Changed it at approx 74,000 miles. Drain and fill 3.9 quarts with valvoline maxlife. Shifts nice and smoothly now. 1 to 2 is smooth. Before it was hard.
The manufacturer fluid change process is different than just drain and refill. One has to bring the transmission up to a certain temperature before draining. Then the fluid is replaced and the transmission is cycled thru the first 4 gears in the maintenance mode and the fluid level is then checked by removal of the side plug. If it seeps out, it is filled to capacity. The dealer reamed me for this transmission fluid change, as it is only about 4 quarts. There seems to be an ongoing controversy whether this exact procedure format is really necessary.
You’re right about the check plug. My brother and I performed this exactly as in this video. And the transmission was shifting a little funny. We had to warm up the transmission, run the engine, and release the fluid check plug. A LOT of fluid came out. But once we were done the transmission shifted super smooth.
The proper way to change an Acura Rdx or an Acura mdx transmission fluid the way that they do it at the dealership they Three times so what you do is you’re gonna ride around in the car and make it hot before you ever do anything then once it’s hot then you drain the fluid then you’re gonna fill it up with three point3 ounces then drive it for 10 minutes and come back and drain it and fill it up again 3.3 ounces then come back and drain it and fill it up again 3.3 ounces then come back and drain it then you can fill it up to where the dipstick on the transmission says that it is a full level that is the proper procedure if you do it any other way, you could potentially ruin your transmission
There are 3 drain plugs for the transmission to fully drain it. Acura sells a kit that includes all 3 new drain plugs that come with a rubber like gasket attached to them… The fluid is designed to look black like that when it’s time to change it unlike your standard ATF transmission fluid.
Thank you for letting me know! I was wondering why there was no dipstick. All along there was a levelling plug. Hence me just playing it safe by just measuring what came out. I will revisit and get the trans up to the temperature and check the level just in case.
@@JNBTuning Actually there may only be 2 drain plugs and the third is a new replacement fill plug? Just going off what the parts guy told me at the at the Acura dealership… I just know 3 replacement plugs come in the kit. I have the fluid and the plugs, just haven’t changed it yet. I will also measure what comes out and put the same amount back in…
@@JNBTuning for the ATF, no crush washers because they are built-in to the plugs. Which is why Honda recommends replacing the plugs during the fluid change.
Nice video. I would caution though against just measuring the amount of fluid you need by measuring what drained out. The transmission has a third plug on the driver side right by the drive axle that is for measuring. Basically you need to remove that plug and then pour the new fluid in. As you pour the new fluid, you need to check fluid level plug. When the transmission fluid starts dripping from there, you know the transmission is filled. You replace fluid measure plug and then the fill plug. That is why there is no dip stick. It basically would require two people....one to pour and one to check when the fluid begins dripping out. Or you can put a rag under the fluid level plug to catch the drip. It will not pour out. It will simply be a slow drip. I can't explain why Honda/Acura did it this way. My guess is that they want you to only have the dealer service the transmission.
Thank you so much! I sure did learn after the fact from you all…I usually resort to my common knowledge to play the safest bet when doing things on the whim. Regards!
Zeeshan, you are 100% correct! I just did mine today on New Year Day no less...lol. Weather is 50 degree in NY. Run the car until ATF Temp is 106 degree F using Foxwell NT 624 scanner for ATF temp, Also heat up the new fluid ATF-Type 3.1 using wood pellets stove to 106 degree F (check with my infrared temp gauge). My drained fluid was 3.8 quarts (figure this may be on the high side). Fill initial 3 quarts, run the engine till ATF temp is 106 F, remove level plug while car is running, you can do this without removing driver tire, so that everything is level, start to slowly add 100 ml at a time, it starts to drip at about 3.4 quarts. I ended up with 3.6 quarts for good measure. This is only my opinion: The ATF-Type 3.1 is very watery compare to other transmission fluid. When I was heating the quart bottle with the pellet stove to 112 degree F, it stay exactly as it was when it was at 45 degree F.
