2017-2022 Acura MDX transmission fluid change 9 Speed

[@rontan8954]

Great video! I must have watched you video like 5 X before I give it a go since dealer want $460! I just did my 2017 Acura MDX ZF 9 Speed. I did not get 3.5 quarts out, I got out 3.8 quarts. Scanner use for ATF temp is Foxwell NT624 elite (cheap - got it under $200 thru Amazon). Temperature outside today is 50 degree f exactly at the time of my work. Here are my steps: 1. Loosen both Filler & Drain plug, don't drain fluid just loosen for now. 2. Run car using Foxwell NT624 to read ATF temp until 106 degree F, then shut down. I have a pellet stove here, so I heat the new ATF-Type 3.1 fluid to same temp (106 degree F) checking it with cheap infrared temp gauge. 3. Remove Drain plug - make sure car is level, if you're small, you don't need lift car up. I'm 5' 7'' 160lbs, I was able to maneuver under car without lift or jacks. 4. Measure the drained fluid, I got out 3.8 quarts exactly (that with ATF fluid at 106 degree F) 5. I put back only 3.6 quarts - use the scanner to read ATF temp again, this time is show me 100 degree, I guess during pouring process, I must have lost a few degree in the process. 6. Enter VSA mode, turn all the gear 2X just to make sure. 7. Drove the car around a few miles - still connected to Foxwell - check to make sure all gear shifting is fine. After 10 mins, my ATF Temp is at 142 degree F, which is normal. 8. At this time, if you wish to check level under the wheel wells - let the car cool down then let it run till temp reach 104-113 degree F. Remove the check level bolt, if it gush out, wait till it drip, once it drip, you're are good! Put the bolt back and you are good! 9. Put all bolts back in place and enjoy your day! Good luck to those who wish to tackle this job, it's simple job given the right tools and save $$$.. .too bad the fluid is $30 per bottle. However, since I have 3 cars with 9 speed ZF trans all Honda/Acura Brand, i figure I should do as a DIY's..

[@qbert2395]

hey rontan, i have a 17 mdx as well, curious if it kind of shifts weird into 2nd gear while in eco mode…it’s not terrible but is unnerving to me, curious on your thoughts and or experiences with yours? After 3rd gear, you can’t even tell it’s shifting!

[@Sambitpersonal]

@@qbert2395 Same here. I bought it new (2017 acura MDX tech AWD). Its been like that since I drove off the lot. I took it back and dealer said nothing wrong and this is how it is. I drove a loaner and it was better but not smooth. I have observed that once the engine is hot (say drove 5 miles or longer), the jerk is way less noticeable. I get this jerk more or less on any mode but most noticeable in comfort mode. I tried resetting the transmission following another youtube video and I think it improves a bit. Try that if not tried yet.

[@BobWils13]

Great video! Thank you thank you! You've just saved me $400 from the dealership for something that was honestly pretty easy to do. You're the man Eddie!

[@MatteoTodd]

Hello, I can’t find the fill plug on my 22 Mdx up top

[@ginvm]

Thanks. Very helpful video. I have the same vehicle. I followed your procedure to change the fluids and really save me a lot. I hope you can do a video on how to change the spark plugs, bec. it's more expensive at the dealership.

[@Ram14250]

Thanks for the video Eddie. I have a 19 Passport and plan on doing my next summer. Regardless of miles, as I'm only at 13K right now and not driving much. Again... thanks for showing how it's done. It's not as difficult as I thought.

[@cobra454tim]

My parents just bought a 2020 MDX on their model the struts are Sachs.. The trans looks to be the same as yours, thanks for the helpful video!

[@ShaheedSmoke]

Thanks man! Very detailed info that is useful. Subscribed!

[@edwardtweed6696]

How do I find a service manual for a 2018 Acura MDX? Thanks for your help

[@squidusn71]

My 2017 Pilot 9spd is at 45k miles. I overly reset the maintenance minder which threw off the sequence. Thanks for the vedio.

[@Williamchang23]

I have a 2016 MDX with the 9 speed transmission. This video should work for my vehicle as well?

[@erickposada6772]

Yes sir.

[@kens7420]

Thanks a bunch. That's very well detailed!

[@JustaHondaAccord]

Any recommendation on a scan tool have a laser thermometer but wouldn't mind grabbing a scan tool.

