Changing Transmission Fluid on an Acura MDX

[@markbuckholz3184]

We just did an '09 MDX 3,75 qts, we did it 3X, MDX had 107K miles After three changes color good, level dead on. Thx for video

[@RoughRidersTV]

You are very welcome. Glad it helped. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. Appreciate the support.

[@Andy44Andy]

Nice and clear video. Thanks for posting.

[@RoughRidersTV]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment.

[@donk.5730]

Good clear video, thank you. I will pass along a clear message from my Honda-mechanic: Never substitute Transmission fluids that Honda recommends. Honda does use a different fluid in transmissions that is clearly different- and the result of putting in a substitute will be a transmission that doesn't work ! Hope this helps. I always replace my crush washers- what's $2.oo for this job - don't want any leaks! Thank you for posting.

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks.

[@mikeschlup5279]

Well i guess i screwed up...used Redline fluid and only got 420 k on the original tranny...

[@evelyncontreras6022]

What kind should I use for my transmission fluid? I have an Acura MDX 2008

[@davidharris312]

I like the video with all the jack stands! I would recommend 3 flushing services with that color of oil to purge all the fluids out of all parts of the transmission, about 12 + quarts until it’s back to clear red, removing all dark grit from the oil and torque converter

[@RoughRidersTV]

Agreed. I always do 3x on transmission changes.

[@JSEbertowski]

@@RoughRidersTV So to do the change and fill 3x, would you do it once as in the video, then wait after driving around a couple days then repeat? Thanks!

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@JSEbertowski Exactly. Drive it for a couple of days between each change. Get up to highway speeds so you run through all the gears and make sure that the new fluid mixes with the old fluid. The first change will get ~65-70% of the old fluid, the 2nd change will it to about 80% and the 3rd change will get it to greater than 90% of the old fluid out.

[@hpkntnw]

Honda maintenance says drain and fill every 30,000 miles. Seems awfully expensive to do this 3x every 30,000 miles at $25 a quart. I just bought my wife her first Honda Pilot. Does it help with longevity to flush 3x?

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@hpkntnw Sorry, didn't see this comment sooner. Depending on the year of your car, fluid will range from $7/qt to $45/qt. I bought a 2015 because I did not want the newer ZF9 transmission in the 16 and up. Those are the ones that cost nearly $50/qt so it gets very expensive to do the flush. On mine, its about 3qt. per drain/fill so I go through about 9 quarts at $7.00/qt. It's a small price to pay to keep the transmission from overheating and failing as a new tranny is $2K-$3K.

[@joeaverager]

Found out that Aisin (an OEM trans builder) has a proper fluid that might be a cheaper substitute for Honda DW1. AISIN ATFDW1 = $5.50 or so per quart.

[@kevinryan2556]

Really like your video! I have a 2010 MDX with 162000 miles and no idea of a transmission fluid change. Would you recommend I do it? Are there any potential dangers doing it with such high mileage? Thank you!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Not sure I can advise you on what you should do. There are always risks which increase with mileage. However, ignoring fluid changes comes with it's own risk as well. If it were my car, I would do a fluid change. It's always one of the first things I do when I buy a used car since I don't know the history. With and older car like that, I would NOT do a fluid flush, just a drain and fill. Flushing the transmission involves using a machine and pressure to push out all the old fluid. This can cause sediment to clog up pathways in the transmission and lead to problems. Drain/fill just uses gravity to drain the fluid out and then fill it back up. My tranny holds about 9 quarts of fluid...on a drain and fill, I get about 3-4 quarts out with 1 change. Therefore, I do the change 3 times about a week apart to get most of the old fluid out.

[@RoughRidersTV]

By the way, watch the 2nd video I posted where I show a quick tip on fluid changes 2 and 3. Note that on change 1, I also do the front transfer case fluid change, hence removing the shield.

[@michaelbrodene9904]

@Rough Riders - thank you for the video, good production quality. What are your thoughts on using a fluid extractor via the dipstick?

[@RoughRidersTV]

I am guessing it would work as well. I have always just done the drain bolt method.