@13:33 that will not be true if the fluid coming out is warmer than the fluid going in. You are probably underfilling it, since cold transmission fluid takes up less volume.
I've had/changed many automatic transmission fluids on different vehicles. Never heard anyone measuring the old fluid to determine how much new fluid to put in. Why wouldn't you just go with what the manufacturer recommends?
He is only doing a drain and fill this process does not drain the entire transmission and torque converter so very important to measure how much came out. Not sure the capacity is but your not gonna put say 10 quarts back in if that's manufacture recommended capacity if he only dropped 4 quarts.
Hi, question: I thought the MDX with 9 speed transmission (Z9F) requires monitoring the ATF to a certain temperature and once it reaches that temperature the fluid will slowly leak out and you will know that you have enough ATF fluid. The level check plug is like behind the driver side wheel way inside? That's how to monitor the temperature and fluid level?
Yes, proper procedure is to drain, fill, then run the engine. With foot on brake, shift gears between R, N, and D....holding in that gear for about 10-15 seconds. Proper temp of transmission between 35 C degrees thru 45 C degrees. If to cold, let warm up. If to hot, then let cool down. Monitoring trans temp with a proper scan tool...in Live Data. Easiest way, (so you do not have to add after the fact, if low)...is just to add 4 qts of the fluid. When you go to inspection on side of transmission, it will purge the extra added, until slight stream/drips. Replace the plug...and your done.
What if ATF is hot and fluid usually expands, you drain it and measure. Let's say it comes out as 3.5 qt. Don't you need to fill in a bit less, such as 3.3 qt or so to take into account that fluid quantity may decrease when cooled?
This is just my opinion, would like other to chime in. I use wood pellets to heat up the new fluid to 112 degree F. What I noticed is that when the ATF was 45 degree F, it was at the same level as it is at 112 degree F. Now...this may be crazy but I think the new ATF-Type 3.1 is very watery and doesn't expand as much as other transmission fluid.
At $100 a pop for the 3 plugs? I used the same plug and changed crush washers for 12 years on my Gen 7 Accord. I have purchased crush washers for future changes.
So do you think it's unnecessary to install brand new plugs? I believe that's what is recommended by the manufacturer, but at $25 or so per plug it seems ridiculous.
This transmission is driving me nuts. 2018 mdx with 50,000 miles. Second gear and Third are always banging. Shifting hard. And then sometimes when you give it gas, the car doesn't move for 2 seconds.
Have you done the software update on the transmission? In one of my videos last year I featured several issues on the SUV and the trans being jerky is one of them.
@@JNBTuning Hey, thank you for the reply. I'm not to sure if the flash has been done yet. But I know it needs to have the trans drained and filled as well. Will do that and then get acura to do a flash. It does it alot in comfort mode which is what the vehicle is driven in 100% of the time.
@@garykainth3460 what I found is that the programming for the the different drive modes is having issues. Mine seem to have the jerkiness when I switch from driving the car hard and then back to normal or comfort mode. It seem like the car is stuck thinking I am still in the spirited sporty driving mode regardless. I even tried resetting the trans but that didn’t help. When the dealer upgraded the transmission software, the problem went away. By the way I also made a how to vid on the ATF fluid change and transfer case if you want to do it yourself. As well I did notice a smoother shifting after replacing my fluid.
Very good point! I did drove the car an hour before i started working on it. By the time I got to the transmission; after all the setting up, filming, and the transfer case… the fluid was very cool then.
I have a 2017 Acura MDX SH-AWD with a jerky tranny. Do you have the same issue with your 2018? Will resetting the tranny resolves the issue or not? Appreciate your opinion on this.
Thank you, great video! You make it looking simple for DIY. Strangely, my 2018 MDX doesn't look the same. The transfer case doesn't appear to locate next to the exhaust. I look and look around the transmission but can't find it. Any idea?
