill location. This will use most of your four quarts. Once you have finished filling the transmission, you're done.

honda pilot acura MDX automatic transmission fluid change replace drain how to DIY

Figure 3. Honda ATF that you might be using.

Featured Video: How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid Pilot/MDX

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