[@fer8888888]

I posted this video for a scan tool that works well on Honda's / Acura. Foxwell NT530. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5THiXqMaNGnbJI

[@JustaHondaAccord]

@@fer8888888 thanks I just did the flush was paranoid about reusing the drain and check bolt that had the green Gasket built into the bolt. Ended up buying 2 new bolts at the tune of 30$ a piece out of paranoia. Wasn't concerned about the fill bolt leaking. Did you reuse your old bolts or get new ones. Part number for all 3 is 06237-5J4-010.

[@fer8888888]

@@JustaHondaAccord reused

[@vevonycny]

Every how many miles should i change it ? The dealership want me to change but sometimes they lie just to take money out of you. Thanks

[@fer8888888]

Appears Acura took out the mileage to do things in the manual. A rule of thumb is trans every 60k, coolant every 3 years, diff's/transfer case every 30k, engine oil with synthetic every 5k, brake fluid every 2-3 years. Some people do diff's/transfer case every 60k if not towing. Since drain and fill on the trans does not flush it. Since I do my own maintenance, I will do my trans every 30k, also my diff's plus x-case every 30k and brake fluid/coolant every 2 years. The vehicle has a programmed maintenance light which will tell you what to do.

[@robertforman927]

Every time the service 3 light appears on dash, new Hondas and acuras are generally every 30k miles

[@gregcrabb3497]

I need a new fill plug...anyone have the part number handy? 2017 MDX

[@fer8888888]

Appears bottom, top, and side plug is 06237-5J4-010 for the trans but double check to make sure.

[@Mark-um3hm]

What’s VSA MODE?

[@peachyclean93]

What is your normal temperature on an average day?

[@brianaustin1328]

Question: would the drain and fill exceed 3.5 quarts if the vehicle is equipped with a transmission oil cooler (part of the towing package)?

[@fer8888888]

I am going to make an assumption but don't really know. I suspect the oil cooler won't drain back into the trans. Making me think it won't change the amount of oil drained. But I could be wrong.

[@kal9906]

Just dropped my fluid, and poured into measuring jug. Over 3.5 imperial quarts! I can only speculate that when the transmission heat exchanger was replaced under recall, they added or replaced what they assumed was 3.5 us quarts...

[@fer8888888]

How many did you have?

[@kal9906]

I have 4 quarts. It must've been overfilled by 600 ml

[@timetryp422]

Is there any downside by just draining the fluid cold and replacing with the exact volume - foregoing the temperature procedure/VSA shifting mode?

[@fer8888888]

If someone didn't set it correctly before, it will remain off. Otherwise, I don't see why not.

[@timetryp422]

@@fer8888888 Thanks....

[@mwp1088]

Same question…if you drain cold, measure, and fill cold, how could this be bad?

[@matbarzal-w9d]

Hey Eddie thanks for the detailed video I changed my Acura mdx 2017 trans fluid on a level surface but 3.8 quarts came out. Would you say that is unusual or normal.

[@fer8888888]

normal

[@boostz32]

Nice video, thanks. I Just drained the Trans fluid on my 2017 mdx and measured 4 quarts. First transmission change at 66k could it have been over filled?

[@fer8888888]

Many factors could come into play. A previous shop topping it off, having the tow package, time letting it drain, how level ground is. But putting in what came out gets you back to where you were before. Hard to say if it was slightly over or not.

[@boostz32]

@@fer8888888 Thanks

[@trungtran5685]

Mike, did you get a maintenance code for changing transmission fluid? or you just want to change it. My car is 50k miles. Thanks.

[@rontan8954]

Michael, I drained my 2017 MDX at 66K today, I got 3.8 quarts. However, I fill it with 3.5 quarts and check the level plug at 106 degree F, and verify that it takes 3.5 quarts. I put 3.6 quarts just for good measure. I believe that the correct range is 3.4 - 4.0 quarts (being on the high side). Therefore, I am going to say that anywhere between 3.5 - 3.8 quart is Good! Anyone want to chime in?

[@JustaHondaAccord]

Great video! Thank you for posting!

[@عادلابوالمجد-ي7ن]

من فضلك ممكن مواصفة الزيت وأفضل نوع ولك تحياتي

[@fer8888888]

تم شراؤها من التاجر

[@عادلابوالمجد-ي7ن]

@@fer8888888 أشكرك

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Isn't that fluid supposed to be red not green dw1??

[@fer8888888]

That's for the Honda transmissions and in older Honda's. This one is the ZF 9 speed and uses the special ZF fluid.

[@davidmyers102]

How long should I drive the car/engine be on if I dont want to do the VSA steps.

[@fer8888888]

I only drove it up the street and back to Atleast hit 4th gear.