When regularly maintained, it shouldn't. Check your maintenance guide to see when changes are suggested and follow. If you let a vehicle go too long without changing the fluid, the system gets used to operating on the old fluid. If a change is done to fresh fluid after it's reached that point, then it's more likely that you'll experience slippage of sorts. Hopefully this helps.
@@albertoz2010 I have started to use Mobil1 Synthetic ATF Multi Vehicle Formula (grey bottle black label) on a 2019 Acura MDX with ZF9sp. I also used it in the rear differential. It’s been well over a thousand miles now and it works smoothly!! It will be my goto on all automatic transmissions since it’s tested so well according to RAT540 engineering blog
Foreign material exclusion. They probably figure the more sealed the system, the less likely debris and contaminants can enter. Having a dipstick increases the likelihood for debris to unintentionally enter the system.. With the engine, there's the same likelihood, however there is a combustion process that could burn off some debris. There isn't a combustion process in the transmission. It's about the same as the power steering systems. Many went from having a dipstick, view guage of a sort, to not a sealed system as such. Maybe this is why, I don't know..
This is a ZF transmission that is used in several different applications. I would say it is German engineering that likes to exclude the dip sticks lol but there is an accessory dip stick from other car manufacturer for this specific transmission. For exemple Mopar 10323B
All looks well till you did the transmission, you did not check the check plug when filling the trans or go thru the gears and check again, ghe fill plug is behind the driverside cb boot please check trans level before you blow up ghe transmission from under or over filling.
Thank you so much Sir, you gave me the confidence to get the task done. You explained everything step by step and very clear. Your content is great!
Very glad to hear! Thanks for letting me know🙏
I have also been using the drain/measure/refill method on my 9 speed transmission add that procedure works great.
Indeed thanks for reaching out!
Great video. Thanks. it's a lot easier than I imagined. I liked that you also include the necessary tools as well as their sizes.
You are welcome!
Changed it at approx 74,000 miles. Drain and fill 3.9 quarts with valvoline maxlife. Shifts nice and smoothly now. 1 to 2 is smooth. Before it was hard.
Is your MDX a 2017 or newer model? I’m thinking about using Valvoline Maxlife as I’ve used it on a BMW and Maserati RWD ZF transmissions
You were overdue ZF recommends every 15,000-20,000 miles, 60,000 is drop dead late warning damage.
Nice work. I am professional as well. Someday I will like to work in a country where professional are valued thanks mate.
Thank you 🙏
thanks for the video, very heloful for my 2018 mdx. cheers and god bless
You are welcome! I am glad to be able to help. All of God’s Blessings to you as well.
The manufacturer fluid change process is different than just drain and refill. One has to bring the transmission up to a certain temperature before draining. Then the fluid is replaced and the transmission is cycled thru the first 4 gears in the maintenance mode and the fluid level is then checked by removal of the side plug. If it seeps out, it is filled to capacity. The dealer reamed me for this transmission fluid change, as it is only about 4 quarts. There seems to be an ongoing controversy whether this exact procedure format is really necessary.
You’re right about the check plug. My brother and I performed this exactly as in this video. And the transmission was shifting a little funny. We had to warm up the transmission, run the engine, and release the fluid check plug. A LOT of fluid came out. But once we were done the transmission shifted super smooth.
The proper way to change an Acura Rdx or an Acura mdx transmission fluid the way that they do it at the dealership they Three times so what you do is you’re gonna ride around in the car and make it hot before you ever do anything then once it’s hot then you drain the fluid then you’re gonna fill it up with three point3 ounces then drive it for 10 minutes and come back and drain it and fill it up again 3.3 ounces then come back and drain it and fill it up again 3.3 ounces then come back and drain it then you can fill it up to where the dipstick on the transmission says that it is a full level that is the proper procedure if you do it any other way, you could potentially ruin your transmission
@@emojicursed There is no dipstick on later models.
@@emojicursedI guess that's why you're gonna pay at least $500.00 for a simple fluid change
There are 3 drain plugs for the transmission to fully drain it. Acura sells a kit that includes all 3 new drain plugs that come with a rubber like gasket attached to them… The fluid is designed to look black like that when it’s time to change it unlike your standard ATF transmission fluid.
