ACURA HONDA ATF 9SPEED ZF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL CHECK, TOP OFF.

THIS VIDEO WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO TOP OFF 2016-2018 ACURA MDX, 16-18 HONDA PILOT ATF 3.1 9SPEED ZF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL.
Disclaimer:
Warnings And Caution!!!!
If you follow the procedures, techniques and methods shown in this video, be aware that you follow them at your own risk.
Under no circumstances will the author(s) and/or publisher(s) of / melniksmotors (melniks automotive) be held liable for any injuries or damages, direct or consequential, incurred by any person who attempts to follow the examples shown herein.
Disclaimer:
Warnings And Caution!!!!
If you follow the procedures, techniques and methods shown in this video, be aware that you follow them at your own risk.
Under no circumstances will the author(s) and/or publisher(s) of / melniksmotors (melniks automotive) be held liable for any injuries or damages, direct or consequential, incurred by any person who attempts to follow the examples shown herein.

[@perrysun9474]

Thank you for the video. Just would like to remind everyone, only cycle from 1 to 4 gear according to manual, do not cycle to 5 and higher gear or may damage the transmission.

[@timetryp422]

How do you do that?

[@joneskey3950]

Thank you for the video. Just wanted to add that the fluid adjustment temperature can only be accurately measured between 104-113F of ATF oil temp. Not engine coolant/engine oil temps in case people get confused. Unlike engine oil, transmission fluid expands as it heats up. So if you have no way of telling how warm the ATF oil temp is, don't try it at home unless you have a scanner which can access the ATF oil temps. If you check the level at 120F and plug everything up thinking everything is great, reality is you have an under-filled transmission. Vice versa if you check the level at 98F and plug everything up, you will have an over-filled transmission. The new German ZF transmissions on the newer Acura/Honda/Range Rover/ChryslerJEEP are extremely sensitive when it comes to correct fluid level.

[@petar443]

Priceless information.Is this relevant to older 4,5 Speed automatics(kia)

[@johnsteele8073]

Why can't you just drain it and fill it and measure exactly how much comes out and put exactly the same amount back in?

[@billd3692]

John Steele - I just did a drain and fill. I performed this with the car and engine at room temp and got exactly 3.5 quarts out of the drain pan on my 2015 Acura TLX. I then put 3.5 quarts of new fluid in and my tranny shifted perfectly. BTW the fluid that came out was completely black (my car had 64,000 miles on it.) I plan to do the same procedure in the very near future so I can get more of the old fluid out.

[@squidusn71]

@wrxassa I think I will do that with my 2017 Pilot 9 speed. No need to run the engine, read the atf temp, and unscrewing the check plug...seems to be a simple DIY instead of paying the dealership 300-500 bucks.

[@efjiongco]

Bill D is yours the 9-speed transmission?

[@Bluewater-42]

Thank you for uploading this video. My 2018 Odyssey is at 50K and it's calling out for changing ATF....Again, Thank You So Much for this thoroughly video!

[@douglascorona3942]

How do you have a 9 speed CVT transmission? Lol

[@oclaothug69]

LoL 🤣

[@666dynomax]

9speed cvt wtf

[@RadhakrishnanMudliar]

ZF 9HP torque converter

[@Trail-of-dead]

That’s when I stopped watching

[@bobbobkins744]

I was just gonna comment that lol

[@timvu3095]

A nice video with step by step process explained but it could be better. He mentioned a couple things that were incorrect: this is not a 9sp CVT, it is a ZF 9sp AT and the AT plugs are not 5 points, they are hex plugs, so you will need hex bits to open them. Once the AT fluid is warmed up, he should shut off the engine, I am not sure why he had the engine running while check the ATF and fill it up. It is dangerous to keep the engine running while he is trying to fill up the AT with new fluid. In addition, as he added the new fluid, it would be at a lower ambient temperature than 104F so his level check is wrong. He should fill it up as he did and put the check plug back in after he sees the new liquid starts to flow out. He should run the AT warm up procedure and remove the check plug again, as the fluid will likely expand after the warm up procedure.

