🔧 RDX - Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

This service replaces the old automatic transmission fluid by draining it from the transmission pan area and refilling with fresh fluid. On your RDX, this is typically done as a “drain-and-fill” (not a full machine flush), which is safer for DIY and still restores shifting quality over a couple services.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and support the vehicle with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot; let the drivetrain cool 20-30 minutes if you just drove.
• ⚠️ Keep the engine OFF while draining and while under the vehicle.
• ⚠️ Use wheel chocks so the RDX cannot roll.
• ⚠️ Do not use “universal ATF”; use the correct Acura/Honda-spec fluid.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum, pair)
• Wheel chocks (pair)
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 10-quart)
• 3/8 in square-drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Long funnel (fits dipstick tube)
• Clean measuring jug (at least 4-quart)
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (Acura ATF DW-1) - Qty: 4 quarts
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• 🌡️ Take a short 10-minute drive to warm the fluid slightly, then shut the engine off.
• 🧼 Wipe dirt around the transmission dipstick area so nothing falls in during refill.
• 🧰 A “crush washer” is a soft metal sealing washer that should be replaced to prevent leaks.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm up and prep for lifting

• Start the engine, hold the brake, and slowly move the shifter through P-R-N-D and back to P.
• Shut the engine off and remove the key from the vehicle.
• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.

Step 2: Raise and support the front of the RDX

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front at the proper front jack point.
• Set it down on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum, pair) at the proper support points.
• Give the vehicle a gentle shake to confirm it’s stable before going underneath.

Step 3: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Place a drain pan (at least 10-quart) under the transmission drain plug area.
• Use a 3/8 in square-drive ratchet to loosen and remove the transmission drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 10-15 minutes).
• Tip: Keep your face out of the splash zone.

Step 4: Measure what came out

• Carefully pour the drained fluid into a clean measuring jug (at least 4-quart).
• Write down the amount you drained; you’ll refill with the same amount as your starting point.
• Pour the old fluid back into empty bottles for recycling later.

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer

• Clean the drain plug and sealing surface using shop rags.
• Install a new transmission drain plug crush washer on the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range) to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Lower the vehicle to level ground

• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift slightly, remove the jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum, pair), then lower the RDX fully.
• Keep the vehicle on level ground for correct fluid level checking.

Step 7: Refill with Acura ATF DW-1

• Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick.
• Insert a long funnel (fits dipstick tube) into the dipstick tube.
• Pour in the same amount you measured using automatic transmission fluid (Acura ATF DW-1).
• Tip: Pour slowly to prevent funnel overflow.

Step 8: Circulate fluid and set the level

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• With your foot on the brake, move the shifter through all gears slowly, then return to P.
• With the engine idling and the vehicle level, remove the dipstick, wipe it with shop rags, reinsert fully, then re-check.
• Add small amounts through the funnel as needed to reach the correct range on the dipstick (do not overfill).

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Check for leaks around the drain plug after your first short test drive.
• 🧾 Recheck the dipstick level on level ground after the transmission is fully warmed up.
• ♻️ Take the used ATF to a recycling center or parts store that accepts waste oil/fluids.
• 🔁 For a better refresh, you can repeat a drain-and-fill 2 more times over the next few days of driving (this gradually replaces more of the old fluid).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $160-$410 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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