Thank you for letting me know! I was wondering why there was no dipstick. All along there was a levelling plug. Hence me just playing it safe by just measuring what came out. I will revisit and get the trans up to the temperature and check the level just in case.
@@JNBTuning
Actually there may only be 2 drain plugs and the third is a new replacement fill plug? Just going off what the parts guy told me at the at the Acura dealership… I just know 3 replacement plugs come in the kit. I have the fluid and the plugs, just haven’t changed it yet. I will also measure what comes out and put the same amount back in…
@@Needglory23 no such thing! There is a drain, fill and level plug. All you need from the dealer is the oil and the washer(s) if any.
@@JNBTuning
Next time you’re at the dealer ask about the transmission fluid change plug kit and you’ll see what I mean.
@@JNBTuning for the ATF, no crush washers because they are built-in to the plugs. Which is why Honda recommends replacing the plugs during the fluid change.
Wow, thank you!
You're welcome!
Great content.. Keep up the good work
Thank you 🙏
Nice video. I would caution though against just measuring the amount of fluid you need by measuring what drained out. The transmission has a third plug on the driver side right by the drive axle that is for measuring. Basically you need to remove that plug and then pour the new fluid in. As you pour the new fluid, you need to check fluid level plug. When the transmission fluid starts dripping from there, you know the transmission is filled. You replace fluid measure plug and then the fill plug. That is why there is no dip stick. It basically would require two people....one to pour and one to check when the fluid begins dripping out. Or you can put a rag under the fluid level plug to catch the drip. It will not pour out. It will simply be a slow drip. I can't explain why Honda/Acura did it this way. My guess is that they want you to only have the dealer service the transmission.
Thank you so much! I sure did learn after the fact from you all…I usually resort to my common knowledge to play the safest bet when doing things on the whim. Regards!
Zeeshan, you are 100% correct! I just did mine today on New Year Day no less...lol. Weather is 50 degree in NY. Run the car until ATF Temp is 106 degree F using Foxwell NT 624 scanner for ATF temp, Also heat up the new fluid ATF-Type 3.1 using wood pellets stove to 106 degree F (check with my infrared temp gauge). My drained fluid was 3.8 quarts (figure this may be on the high side). Fill initial 3 quarts, run the engine till ATF temp is 106 F, remove level plug while car is running, you can do this without removing driver tire, so that everything is level, start to slowly add 100 ml at a time, it starts to drip at about 3.4 quarts. I ended up with 3.6 quarts for good measure.
This is only my opinion: The ATF-Type 3.1 is very watery compare to other transmission fluid. When I was heating the quart bottle with the pellet stove to 112 degree F, it stay exactly as it was when it was at 45 degree F.
9 speed transmission is made by ZF, not Honda.
@13:33 that will not be true if the fluid coming out is warmer than the fluid going in. You are probably underfilling it, since cold transmission fluid takes up less volume.
Acura doesn’t use standard sizes only metric Allen heads, should use an 8mm for the plugs…
I also drained 3.8 quarts of fluid, not 3.5.
Thanks for the info!
I've had/changed many automatic transmission fluids on different vehicles. Never heard anyone measuring the old fluid to determine how much new fluid to put in. Why wouldn't you just go with what the manufacturer recommends?
He is only doing a drain and fill this process does not drain the entire transmission and torque converter so very important to measure how much came out. Not sure the capacity is but your not gonna put say 10 quarts back in if that's manufacture recommended capacity if he only dropped 4 quarts.
What about the transmission filter??
Thanks
You are welcome! Please see the contact section for more updated info.
Hi, question: I thought the MDX with 9 speed transmission (Z9F) requires monitoring the ATF to a certain temperature and once it reaches that temperature the fluid will slowly leak out and you will know that you have enough ATF fluid. The level check plug is like behind the driver side wheel way inside? That's how to monitor the temperature and fluid level?
