Acura TL Automatic Transmission Fluid Change with Basic Hand Tools

[@twol78s90]

As many have said, I wish to thank you for so clearly and succinctly you went through the step-by-step process for performing this operation. You do a great service through your channel, and it is truly appreciated.

[@fusionconroe]

This video was *insanely* helpful! Thank you so so so much. I used DW-1 fluid in mine, and I'm spacing the 3x3 method out over 3 months or so, then yearly after that. Thanks again, the visuals are clear and awesome.

[@CarsNToys]

Alex Taylor Glad to help man

[@JEFF2010SSRS]

What is the 3x3 method ? Thankyou

[@fusionconroe]

You drain and refill the transmission three separate times.

[@Aarons14bugs]

Great video! I would suggest loosening up the fill bolt before draining out fluid from the bottom one. This would give you the best chances of successfully completing your transmission fluid change. Especially advised for those of single car housholds or those with no friends. Jk

[@timothyball3144]

This is a good idea for anything. Make sure that you can fill it before draining it.

[@hansyisthebomb]

Yeah that and it'll facilitate the drainage

[@xoshavonn]

Thank you for this very detailed and helpful video! I was gonna do a transmissions oil change at the shop but it’ll save me more money now that I can do it myself.

[@CarsNToys]

You're welcome!

[@xwolcliff10x]

Hey did you have any issues long term from doing this?

[@jcaurelius774]

Great video man You’re better than the techs at the Acura dealership

[@deekay2]

Your video should mention that this procedure is only changing out approximately 1/3 of the total transmission fluid. However, I would rather do this more often than change out the entire fluid which takes a lot more work.

[@CarsNToys]

deekay2 Yeah unless you open up the tranny this is the way to do it. Cheers.

[@heyitschinoable]

Hows that possible that only 1/3 drains out? Is that on manyw transmissions as well i thought popping the drain bolt will literally drain out w everything ??

[@mqeqeshe1]

Total capacity is 7.4 quarts according to Acura. A lot of fluid is contained inside the torque converter, cooling lines, and various lines/passageways within the transmission. Changing the fluid this way will replace about 40% of the fluid. The best way to change out most of the fluid is to do this same procedure 3 times in a row with a little bit of driving in between. This changes out almost 80% of the old fluid. A 4th change only gets you another 8% so most folks will just do 3x.

[@hansyisthebomb]

@@mqeqeshe1 This comment was very helpful, thanks. Was wondering what the 3x3 was

[@darkrawr100]

I plan to get a pre-owned 2007 Acura TL with an automatic transmission. I was very skeptical at buying it for a couple weeks now because I've read some forums and heard that it has frequent transmission problems, but when watching this video I realized if I were to buy the car I would have to check how frequently they changed the transmission fluid like you did here. Oddly, thanks for giving me more hope into an Acura TL possibly, any other insight from TL owners is much appreciated!

[@CarsNToys]

+darkrawr100 Glad to help. The previous generation TL certainly had transmission issues. I wouldn't say as much with this generation (this was an '04 model) but axles are a weak point.

[@romeezee6426]

CarsNToys I agree! One of the issues I've experienced with my TL is the axles.

[@paulbrown3302]

Agreed majorly. People claim the 04-06 has “MAJOR” transmission problems yet mine drives like it’s brand new. I found a 2 owner 140k mile car that has every service recorded at the Acura dealer and the seller owned 4 TLs at one time, found an 07 at a random lot that supposedly has the better parts and it needed $5k in repairs 😂 a lot of people tend to stick to the Honda branding behind Acura and don’t do a single maintenance check ever leading to the load of used and bricked ones at used car lots.

[@MarkCarlson-gy2ld]

06 not o7

[@ecosystems]

Honda stopped making the ATF-Z1 oil. It has been replaced with ATF-DW1.due to additive superiority for Honda/Acura transmissions. Also, check out the opinion of others before using non Honda/Acura oil. I found buying the oil at the dealer is cheaper ($8.65/qt) than buying online and paying freight.

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks for your input, Les. That's good info. Cheers.

[@helix3304]

I lost it at "attached this maggot" @ 2:19 LOL

[@deekay2]

I have to thank the Acura engineers who didn't simply put the ATF fill plug 1/4" over toward the center of the car and who left BARELY enough room (not enough for BIG hands/arms) for your hand/arm to reach down and thread it back in.

[@MR.F30]

I agree! It's another selfish move to force you to fork over money to have a certified mechanic to do the work.