[@joeaverager]

Great video. Getting ready to add a transmission cooler per your other video. So there is not a transmission filter that needs to be changed? I did my transmission oil change last year (or year before)? Doing it again while I do the cooler addition.

[@RoughRidersTV]

There is a filter that you can change if you want. Since the car had very low miles, I felt it did not need changing at the time. On my next fluid change, I will likely change the filter as well.

[@salaceves1]

How much more fluid did you add after realizing it was a little low? Trying to gauge how much of a difference each ounce would make on the dipstick...

[@AmerijamAcres]

I think I would have flushed out that transmission with that fluid looking like that. What is the recommendation for when to flush vs just a change like this. Those transmissions have been known to have some issues so I think I might consider a little extra maintenance to try to prevent any of those problems. Just me with an opinion. I appreciate the videos. Is that a 4WD or front wheel drive?

[@RoughRidersTV]

AmeriJam Acres the problem with flushing and most transmission shops will agree is that you run the risk of debris coming loose and clogging up the transmission which is why I chose to drain and fill 3x instead of flushing. Flushing puts a lot of pressure on the tranny to get all the fluid out which is where the risk of loose debris comes from. It’s a relatively new car since it only had 30 k when I bought it, so I probably could have flushed but don’t think it wa necessary.

[@AmerijamAcres]

It wasn’t clear that you actually did change the fluid the 3 times required to get all the fluid changes. I was not referring to having a shop use one of those machines. I wouldn’t trust them either. I was thinking of doing the full three changes (which I thought you didn’t do here. My mistake) or doing a home flush similar to what was done here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqe8lK14m7GgmsU

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@AmerijamAcres No problem. I actually talk about doing the 3x fluid change at the 9:26 mark in the video.

[@donk.5730]

MDX- is AWDrive: it's front wheel drive, until rear tires slip, then it's a four wheel drive.

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@donk.5730 Actually, not entirely correct. There is a setting on the display that shows power distribution to each wheel. All 4 wheels are engaged in each driving mode. However, in normal mode, there is more power distributed to the front wheels than the rear.

[@jonnyfleur81]

Thanks for these videos. I accidentally popped cv shaft out during a strut change. A couple litres of oil came out with it. Initially I thought is would be front transfer case oil, but given the amount and theat the transfer case is further back I am think it's transmission fluid. Thoughts? I will pull the trans dipstick shortly to confirm.

[@RoughRidersTV]

Which side? Oil filter is on the passenger side so perhaps you knocked it loose? If on the driver side, I can't think of anything that would dump that much fluid except the tranny and I think that would be really easy to see what happened.

[@christopherwu7385]

the label on the ATF-DW1 fluid bottle from Acura says not for use with AWD vehicles. I have the 2015 SH-AWD ADV ENT trim, can i still use the ATF-DW1?

[@christopherwu7385]

have you done a coolant fluid change for the mdx yet?

[@RoughRidersTV]

No, it's on the list. Just need to find time to do it.

[@jackrothwell3366]

I’d like to see that one also

[@stanpark9855]

The fluid color was very dark! i had mine changed at 50K miles and the fluid color was more red. May be more highway driving versus city driving. Agree 100% on using Honda genuine fluids.

[@RoughRidersTV]

Yes, it was much darker than I expected. Glad I changed it when I did.

[@Ram14250]

Hello. Since you made this video, did you wait a year and change it again? How did the fluid look when you changed it again? That was really dark. When I saw that, I thought that vehicle was really driven hard all time... Hard on the trans. How was it? By the way... thanks for the video. Good video!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Actually, I am getting ready to change it again. I do it about every 30K miles. I am waiting for the weather to warm up a little but will probably get to it in the coming weeks. I will let you know how it looks.

[@904khmer]

Do you check the dipstick with the MDX running or off after it warms up to operating temperature? 🙏 Thanks

[@RoughRidersTV]

I check it with the engine off but I do warm it up first. Usually best to check tranny fluid when it's hot. Some dipsticks have a mark when it's cold but typically they put the hash marks for when it's hot.