[@tareemariano]

Thanks for the video. I have a 2017 Pilot Touring and due for ATF change, do I need the engine running when draining and filling up the transmission fluid? thanks

[@fer8888888]

Engine should be running only for level check and top off. I put 3 quarts in with engine off then checked with engine running and added more. Or you can add 3.5 quarts and check for fill level. You have to have fluid dripping out.

[@tareemariano]

Thanks a lot Eddie. Appreciate it

[@tareemariano]

Is is ok to go ahead and change the atf even the maintenance minder doesn’t tell you that it needs to be changed? Also, do u have to put the car in maintenance mode by doing the drain and fill of the atf?

[@fer8888888]

@@tareemariano You can change fluids when ever you want. Also I measured out what came out and put that back in plus a little is how I did it. I can't find documentation on what maintenance mode actually does. But going up to 4th gear before checking will cycle fluid through all the clutches and brakes leaving some residual film in them. Most forums say 3.5 quarts will come out and 3.5 should go back in. I was surprised how correct the forums were.

[@tareemariano]

@@fer8888888 how about the VSA code, I have no idea what it is. is drain and fill good enough without running the gears on Maintenance Mode? thanks for your quick reply

[@davidkung4385]

How did you get the MaxiDiag OBDII unit to read ATF temp? I can't seem to access it

[@fer8888888]

Scan -> Asian -> Acura -> USA -> Control Unit -> AT -> Live Data -> ATF Temp The MD808 Pro is not my preferred choice because it won't do pad maintenance with the current version of software as of 12/4/2020. I bought the Foxwell NT530 for Honda/Acura and it works great as shown in this vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5THiXqMaNGnbJI

[@ronchheng6123]

@@fer8888888 will the foxwell nt530 also read the atf temperature???

[@fer8888888]

@@ronchheng6123 Yes NT530 will read ATF Temp. After smartvin -> Control Modules ->Transmission Control System -> Live Data -> ATF Temperature

[@cababino]

Thanks for your video. Could you tell me about the transmission filter? It's not needed to change it ?

[@fer8888888]

The filter is not meant to be serviceable. Just the fluid.

[@MrDuke1290]

Honda & Acura cars do not have the transmission fluid pan then you don't worry about that . Simple way how much quarts you drain out then you fill up the same amount you drain . Follow this video take too much time

[@timetryp422]

@@MrDuke1290 Why the elaborate procedure then?

[@kurpal8904]

What is the color of the oil? Is it suppose to be clear or blue tone?

[@fer8888888]

It's a greenish tint

[@kurpal8904]

@@fer8888888 my was yellowish clear. Is that a sign of the oil being too old?

[@fer8888888]

@@kurpal8904 should match what came out of the bottle. If it is a different color then could be old.

[@fer8888888]

@@kurpal8904 I was just thinking, it could be due to the rust inhibitor on the parts from when the trans was built darkening it, making it look yellow most likely.

[@kurpal8904]

@@fer8888888 The color is actually when the oil is new. I purchased it from Offer Up so I’m thinking it’s too old although all the bottles were sealed and never opened.

[@fortunatedad7695]

I'm going to hold on to my 2010 until it literally dies. The 6 speed is so much less of a pain to work on than these new 9 speeds 😬

[@npolite22]

10 speed Honda transmissions are easy to change fluid on.

[@fortunatedad7695]

@npolite22 to do it properly it's a pain.

[@npolite22]

@@fortunatedad7695 on a 10 speed? Nah there are videos on how to do it. It is easier as it has a check plug that you let the fluid out until it stops.

[@fortunatedad7695]

@npolite22 not to mention the cost of the fluid. Where I'm at its $50 CAD a bottle. For mine is $15

[@haroldflugleman4364]

did you use a new drain plug or just reuse the old one? what was that green washer

[@fer8888888]

Reused the old one and it is not leaking

[@Williamchang23]

How did you fill it? Was it from the top of the engine using a funnel and tube going into the fill plug?

[@fer8888888]

Correct

[@Williamchang23]

@@fer8888888 thanks for the reply. Did you fill until the oil was slightly above the fill bolt and spilling out which was a total of about 3 1/2quarts? Also which front wheel did you remove was it the passenger side? Thank you

[@fer8888888]

@@Williamchang23 I measured what came out, then filled that much through the top plug. Drove around the block hitting 40mph then brought it in and checked the level with the side plug. Since some was coming out I left the level as is since I put in the amount that came out. I took the driver side wheel off to get to the plug.

