Man you're awesome. My mechanic told me i had to drop off my car because it was a full day thing. I change my engine oil all the time so this will be the same. Thanks!
Most dealership/shops are going to do a "flush" vs. "change." A flush is done under pressure. It's still not an all day thing, but takes more time than a change and requires equipment.
I just did this yesterday and it's easier than changing the oil. Mine's 2010 so it's even easier. There's a dipstick for the transmission fluid and you just put the fluid in that hole.
It’s hard to find 2009 Acura MDX DYI, so I’m especially thankful to come across your channel! Hope you’ll upload other DYI videos on your 09 MDX. Easy to follow instructions too 👍👍
i can't get mine loose with a small duralast breaker smh 😖 i dont have the muscle and dont like the pain im getting on my hand will a 24' breaker bar do the job
For anyone that knows anything about mechanics, NEVER use a torque wrench to loosen bolts. So don’t what he did. Use a breaker bar if you really need extra torque.
This is an extra torque wrench I use as a breaker bar for 3/8 stuff. I only have a half inch breaker bar. I guess I should buy myself a 3/8 breaker bar so I don't look like an idiot!
@@JDMRightHandDrive yes, if you’re giving an instructional video on how to do this, you should have the proper tools. You don’t want someone thinking that a torque wrench is used to loosen a plug.
@@JDMRightHandDrive Actually the better question is, why didn't you use a 3/8 ratchet? That's what I use. A drain plug bolt shouldn't be that tight that you need a breaker bar or a torque wrench as a breaker bar. If it's that tight it's probably over torqued. Or, maybe the car has high miles and it's the first time removing it.
I have a tube from my camping air mattress. The trans fluid dip stick resovior is very deep in the engine bay. I put the tube with a built in funnel, into where the dip-stick is, slowly pour the solution, and she now shifts like a dream!! I have been working on Skyler (our MDX) from the time I was 13! Mostly engine reconditioning. I did not know how a transmission worked back then. My parents got the automatic transmission replaced in 2016 for $6,000!!!! We got it done for free. We sold the vehicle to the mechanic with a broken transmission for $3,500, they replaced the entire suspension system and transmission with a brand new one, and this year we had bought it back for $4,000!!!! WITH $8,500 WORTH OF WORK DONE!!!! She drives like how we literally drove her off the showroom in 2004, when I was in Pre-K!!! Now with 205,000 miles , and me graduated from H.S a few months back, she still serves me and my friends every day!!
I bought a hand pump from Walmart and it was painfully slow and really didn't really seem to work. I am sure you can find one on Amazon. Thanks for watching.
Smart, measure the fluid that comes out and you'll know exactly what needs to go back in. Much better that using the factory dip stick to gauge whether you need more or not.
You still need to use the dipstick to verify you have the correct amount, you can't just guess that what you took out was the correct amount to begin with. You don't want to mess around with these Honda transmissions. They can be your best friend or your worst nightmare depending on how you took care of it.
Also, the proper way to do this is to put in 3 quarts, drive a short distance where you’d go through all the gears, then fill to correct level. Don’t just assume the previous mechanic put the correct amount in.
@@los8627 nah bro. Call the dealerships and ask what they do. Drain and fill. They don’t do complete flushes. If you’re doing fluid changes when you’re supposed to, you shouldn’t need to do a complete flush.
I got a question for you when you went to that dealer did they tell you you had to get your transmission flushed because my dealership saying do you have to flush it every time when you do the fluid.
If I am correct, the factory service manual calls to perform a transmission fluid exchange every 30,000 miles. That is what I did for the last 2 generations of Acura MDX's that we owned. The 1st gen MDX transmission as well as the 2nd gen 07-09 MDX had an issues keeping the transmission fluid cool. This is probably the reason so many MDX's needs a transmission rebuild around 150k miles or so. Both our cars transmissions failed at just over 140k miles. Good luck with your car. This is an easy job to complete.
Yes, the transfer case uses a hypoid gear oil. Completely different fluid and I think fluid capacity for transfer case is .7 to .8quarts to fill. The process is exactly the same. I do have a video for that as well if you do a search on my channel.
Put the car up on some taller ramps or use a big jack to get it up off the ground more. That will give you more room to put a larger breaker bar on for increased leverage to break that drain plug free.