[@lilblingking1491]

I’ve always just put it through the dipstick hole haha

[@dmileshc8751]

I did too it just takes a small 1/4 inch funnel and then a larger funnel to pour into the small one. Lots easier to pour into the dipstick tube than trying to get to that fill bolt.

[@FabulosoSpray]

I agree 100%. Mashed many knuckles on the shield trying to put it back in without stripped the bolt.

[@N0KlanD0]

Clear simple instructions. Great job. Trans shifting smoothly. I was told by the Honda dealer that it is not ideal to flush a trans if you have not regularly changed the fluid. It's better to just drain it.

[@CarsNToys]

+JohnnoTX Yea, that's what the owner's manual recommends as well.

[@johngregreid1]

JohnnoTX You never want to flush any transmission or cooling system. GM has an internal document telling dealers to avoid flushing as it can cause damage. The dealers love flushing because it is easier and makes them more money.

[@thJune]

@hier23b pushing fluid and conditioner under high pressure. This usually unlodges a bunch of nasty shite and clogs filters

[@UA7_F80]

Technically only 1/3 of the transmission fluid gets drain every time you loose the blue bolt? Then you just do this two more times to complete the 3x3? Thanks!

[@whatzupdudes7]

Thanks man gonna do this to try fix my transmission problem. It jolts when switching from 1st gear to 2nd gear

[@christophstevenson7580]

I know this is 6 years later but mine does the same and I have an 07' TL

[@richiealvarado325]

Try replacing the pressure switches

[@danrook5757]

@@christophstevenson7580 : 08 here, same exact problem

[@CWfist]

This is great video, I just got a 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON A3" message on my dashboard, Thank you for posting

[@zackbuskey2824]

as some people have stated doing this procedure only replaces part of the transmission fluid. I did this this morning on my 05 tl and got exactly 3 quarts out of the trans. Honda service information states that the fluid capacity when overhauling the trans is 7 quarts. there is still 4 quarts of ATF left inside the torque converter, clutch packs, and ATF cooler which is why Honda recommends doing a drain and refill 3 times with drive cycles inbetween to ensure all the old fluid is circulated throughout and replaced with new fluid.

[@mihailmilanov456]

What kind of cycle we are talking about?

[@noventay4]

What clutch pack? This is an uto not manual or DSG

[@DavidLee-hl6it]

Don't forget that it's a cold check on these, thanks for the video

[@navi_el]

bout to change mines now saved my time and money

[@omarmorales496]

Navi El fr bro I just saved 60$

[@dnlmachine4287]

A round gear lube bottle with the end of the pointy tip snipped off will fit into the dipstick tube and act as a funnel. Stay gold.

[@haic83]

Remarkable camera work, in 2013 no less :D

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you

[@DTUFINOPhotography]

My wife took my 2006 Acura TL to Jiffy Lube and was conned into "flushing" the transmission. i have no idea what they put in there and why she she agreed But, its done, the car was driven about 15/20 miles thus far, I'm taking it to Acura on Friday for a proper transmission fluid change (peace of mind), but i have to run a few errands to run before friday (nothing major maybe about 50 miles or so. Will it be fine or do i risk causing major damage to the transmission?

[@caseytbss]

Great freaking video my man!!!! Watch in 1.5 speed to save a few minutes😉

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Glad to help

[@thatcherridings8388]

Try 2x

[@carlyletom301]

It might be best to get access to the filler hole bolt 1st, and crack it loose. Then the drain plug.

[@MrBluoct]

Carlyle Tom 🤘

[@rafaelhuicochea2286]

Thank you for the video. Very helpful. but how about the filter? Shouldn't it be changed too?

[@donjohnson3701]

Yeah I wondered about a filter too. I found a couple of good KZbin vids on the filter changeout. it looks easy. I just ordered the parts (around $30} from Myacuraparts.com they’re a dealer. You’ll need the filter, o ring, filter grommet, and two banjo washers ( 5 parts total). Good luck!

[@sa1nt_john.v1]

KZbin's saved me so much money. I'm at big o tires in Mesa az and they want $265 to do what he just showed us...

[@speedtime2834]

That's what I always liked about Hondas and Acuras they were easy to work on I did my 03 TL AND THEY DON'T USE A TRANSMISSION FILTER HOW COOL IS THAT

[@CarsNToys]

speedtime I agree

[@lekeishab.9265]

before you changed your transmission fluid did your malfunction indicator light come on?

[@CarsNToys]

Lekeisha Britten It did not.

[@anthonymerc220]

Would you ever do Transmission Filter change video for Acura TL?

