3x3 Auto Transmission Fluid Change - FYI | Acura MDX SUV Forums

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Second Generation MDX (2007-2013)

delirium330

just did this over the past few days, couldn't have been easier considering the only tools you need are a socket wrench, bucket, funnel, and new fluid. anyway, this change is constantly referred to as a "3x3" change as you drain 3 quarts, then refill 3 quarts. do to this process 3 times means you should order 9 quarts of new fluid right? wrong. every time i drained the transmission i would get about 3.2 quarts to drain out, and every time i would fill it back up, i needed about 3.2 quarts to get it back to the proper operating level. if you're going to do this, order 10 quarts and save yourself the trouble of driving back to the dealership or ordering a 10th quart online. #1 · Apr 15, 2013 just did this over the past few days, couldn't have been easier considering the only tools you need are a socket wrench, bucket, funnel, and new fluid. anyway, this change is constantly referred to as a "3x3" change as you drain 3 quarts, then refill 3 quarts. do to this process 3 times means you should order 9 quarts of new fluid right? wrong. every time i drained the transmission i would get about 3.2 quarts to drain out, and every time i would fill it back up, i needed about 3.2 quarts to get it back to the proper operating level. if you're going to do this, order 10 quarts and save yourself the trouble of driving back to the dealership or ordering a 10th quart online. Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Apr 15, 2013 Can you post pics of where the drain bolt and fill bolt is? I just got a used MDX and need to change this fluid. #3 · Apr 15, 2013

aznqtboy984 said: Can you post pics of where the drain bolt and fill bolt is? I just got a used MDX and need to change this fluid. Click to expand...

the drain bolt is straight center from the front and faces the passenger side. you don't need a jack and it is very easy accesible. i can post a picture when i go home tonight. the fill bolt is hard to get to, much easier to fill through the transmission fluid dipstick tube. for this you'll want a small hose that can slide into the dipstick tube and a funnel on the top of it. i can snap a picture of my setup tonight as well. Show more replies 0 Reply #5 · Apr 16, 2013 I did a careful calculation and my conclusion is that 3X4 is the best. Look at here: http://www.mdxers.org/forums/74-200...dx/46925-mm-does-not-ask-me-transmission-rear-differential-fluid-changes-2.html #6 · Apr 17, 2013 As you get more than 3 out please put more than three back in. Sent from AutoGuide.com App #7 · Apr 17, 2013 In all of the Hondas and Acuras I've run over the years, I do a single tranny fluid fill 'n drain about every 20k miles, rather than waiting till later and doing a multiple fill 'n drain at one time. In those cars I've run over 100k miles, the fluid always looks and holds up well, and the tranny still shifts like new. Seems to work for me.... andy #16 · Jun 20, 2013 I have seen elsewhere on Honda forums people doing a single drain fill every other oil change (may be excessive) with great long term results. Considering the dealers only do a single drain fill when they are supposed to do a 3X, it makes sense to do it every 15-20K if you are going to do a single. 2 Honda and 1 Acura dealer I spoke with say they only do a single D/F. 0 Reply #8 · Apr 24, 2013 Could you post pics of the bolt locations as mentioned earlier? #9 · Apr 24, 2013

delirium330 said: just did this over the past few days, couldn't have been easier considering the only tools you need are a socket wrench, bucket, funnel, and new fluid. anyway, this change is constantly referred to as a "3x3" change as you drain 3 quarts, then refill 3 quarts. do to this process 3 times means you should order 9 quarts of new fluid right? wrong. every time i drained the transmission i would get about 3.2 quarts to drain out, and every time i would fill it back up, i needed about 3.2 quarts to get it back to the proper operating level. if you're going to do this, order 10 quarts and save yourself the trouble of driving back to the dealership or ordering a 10th quart online. Click to expand...

I too just completed a 3x3 change and as stated my first drain was closer to 4 quarts than 3. Also I discovered that honda dealers sell the exact same honda ATF for much less than Acura dealers. As of two days ago my local Acura dealer quoted me a price of 14.33 per quart with no discount if buying a case vs. my local honda dealer which quoted me 8.22 per quart and a 10% discount if I bought a case. Unbelievable - the two dealerships are a whopping .5 miles apart. Same deal with power steering fluid much cheaper at the Honda dealership. #10 · Apr 24, 2013 $14.33!!!! Outrageous! 1 Reply #12 · Apr 25, 2013 I purchased 12 quarts of the ATF DW-1 from an Acura dealer back in February for $5.93 a quart. The list price as shown on my invoice is $8.23 a quart. I was lucky enough to have dealt with the wholesale parts manager when I called around looking for a price. He said I can purchase anything in the future from him at a price point just above wholesale. I think he said that is usually 20%-25% off list. #13 · Jun 20, 2013 Anyone have pics or a quick how-to? I'm mainly looking for locations of the bolts.. #14 · Jun 20, 2013 RTM. Mine says 3.3 qts per drain/fill. #15 · Jun 20, 2013 Any pictures/steps from a 2007+ MDX? Insert Quotes Post Reply

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