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When it comes to Acura transmission fluid change, while services like oil changes and tire rotations may be required more frequently, less periodic tasks are just as important to keep up. One of those items is a transmission fluid change! Although most Acura vehicles should only require this service every few years, it’s not something you want to neglect for a long. If you think you might need a transmission fluid change, contact the Pohanka Acura Service Department today!
What is a transmission fluid change or flush?
Changing the transmission fluid is the proven process specified in your owner’s manual when you request transmission service. Your mechanic drains the fluid from the transmission, replaces the filter, and then refills the transmission with fresh, new fluid.
Changing the transmission fluid allows your mechanic to get a close look at the transmission pan and filter. This can reveal the presence of metal particles or other debris, which can indicate a larger problem that needs to be fixed before it gets worse. This makes changing the fluid an ideal preventative maintenance procedure.
The transmission flush process uses a machine to replace the fluid in an automatic transmission. Many auto repair shops own these expensive machines. Old fluid, dirt and sludge are forced out under pressure and replaced with fresh fluid. Flushing usually costs much more than a fluid change, due to the cost of the machine. Many shops tend to price the procedure for high profits.
What should I get, a transmission fluid change or a flush?
The flushing process does not require the tray to be removed or the filter to be changed, thus the diagnostic and preventative benefits of seeing what is in the tray and changing the filter are lost. Additionally, many vehicle manufacturers do not recommend or require transmission cleaning to be included as part of their vehicles’ recommended maintenance schedule. So why do it? Follow with the transmission fluid change specified in your owner’s manual.
However, if your maintenance schedule specifically calls for a flush, or your transmission fluid has been ignored for too long and has picked up metal particles or other contaminants, a flush is the way to go.
What are the symptoms related to transmission fluid problems?
If your transmission fluid or filter becomes clogged, you may notice the engine revving when you are not accelerating the vehicle; this is called transmission slippage. If you notice this, have your car serviced immediately as the damage will only get worse.
Changing the transmission fluid (and filter, if equipped) is generally a maintenance item and should be done on a regular schedule. In some vehicles, flushing the transmission is part of the maintenance schedule; otherwise, a flush is only needed if debris is detected in the fluid.
Can I drive with a transmission fluid problem?
In general, it is not recommended to drive a vehicle that has passed the manufacturer’s specified service interval. The vehicle is safe to drive, but skipping maintenance can cost you much more in the long run. If you’ve gone over your scheduled maintenance mileage, you should get your car checked out as soon as possible.
If the vehicle has a transmission problem that is causing drivability problems, or any of the symptoms listed here, the vehicle should be towed to a repair center for diagnosis.
How often should transmission fluids be replaced?
Changing the transmission fluid is usually a scheduled maintenance item. Still, transmission problems can occur at any time. It is more common to see high mileage vehicles in poor condition due to lack of maintenance. Performing factory maintenance on time is the best way to help prevent transmission failure.
Transmission
Acura Transmission Services offered by Crown Acura Richmond:
- Filter Replacement
- Transmission Restore
- Transmission Flush
- Change Transmission Fluid
- Repair
- A complete Acura transmission service includes flushing, filter replacement, gasket, fluid change, hose and tray inspection and a free multi-point service Inspection of all other components.
At Crown Acura Richmond, our technicians specialize in Acura transmission repair and are OEM certified. Check out our online service department reviews to see why thousands of Acura owners choose us for fast, affordable and reliable auto repair.
Acura Transmission Filter
Changing the Acura transmission filter is not as easy as the private filters in your car. The transmission filter has several components, including the filter itself, which is typically a metal plate with a fiber material that traps contaminants. Your Acura will also contain a pickup tube, gasket, and rubber seal that may need to be replaced along with the filter. Your Acura transmission filter will need to be replaced every 30,000 or 50,000 miles. Feel free to consult your vehicle’s maintenance guide for more information on mileage and time intervals.
Acura Transmission Fluid
A transmission fluid change is typically half the price of a transmission flush, as it requires much less fluid and time to perform. Acura transmission fluid changes are exceptionally sufficient to keep your vehicle’s transmission nice and lubricated. If you don’t routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, your Acura transmission may slip. Check your car’s owner’s manual for more information on the specific mileage intervals your transmission needs to have its fluid changed.