[@wolleyreikivalley]

just used this video as reference thank you

[@th3_wolfman]

What happen if you never change the transmission and then you want to change it yourself that would damage to transm

[@FSRuziel]

on this acura TL model, the transmission is pretty weak and prone to fail if not maintained. check the fluid via the dipstick and if its really dirty and has metal particles, dont replace it because you might ruin the transmission. i do my fluid change for the transmission every 30k-35k. if you have already gone over 100k with out changing it, i wouldnt do it.

[@egcuatlo1274]

this video was really helpful for me thank you

[@CiscoDA9RS]

My TL has 207xxx! I have owned the car since it had 110xxx. I have never changed the transmission fluid. I’m scared that if I drain and fill it would end up slipping. What’s your opinion?

[@CarsNToys]

I tend to replace the fluid if the manufacturer recommends on doing so.

[@gaboaaa23]

you think its a problem if 30-50ml less is filled in? Because i messured the oil ive drained out. It was 1,9L (Accord 2.0 manual transmission). After that ive messured the new oil that ive filled in. But from in the Honda MTF3 Bottle remained 150ml. So it means either the MTF3 bottle markings arent correct or the messur bottle ive used wanst correctly marked.

[@zipzay2037]

I wanted to see your fluid to see if mine was bad or not

[@hansyisthebomb]

If it's super dark and/or smells burnt it's bad.

[@frankie11209]

Great video and a reminder I have to change the ATF fluid as well

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks Omer. Cheers

[@mrdave777]

He’s using Transmax. I’ve also had tremendous luck with Maxlife. Do you have to use Honda? Just give it a good whacking!!!!

[@ericksandoval5201]

Hi I have 2005 Acura TL manual and I don't know how to change the transmission fluid....!!! Do u have any ideas ...!!

[@strawberryw.3950]

Good video. Just make sure and always use factory acura transmission fluid though.

[@shantor100]

I was told to make sure you can get that fill bolt off first before draining it

[@JEFF2010SSRS]

Thankyou. I am going to do this to My 2007 Acura TL Type-S soon. Do you think buying the Royal Purple Is worth the Extra $$$ ???

[@CarsNToys]

JEFFREY G DELABRE Personally, I don't use Royal Purple but I understand it's great stuff.

[@henrypagan6657]

Hi thank you the auto parts did 5 to 7 qts I have a 2003 TL Acura.

[@ImLiterally.Him.]

Should u change the fluid after a small gear grind and cv axle replacement?

[@gisellediaz3]

So if I do the 3x3 method how far away Should the changes be from each other ?

[@bassbone52]

Make sure you can remove the fill plug before draining.

[@CarsNToys]

bassbone52 Good tip!

[@paulk.8537]

Great Videos - Explanations & Camera Work ! Please make a video about how to replace the 5AT FILTER on an 04 Acura TL.

[@ryan-uf6ph]

any reason why the second time I drained the transmission fluid less fluid came out than the first drain? Also, I've only refilled 3 quarts after each of the two drains and the fluid level is still above both holes on the dipstick, any recommendations?

[@sl7544]

One of best video I've seen. Clear and concise. But how did you move the fuse box?

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks, Joseph. No need to remove the fuse box if you have a long enough ratchet extension.

[@hmoobdc5]

How long did it take your car to turn on the radiator fan. I change my tran fuild and start it up but fan is not turning on.

[@georgele872]

thank you very informative video...excellent

[@JRaul1111]

Thanks a lot for your help!!!, you just saved me 100 bucks. You are the best.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help, JRaul. cheers

[@christopherlee1695]

I had my transmission fluid changed on my '07 TL and now the level is a inch above the top dot at operating temp. Is this okay?

[@pickerick1]

I saw a video where and acura guy said not to overfill and it should be checked with the engine off and cool... he said not to check it hot and running like alot of cars recommend 👌

[@pickerick1]

Ps I have a 04 tl

[@carelessjay4965]

And how do u know when it’s time to change the oil?

[@3disonmjc197]

If it's pink your Transmission Liquid is good.. it's balck... take to a mechanic. If it's between remplace it. I'm doing it tomorrow.

[@raghureddy8085]

How often do you change transmission filter?

[@mad8455]

CarsNToys All your videos are really helpful, thank you. I just have a question - I tried many ways to open the fill bolt, but too tight. Can I use the dipstick hole to pour the ATF?

[@CarsNToys]

shravan madireddi Try placing a socket with a small extension over the end of the ratchet. I do a demonstration in this strut removal video. Fast forward to 5:10 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIvanaeMZ517iq8

[@mad8455]

CarsNToys Thanks man, will try it soon.

