Acura TSX (CL9, 2004-2008) 6-Speed Manual Transmission Fluid Change

Verified guide ✓ 0 views By FitMyBuild You've done this ✓
Time 45 minutes-1 hour
Level Easy
Steps 9
Done by
In progress You stopped at step of 09.
Caution
  • Do not remove the bolt with the 8mm hex (Allen) socket; it is the shift interlock bolt, not a fill plug.
  • Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
  • Warm fluid can be hot; let the drain plug area cool enough to handle and wear gloves.

Introduction

Changing the gear oil in the first-generation TSX six-speed is a simple drain and fill. There is one trap, and it caught the original poster of the Acurazine thread this guide is based on. On top of the transmission there is a bolt with an 8mm hex (Allen) socket that looks like a fill plug, but it is actually the shift interlock bolt. The real fill bolt is a 17mm bolt facing the driver-side wheel, between the inner axle boot and the steering rack. Filling through the wrong hole gives a false level, and running with the interlock bolt out risks misaligning the shift mechanism. Hybrid Racing lists Honda Genuine MTF (08798-9031) for the TSX CL9 six-speed (https://www.hybrid-racing.com/collections/all/products/honda-genuine-manual-transmission-fluid). Adapted from a community writeup by rtea2008, with corrections by huludicidal, on Acurazine (https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-2004-2008-124/mtf-change-06-tsx-778450/).

Procedure

9 steps

  1. Step 1: Warm the fluid

    Drive for a few minutes so the transmission fluid is warm and drains well.

  2. Step 2: Raise the car level

    Lift the car and support it on jack stands so it sits level. The fill hole is the level check, so a tilted car gives a wrong fill.

  3. Step 3: Identify the correct fill bolt

    On the driver side of the transmission, find the 17mm fill bolt between the driveshaft (axle) boot and the power steering rack, facing the wheel. Do not confuse it with the bolt that has an 8mm hex (Allen) socket, reached from above between the coolant hose and the battery area. That one is the shift interlock bolt, not a fill plug, and must be left alone.

  4. Step 4: Remove the fill bolt first

    Remove the 17mm fill bolt before draining. If it is seized you can stop without having drained the gearbox.

  5. Step 5: Drain the old fluid

    Place the drain pan under the transmission and remove the drain bolt from underneath using the 3/8-inch drive ratchet. Let the fluid drain completely.

  6. Step 6: Reinstall the drain bolt

    Clean the drain bolt, fit a new sealing washer and reinstall it. Tighten it to the factory torque given in the service manual.

  7. Step 7: Fill through the 17mm hole

    Using a funnel with tubing or a bottle pump, add Honda MTF through the 17mm fill hole until fluid starts to spill back out. Through the correct hole it takes about 2 quarts; one thread member notes that no more than about 2.1 quarts will fit.

  8. Step 8: Reinstall the fill bolt

    Fit a new washer, reinstall the fill bolt and tighten it to the service manual torque. Wipe up any spilled fluid.

  9. Step 9: Lower and test

    Lower the car, start it and run through the gears, then check both bolts for leaks.

Tips
  • Buy three quarts so you are not short if some spills.
  • Fill with a length of tubing on the funnel; the fill hole is tucked in behind the axle and rack.
All guides →
FIG. 2.1
Maintenance
How to Change Your Engine Oil
FIG. 2.2
Maintenance
Replacing Front Brake Pads
FIG. 2.3
Maintenance
Honda Throttle Body Cleaning (Carbon and Oil Deposit Removal)