[@Williamchang23]

@@fer8888888 Great thank you for the detail reply. Now I understand, there are a total of 3 plugs? 1. drain plug 2. side plug 3. top fill plug - Refill with the same amount you initially drained and add a little more right?

[@jalvarez84]

Was this a transmission flush or just partial drain?

[@fer8888888]

Drain and fill

[@NasSolo]

It's great thanks 👏👏👏👏👏

[@kal9906]

Great diy vid... thanks Eddie P

[@kal9906]

Thinkdiag works great also for atf temp. Seems the factory procedure is way too over the top... draining and replacing exactly the same amount +/- 150ml at pretty much the same temperature.

[@MikeTrullAmsoildealer]

Very very good and useful information! Especially how Jeep fills the same transmission to a higher level. Going to be doing the procedure on a 2018 Honda Odyssey with the 9-speed ZF trans. Do you know of anyone making a magnetic drain plug for this transmission?

[@fer8888888]

Have not looked into it.

[@MikeTrullAmsoildealer]

@@fer8888888 I filled out the custom magnetic plug request form on goldplug.com website but never heard back.

[@stevewolf2620]

@@MikeTrullAmsoildealer Autozone has them, and they use a crush washer.

[@MikeTrullAmsoildealer]

@@stevewolf2620 good to know! Thank you

[@Dangbo3030]

I just purchased a 2016 Acura MDX. No record of the transmission fluid being changed so I normally do the drain and fill, until I asked the parts guy for the fluid price. Well, after he told me $40 per quart, but they could do it for $160, I told him to go ahead and do it. After the change, I looked at the receipt and it said 5 quarts of Mach 2 fluid? I asked the service manager about it and she said that it was an additive!? 5 quarts?

[@richardclark4610]

Everyone's referring to QUARTS...fact is, those $33 bottles of 3.1 ATF are one LITER bottles....just over one quart by a couple of ounces. Also note the large letters on the bottles that say"SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING". I have a 2018 Acura MDX with the ZF trans. I'm going to drain it, then add 3 liters plus 500 ml and call it a day. I've got just over 48,600 miles but going on a couple thousand mile trip so picked up the ATF today and will change before leaving. "What could possibly go wrong"? haha

[@mktbully]

Dear Acura/Honda, can you please bring back a flippin dipstick for the transmission so we don't have to go to your over priced craptastic dealers who does a piss poor job in servicing the vehicle with next to zero customer service? Thanks. Thanks for the video Eddie. Looks like a huge pain in the booty.

[@alexandrakarabatsos8591]

The dealer charged $400 for the fluid exchange. The transmission now shifts harder - I suspect they under-filled it and I doubt they followed the elaborate procedure called for in the service manual. I got ripped off.

[@shawnjennings3781]

Just drain from the bottom and refill the ZF AT from top with Honda ATF 3.1 with 3.6 us quartz and done.......

[@pavlins123]

Hi. Thanks for the excellent video! Is there any particular reason to change the oil after only less than 26K miles ?

[@fer8888888]

I got many emails and comments from KZbin watchers requesting the video. Otherwise with drain and fill methods I would do it every 30k miles because it only changes part of the fluid in the trans.

[@ahidalgo4]

I guess mine is going to break. I have 45k miles on the original ATF in my 17 MDX.

[@arieltejada703]

Yes only the oil change No something out

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Seriously?? Damn. Way to much info. Ty though. Holly shit I got a headache

[@frankish5314]

I just bought a 2021 Honda Passport and I have absolutely NO INTENTION of letting the Stealership anywhere near my car unless its for warranty work. Yup I will be changing (which is only partial dilution) my own fluid at 40k miles or so..

[@fer8888888]

That's definitely the key with partial dilution fluid changes, need to do them more often.

[@frankish5314]

@@fer8888888 would you recommend 40k miles?

[@fer8888888]

@@frankish5314 I tend to be over kill with maintenance but I usually change all fluids at 30k.

[@frankish5314]

@@fer8888888 thankyou. Some smart guy came up with a way to fully change out the fluid on our Chevvy Cruze by pulling off the tranmission cooler return line and then filling as it pumped out.. Worked great but I'm not sure there is way to tap into the ZF tranny that way... It would be nice to do a full fluid change that way though,

[@fer8888888]

@@frankish5314 Keep this in mind with that method. Usually the return oil from the cooler is used for the lubrication & cooling circuit of the trans. So bearings and anything else the trans designers wanted cooled will be starved. Torque converters usually don't lock up (no oil flow through) till higher gears, so it should still push some old fluid out when in park. That's why a shop with a T-tech is the safest method in my opinion.