[@Flyinblyian]

+shravan madireddi you definitely can refill via the dipstick hole.......just takes some time and a very small ended funnel. Try spraying some thread buster on the top fill bolt and let it sit for a while. I use an 18" breaker bar to open the fill bolt....still takes some elbow grease to break it lose even though I do this service every few oil changes. Good luck!

[@mad8455]

+CarsNToys Wow, that did work like a charm. I actually used the lug nut bar as an extension, and boom it goes..thank you very much

[@mad8455]

+Flyinblyian Finally opened it as CarsnToys suggested. I did thought about using a thread buster, but didn't feel comfortable using other liquids around the transmission fluid entry. Actually I read somewhere that the transmission fluid itself is a good penetrator, so I did pour few ml around the bolt before trying to open. My final thought on this is, I will use a 1/2 inch ratchet (with longer handle) instead of 3/8-inch ratchet next time. This should make things lot easier. Thank you for helping this rookie!!

[@israelreynoso2263]

Does this have the transmission filter?

[@sa1nt_john.v1]

Thank you for this video.

[@wolfpredduenas5152]

What wrench did you use? Im trying with mine and the 17mm doesn’t wana come loose?

[@samk1227]

What about the filter on an 07 Acura TL does that need to be changed too?

[@oldbmw89]

This is very helpful, thank you!

[@CarsNToys]

+Duong Truong Welcome

[@jackhere4594]

so doin this 3 times would mean u need 9 quarts. can this apply to most any other vehicle even 4 wheel drive trucks?

[@Shibadaddy420]

Was the car kept on the whole time??

[@lordpajngaming]

no 😂

[@thepiecesfit5049]

If 3.7 quarts came out during the drain did the Acura dealership overfill it? The service manual says 3.2 quarts for automatic. I put 3.5 🤷

[@brandonpersaud7440]

I have a 2004 acura tl that I bought with about 130,000 km. I was just wondering at what interval of kilometers should I change my transmission fluid? It's currently in the ballpark of 146,000 km

[@CarsNToys]

+Brandon Persaud Best bet is to look at the owners' manual. I don't have one on hand but you'll find recommended intervals listed.

[@benjizyjimenez2766]

What type front bumper you have ? Year ?

[@GH05TRYDER]

Question: I hear about a transmission "conditioner" some service shops add to the fluid. By general rule you're NEVER to add any other fluid besides recommended DW-1. Does this additive do more harm than good in the log-run?

[@CarsNToys]

Couldn't tell you for sure. I just use what the manufacturer recommends.

[@georgeespinoza6710]

Can I do this the same way for an 02 tl ? Like to fill it up again is the screw in the same spot?

[@adrianreyes2318]

What about the transmission oil filter?? you have a vid on that??

[@abdulazizhakami7867]

I wanna ask you something about the seat belt and airbag light , after i rock underneath the Vehicle . the seat belt stop working and the airbag light came on.

[@6824096]

How do you like the castrol import fluid? I use redline d4 and love it.

[@CarsNToys]

No complaints. Redline is excellent as well.

[@JEFF2010SSRS]

That's what I was wondering ??? Redline or Royal Purple ??? Please Help & Thanks :)))

[@jonsjunkmailonly]

Besides "cuz they can" does anyone know why oil places charge $150 for this service?

[@kmkcorner]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@TN-bm6dh]

Can I put the new oil through dipstick hole?

[@CarsNToys]

Yes

[@207HappyToBeHere]

Thank you very much, your air filter video, and transmission fluid video are excellent 🤘😄

[@edwardrex6458]

Is this changing all the fluid, or just a %?

[@itsnoteasy3520]

Thanks brother your video help me a lot god bless you

[@edgardsabino14]

Could you tell me every few miles or kilometers should I change the transmission fluid to an acura tl 2005?

[@jxncel]

Edgard Israel Sabino Madrigal every 30,000/60,000 miles u should , or check in what color ur fluid is , If is red is perfect, orange is ok, brown needs replacement , black service due asap.

[@techboss6288]

Great video but ONLY USE OEM HONDA TRANSMISSION FLUID

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Appreciate the feedback.

[@corruptjupiter4034]

thank you very much for the video

[@frodobagggyballs2116]

Shouldn't you do a transmission flush since its that dirty? Or is a regular transmission fluid change be sufficient enough

[@CarsNToys]

+Frodo Bagggyballs The manual doesn't specifically state you should, however, many owners flush the fluid. Cheers

[@davidrodriguez5280]

Will this work for my 08 TL Type-S?

