Quick question: Should I take my 2009 Acura TSX to the dealer or a local shop

[The Stigenator]

I am getting wary of the Honda transmissions. Its shifting funny after they did my software upgrade. Needless to say its got 32K its time to flush it. Acura says not now (on last service 2000 miles ago).

However I was wondering if I should take it to the dealer or take it to a local shop and get it done. I can either do a one time drain and fill or do the 3x flush fill with a bit of driving in between.

The dealer wanted 290 bucks for a full flush 99 for a single. I am not sure what the local shop will ask. I wonder if there are places in the los angeles area that will do the labor and I provide the parts. I can then get the acura fluid and pay for the labor.

 

[hans007]

$300 for a flush, or even $99 for a single seems like a lot.

I have a 2005 TSX and I did not flush it until about 45k miles... and well I took it to a local place for $70ish in los angeles actually.

I don't think japanese manufactured vehicles have had any tranny problems. If anything your car probably has mostly the same drivetrain that 2004-2008 TSXes have had (2009s only came with the same 2.4 L KA24 and 5 speed auto). The issues wer emostly with the TL / accord / oddessey from what I recall (which were american transmissions based on the usdm accord platform)

 

[StageLeft]

If they are saying not to flush it and manual says not to yet I wouldn't bother. If it literally started shifting weird after a software update only another software update would reverse that.

 

[evident]

if the TSX is anything like the accord transmissions, you don't FLUSH, but do a drain and fill of the transmission fluid. even if the manual doesn't say so, doing a drain and fill will make your tranny shift alot smoother.

the era of problem honda transmissions were from 2000-2005 V6 accords

 

[JJ650]

if the TSX is anything like the accord transmissions, you don't FLUSH, but do a drain and fill of the transmission fluid. even if the manual doesn't say so, doing a drain and fill will make your tranny shift alot smoother.

the era of problem honda transmissions were from 2000-2005 V6 accords

And the 2.2 inline 4 as well.

 

[Vette73]

Yep if its like the old ones it has a drain plug. So just drain and then top off.

Also make sure you have them look at it again with the write up saying the transmission is not working well, and keepa copy for yourself. That way if it has a problem right after the warranty goes you may still be able to get it worked on for free.

 

[HarryLui]

What does the warranty material say?

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

If it's a good local shop, no worries. Did a drain/fill on my 06 LS last Aug right after I bought it with 20k miles.

 

[The Stigenator]

I meant drain and fill not flush. But yeah. I already told the dealer of the issue, but they couldn't find it. That was before the software upgrade. It shifts better since the upgrade but its got this weird sticky gears, it cant make up its mind when shifting. I think a fluid change might be in the works..

I am going to ask the local shop if he can drain and fill 3x if I provide him the fluids.

 

[brblx]

what the heck is a 'single'?

does the dealer not have a flush machine? that would be my rec, rather than doing copius drain and fills. is there a replaceable filter?

and i still don't think you've told us what the service info says?

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

$300 for a flush, or even $99 for a single seems like a lot.

I have a 2005 TSX and I did not flush it until about 45k miles... and well I took it to a local place for $70ish in los angeles actually.

I don't think japanese manufactured vehicles have had any tranny problems. If anything your car probably has mostly the same drivetrain that 2004-2008 TSXes have had (2009s only came with the same 2.4 L KA24 and 5 speed auto). The issues wer emostly with the TL / accord / oddessey from what I recall (which were american transmissions based on the usdm accord platform)

liar.
you have a 2010 audi a4 2.0t quattro (sport pack/premium pack).

 

[The Stigenator]

The only thing that the Owners manual states is this:

For A3 or B3 Service replace Transmission fluid.
It states
"Replace transmission fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures. This
requires transmission and transfer fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
maintenance minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
and transfer fluid changed at 60,000 miles (100,000
km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (For A/T
only.)"

So yeah thats the answer from the official manual. It also states using any other tranny fluid other than Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 will invalid warranty.

"Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do
not mix with other transmission f luids.Using transmission f luid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.Damage resulting from the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Acura new vehicle warranty."

 

[thomsbrain]

You can do it yourself if you can handle an oil change. Actually, it's even easier because you don't have to change a filter or anything. I think on most of the 4-banger Hondas, you just fill through the dipstick hole using a long funnel. But look up the proper quantity of fluid and get some proper Honda/Acura ATF from the dealer or the web, as well as a replacement crush washer.

Honda V6 engines have a separate fill hole with another crush washer in addition to the dipstick.

I wouldn't take it to a local shop unless they are Honda/Acura specialists who use OEM fluids. Don't go to the corner gas station or Midas or anything like that.

 

[KIAman]

Doing transmission fluid change on my 2005 civic was so easy, I didn't even need to lift the car. I just turned the wheel all the way to the left, reached under the passenger side front wheel area, unscrewed the transmission drain bolt, drained, screwed it back, opened the hood, pulled out transmission dipstick, put in long funnel, filled up 2.5 litres, start car, let it warm up, put in R then D then back to P, check dipstick then continue filling as needed.

 

[BassBomb]

DO NOT FLUSH
just drain and refill

 

[Kermy]

Yep, Honda recommends that you DON'T use a flush machine.