Acura transmission fluid change is an important part of maintaining any Acura car. By regularly getting the fluid changed, you are helping ensure that your gearbox continues shifting effectively and smoothly. But when does the fluid need to be changed and how much does that costs?
Acura recommends changing transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for manual transmissions, and 60,000 to 100,000 miles for automatic transmissions. The cost of transmission fluid change ranges from $100 to $250 at a dealership depending on the vehicle model and location.
As an Acura vehicle owner, it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance tasks like replacing your transmission fluid. Regularly changing this fluid helps ensure that your car is running at its peak performance, while also helping to extend the life of the transmission.
But when should you change the transmission fluid? What are the estimated costs involved in getting a transmission fluid change for your Acura? And, what will happen if I don’t change the fluid?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all these details and more. So read on to make sure that your next Acura experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
When Is a Acura Transmission Fluid Change Required?
The frequency would depend on the model of your vehicle and your driving style. For example, if your Acura experiences lots of stop-and-go driving in the city or if it sees heavy use, then you might want to change the transmission fluid around the 60,000 mile mark.
However, if you drive your Acura mostly on the highway, it’s generally advisable to wait until you hit 100,000 miles before considering a transmission fluid change.
For more specific mileage intervals for your car model, make sure to consult the owner’s manual.
Your transmission fluid might need to be changed early if you’re dealing with one of the following symptoms:
- Dirty transmission fluid
- Delay or Slipping gears
- Whining or grinding noise
- Can’t go into reverse gear
- Overheating engine
In fact, my own Acura RDX’s transmission started having problems when it reached 80,000 miles. This despite taken good care of it and having the transmission fluid changed at 60,000 miles.
Gear changes were delayed and even slipping occasionally. Thankfully, the issue was fixed with a simple transmission fluid change.
Simply put, it seems that the fluid used in the last change had degraded and broken down prematurely, causing the shifting problem.
How Much Does an Acura Transmission Fluid Change Cost?
A transmission fluid change would typically take around an hour. The technician would drain the fluid from the transmission pan and then replace it with fresh fluid.
On average, you can expect to pay around $115-$170 for a fluid change. During the service, the professional would also replace the pan gasket and filter (if your Acura has an automatic transmission) and check for any leaks.
Ideally, the technician that is performing the fluid change has to specialize in Acura transmission repair and be OEM certified.
By the way, you might be able to check the transmission fluid yourself if there’s a dipstick under your hood. Read the owner’s manual to find out exactly how you can do that.
If there is no dipstick under the hood, then your Acura has a sealed transmission, and you should leave the job to a pro.
How Much Does a Transmission Fluid Flush Cost?
During a transmission flush, all of the fluid will get flushed out of the system and then replaced with fresh transmission fluid. Such flushes are much more effective than regular fluid changes at removing the contaminants that might have had a chance to build up in the system.
However, transmission fluid flushes are more expensive and can cost you around $250. A flush is typically twice the price of a regular change due to the fact that it takes more time. Furthermore, the fluid will get replaced not only in the pan but also in the cooler lines and other parts of the transmission.
Do bear in mind that a flush would only make sense if the system contains debris and the fluid is very dark.
What Will Happen if You Don’t Change Transmission Fluid?
Failing to change your car’s transmission fluid can cause it to lose its lubricating and cleaning abilities, just like engine oil. This results in high temperatures, sludge accumulation, and too much friction, which can harm the clutches that help shift gears inside the transmission.
Simply put, failure to change your vehicles transmission fluid at the recommended service intervals will reduce the lifespan of the transmission.
Acura Transmission Fluid Change FAQs
What Are The Signs of Bad Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid can become dirty or contaminated, which can affect the transmission’s performance. There are six signs that indicate your transmission fluid is bad and needs changing.
The first sign is dirty transmission fluid, which may appear dark or opaque.
The second sign is a transmission whining noise, which could be an indication of low fluid levels or worn-out parts.
The third sign is gears slipping, where you may experience a delay or hesitation when shifting gears. Fourth, you may have trouble going into reverse gear, which could indicate a problem with the transmission’s hydraulic system.
The fifth sign is slipping out of gear, where the transmission may suddenly shift back into neutral.
Finally, if you hear a grinding noise, this could be a sign of metal parts grinding against each other due to low or contaminated fluid levels. If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have your transmission fluid checked and changed.
Does Acura Take a Special Transmission Fluid?
If you’re wondering which transmission fluid to use for your Acura vehicle, you can use Acura ATF-DW1. It’s specially designed for Acura cars and provides smooth shifting. Plus, it’s a high-quality fluid with a high viscosity index.
Do Acuras Have CVT Transmissions?
No, Acura vehicles do not have CVT transmissions. However, the Acura offers two distinct types of transmissions, the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and SportShift Automatic Transmission.
Is it Better to Flush or Change Acura Transmission Fluid?
Both flushing and changing transmission fluid are important for maintaining your vehicle’s transmission, but they have different purposes.
Changing the fluid involves draining the old fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid every 60,000 miles. This ensures that the fluid is clean and free of contaminants, improving transmission performance and lifespan.
Flushing uses a cleaning solution to force debris and contaminants out of the transmission. It can be beneficial in some cases but harmful if the transmission is already damaged.
It’s best to consult the owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to determine the best course of action for your situation.
Final Thoughts
An Acura transmission fluid change is an important part of preventative maintenance. The fluid can break down over time and start to cause various problems. Problems such as strange noises and ending with difficulty in getting into gear or slipping gears.
So, if you want to extend the lifespan of your transmission and enjoy improved transmission performance, then such a service is definitely a must.
Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
