Tranny fluid - Acura 3.2TL 2000

[gotridet]

The tranny fluid is hovering around the lower end, I've read online and some are saying don't do a flush it will cause problems...

Is it ok to top it off with the right tranny fluid?

Also a question a replacing the tranny on this car...

It's at 200K right now, and runs pretty smooth. I'm worried about the tranny, but what do you guys think about after market tranny's vs Honda built tranny's?

[Heero01]

That transmission is trash IMO. I know a couple ppl who had to replace theirs, cost them 3k or so.

And go with a full flush.

[001Stunna]

The tranny fluid is hovering around the lower end, I've read online and some are saying don't do a flush it will cause problems...

Is it ok to top it off with the right tranny fluid?

Also a question a replacing the tranny on this car...

It's at 200K right now, and runs pretty smooth. I'm worried about the tranny, but what do you guys think about after market tranny's vs Honda built tranny's?

Do a drain and refill with OEM fluid. Check and replace your 2nd/3rd clutch pressure switches. If its working fine dont try to fix it.

[gotridet]

So that would be a no on just adding the OEM fluid in...

Is making sure the mechanic uses OEM fluid something I should watch out for if I bring it in? or is it pretty standard they will use the OEM fluid?

[poedua]

The tranny fluid is hovering around the lower end, I've read online and some are saying don't do a flush it will cause problems...

Is it ok to top it off with the right tranny fluid?

Also a question a replacing the tranny on this car...

It's at 200K right now, and runs pretty smooth. I'm worried about the tranny, but what do you guys think about after market tranny's vs Honda built tranny's?

Did you ( or the previous owner ) have the transmission fluid replaced every 50,000 km as per Acura's recommended service schedule ?

[poedua]

Do a drain and refill with OEM fluid. Check and replace your 2nd/3rd clutch pressure switches. If its working fine dont try to fix it.

Under normal circumstances, I'd do a 3X ' drain and fill ' myself.....a 1X ' drain and fill ' only drains something around 30% of the old fluid out.

[001Stunna]

Under normal circumstances, I'd do a 3X ' drain and fill ' myself.....a 1X ' drain and fill ' only drains something around 30% of the old fluid out.

Doing 3 drain refills right after another is pointless. Doing them within 1-2 days of each other i'd go with if the tranny fluid has never been drained/refilled before. Personally i just do it once a year or every 20000km whichever comes first...as the transmissions that came out in the 6th gen accords weren't excately the best out there.

OP. YES make sure the shop uses oem fluid.
Ps. YES you can top up as well but you should be drain/refilling it if you never have before.

[alex_d10]

So that would be a no on just adding the OEM fluid in...

Is making sure the mechanic uses OEM fluid something I should watch out for if I bring it in? or is it pretty standard they will use the OEM fluid?
Depends where you go, but I would insist they only use oem Honda ATF fluid. And might as well drain and refill it as opposed to just topping off. I was told that it is best to change it once yearly because of how poorly those transmissions were constructed.

[2004acura]

i have a 3g TL,
just did a 3X drain and refill
buy HONDA DW-1(it's synthetic now, i bought 12 cases for $9 bucks each from the dealer)
never ever flush your transmission

[2004acura]

if you are into racing or drives hard
try use redline or armsoil syntheticATF

[gotridet]

Never been drained. I think I'll go with the drain and refill... what are the costs usually with this? $150 - $200?

[packardbell]

if it ain't slipping just leave it alone.

[poedua]

Never been drained. I think I'll go with the drain and refill... what are the costs usually with this? $150 - $200?

I hope you don't mean the transmission fluid has never been drained for 200,000 km ?

[packardbell]

I hope you don't mean the transmission fluid has never been drained for 200,000 km ?
maybe hope you have bought extended warranty as it is going cost like 3K for a tranny from acura.

[Optical24]

I have a 3G TL. Every oil change I will do a 1X3 drain and refill with Redline D4 ATF until all of the old Honda Z1 ATF are gone. After, I changed the 3rd and 4th gear switches. Now my transmission feels as if its brand new and shifts smoothly. I don't know about the 2G TL though.

If you need any help go to http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=98. There are many Acura enthusiasts that will gladly help you out.

[001Stunna]

Go to the dealer and buy 4 jugs of ATFDW1. I think theyre about 7-8$ each. I beleive the tranny will only need about 3 but you can have the 4th as an extra to keep aside.
Go to a shop and ask them to do the labor for you unless you can do it yourself (its practically the same as doing an oil change).

Most shops will charge anywhere from 40-80$ for the labor and it takes about 20-30mins.



In the near future consider changing out the clutch pressure switches as well. They run for about $50 each of oemacuraparts.com

Never been drained. I think I'll go with the drain and refill... what are the costs usually with this? $150 - $200?

[honbut]

That transmission is trash IMO. I know a couple ppl who had to replace theirs, cost them 3k or so.

And go with a full flush.

The Tranny is complete trash.... Surprised ur tranny is still running op.... had to rebuild mine twice.... sold it when the third one came around....

[qaz393]

drain and refill with 200km interval x3

[cooldeol]

I would second Acurazine as well. This topic has been debated for ages on pretty much every Acura/Honda forum. I drive a 01 CL with same glass tranny and mine is on the second one and currently has 300+ Kms on the dash. I got a drain and refill done at the dealership at around 230 K and have been debating the same question as the OP. So far the transmission is holding up well and I'm planning to do a 3X drain and refill soon. Most would recommend using Honda ATF only but there are few on Acurazine who have been using Amsoil (http://www.amsoil.com/a/synthetic-transmission-fluid) as well with great results. IIRC, 1X drain and refill should be less than $100~ at the dealership and around $70-$80 at any other shop, with fluids included.

[qaz393]

short trips are better for tranny due to less chance of over heating of second clutchpack. not a good roadtrip car.....