[@elidiazii7589]

I have 95k and never have changed ATF on my MDX. I want to. Would you recommend or is it too late in the game?

[@RoughRidersTV]

Impersonallymwouldmdomitnbutndrain/fill. Do not use any pumps or pressure. You don’t want any dried on old fluid to break loos and close any passage ways in the tranny. It could cause serious damage.

[@darioussmith3450]

How many miles did this mdx have before you changed the fluid? The fluid was very dark. How often is it recommended to change the fluid?

[@RoughRidersTV]

The car had 29K miles on it when I bought it down in TX (we were living in WA state at the time). As soon as I got it back to WA, I wanted to put all fresh fluids in it. I believe the manual calls for every 50-60K. However, seeing how dark that fluid was and it did have a slight burning smell to it, I plan on doing mine every 25K or once a year (whichever comes first). In fact, it is due for it again right about now.

[@darioussmith3450]

Rough Riders I have the same car but I can’t find a dipstick for the tranny to check the tranny fluid. How often should I change the rear deferential fluid ? I have put 45k on my 15 mdx and haven’t changed the rear deferential. I have a shwd mdx.

[@coug5459]

I have a 2020 mdx Sh-awd . Does the transmission have a filter that needs to be changed? If so is it with every fluid change? Where is it located?

[@RoughRidersTV]

it should and it is typically inline with the warming block. I don't have the 2020 so I don't know for sure but on my 15 it is down by the left side driver wheel under the battery.

[@Annie26722]

Hi, thanks for the great video, I have a 2016 mdx, as said the newer mdx has a different process to change the ATF, I am wondering if anyone can point out where to find the video to change the 2016MDX ATF? thanks!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Not seen any videos on it but the process isn't that much different. You just have to be more be more sensitive to the temp when you check the fluid level.

[@Annie26722]

@@RoughRidersTV Thanks for the reply!

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@Annie26722 You are welcome. Best of luck on doing your fluid change.

[@khmerfreedom7441]

Thank you nice video.

[@RoughRidersTV]

You are welcome. Thanks for stopping by. I have a brake job on the MDX coming up. Just need to find time to get r done.

[@kismyask]

Do you know where in USA except dealer I can transmission fluid replacement?

[@RoughRidersTV]

I've found it on ebay in the past but to my knowledge, it's best to use OEM transmission fluid which means typically buying from the dealer.

[@blackon6]

Thanks for posting this and all your other videos. I have a 2016 awd mdx. I have not changed my ATF and planning on doing so.. would it also be a good idea to do the transfer case and rear differential while I’m under there? Besides those- anything else I should change out at 100k mi? I heard the serpentine belt is also a good idea? Thanks in advance.. I’m new to working on my own vehicle.. prices that the dealers are asking for for labor are insane

[@RoughRidersTV]

Yes, I try to do my differential and front transfer case every 30K miles and the tranny fluid every 15K miles or less (about every 3rd oil change). Tranny fluid is probably the most important and therefore done more frequently. As for 100K, yes, I would recommend the timing belt, tensioner and water pump. I just did that on ours but didn't get it on video (too cold outside to try and do the repair and video). You should be able to get an aftermarket kit for about $250. Be sure to get a quality kit as the super cheap ones fail too easily. Asin makes a good kit and is an OEM supplier for several Japanese brand cars. It's what I used on mine. I agree on dealer pricing...it's why I started doing all my own repairs 40 years ago. If you are paying someone to do the timing belt/pump, it should cost around $1K to $1500...if it's more than that, shop around. Good luck on your maintenance.

[@ZihaoYu]

Do you need to replace a new crush washer on the plug? Thanks.

[@RoughRidersTV]

It is generally recommended to change it. However, I don't change it until the final (3rd drain/fill). There have been times where I forgot to pick one up so I reused the old washer until the next fluid change and it was fine. However, I do try to always change it on that final drain/fill.

[@ZihaoYu]

@@RoughRidersTV Thanks. Do you happen to have the part number of the washer?