[@rustler08]

This is partially incorrect information. You need to have the engine running to perform the engine check, otherwise the transmission will not be cycling fluid and there will be more in the pan, which will all dump out.

[@Pendlm]

If it's important to be between 104 to 113F, should the NEW fluid going into the transmission be warmed to this temperature first? If you are doing a drain/refill, it would seem the temperature of the new fluid would be as important as the old fluid?

[@johnsteele8073]

"9 speed CVT?

[@ryumerk9939]

Yea that was my exact wonder as well.

[@mguerramd]

I bought a 3/8" drive 24" extension for this and it is super handy and worth buying!

[@mynsxt6]

Great video with very clear fill plug location, I saw other videos where they filled using the fluid check port, I feel this is better and easier, I will doing my wife's with DWF Honda/Acura fluid next weekend. Thanks again!!!!!

[@philkelley7200]

Works on my 2022 Passport . Same set up. Great video.

[@dmitrim3289]

Thanks for the video. If it has 9 gears, it is not CVT transmission, you probably misspoke

[@dzungle3193]

Can you list all the tools for this job. Thanks!

[@chhiringsherpa2043]

Where is the transmission filter located and how you replaced?

[@Rama_248]

You think a 2016 Acura tlx with 111,000 miles for 16,000 is worth buying?

[@mooglemy3813]

So good Info and video. I would just drive the vehicle until it reaches operating temp and the transmission is warmed up the temperature you mentioned. Edited: read comments and explanation regarding fluid temp. An infrared would probably read the temp ok but if its accuracy is say + - 5% and transmission fluid is that temperature sensitive, then it would be easy to not fill it correctly or top it up as in your vid. I'm not a fan of the ZF TRANNY that Honda bought off the shelf so to speak. The 2018 Odyssey was to get the 9 or 20 speed transmission and that is assembled in GA. As this is prior to the 2018 Odyssey introduction. I decided to review it. Wonder what makes the ZF ATF so pricey and what its properties are concerning the 9 speed transmission. Obviously it's a very specialized type of ATF.

[@michaela9764]

Thanks for the video. I know you said you used a scan tool and also an infared temp gun to check the oil temp. I planned to buy a temp gun but I’m not sure where you pointed it at. Did you point it at the transmission itself or remove the fill/side plug to point at the oil? Thanks in advance.

[@rftinc]

Hey George, still have the mdx? If so any major issues? Not a lot of info on these 2016’s...but there are a lot of negative threads about the transmission, just trying to see how well yours held up over time.

[@fernandobreton113]

Simply Excelent explanation.

[@GPMAX01]

George great video. This isn't difficult at all. The question i have is that when you begin in VSA Maintenance mode you mention running the transmission through gears one through four. Does the VSA maintenance mode allow you to do this by the paddels simply going 1-2-3-4 with 10 seconds between each gear change -without applying throttle (spinning the wheels in gears one through four) will it allow you to cycle through the first four gears without running the truck on the lift?

[@DaWorldSoSmall]

My 2016 MDX Advance makes that same light ticking sound while engine's running, I supposed it's normal? I'll probably do this fluid job myself, great instruction and visuals!

[@1984serega]

What is your MDX mileage? It could be the engine timebelt ticking.

[@kevinle8908]

Hi! So if you completely change ATF, do you still need to check level of fluid (using level plug)? Can you just measure the total fluid level you drain out and refill with the same amount? Would it eliminate unnecessary step?

[@ahidalgo4]

You hit it right on the head. I don't see why you have to go through all that trouble of maintenance mode and transmission Temp when you can just replace exactly what was drained.

[@timetryp422]

@@ahidalgo4 Seems feasible.

[@TheFly6235]

What is the hose to the right of the fill plug on the transmission?

[@NguyenBon504]

While u pour transmission oil in leaving the car running?