[@JohnDoe-uk7jy]

David Rodriguez same for 04-08 acura tl

[@tinor.9252]

thanks for the video man. how about the sparkplugs? I see 3 on the front. where are the other 3?

[@miggyv6856]

Tino R. In the back 👀

[@zipzay2037]

What it’s always opposite of the front

[@TheDeviousDave]

Wait, to put the fluid back in, I didn't have to reach for the bolt down there, the funnel I have is thin enough to reach inside the hole where the dipstick is. Does it matter where I insert fluid?

[@E_ina_G]

I would just do it the right way lol

[@dinocencio53]

What about changing the in-line trans. filter. It does have one...

[@leeham5783]

Very good thanks for sharing this video

[@ace4348]

Hey man my 05 TL (3.2 L) is super low to the ground with a body kit and whatnot (Bought the car that way, not my doing.lol) so to service the transmission I have to jack the front end up. I have a completely flat level garage floor (No incline or angle at all) that being said, Can I just jack the front up to drain the old transmission fluid? Or will that cause it to not drain 100%??

[@CarsNToys]

You'll be able to drain most of the fluid. On vehicles like yours I would jack up the vehicle, drain the fluid, lower the vehicle back down to get all of the fluid out - jack back up and reinstall the drain plug.

[@ace4348]

@@CarsNToys That is precisely what I ended up doing. Haha thank you very much for your response and help though!.

[@MrJuansWorld]

Dumb question. How generic are the plastic tabs for the pan under the transmission? Are they sized like bolts? Just trying to save myself from driving to the auto parts store with that thing hanging off by the bolts. Thanks

[@CarsNToys]

+MrJuansWorld Not a dumb question. I answer it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHutiqWblrySrKs

[@MrJuansWorld]

Thank you sir.

[@CWdirtbiker]

@@CarsNToys The video you referenced is no longer available on KZbin. Is the info on the plastic tabs in another one of your videos?

[@derranekelof1042]

Dies this work with Acura 06 tl?

[@bigapevq5998]

I have the 08 types is it 3 quarts or 4.2 cause that’s what google told me just asking

[@BmoreNinja7]

So does this prevents transmission failures?

[@CarsNToys]

+TH Channel If the fluid is burnt and worn out, absolutely. cheers

[@stevenstuart4813]

Where is the transmission filter? You didn't change that in the video.

[@CarsNToys]

Not required on this vehicle unless it's being overhauled.

[@donjohnson3701]

Dude, change the atf bypass filter! Check out the other KZbin vids on the filter changeout. It seems like the dealers say it’s good for the life of the tranny, BUT, check out the condition of the filters on some of the vids. It’s an easy change out once you do the fluid change and you can get the parts needed for around $30 online. Bottom line it’s cheap and easy to do.

[@reamz22]

@CarsNToys...I went to Honda yesterday but they don't have ATFZ1 they recommended DW1 instead and got 3Qts. Is this ok? I Have an 08TLS

[@CarsNToys]

Hi Reamz. DW1 will work as well. cheers.

[@roselinolivar2761]

Good video thanks 👍

[@marielove1284]

I have a Acura tsx 09 I took it to auto zone because my check transmission light comes on they said it's because 2nd clutch transmission fluid pressure switch circuit or clutch transmission fluid pressure switch stuck off..don't know what that means lol help

[@chautran9764]

CarsNToys

[@dawidchlebek3251]

what front bumper is that

[@changtraiviet]

does this work for acura TL 2010?

[@ninerbug]

Where is that bumper from I need that

[@kevinpatriquin822]

Thanks buddy , that was good

[@jtmalex1]

What happen if you do turn the a/c on instead of turning it off at the end when you done and your running the engine??

[@CarsNToys]

The cooling fans automatically start when the a/c is turned on. The point of keeping the a/c off is so the vehicle can properly warm up.

[@jtmalex1]

CarsNToys sweet thanks so it not a big deal ! I did it on my Acura TL type s 2008 and didn't seem to have any issue after :p

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help.

[@anthonygiordano6265]

Great video man thanks for making it. Wondering If you know if this is the same process for a 2008 tl type s 3.5 liter 6 speed manual?

[@4drturbo85]

No.

[@blackapinotime4318]

Thanks man

[@CarsNToys]

Happy to help.

[@Captain420Malone]

What about the filter where is that if I want to replace it

[@CarsNToys]

Not required unless the transmission is being overhauled.

[@carelessjay4965]

Will this work for an 06 tl? Same fluid?

[@kb1drums]

Use Honda fluid