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@ZihaoYu I don't recall off hand. Sorry. You should be able to contact your local Acura dealer and they can give you the part number. However, you could also just go to your local auto parts store and they can get it for you too. They likely have a box of them for cheap.

[@ZihaoYu]

@@RoughRidersTV Great. Thank you.

[@ofcbob6391]

Anyone know if my 2016 MDX even has a dipstick/filler hole? And I saw another DIY-er say it was $50 per quart for OEM? What the....? And what about dropping the pan to change the filter and clean up the magnets?

[@RoughRidersTV]

I don't know much about the 16. I know there is a filler hole but it is buried under other stuff and sits directly on top of the tranny. Yes, the fluid is crazy expensive. It may have come down a little but last I checked, it was $48/qt. The ZF9 tranny is notorious for being very finicky about proper fluid levels at a specific temp. I actually did not want the ZF 9 tranny so that is why I bought a 15 instead of a 16. I wanted something that was easier to work on and maintain.

[@ofcbob6391]

@@RoughRidersTV I took my 2016 MDX into my local HONDA dealer and we talked about what was best for mine with just 43K miles, some weird shifts etc...he suggested just a fluid "drain-and-fill", removing just 3-4 quarts or so and putting in new fluid to same level, $289. I guess that's not too bad. ACURA wanted $329 for the very same procedure. HONDA said they'd update the car's computer at same time (included) to help with the odd shifts and whatnot. My MDX has been really good for 6 yrs now.

[@joeagrusa7970]

Hi, I have a 2014 MDX with font wheel drive only. I changed the ATF and measured the amount that came out and put the same amount back in. What if it was low? I how I check the level, I understand that the engine must be warm, but should the engine be idling or shut off. traditional ATF models, you would check with the engine idling, but i'm not sure on this one? can you help me out? thanks

[@RoughRidersTV]

Hi Joe, Basically, you want to be on a flat surface, get the engine to temp and then check the dip stick. Some people like to check it when it is running and under pressure with the car in neutral. I have done both with car running and not and haven't seen a big difference. You definitely want it up to temp thought because the fluid expands when it heats up and therefore you will get a different read level if you check cold vs hot. There are hatch marks on the dipstick just like your oil dipstick. If you are in the hatch marks, you should be OK. If you just changed the fluids, it may be hard to read because new fluids are just harder to see on the dipstick so be in direct sunlight so you can see it better.

[@joeagrusa7970]

@@RoughRidersTV Thx for the info. I was going to have a hitch put on by the dealership, but they wanted around $500 if i remember correctly, but after I watched your video. I think Ill buy and do it myself. Thx again.

[@RoughRidersTV]

@@joeagrusa7970 Yep, the hitch is pretty easy. If 500 price includes the hitch, that's not bad as they are charging 150ish or so for the labor. The OEM hitch was around 350 or so for hitch plus wiring harness. But if you have the basic tools, it is not hard at all. If that is just for labor, then that is way, way too much. I do like the OEM hitch over aftermarket. Much cleaner look.

[@m.j.nakamura8816]

What kind fluid is used for the Acura mdx

[@RoughRidersTV]

It's Honda/Acura branded fluid called DW-1. You can usually find a deal online. Last time though I just got it straight from the dealer.

[@RAJsWork]

What was th bolt size you took off to release the fluid. Seemed like a square bolt rather than the normal.hex. And also if you have the washer part # I have a 2017 mdx

[@RoughRidersTV]

The bolt uses the head of a 3/8" ratchet. You don't need a socket on there, just the socket wrench. Unfortunately, I don't recall the part number for the washer so you should consult the dealer or an autoparts store and they should be able to help. I would suggest you keep in mind though tor the 17 that it is MUCH MORE FICKLE on the fluid levels. It also uses a different fluid as that is the ZF9 transmission where mine is a 6 speed tranny. So you need to be careful about getting the fluid to the right temp when you change it and measure it.

[@RAJsWork]

@@RoughRidersTV Much thanks for the prompt reply and clarification appreciate it very much.