Transmission Fluid Change Procedure?

KEVINBETKE

MEMBER
2015 ACURA MDX
3.5L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

The owner's manual does not give a procedure on how to check the transmission fluid level after changing the fluid. I asked Acura corporate, and they would not answer because they want me to have a dealership check the fluid level. I asked the local dealership and they said "ummm I think it should be checked with engine off". So I want to get the Honda/Acura correct procedure without having to join Honda's service site for $1500. Do you have access to that procedure? The vehicle has a dipstick, so I need to know if the fluid is to be checked with vehicle warm, shift through the gears a few times and then check the dipstick with engine running or engine off. I changed the fluid and had the level set to between the dots on the dipstick with engine off. My Acura TL owner's manual says turn off engine and check after 60 seconds but don't wait more than 90 seconds. But I don't know if the MDX procedure is the same. Thanks.

Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 AT 6:59 AM

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
51,582 POSTS

Sure we can help you check the fluid level, here is the kind of fluid the transmission takes.

Recommended fluid
Use Acura ATF DW-1

Keep all foreign particles out of the transmission.

When you drain the transmission fluid to remove components, drain the fluid without warming the engine for safety.

1. Engine - Warm Up - Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in P or N) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.

2. Vehicle - Lift. Park the vehicle on the level ground. Turn the engine off.

3. Raise and support the vehicle

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Remove the ATF filler bolt (A) with the sealing washer (B).

2.Remove the drain plug (A).

3.Drain the ATF.

4.Reinstall the drain plug using a new sealing washer (B).

If the Maintenance Minder required to replace the ATF, reset the Maintenance Minder with the gauge (see "Resetting the Maintenance Minder") . If the Maintenance Minder did not require to replace the ATF, reset the Maintenance Minder with the HDS (see "Resetting the Individual Maintenance Items").

Maintenance Minder
The Maintenance Minder is an important feature of the multi-information display. Based on engine and transmission operating conditions, and accumulated engine revolutions, the MDX's onboard computer (PCM) calculates the remaining engine oil and the transmission fluid life. The system also displays the remaining engine oil life along with the code(s) for other scheduled maintenance items needing service.

I have also included how to reset the maintenance reminder. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.

Images (Click to make bigger)

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Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 AT 11:38 AM

KEVINBETKE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

The diagrams don't say too much about the procedure for checking fluid level after you have filled with the recommended quantity (3.3Quarts). Since the dipstick in the picture says "Hot" I assume that after filling the transmission with new fluid you should then drive it and warm up the fluid. Then do you check the fluid with transmission warm and engine on or engine off?

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Thursday, January 25th, 2024 AT 6:37 AM

KEN L