Not sure! I just measured what came out and place what is needed
Yes, proper procedure is to drain, fill, then run the engine. With foot on brake, shift gears between R, N, and D....holding in that gear for about 10-15 seconds. Proper temp of transmission between 35 C degrees thru 45 C degrees. If to cold, let warm up. If to hot, then let cool down. Monitoring trans temp with a proper scan tool...in Live Data.
Easiest way, (so you do not have to add after the fact, if low)...is just to add 4 qts of the fluid. When you go to inspection on side of transmission, it will purge the extra added, until slight stream/drips. Replace the plug...and your done.
You may use either laser temperature scan tool(gun) or OBD2 Scanner. But, just fill with what drained at the same temperature should be OK.
What if ATF is hot and fluid usually expands, you drain it and measure. Let's say it comes out as 3.5 qt. Don't you need to fill in a bit less, such as 3.3 qt or so to take into account that fluid quantity may decrease when cooled?
In regards to your question please read my latest update/correction about the subject on the comment down below.
This is just my opinion, would like other to chime in. I use wood pellets to heat up the new fluid to 112 degree F. What I noticed is that when the ATF was 45 degree F, it was at the same level as it is at 112 degree F. Now...this may be crazy but I think the new ATF-Type 3.1 is very watery and doesn't expand as much as other transmission fluid.
supposed to replace the fill plug and drain plug every change
At $100 a pop for the 3 plugs? I used the same plug and changed crush washers for 12 years on my Gen 7 Accord. I have purchased crush washers for future changes.
So do you think it's unnecessary to install brand new plugs? I believe that's what is recommended by the manufacturer, but at $25 or so per plug it seems ridiculous.
I never replace any of my vehicles drain plugs unless they are warned out and leaking despite a new washer. I would replace crush washer for sure.
@@JNBTuning I was wondering, because these plugs have a rubbery seal, so I wondered if once cracked open they might leak. Not the case?
@@hookedonflying it is up to your comfort level, but I reused mine and it is not leaking at all. All the best!
@@JNBTuning did you need a tool to reset the maintenance minder, or were you still able to reset the ATF code in the vehicle settings?
@@hookedonflying no, check out my Shorts or TikTok or Real on how to reset the service counter on the MDX
Was there a follow-up video to see if there was any difference by removing the level plug? - I can't seem to find it.
No I haven’t had the chance yet, but it is my to do list. I will keep you posted. Thanks for inquiring.
This transmission is driving me nuts. 2018 mdx with 50,000 miles. Second gear and Third are always banging. Shifting hard. And then sometimes when you give it gas, the car doesn't move for 2 seconds.
Have you done the software update on the transmission? In one of my videos last year I featured several issues on the SUV and the trans being jerky is one of them.
@@JNBTuning Hey, thank you for the reply. I'm not to sure if the flash has been done yet. But I know it needs to have the trans drained and filled as well. Will do that and then get acura to do a flash. It does it alot in comfort mode which is what the vehicle is driven in 100% of the time.
@@garykainth3460 what I found is that the programming for the the different drive modes is having issues. Mine seem to have the jerkiness when I switch from driving the car hard and then back to normal or comfort mode. It seem like the car is stuck thinking I am still in the spirited sporty driving mode regardless. I even tried resetting the trans but that didn’t help. When the dealer upgraded the transmission software, the problem went away. By the way I also made a how to vid on the ATF fluid change and transfer case if you want to do it yourself. As well I did notice a smoother shifting after replacing my fluid.
There's another 3 quarts in the torque converter, you leave that ?
Hopefully the fluid wasn’t warm when you drained it, since I assume your new fluid was room temperature. Otherwise you out too much in I’m afraid
Very good point! I did drove the car an hour before i started working on it. By the time I got to the transmission; after all the setting up, filming, and the transfer case… the fluid was very cool then.
I have a 2017 Acura MDX SH-AWD with a jerky tranny. Do you have the same issue with your 2018? Will resetting the tranny resolves the issue or not? Appreciate your opinion on this.