@@JDMRightHandDrive I think you are supposed to do this 3 quarts at a time, drive it going through the gears, then repeat process 2 more times. Total 12 quarts to do the job right.
@@tallpaull9367 I was thinking the same thing after watching and it really should be mentioned as changing per this vid is only one quarter the job. I did mine four times for my initial fluid change as the only way to get it all out is with a pump of some type ( I don't have one). Now I do the 3-4 quart change every time I change the engine oil. My neighbor owns and runs a repair garage and I di this per his suggestion. Also, changing it every oil change makes it a bit easier on the pocket book as 12-16 quarts of this fluid is pretty expensive. After a lot of reading, I also decided to use fluid made by Aisin. Much less expensive from Rock Auto and quality stuff. They may even be the manufacturer of the Honda/Acura fluid from what I'd read.
I did the first change and 3 quarts wasn’t enough. Need 4 Quarts each time. Go for a drive, cycle through all gears. Repeat process 2 more times for a total of 12 quarts to do the job right. I like the idea of doing 4 quarts at every engine oil change, will be doing the same. And yes, i used Aisin DW-1fluid as well, they are the OEM manufacturer for most of the Honda/Acura parts not made by Honda.
That's different that you got 4 quarts out. The drain and fill is supposed to be 3.1 litres. I have the 6 speed in my elite trim, perhaps that gets less out 🤷♂️
Yes there is when you look in the engine bay but oil dipstick is on the left the transmission dipstick is on the right. If I remember correctly the dipstick finger inlet is blue.
I change mine early because MDX transmission is known to run hot and burn the oil up early. I am just being proactive trying to make the transmission last longer.
It should be very similar. I would check with the Acura service department near you to check what type of fluid and how much is needed for service intervals. I had an 08 Acura RL with SH AWD, the process was the same as the MDX, but fluid capacities were slightly different. Good luck!
You can if you want to drop the tranny oil pan. There is a total of 12 quarts of fluid. So if you drop the pan to change the filter you will have to buy 12 quarts to finish the job.
@@1menwolfpack550 According to the Hinshaws Acura service department both filters on the 09 MDX are located inside the transmission. They stated they do not recommend changing them unless you have a problem with your transmission and that just doing a ATF fluid exchange is all that is required.
According to the Hinshaws Acura service department both filters on the 09 MDX are located inside the transmission. They stated they do not recommend changing them unless you have a problem with your transmission and that just doing a ATF fluid exchange is all that is required.
I went to the dealer and no z-1, was discontinued on 2011. I got the w-1 instead according to them. And its the same and only oil they have for acura transmission
this dude used a torque wrench the most backwards way possible. you use it to take bolts off but don’t use it to torque said bolt/plug to manufacture spec 😅
I have a 2001 Acura MDX I believe the previous owner didn’t have the transmission fluid flush now it has 124k what do you think I should do ? I’m planing to too keep the car a bit longer and I have replace various maintenance things on it already
I owned a 2001 MDX for 9 years. Wondering if your transmission has any shuttering or hesitation through any of the gears. My MDX had this issue and was ready for a transmission rebuild because the torque converter was failing in mine. I know the transmission cooler was undersized for this model year, causing the transmission fluid to burn up prematurely. I would drain the fluid, measure it and refill it with the same amount. If the fluid comes out black. I would drive it for a few hundred miles and repeat the process again. Only about a third of the fluid comes out, so it may take a few time to get it clean again. Good luck.
Umm…. breaking torque with a torque wrench, adding the amount that came out rather than actually making sure your adding the same amount … yeah definitely make sure you guys are watching multiple videos before doing this 😭
Man you're awesome. My mechanic told me i had to drop off my car because it was a full day thing. I change my engine oil all the time so this will be the same. Thanks!
Glad the video helped you out, such a simple service!
Most dealership/shops are going to do a "flush" vs. "change." A flush is done under pressure. It's still not an all day thing, but takes more time than a change and requires equipment.
I just did this yesterday and it's easier than changing the oil. Mine's 2010 so it's even easier. There's a dipstick for the transmission fluid and you just put the fluid in that hole.
The dip stick, that's a great idea! I wish I would have thought of that.
What funnel did you use? I can’t find a funnel that fits in the dipstick tube
@@Elniniss That's right, That is a tiny hole to fill through
It’s hard to find 2009 Acura MDX DYI, so I’m especially thankful to come across your channel! Hope you’ll upload other DYI videos on your 09 MDX. Easy to follow instructions too 👍👍
Glad the video was able to help you out. We sold our MDX because the transmission was almost ready for a rebuild. Thanks for watching.
