ATF overfill okay?

G-lak · 07-30-2010, 03:33 PM

After coming back home, I decided to check the ATF level, so I turned off the X and waited 2 minutes. To my surprise it was slightly higher then the top mark...maybe half an inch.

Anyways, I decided to go to Acura and buy some ATF so I can drain it and put in the correct amount. When I was there, I talked with a service advisor and luckily enough got a chance to speak with a mechanic as well, and they both said that this is okay, apparently it won't do any damange...as MDXs have a release valve that lets out the pressure (to equalize the pressure). The mechanic said that although the manual calls for 2.9 quarts, they normally put in 3.2 to 3.7 quarts; and what I described to him was within the safe limit. Can any confirm about the release valve...

Now the question is, are they right or should I drain & fill with the correct amount. And also, why would they put more then what the manual specifies for?

**midnightMDX** · 07-30-2010, 03:39 PM

I have no idea about the release valve, but usually a little extra doesnt hurt. I'd try and get it as close to the mark as possible.

Will4271 · 07-30-2010, 05:13 PM

I would play it safe and drain some. The instructions stated between 2 points for the ATF then it's okay.

Above it, well.. that's anyone's guess.

Fernando · 07-30-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will4271

I would play it safe and drain some. The instructions stated between 2 points for the ATF then it's okay.

Above it, well.. that's anyone's guess.

There's a reason why the manual says 2.9... better safe than sorry. The overflow is just there to allow for overflow due to excess expansion from overheating of fluid. If you want the trani to last use the correct amount.

I know that Lexus also indicated that their trani would shift smoother if a little more fluid was added, but a Lexus master tech once told me to go by what the owner/service manual suggests for quantity.

Some manufacturer's trani's are sealed to prevent the wrong fluid and or amount being put in by DIYers.

carguy07 · 07-30-2010, 11:14 PM

Drain and fill with the correct amount. Then check it to make sure.

Waiting 2 minutes to check the fluid is way to long though. You are letting a lot of fluid drain back into the pan which would make it appear to be overfilled when it might be just fine. You want to kill the engine and immediately check the fluid. I'm pretty sure that the fluid could be checked with the car running like any other car, but Honda put the dipstick so far down in the engine compartment and so close to the fan that they came up with the turn the car off and check it fast method to try to keep people from getting hurt checking the fluid.

G-lak · 07-31-2010, 02:15 AM

Okay I drianed and filled with the correct amount, 2.9quarts/2.7L, and it still comes in a little high - slighty over the mark but not as much, maybe 1/4 of an inch this time. However, I did check it 2 minutes or so after...not immediately after, so that might of altered it Carguy. But yesterday, I did also check it with the engine running until I found out I had to turn it off in the manual...and it was very difficult/impossible to read as it was badly smeared with the engine running.

But before we go on any further in the thread, I need to confirm that I am supposed to check between the two marks (actually holes) at the bottom of the dip stick that are roughly 3/4" of an inch apart - I ask this because there is a third mark/hole at the very top of the dipstick...hopefully I am not supposed to check between that hole and second one from the bottom..lol, becuase this would all be a waste of time - haha.

07-30-2010, 03:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
G-lak Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 49	ATF overfill okay? After coming back home, I decided to check the ATF level, so I turned off the X and waited 2 minutes. To my surprise it was slightly higher then the top mark...maybe half an inch. Anyways, I decided to go to Acura and buy some ATF so I can drain it and put in the correct amount. When I was there, I talked with a service advisor and luckily enough got a chance to speak with a mechanic as well, and they both said that this is okay, apparently it won't do any damange...as MDXs have a release valve that lets out the pressure (to equalize the pressure). The mechanic said that although the manual calls for 2.9 quarts, they normally put in 3.2 to 3.7 quarts; and what I described to him was within the safe limit. Can any confirm about the release valve... Now the question is, are they right or should I drain & fill with the correct amount. And also, why would they put more then what the manual specifies for?

07-30-2010, 03:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
midnightMDX Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 9,178	I have no idea about the release valve, but usually a little extra doesnt hurt. I'd try and get it as close to the mark as possible. __________________ *2001-2006 MDX FAQ* 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon 2004 MDX Touring - Midnight Blue Pearl

07-30-2010, 05:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
Will4271 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: SF BAY AREA Posts: 685	I would play it safe and drain some. The instructions stated between 2 points for the ATF then it's okay. Above it, well.. that's anyone's guess. __________________ 2008 Acura MDX Tech. 2006 Toyota Sienna LE 2003 Acura MDX Touring (Sold) hit by another vehicle

07-30-2010, 11:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
carguy07 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 311	Drain and fill with the correct amount. Then check it to make sure. Waiting 2 minutes to check the fluid is way to long though. You are letting a lot of fluid drain back into the pan which would make it appear to be overfilled when it might be just fine. You want to kill the engine and immediately check the fluid. I'm pretty sure that the fluid could be checked with the car running like any other car, but Honda put the dipstick so far down in the engine compartment and so close to the fan that they came up with the turn the car off and check it fast method to try to keep people from getting hurt checking the fluid. __________________ 2006

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07-31-2010, 02:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
G-lak Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 49	Okay I drianed and filled with the correct amount, 2.9quarts/2.7L, and it still comes in a little high - slighty over the mark but not as much, maybe 1/4 of an inch this time. However, I did check it 2 minutes or so after...not immediately after, so that might of altered it Carguy. But yesterday, I did also check it with the engine running until I found out I had to turn it off in the manual...and it was very difficult/impossible to read as it was badly smeared with the engine running. But before we go on any further in the thread, I need to confirm that I am supposed to check between the two marks (actually holes) at the bottom of the dip stick that are roughly 3/4" of an inch apart - I ask this because there is a third mark/hole at the very top of the dipstick...hopefully I am not supposed to check between that hole and second one from the bottom..lol, becuase this would all be a waste of time - haha.