I tried the reset but the issue persisted, so I brought it to the dealer for some software upgrade and that has fixed it.
@@JNBTuning how much did they charge for the software upgrade? I have a 2017 MDX SH-AWD
@@APMediaTube sorry I didn’t ask. My car is under warranty so didn’t cost me anything.
I had the software done on my pilot , I don't remember exactly $300-$500
Thank you, great video! You make it looking simple for DIY. Strangely, my 2018 MDX doesn't look the same. The transfer case doesn't appear to locate next to the exhaust. I look and look around the transmission but can't find it. Any idea?
You are so welcome! Interesting,Is yours by any chance the 7 speed Dual Clutch version? Mine is the non DCT/DSG 9 seed auto.
@@JNBTuning No, it is just a regular auto 9 speed. Want to post a picture but youtube won't let me. So yours is 2018?
Yes mine is 2018
You have front wheel drive
Was wondering how tall is your ceiling and what brand of hoist.
Hi Marino, the lowest end of my garage ceiling where my lift is is about 11 feet high. The lift is a local brand called Lift King.
Did you use the whole quart in the transfer case ?
Not at all, but please watch my video when you get a chance. Much appreciated!
@@JNBTuning yes sir!
Transfer case just only for AWD
Transfer case and rear differential for AWD. Only rear differential for FWD.
Changing the transmission fluid doesn't cause the car transmission to slip?
Mine didn’t have any slipping issue
When regularly maintained, it shouldn't. Check your maintenance guide to see when changes are suggested and follow. If you let a vehicle go too long without changing the fluid, the system gets used to operating on the old fluid. If a change is done to fresh fluid after it's reached that point, then it's more likely that you'll experience slippage of sorts.
Hopefully this helps.
Hi! If you pull the vehicle up on ramps instead of a lift, will I underfill the transfer case due to the vehicle tilting backwards?
Yes make sure that car car is level when draining and filling. You can raise the rear to do so
I’ve used Valvoline Maxlife on other ZF transmissions back a few years. I was wondering if anyone has tried it to replace Acura/Honda 3.1
THATS. WHAT. I USE. ON 9 SPEED TRANSMISSION.
@@albertoz2010 I have started to use Mobil1 Synthetic ATF Multi Vehicle Formula (grey bottle black label) on a 2019 Acura MDX with ZF9sp. I also used it in the rear differential. It’s been well over a thousand miles now and it works smoothly!! It will be my goto on all automatic transmissions since it’s tested so well according to RAT540 engineering blog
What kind of oil did you use Usually ATF oil is red in color
I used OEM dealership fluids
no dipstick for the tranny fluid.? what is the state of the mind of the car manufacturer.
Exactly my thought. I just made sure I got all of the old oil for reference.
Foreign material exclusion. They probably figure the more sealed the system, the less likely debris and contaminants can enter. Having a dipstick increases the likelihood for debris to unintentionally enter the system..
With the engine, there's the same likelihood, however there is a combustion process that could burn off some debris. There isn't a combustion process in the transmission. It's about the same as the power steering systems. Many went from having a dipstick, view guage of a sort, to not a sealed system as such.
Maybe this is why, I don't know..
This is a ZF transmission that is used in several different applications. I would say it is German engineering that likes to exclude the dip sticks lol but there is an accessory dip stick from other car manufacturer for this specific transmission. For exemple Mopar 10323B
Did you reset the transmission after fluid change?
No I did not
can i use ATF DW-1 on the same vehicle?
No I wouldn’t recommend it.
@@JNBTuning thanks for reply :)
NO , TWO KIND OF FLUID ARE NOT THE SAME
ATF 3.1, not DW-1.
All looks well till you did the transmission, you did not check the check plug when filling the trans or go thru the gears and check again, ghe fill plug is behind the driverside cb boot please check trans level before you blow up ghe transmission from under or over filling.
Do you have to check fluid temperature? Or is that not necessary?