Did this myself also, my dealer wanted 229. I bought a case of fluid, did a 2x change....easy!! Thanks
Nice work! Glad the video helped you out. Its just as easy as changing the engine oil, in my opinion. Thanks for watching.
Good clear instructions 👍
Never use a torque wrench to loosen stuff.
Great point!
He uses a torque wrench to loosen and a ratchet to tighten 🤔
i can't get mine loose with a small duralast breaker smh 😖 i dont have the muscle and dont like the pain im getting on my hand will a 24' breaker bar do the job
Lol
@@rickybaez2970 use your feet if you have that issue again
For anyone that knows anything about mechanics, NEVER use a torque wrench to loosen bolts. So don’t what he did. Use a breaker bar if you really need extra torque.
This is an extra torque wrench I use as a breaker bar for 3/8 stuff. I only have a half inch breaker bar. I guess I should buy myself a 3/8 breaker bar so I don't look like an idiot!
@@JDMRightHandDrive yes, if you’re giving an instructional video on how to do this, you should have the proper tools. You don’t want someone thinking that a torque wrench is used to loosen a plug.
@@JDMRightHandDrive Actually the better question is, why didn't you use a 3/8 ratchet? That's what I use. A drain plug bolt shouldn't be that tight that you need a breaker bar or a torque wrench as a breaker bar. If it's that tight it's probably over torqued. Or, maybe the car has high miles and it's the first time removing it.
@@JDMRightHandDrive Much respect brotha, ignore the hateful comments. Those guys need to start their own UA-cam videos if they know so much 😂
@@jimmcconville624 worked for him though
Great video... would be nice if the description had the both crush washer sizes or links.
Great idea, I will add some links to the video for crush washers. This is the kit I use and it has all the different sized you need. amzn.to/4b6rQ6c
Love all ur videos. Have a 07 mdx, love the car, doing some over landing in colorado. And ur video helps it run in great condition
Glad to help. Thanks for the nice feedback! Have fun and be safe in the snow! The MDX is a monster in the snow!
Thanks, this looks so simple to do. My local dealership was wanting to charge me $200
I think it is just as easy and changing engine oil.
Not too bad, Acura wants $329 here in ATL, Honda little less at $289.
@@ofcbob6391 What dealership did you ask fror that price? Acura in Duluth quoted me $450 for that. I'd prefer to go for $289.
I have a tube from my camping air mattress. The trans fluid dip stick resovior is very deep in the engine bay.
I put the tube with a built in funnel, into where the dip-stick is, slowly pour the solution, and she now shifts like a dream!!
I have been working on Skyler (our MDX) from the time I was 13! Mostly engine reconditioning. I did not know how a transmission worked back then.
My parents got the automatic transmission replaced in 2016 for $6,000!!!!
We got it done for free. We sold the vehicle to the mechanic with a broken transmission for $3,500, they replaced the entire suspension system and transmission with a brand new one, and this year we had bought it back for $4,000!!!! WITH $8,500 WORTH OF WORK DONE!!!!
She drives like how we literally drove her off the showroom in 2004, when I was in Pre-K!!! Now with 205,000 miles , and me graduated from H.S a few months back, she still serves me and my friends every day!!
You can get a $20 pump from amazon and pump fluid out of the dipstick hole, and back in. Do all the service from the top. No wrench needed.
@TexMex421 is there a specific one let me know please Thanks
Great video is there any pump to save the time did you try before?
I bought a hand pump from Walmart and it was painfully slow and really didn't really seem to work. I am sure you can find one on Amazon. Thanks for watching.
Smart, measure the fluid that comes out and you'll know exactly what needs to go back in. Much better that using the factory dip stick to gauge whether you need more or not.
You still need to use the dipstick to verify you have the correct amount, you can't just guess that what you took out was the correct amount to begin with. You don't want to mess around with these Honda transmissions. They can be your best friend or your worst nightmare depending on how you took care of it.
Hi, what is the part # for the crush washer for the drain bolt? thanks
Crush washer fee? I like it!!!! Also, don't think that I overlooked you removing the drain plug with your torque wrench,, I saw that..
