Transmission durability 08 MDX

[AzFireGuy79]

My mother is looking at a zero mile 2008 Acura MDX. Does anyone own one of these or know anything about their track record regarding transmissions. I think it was a five speed auto. I would assume it utilizes [censored] Z1-ATF.

It drove very nicely. As it should for close to 50,000( she is getting the loaded one). She also considered the GMC Acadia, which was a nice SUV as well, although not quite on the same level as the MDX. Thanks for your insight.

 

[Dave Sherman]

Supposedly Honda has worked out some early 5 speed auto failures, and the newer ones don't have the same shortcomings when coupled to the V6. Try Googling "Honda Accord transmission failure" if you want to know the history. Some folks on the CR-V forums advocate changing the ATF a bit more often than Honda or the Maintenance Minder would say. I'm guessing the Acura also has the maintenance minder. Since my new CR-V is the first Honda automatic I've owned and it's a 5 speed, I plan on changing the ATF once every 15,000. But that's me.

 

[vinu_neuro]

Iirc, Acura calls for the first fluid change at 60k miles and then 30k from then on. Even 30k is too long on Z1. I would immediately swap out all the original fluid for Amsoil ATF from the getgo.

 

[JTK]

If it shares the same Honda 5spd AT as the Ridgeline, Pilot and now Odyssey, she should be good to go. 2007+ use the same 4-shaft trans intended for (supposed) heavy-duty use in the Ridgeline. I've got a 2008 Ody and enjoy the positive up/down shifts of this AT.

Joel

 

[The Critic]

It's a 4-shaft unit now. Durability should be fine, it should last 150k before needing its first rebuild.

It does use the ATF-Z1 fluid, but I think the service intervals are in the 30-45k range for the truck applications. The "3" in the Maintenance Minder will appear when a transmission service is needed.

 

[AzFireGuy79]

Good to know. Thanks guys!

 

[novaracer69]

the gmc is a nicer truck

 

[Jim 5]

I just bought an 09 Odyssey and will be putting the factory transmission cooler (from the tow package) on it as well as a magnefine.

I am doing this because I think it will significantly increase the life of the transmission. We will not be towing anything with the vehicle, since we already have a tow vehicle for our travel trailer.

 

[Carzzz]

Does anyone know 07 Accord V6 5AT uses 4-shaft or 2-shaft transmission?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Carzzz
Does anyone know 07 Accord V6 5AT uses 4-shaft or 2-shaft transmission?

08+ V6 have the 4-shaft. Not sure about the 03-07 ones, maybe its the 3-shaft model?

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Carzzz
Does anyone know 07 Accord V6 5AT uses 4-shaft or 2-shaft transmission?


You've got a counter shaft, a main shaft and a secondary shaft. As far as I know, only the 2007+ SUV/minvan Honda trans has the 4.

Joel

 

[Carzzz]

thanks

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: Jim 5
I just bought an 09 Odyssey and will be putting the factory transmission cooler (from the tow package) on it as well as a magnefine.

I am doing this because I think it will significantly increase the life of the transmission. We will not be towing anything with the vehicle, since we already have a tow vehicle for our travel trailer.
Do the oil temps get too high? What causes the failures oil starvation oil overheating ot designing the last bit of quality out of the unit? I hate when transmissions go out.

 

[Jim 5]

Originally Posted By: Steve S
Originally Posted By: Jim 5
I just bought an 09 Odyssey and will be putting the factory transmission cooler (from the tow package) on it as well as a magnefine.

I am doing this because I think it will significantly increase the life of the transmission. We will not be towing anything with the vehicle, since we already have a tow vehicle for our travel trailer.
Do the oil temps get too high? What causes the failures oil starvation oil overheating ot designing the last bit of quality out of the unit? I hate when transmissions go out.


Don't know and doubt if I ever will. There is no trans temp guage.

I just know that the honda auto transmissions coupled to the V6's have been troublesome. One of the biggest enemies of transmission fluid is excess heat. My thought is that for a few hundred dollars, I can remove a ton of that heat before it gets a chance to deteriorate the fluid.

Maybe it would be OK without the cooler, but I'd hate to be wrong about that - out of warranty - just to save a couple hundred bucks up front.

 

[JTK]

It's not a bad plan Jim. ATF changes will be real easy on your '09. The trans has a drain plug, a fill plug and a dipstick you could also fill through. The cooler lines do look like a bugger to get at, but I haven't pulled stuff out from under my 2008 to investigate further. The trans also has a filter, but best I can tell, the only way to get at it is by dropping the trans! It's #1 here:
To the OP, this is the same trans as in the 2007 MDX.

Joel

 

[Jim 5]

Thanks!

I got a pdf of the installation instructions for the coolers (trans and power steering). It's pretty simple......after you take the front bumper (cover) off with 20 or more of those quick-release plastic fasteners.