Acura Transmission Flush
A transmission flush is typically double the price of a fluid change due to the time fee it takes to service and the fact that the flush not only replaces the fluid in the pan, but also It also removes fluid from the cooler lines and other parts of your transmission. An Acura transmission flush also uses about 10 quarts of fluid to completely clean and flush the system.
How do you know if you need a transmission fluid change or a transmission flush?
A transmission flush is only safe if your system contains dirt or debris. If the fluid is extremely dark or contains discrete sludge, we would recommend a full system flush rather than simply changing the fluid.
Acura Transmission Problems
Common warning signs that your transmission is having trouble are:
- A simple sign would be if your Acura transmission warning light is on.
- One of the most noticeable signs is when your transmission shifts but the result of those shifts is delayed.
- Strange odors are a sign that the transmission fluid is burning inside the components.
- If you notice a strange noise or screeching when you shift, or if you feel the gears stick when you shift, then your transmission needs more lube or something more precarious could be to blame.
- Transmission fluid leaks are the biggest sign that you need a transmission fluid change, or potentially even a full cleaning service. Unlikely, but leaks could also mean there’s a problem with the transmission hose.
If you are experiencing or think you may be experiencing each of these issues, call Crown Acura Richmond immediately and we will guide you through the step-by-step process of checking your fluid levels or you can take your Acura to our factory-trained technicians. and we can analyze any issues your car may have for free as part of our multi-point inspection process.
Acura Transmission Replacement
Automotive transmissions are exceptionally complex. Deciding whether to rebuild or replace a faulty transmission can be very demanding. Mainly, the selection factor is to determine which components are bad or fail. During a rebuild, Crown Acura Richmond will completely disassemble your Acura transmission and clean and diagnose each part.
This requires a great deal of knowledge not about transmission components, but about the cost of repair vs. replacement. It also requires knowing which parts are consistent. Our Acura Certified Master Technicians specialize in transmissions and can complete this process quickly and effectively.
Acura transmission replacement is a much simpler option, however it can be more expensive in the short term. Price shouldn’t be your only concern when looking for a transmission replacement, especially on an Acura. Having the newest, most compatible parts assembled by an experienced factory master technician can save you a great deal of money in the long run. Which option is best for you is entirely up to you.
Acura Transmission Cost
The cost of a new Acura transmission could be upwards of $3,500 depending on the vehicle; however, transmission services such as fluid changes and transmission fluid flushing are considerably less expensive, in some cases costing less than $150. These services are problematic in extending the life of your Acura transmission.
Acura Automatic vs. Manual Transmission
Automatic and manual transmission will often require understandable fluids. Automatic transmission fluids are getting thinner and are often red or green in color. Manual transmission fluid or gear oil is thicker due to special additives and compounds that lubricate the gearbox and distinctive components. Manual transmissions have a higher friction environment due to the way the gears are interchanged, so lubricant is understandable.
Not only are the fluids different between manual and automatic transmissions, but the level of heat experienced by the fluids is very different. Automatic transmissions generate much more heat and therefore your transmission fluid needs to be changed more generally. If you don’t change your Acura’s transmission fluid, your transmission will have broken metal shavings and uneven corrosive material scattered all over critical parts of your Acura.
Typically, you should check the fluid levels between the fluid and transmission flush service intervals. In odd cases, manual transmissions don’t come equipped with a dipstick to check fluid levels, so it can be awfully difficult to do. Call or visit Crown Acura Richmond for more information if your transmission does not contain a dipstick.
What does transmission fluid do?
To get started, let’s address exactly what transmission fluid is and why it’s important. First, the transmission is what transfers power from the engine to the driveshaft to turn the wheels. It requires a specific fluid to stay properly lubricated for optimal performance.
Additionally, this fluid protects exposed metal surfaces from damage, facilitates cooling, increases rotational speed, and more. Depending on whether your Acura has a standard or automatic system, the specific type of fluid will vary. Also, manual transmissions require more frequent fluid changes.
Timeline and Warning Signs
In general, Acuras with a standard transmission should have their fluid changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, although this can vary depending on how much you tow, how old your vehicle is, and other factors. If you instead have an automatic transmission, you may not have to worry about servicing at all!
However, it might be wise to change it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles anyway, just to be safe. Your vehicle could exhibit several warning signs when this work is needed soon, including gear shift issues, squealing or other unusual noises when you are accelerating, and lag in vehicle movement.
We hope the article about Acura transmission fluid change and the related information is helpful to you. If you have any questions, please let us one on our website Auto Oil And Fluid!