Anybody Installed ATF Cooler Themselves?

882 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by MDX4TMR, 15 h ago

kazuaki

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

I just recently purchased a 2023 MDX Advance. Due to lack of research on my part or lack of transparency from Acura, I was unpleasantly surprised to find I need to add the ATF cooler to be rated to to 5k lbs. I came from a 2009 MDX which came stock with the ATF cooler. I expected to have to add the hitch and maybe wiring, but not the ATF cooler. Anyway, I have the ATF cooler package in my possession now. I need to decide between installing it myself or paying the dealer to do it. Has anybody done this themselves? I'm a fairly experience DIY mechanic. My biggest concern is being able to get the bumper removed and replaced without any permanent damage. I once removed the bumper on my 2009 to swap a headlight (stupid design) and it was never quite the same afterwards. This car is 2 weeks old, so not looking to do any damage to it

I'd appreciate and feedback or advice you might have.

Thanks!

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kazuaki

Discussion Starter · #2 · 2 mo ago

No DIYer has done this? I'm surprised. How about any feedback on the bumper removal/replacement procedure? How likely am I to do that without any damage or fitment issues? The whole front of the car is wrapped in PPF if that matters.

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IanCH

· #3 · 2 mo ago

Have another vehicle for towing so I don't use the mdx... though I might for a small sailboat in the future.

Front bumper pull is pretty standard on most cars, in my experience if you've done it on one you've done them all. Only sensitive point is usually the clips along the seam between the fender and the headlight. I'm sure I will pull my bumper when an intercooler comes out, but nothing here yet!

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kazuaki

Discussion Starter · #4 · 2 mo ago

IanCH said:
Only sensitive point is usually the clips along the seam between the fender and the headlight.

Thats exactly where it was "never quite the same" after pulling the bumper on my 2009. Maybe I bent something. Still debating what to do. I can get a dealer to do it for about $500 in labor. But then, who knows if they will even be as careful as me.

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G3VSF

· #5 · 2 mo ago

4th gen 22' MDX Type S transmission cooler install - YouTube

Found a DIY video. Not much difference between type s and non type s.

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kazuaki

Discussion Starter · #6 · 2 mo ago

G3VSF said:
4th gen 22' MDX Type S transmission cooler install - YouTube

Found a DIY video. Not much difference between type s and non type s.

Thank you!! This is close enough to my car and very helpful. Really appreciated.

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notmycar

· #7 · 2 mo ago

wow the price of the OEM transmission plate cooler is expensive vs a similar aftermarket with the cold weather valve/ thermostat embedded into the unit...

i got lucky with the 1st gen without removing the front bumper cover. and i totally isolated the cooler from the OEM radiator.

first and 2nd gen had problems with the lower nipple trans cooler corroding and popping out. did they improved the radiator design to not do that anymore?

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kazuaki

Discussion Starter · #8 · 1 mo ago

Well, I completed the install today. I'd say it went fairly smooth. The bumper came off OK once I figured out how to release the clips. The bumper/grill assembly is one huge heavy chunk of plastic! So far no leaks and the car seems to be shifting fine.

A couple things to consider if you're going to do this yourself. First, you will need nearly a full quart of ATF 2.0 fluid. You don't lose much during the install, but the cooler and lines require additional fluid. Second, you will need some replacement coolant. It honestly didn't occur to me that I would lose coolant, but you end up replacing the "ATF warmer" that uses the coolant to warm up the ATF. I had to run and get a gallon of coolant and that was plenty. Third, I used the procedure in the atta he'd PDF to check the ATF level and it seemed to go fine.
View attachment 2022-2023 MDX ATF Replacement and Level Check.pdf

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enidatsun

· #9 · 4 d ago

Thanks for posting! Just bought a 2022 aspec and I'm going to be giving this a try soon.

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MDX4TMR

· #10 · 15 h ago

kazuaki said:
Well, I completed the install today. I'd say it went fairly smooth. The bumper came off OK once I figured out how to release the clips. The bumper/grill assembly is one huge heavy chunk of plastic! So far no leaks and the car seems to be shifting fine.

A couple things to consider if you're going to do this yourself. First, you will need nearly a full quart of ATF 2.0 fluid. You don't lose much during the install, but the cooler and lines require additional fluid. Second, you will need some replacement coolant. It honestly didn't occur to me that I would lose coolant, but you end up replacing the "ATF warmer" that uses the coolant to warm up the ATF. I had to run and get a gallon of coolant and that was plenty. Third, I used the procedure in the atta he'd PDF to check the ATF level and it seemed to go fine.
View attachment 125186

I’m interested too. Explain the coolant loss. I did not see it addressed in the instruction pdf but knew it must lose some. Did you drain the radiator or did it just spill out when you removed the trans warmer hoses before adding the warmer body & warmer from the kit? Or a better way?

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