[@losaiho]

Is 2018 Odyssey have similar drain, fill and check plugs?

[@henrypacheco9048]

What do you think about that transmission? I find the one in my TLX to be a bit clunky especially when the car hasn’t been driven for hours

[@RoughRidersTV]

Great job on the video. How are you measuring the transmission fluid temp though?

[@melniksmotors]

I use a scan tool to check trans temp and I also use infrared temperature gun

[@Marin97]

U can use temp gun from any part store. It won't be accurate but the purpose for it to warm tranny fluid is get it easier to flow. Same thing applies to to Engine oil.

[@squidusn71]

@@melniksmotors any info on the scan tool you used?

[@billd3692]

George - If you do a drain and fill about how many qts come out of the drain pan on the 9 speed transmission?

[@wisb_1658]

A 9 speed OR automatic cannot be a CVT. It’s either an Automatic, Manual or a CVT. And 9 speed will automatically make it an automatic.

[@eladiomontes8022]

How much is the cost for this maintenance for the transmission fluid drain an fill? I hate getting overcharged for unnecessary things I called AAMCO transmission company an they told me over the phone it may come out to 200 ?!?!!

[@melniksmotors]

I believe they are under quoting you. This is 9 speed ZF taransmission. It needs ATF TYPE 3.1 4qts $198 drain bolt and washer $27 labor plus tax aprox $165. You should be between $400 to $500 range. Depends in which area you live.

[@raydarnguen]

Hey could you help me out with the part # on the fluid thanks

[@chhiringsherpa2043]

Guys use vavoline max life full synthetic atf better than dealership oil . Try it out

[@TheAndrew19942001]

If you can’t get side plug loose - don’t worry about it. The important plugs are the fill and drain- make sure fill plug loosens- then drain out old fluid- the temperature is not really important- just try to have vehicle warmed up so you can get the most out- simply measure how much drained out- in my case it was 3 quarts and a little over 2 cups - so I refilled with 3 qts and 3 cups of valvoline max life atf - and I’m on my way . Putting the vehicle into service mode and measuring temperature is just extra

[@benjaminmarsch4278]

How did it shift with the max life??? How many miles have you put on the car since the change??

[@timetryp422]

What does "service mode" accomplish?

[@TheAndrew19942001]

Same as it did with the factory stuff. At almost 80k miles now and getting ready to change this fluid out again. My side plug is in so tight I couldn’t get it out.

[@TeslaDo]

Hello George, Thanks for great vid, I would like to ask that how much is the capacity of oil while drain&fill servicing. I am an owner of CR-V (europe) with zf9hp48. From Oil Selector Oil Company selector mentions 3.3Litres Service Fill and 6Litres for Dry Fill. I think ZF Life Guard 9 is the recommended type Other than Honda's 3.1.

[@TeslaDo]

@george Melnik Should I replace the oil filter for standard servicing also ?

[@Tribilante]

Excellent

[@argishtigroup4490]

2017 Chrysler Pacifica - 9 Speed Automatic . There no information about what type of transmission fluid you have to use and how to check the transmission fluid level

[@joeaverager]

Call the Chrysler parts (not the service) department. Ask for info on the fluid and quantity specified.

[@momovillen1934]

I have a 2018 acura mdx hybrid is the procedure is the same?

[@lenarama1066]

Hybrid uses a 7 speed DCT transmission. Whole different animal.

[@RadhakrishnanMudliar]

Its ZF 9HP torque converter

[@hondadiagnosticcenter6020]

Hi i need repair shop manual accord 2015

[@stirtonpttrsn4]

Thks for the info

[@nhubui5452]

May I ask . So how many quarts for the whole transmission?

[@nathanielarnatt83]

Nhu Bui this is from Acura service guide for the 9-speed ZF: Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity: 3.3 L (3.5 US qt) at change 6.3-6.7 L (6.7-7.1 US qt) at overhaul 7.1-7.5 L (7.5-7.9 US qt) at overhaul for AWD

[@brandonxu1262]

9 speed cvt?

