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Acura TSX 2009-2014: How to Change Manual Transmission Fluid

Replacing the manual transmission fluid in your Acura TSX is easy, painless and smart preventative maintenance. Read on to learn how to replace it yourself.

By Bassem Girgis - May 13, 2016

This article applies to the Acura TSX (2009-2014).

Although the transmission fluid doesn't need to be replaced as often as your other fluids, it's still a wise investment if you replace it every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Replacing the manual transmission is a different procedure than replacing the automatic transmission. Most transmission shops would charge well over a hundred dollars to replace your transmission fluid. If you feel like you're up for a little challenge, then consider following the instructions below and saving yourself some money. Read on to learn how to replace the manual transmission in your Acura TSX.

Materials Needed

  • Allen head
  • Long extension
  • Drain pan
  • Funnel with long tube
  • Two quarts of transmission fluid
  • Jack and jack stands

Step 1 – Remove the filler bolt

When it comes to servicing transmissions, you always want to remove the fill plug before the drain plug. Not only will it create better vacuum to allow the fluid to drain, but it ensures that you don't drain all of your fluid, only to find the fill plug unreachable, leaving you stranded.

To remove the fill plug, you will need to access the top of the transmission from the engine compartment, and use a long extension with an Allen head in the end. Turn it counter-clockwise to remove it.

  • HONDA ACCORD ACURA TSX MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID GEAR OIL CHANGE REMOVE DRAIN REPLACE HOW TO DIY
    Figure 1. Access filler bolt from the top.
  • HONDA ACCORD ACURA TSX MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID GEAR OIL CHANGE REMOVE DRAIN REPLACE HOW TO DIY
    Figure 2. Remove filler bolt.

Step 2 – Raise the car

Raise your car and secure it with four jack stands to keep it leveled.

HONDA ACCORD ACURA TSX MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID GEAR OIL CHANGE REMOVE DRAIN REPLACE HOW TO DIY
Figure 3. Raise and secure the car.

Step 3 – Drain the transmission

Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the transmission, then place the drain pan directly under it. Remove the drain plug and let the transmission drain completely. When it's completely drained, close and tighten the drain plug to 18 ft./lbs.

HONDA ACCORD ACURA TSX MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID GEAR OIL CHANGE REMOVE DRAIN REPLACE HOW TO DIY
Figure 4. Remove drain plug and drain transmission.

Step 4 – Fill the transmission with fluid

Use a funnel with a long tube to reach the filler hole from the engine compartment. Feed the tube through until it's in the filler hole, then fill the transmission with two quarts only. Use the extension to plug the filler hole with the filler plug.

HONDA ACCORD ACURA TSX MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID GEAR OIL CHANGE REMOVE DRAIN REPLACE HOW TO DIY
Figure 5. Fill transmission with two quarts.

Featured Video: 2013+ Accord/Gen 2 TSX Manual Transmission Fluid Change

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