🤣🤣🤣 I was thinking the samething and I thought he was going to put the right amount of torque when putting it back on lol. still a great video.
No trans filter change?
SHOULD THE RRANSMISSION BE A LITTLE WARM BEFORE DRAINIG?
Thank you very much, my friend. You save me a lot of money and God bless you.
Why didn't you change filter?
Yo bro you made this look so easy thank you !
Is there a filter on this transmission?
Why didn’t you use the torque wrench to tighten the drain plug ?
After all the years I have a good hand measurement of foot pounds.
Thanks for the video. Now maybe I can do mine.
Also, the proper way to do this is to put in 3 quarts, drive a short distance where you’d go through all the gears, then fill to correct level. Don’t just assume the previous mechanic put the correct amount in.
@@los8627 nah bro. Call the dealerships and ask what they do. Drain and fill. They don’t do complete flushes. If you’re doing fluid changes when you’re supposed to, you shouldn’t need to do a complete flush.
@@los8627 dealerships don’t do 3 drain and fills. If you’re on top of your scheduled maintenance, it’s not needed.
What about the filter???
Hey dummy. Can you read ?
What size crush washer did you use for the fill plug?
How many miles back then?
Great clear video! I'm looking for the 2004 version of this same information.
I got a question for you when you went to that dealer did they tell you you had to get your transmission flushed because my dealership saying do you have to flush it every time when you do the fluid.
If I am correct, the factory service manual calls to perform a transmission fluid exchange every 30,000 miles. That is what I did for the last 2 generations of Acura MDX's that we owned. The 1st gen MDX transmission as well as the 2nd gen 07-09 MDX had an issues keeping the transmission fluid cool. This is probably the reason so many MDX's needs a transmission rebuild around 150k miles or so. Both our cars transmissions failed at just over 140k miles. Good luck with your car. This is an easy job to complete.
Great video - is there a difference between what you did and changing the transfer fluid case?
Yes, the transfer case uses a hypoid gear oil. Completely different fluid and I think fluid capacity for transfer case is .7 to .8quarts to fill. The process is exactly the same. I do have a video for that as well if you do a search on my channel.
I can't unloosen the atf screw even with a breaker bar it's in there and tight
You might need to get your car higher in the air to get my leverage on the bar. Good luck Robert, I hope you can get it.
good video ,simple and explain well, thanks lot.
Glad it was helpful!
how did you loosen it up cause even with a small breaker bar is hard for me to open it please help
Put the car up on some taller ramps or use a big jack to get it up off the ground more. That will give you more room to put a larger breaker bar on for increased leverage to break that drain plug free.
@@JDMRightHandDrive not thats not the problem not the drain plug im talking about to top for air flow
4:01 if I recall correctly 29 ft lbs is the torque spec.
Good and great job 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
@@JDMRightHandDrive I think you are supposed to do this 3 quarts at a time, drive it going through the gears, then repeat process 2 more times. Total 12 quarts to do the job right.
@@tallpaull9367 I was thinking the same thing after watching and it really should be mentioned as changing per this vid is only one quarter the job. I did mine four times for my initial fluid change as the only way to get it all out is with a pump of some type ( I don't have one). Now I do the 3-4 quart change every time I change the engine oil. My neighbor owns and runs a repair garage and I di this per his suggestion. Also, changing it every oil change makes it a bit easier on the pocket book as 12-16 quarts of this fluid is pretty expensive. After a lot of reading, I also decided to use fluid made by Aisin. Much less expensive from Rock Auto and quality stuff. They may even be the manufacturer of the Honda/Acura fluid from what I'd read.
I did the first change and 3 quarts wasn’t enough. Need 4 Quarts each time. Go for a drive, cycle through all gears. Repeat process 2 more times for a total of 12 quarts to do the job right. I like the idea of doing 4 quarts at every engine oil change, will be doing the same. And yes, i used Aisin DW-1fluid as well, they are the OEM manufacturer for most of the Honda/Acura parts not made by Honda.
That's different that you got 4 quarts out. The drain and fill is supposed to be 3.1 litres.
I have the 6 speed in my elite trim, perhaps that gets less out 🤷♂️
Thanks a lot it is very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks - Great video
You bet, glad to hear this older video is still helping people out. Thanks for watching.
Is there a transmission fluid dipstick in these cars ?