[@owensautocare]

thank you

[@AliMohammed-wq7hb]

I think the transmission is zf9hp with 9 speed not cvt

[@NguyenBon504]

Can i use Genuine Acura ATF-DW-1 transmission fluid for my Acura MDX 2017? I was purchased it on Ebay!

[@rontan8954]

NO! you should not. ATF-DW1 is for 6 speed transmission. I think 2017 MDX has moved to 9 speed, which is button type, should use ATF-Type 3.1 only. They are very expensive, something like $30 per bottle.

[@jili6148]

the driver side front rotor has been completely rusted. It needs to be replaced.

[@momovillen1934]

can you do a video on 2017 acura mdx transmission fluid ?Thanks

[@momovillen1934]

what the fuuck you laughing at..? moron

[@kens7420]

He laughing at you boi! Read your manual and go back to this vid ROFL

[@zachf355]

9 speed cvt 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ttch2911]

A big reminder. Check the fluid level when the engine is RUNNING! I made the mistake of checking the level when the engine is off and lost almost a quart of fluid :(

[@user-gn6ot3tj9k]

you've gotta kidding me, man

[@timetryp422]

Good point!

[@jaxsonhugh9334]

CVT???? I think you need to check your information buddy…..

[@LamoidZombieDog]

Lmao $50 a quart Bro you got scammed I paid like $50 for enough fluid to do the transmission

[@freddymejia1100]

I bought a brand new 2017 Honda Pilot with 9 speed automatic trans. I jus reached 30k miles and I went to the dealer to buy the trans fluid and they told me that my fluid is lifetime (👀) they mention if I try to change the fluid might need to reprogram the trans. Has anyone had an issue doing the trans service? I’ll appreciate any input.

[@joeaverager]

I think they are giving you a load of horse manure. Call a different dealer. Or go on one of the Honda forums. There is the Piloteer forum and the HondaSUV forum. Also the Honda-Tech and Passport Forum. Probably others. Also - look around your town for an independent import mechanic. They might be more trustworthy than the dealer. The thing with "lifetime" fluids is that eventually all fluids need to be changed. Yep, they will last the lifetime of the transmission but the lifetime of the transmission might be much shorter b/c the fluid didn't get changed. Never heard of a transmission needing to be reprogrammed b/c of a fluid refill in my 40 years of working on cars and owning about ten different Hondas.

[@CarImprovement44]

It can't be a 9 speed transmission and a cvt transmission at the same time dingus

[@ОлександрДанкін]

Добрьій день. На русском/украинском можно спросить?

[@melniksmotors]

Sure what would you like to ask?

[@ОлександрДанкін]

@@melniksmotors Авто после аварии. После частичной заменьі масла (спасибо за видео) машина не переключается в нейтраль. Отпускаю педаль тормоза на N и она переходит в мигание P. Нет также датчика абс переднего левого колеса. Возможно єто причина?

[@ОлександрДанкін]

Разобрался. Не бьіл пристегнут ремень безопасности :)

[@shitstain90210]

NOT CVT.

[@scdevon]

He mistakenly called it a CVT, but other than that, this info is RIGHT ON for a 9 speed ZF fluid drain and fill.

[@timetryp422]

Too difficult for the DIY driveway mechanic.

[@scdevon]

What's so hard about it? This drain and fill is way easier than an old pan and filter service on a domestic car. Just use the Honda fluid only and be particular about replacing it with the exact amount and double check with the fluid level plug with the engine running on a level surface. Literally 3 plugs to deal with and a funnel.

[@Therealestrunnerluda]

For an idiot maybe

[@timetryp422]

@@Therealestrunnerluda The don't try it.

[@timetryp422]

@@scdevon Jacking the car up and leveling it can be a hassle.

[@disorderlymovement]

@@timetryp422 Not if you park it on top of your ex-wives, it is not. Learned this trick late in life.