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Transmission oil change and radiator flush

Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 ACURA RDX
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Hi,

I am going to change the transmission fluid in the car listed above and was wondering where the refill bolt is. Also, I will flush the radiator and want to know if there is an air bolt on the engine.

Thanks!
Monday, March 14th, 2022 AT 8:46 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I am going to attach info from the manual on how to change the ATF and coolant. It doesn't appear to be a bleed valve on the cooling system, however, here are a couple guides that will help with this:

https://youtu.be/qCj-8V2wFcw

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Please see the attached info and let us know what other questions you have.
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

The transmission is refilled through the dipstick tube. I attached directions below showing how to check the fluid level. At the end, it discusses how to add fluid.

The last three pics below explain how to refill the cooling system. Note that there is no bleeder. The directions indicate to fill the radiator as well as the reservoir. When you do this, pour the coolant into the radiator slowly. Once you reach the top, gently squeeze the upper radiator hose to help eliminate any air trapped in the hoses. Refill if necessary.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 AT 6:33 PM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Assuming the oil level is at the right level, could I just drain the transmission (without warming up engine), measure what comes out and pour the same measurement amount back through the dipstick?
Thanks for all the help!
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
You can do that, but you will not get the best results compared to doing it as shown above. However, if you are not having any issues but it is time to change the fluid then this will be better than nothing.

I would just recommend double checking the fluid level after you are finished to ensure it is at the correct level.
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Wednesday, March 16th, 2022 AT 3:49 AM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Okay, thanks!
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Friday, March 18th, 2022 AT 2:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. Let us know how things work out for you or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, March 18th, 2022 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Hi, I did the coolant replacement and had the following observation. After warming the engine and turning it off I opened the drain petcock, but it seems very little coolant came out (less than a gallon). I assumed that the thermostat had not opened yet, so I started the engine again. And after waiting a few minutes a lot came out, I shut the engine off. I then did the refill procedure, and it took a little over 1.5 gals of coolant.
Getting to the petcock was tough though that tiny hole in the splash guard. I just reached over from where the splash guard ends the open with fingers. You could just remove the splash guard, but lots more work.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2022 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

If little came out of the petcock the first time, that is indicating the radiator was low or empty. The radiator is full of warm or cold.

Is everything working properly now?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, March 28th, 2022 AT 5:13 PM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Yes, thanks again for the help!
Will be doing Xfer case and differential next.
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Monday, March 28th, 2022 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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You are very welcome. Let us know when you plan the next project. We are here if needed.

Take care of yourself and remember, you are always welcome to come back.

Joe
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Monday, March 28th, 2022 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Could you send me a serpentine path diagram on the 2008 Acura RDX turbo engine? Wil be replacing the A/C clutch next. Thanks.
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Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

I would be happy to, but I have a favor to ask. Could you start a new thread for this topic? We try to keep the topics specific to one concern so that it helps others.

All you need to do is copy and paste your new question. Here is the link to go to for the new posting:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

I truly hope you understand. I will watch for your new post.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 AT 8:40 PM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Hi, this is regarding refilling the transmission through the dipstick hole. I looked at it and it is only about 3/8" in diameter! Is there a special funnel that fits? Also, how would the air in the transmission escape as the fluid is flowing in?
Thank you for all your help!
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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

That is where it has to go. As far as a funnel, you need a small one and it needs to be added slowly.

There is actually a fill hole at the top of the transmission that would make it a lot faster, but you need to remove the airbox to access the bolt which needs removed. It's actually easier and faster going through the dipstick tube.

As far as venting, the transmission has a vent that will allow the air to escape.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
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Okay, I found a rubber hose that fits over the tube and connects a funnel to it.
Thanks again, Joe!
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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 7:08 PM

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