Yes there is when you look in the engine bay but oil dipstick is on the left the transmission dipstick is on the right. If I remember correctly the dipstick finger inlet is blue.
How are you changing trans fluid at 30,000 when owners manual shows change at 60,000?
I change mine early because MDX transmission is known to run hot and burn the oil up early. I am just being proactive trying to make the transmission last longer.
@@JDMRightHandDrive JD thanks but what do you mean by early # of miles?
Was the ATF warm/hot when you drained and measured?
I found that I can just fill the fluid through the dip stick tube. It’s a bit easier that way.
You can remove through the same tube as well. Just need a cheap pump. Then all the service can just be done from the top.
@@TexMex421 But....will you be getting the same 4 quarts out that way? Or a bit less? I wish I knew WHERE my transm dip stick was on my 2016 MDX.
I wonder if its the same for TLX?
I would imagine it is the same process. My 01 MDX, 05 TL and 09 MDX all had the save fluid exchange process. Good luck!👍
Like the extension setup on the wrench lol
How often is the transmission fluid recommended to be changed for normal driving vs. Towing?
Trying to get an answer for this as well. It’s very vague!
Awesome vid. Thanks!!
Good job 👏🏻 thanks
Thanks 👍😄
$400 would be reasonable for complete flushes (7.9liter, or 8.3qt)
This is the same for a RDX as well?
It should be very similar. I would check with the Acura service department near you to check what type of fluid and how much is needed for service intervals. I had an 08 Acura RL with SH AWD, the process was the same as the MDX, but fluid capacities were slightly different. Good luck!
Good stuff, thanks for the vid👍
Great video and instructions!👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
For your 2009 MDX, What size crush washers for the inlet and drain bolts?
24mm for fill bolt. 18mm for drain bolt.
Don't we have to change filter too?
You can if you want to drop the tranny oil pan. There is a total of 12 quarts of fluid. So if you drop the pan to change the filter you will have to buy 12 quarts to finish the job.
I thought the filter was external
@@1menwolfpack550 According to the
Hinshaws Acura service department both filters on the 09 MDX are located inside the transmission. They stated they do not recommend changing them unless you have a problem with your transmission and that just doing a ATF fluid exchange is all that is required.
According to the
Hinshaws Acura service department both filters on the 09 MDX are located inside the transmission. They stated they do not recommend changing them unless you have a problem with your transmission and that just doing a ATF fluid exchange is all that is required.
@@JDMRightHandDrive Interesting. The 2010 is external
I went to the dealer and no z-1, was discontinued on 2011. I got the w-1 instead according to them. And its the same and only oil they have for acura transmission
Honda/Acura are a mess with their fluids. I've spent WEEKS trying to figure this out.
Ok its the same.. and i was confused for the all wheel drive. It ls the only oil they have now for transmissions
Thanks well done video
Glad you enjoyed it🙏
Never use a torque wrench to loosen a bolt. Get a breaker bar.
So you don't reset your transsion computer
There's no reset in the cars display like with the oil reset. in the factory service manner doesn't show any type of reset that I'm aware of.
Torque wrench to loosen a bolt, I thought it was backwards..
Lol
Good stuff!
this dude used a torque wrench the most backwards way possible. you use it to take bolts off but don’t use it to torque said bolt/plug to manufacture spec 😅
Good point!
Crazy stealership prices
I have a 2001 Acura MDX I believe the previous owner didn’t have the transmission fluid flush now it has 124k what do you think I should do ? I’m planing to too keep the car a bit longer and I have replace various maintenance things on it already
I owned a 2001 MDX for 9 years. Wondering if your transmission has any shuttering or hesitation through any of the gears. My MDX had this issue and was ready for a transmission rebuild because the torque converter was failing in mine. I know the transmission cooler was undersized for this model year, causing the transmission fluid to burn up prematurely. I would drain the fluid, measure it and refill it with the same amount. If the fluid comes out black. I would drive it for a few hundred miles and repeat the process again. Only about a third of the fluid comes out, so it may take a few time to get it clean again. Good luck.
So the dealership also sold the washers
Yeah, I got the washers from the dealership.
Umm…. breaking torque with a torque wrench, adding the amount that came out rather than actually making sure your adding the same amount … yeah definitely make sure you guys are watching multiple videos before doing this 😭
great vid! Thank you
You bet Dean, glad you liked it!