07+ transmission fluid change

[sterling08]

Just curious whats the consensus on the 2nd gen tranny fluid change? Has anyone not done it ?

[brivalen]

Consensus about what?

I did a 3x3 drain and refill at 30k and plan on doing a 1x1 drain and refill every 15k. Fluids are only about $20 and takes 30min.

Same thing for the rear diff except I only do the 1x1 drain and refill since just about all the fluid comes out on drain.

While your at it the transfer case is easy too.

The whole process will take 2 hours the first time around and about an hour after that. Its really pretty easy, all you need for all 3 items is a socket wrench, 18mm socket and long extension, funnel, $10 oil pump to get the rear diff fluid back in.

[sterling08]

Consensus about it worth it being done at all. Was just curious. If its that inexpensive and easy to do, I might just do it myself instead of at the stealership. thanks

[Mako5]

what is a "3x3" or a "1x1" drain?

[brivalen]

A 3x3 is when you drain and refill 3 times and drive the car after each fill making sure the new fluid gets mixed in with old.

Problem is that the total capacity of the trans is about 8 qts and when u drain only 3 come out. Not only is the 3x3 the most efficient way to replace 85% of the fluid but it is also Acura recommended per owner manual.

For 07-12 models fluids are:

Transmission - DW-1 (available at Honda and Acura)
Transfer case - 80w-90 sae - any auto parts store
Rear diff - either Honda dual pump fluid or Acura all wheel drive fluid - Same exact thing, the bar code on each bottle is identical but different labels, same color and smell.

I got different answers from every parts dept I talked to about the rear diff, but it's mainly because Acura switched fluids in 2010 but it's retroactive back to 2007 models.

Edit - I was told by both the Honda and Acura parts dept that while crush washers are officially recommended that unless your changing the oil all the time, that washer will last a long time. I didnt bother replacing.

[Mako5]

Hey that's very helpful. Thanks!

[Lainezki]

Originally Posted by brivalen

A 3x3 is when you drain and refill 3 times and drive the car after each fill making sure the new fluid gets mixed in with old.

Problem is that the total capacity of the trans is about 8 qts and when u drain only 3 come out. Not only is the 3x3 the most efficient way to replace 85% of the fluid but it is also Acura recommended per owner manual.

For 07-12 models fluids are:

Transmission - DW-1 (available at Honda and Acura)
Transfer case - 80w-90 sae - any auto parts store
Rear diff - either Honda dual pump fluid or Acura all wheel drive fluid - Same exact thing, the bar code on each bottle is identical but different labels, same color and smell.

I got different answers from every parts dept I talked to about the rear diff, but it's mainly because Acura switched fluids in 2010 but it's retroactive back to 2007 models.

Edit - I was told by both the Honda and Acura parts dept that while crush washers are officially recommended that unless your changing the oil all the time, that washer will last a long time. I didnt bother replacing.

Do you have the specs on how much fluid the Rear Diff and the transfer case takes? Thanks

[brivalen]

Rear diff uses 3 qts

Transfer case takes less than 1 qt - just fill until it starts to slowly pour out of the fill hole.

[SlowGoer]

This is a huge help. I'm about to do the fluids in my 07 X too.

[ken88]

I have a 2008 MDX. How often do you have to replace the transmission fluid? Thanks.

[brivalen]

read your owners manual - it spells it out

[Needsdecaf]

Transfer case fill is a PITA without a fluid transfer pump or a funnel with a long tube. But otherwise, you can do trans, transfer and rear diff in a couple of hours tops.

[sprtent]

I do my tranny fluid every 2 years or so.

For the TC, I use those Valvoline gear oil which I can squeeze the full bottle. Since the amount is only several ounces, this does it for me instead of using a pump. Make sure your car is level.

The rear diff I find there is sufficient space for me to open the plugs (using wrench and w/o extensions) and feed in the pump without removing the spare tire.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by sprtent

I do my tranny fluid every 2 years or so.

For the TC, I use those Valvoline gear oil which I can squeeze the full bottle. Since the amount is only several ounces, this does it for me instead of using a pump. Make sure your car is level.

The rear diff I find there is sufficient space for me to open the plugs (using wrench and w/o extensions) and feed in the pump without removing the spare tire.

I had to remove the spare tire.

[Sergio]

For these fluid changes dont we get warned by service codes? I'm sure I once got a service code that called for a transmission change, can someone confirm

S