I do a drain and fill every 30,000 miles. On this vehicle I've only done it once and I drained it from the bottom then fill through the fill plug. I think it drove a little better than new for a little bit but now it seems to be around the same as new. I use amsoil fluid.

 

....I think it drove a little better than new for a little bit but now it seems to be around the same as new. I use amsoil fluid.

I was debating on trying an aftermarket brand. I know in my ridgeline, the valvoline maxlife ATF stopped the weird slipping issue that would occur every 30,000 mile mark. I read on another forum about the amsoil fluid being used for the 10 speed on our MDX, but i did not hear about results. I guess i would not mind trying it later in the next 30000 miles. Thanks for sharing info.

 

Is there a top fill plug? Or are you just debating using a flexible funnel vs pump?

 

Sorry to Primepower. I meant to hit reply to Lego Maniac. I added photos now.

 

There is a top fill plug

 

I added photos now.

 

This is how to fill from above.
Remove intake sound baffles.
Remove vent device (2 - 10mm bolts)
Use an extended funnel
Fill.

 

Thanks TexusBlueAspec. Very helpful. How did you check the fill level once complete? Or did you measure how much you took out and replaced the exact amount?

 

Initially I drained into a pan, then filled with 4.5 quarts. Ran through the gears and opened the fill level which is easier to get to than the original fill plug/bolt, which is higher and not visible. But nothing came out the level hole. So i measured the drain pan and it was 4.8 cold. So i poured in more fluid after it was already hot, until it started to flow out.

In retrospect, I should have overfilled, then let it spill out once hot. But it was a nice visual and memorable check for me. I know that if the car sits cold, more will be there vs a hot car (might retain more fluid in the gears). And if I over fill up front, then more fluid gets replaced during the gear selection process, then of course leveled off later.

 

What was the mileage on that old fluid?

 

5 years about 43k. Should be about every 30k but I handed the car off to my wife because she drives 2hrs every day to another city and it's more comfortable. She put about 20k in no time. So it went from about 23k to 43k what feels like over night.
It looks fairly good in my opinion . I've drained other Hondas and it's usually darker.


Have you done yours and what was the color if so? Red, brown, black?

Thanks,

 

All things being equal, I feel like filling from the top would be easier. I only have a hand pump, which is fine for things like the rear diff in my Golf R that takes <1 qt, but would be a lot of work on my back under the car.

 

but would be a lot of work on my back under the car.

Im feeling much older now for sure so being on the ground is wearing me out a lot more.
The biggest issue for me for filling fluid at the original fill plug is that the radiator gets hot and you have to push a hose into the hole . If doing it from the bottom and using a pump, you have a chance to burn your hand on the exhaust. Ask me how I know 🤣.
Anyway, I hope this info is useful. Maybe another thread with detailed pictures for each step would help.

 

I would recommend sticking with Honda/acura ATF fluid. I would not use any aftermarket brand.

 

I usually do stick with the oem fluid. But found out that the oem fluid (DW1) has an issue for the ridgeline 6speed. It always would get gunked up on the drain bolt . The trans would slip and flutter right around 30000. But after changing to maxlife as suggested by others it fixed it. I figured I would take a chance versus spending money on a new transmission.

I haven't seen any issue with the 10 speed fluid as of now. But honda doesn't make their own fluid anyway. They farm it out to the suppliers. Im unsure of any specific supplier name that makes it. However, people have tried Amsoil without issues. Honda likes "smooth shifting" and i think their specific formulas that add in the "smoothness" also cause some of the issues that require frequent fluid changes.
In my opinion I love the BMW crisp shifting of the 8 speed transmission of my X3. I would love to have that quickness and crispness. In D mode it was smooth. Honda needs to offer a similar thing with their transmission modes. They currently only change revving RPM in each mode. And I hate that it behaves opposite of what it should be.
For example, if I have it in M, I will hold in 3rd gear to accelerate onto the freeway. However if I have it in S , it will rev high like it's preparing to hold the gear, but as soon as I push the gas down, it shifts to 4th and lags acceleration. I would much rather it hold revs, change with a crispness and be predictable.
I understand that Amsoil won't change the programming but if it makes it quicker and crisp because it isn't slipping to be smooth, then I would be happier.

 

Thanks @TexasBlueAspec
I just popped a 13 code, and this is due.
I am using Amsoil oil and
AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

The only factory fluid to stick with is the rear diff fluid.
Guess I am draining this weekend

 

@internal88
Idemitsu makes the transmission fluid. As they do for Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, and Hyundai/Kia.

Its is not magic lubricant, it is made for the 10 speed - DW1. Amsoil makes it better, as they do with most lubricants in the Signature line.

I have seen several 4th Gen Acuras use it and it always comes out looking fantastic. Which is why most of us switch.
I am only using the OEM rear end fluid, because I have some left over.
Next maintenance change I will switch it to Amsoil.

 

Which AMSOIL fluid are you going to use for the rear end? When I asked them about it, they stated they didn't make one for it.

 

Yeah the OEM fluid is relatively inexpensive and I haven't seen any "dual pump fluid" .

08200-9007 honda
08200-9007a Acura
$15 a quart
Total $30 for the "2 quart" needed. Refer to the manual for amount, as I forget.

 

That's what I use for the transfer case however they don't recommend any of their fluids for the rear diff. At this point I'll just stick with the factory one. They made it really easy to get to.

 

Yea, I had stocked up early on the rear fluids, when I bought the car.

I got a hell of a deal on OEM enough for three changes.

 

Is there a top fill plug on the Type-S as well?

 

I assume its the same 10 speed transmission, so yes. Maybe the vent plastic object is slightly different or varies per model, but it should be there. Maybe other objects for the Type S are in the way, different from the regular model. Type S has the turbo and airbox on that side. I can't give a definitive answer if its easy.