| laborlitigator |
So I call up Acura and ask them the pricing on their 7500 mile service. . . they say $199.99 and I'd have to make a reservation ahead of time in order to get a loaner. . .
I say, no thanks to the young lady and I go to my local 10 minute mechanic shop.
I show him the recommended listing of services provided by the dealership. He goes through the list and starts laughing at the VTM-4 recommended change. . . he says, "That's just something for stupid people to pay for. . ." I ask him whether he's sure about that and he then goes onto say, "If you want, I can change all the light bulbs in your car, while your at it. . . "
Since I've used him in the past and I consider him pretty trustworthy, I follow his recommendations. For the same service that Acura was going to charge me 2 bills for, he gives me a bill for $60. That's even with the tire rotation and all under 30 minutes. . .
Hmmmm. . . at that price, maybe I should've gotten all new bulbs:p |
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| greatscot |
| laborlitigator, does having your local trustworthy mechanic do your 7500 mile check, affect your warranty in any way? Also, what bulbs was he going to put in? :27: |
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| laborlitigator |
| No. . . it doesn't void the warranty |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by greatscot
Also, what bulbs was he going to put in? :27: [/B]
Maybe a crap detector bulb |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Maybe a crap detector bulb
:22: |
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| JimH |
| Not sure from the original post, but did you get the VTM-4 change in this service, or did you pass on getting the fluid drained/changed? thanks. |
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| greatscot |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Maybe a crap detector bulb
Then I'd go back and and ask for the Rat detector bulb.
Have you seen that other thread yet? Good grief, what is it about the X that attracts rodents anyway? |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by JimH
Not sure from the original post, but did you get the VTM-4 change in this service, or did you pass on getting the fluid drained/changed? thanks.
He told me it was not necessary and basically a way to overcharge Acura owners. |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
He told me it was not necessary and basically a way to overcharge Acura owners.
He is probably right, however, the owners manual calls for the change at 7500 miles and not getting the recommended maintenance gives Acura a reason not to honor a warranty claim in the future.
Interesting that the 2003 Pilot VTM change is specified at 15000 miles yet 2001/2002 and even a 2003 MDX is 7500???
I also got a price Quote of about $200 from the Acura dealer. Wound up going to the Honda dealer and got oil change ($19.95) at 5000 miles, at 7500 miles got VTM fluid change ($45) and at 10000 miles got another oil change and tire rotation ($30).
Interesting when I got the quote for $200 and asked what they did for $200 they said oil change, tire rotation, VTM change, and numerous inspections. A month earlier I received a card from Acura for a free 45 point inspection and when I called the same dealer they would not honor the card, said a new car with under 10000 miles did on apply and inspection was not necessary.:8: |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I am at the vtm changing interval. I have not called my dealer about the 7500 mile service price but I sure as heck am not paying 200 dollars for a service that seems premature in my opinion. I have a Honda dealer that is way more convenient. I realize eagle has had a good deal going to a Honda dealer. Has anyone else . Just curious. 200 dollars:eek: :16: |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by hockeyplayer
I am at the vtm changing interval. I have not called my dealer about the 7500 mile service price but I sure as heck am not paying 200 dollars for a service that seems premature in my opinion. I have a Honda dealer that is way more convenient. I realize eagle has had a good deal going to a Honda dealer. Has anyone else . Just curious. 200 dollars:eek: :16:
There is an excellent older thread on this topic. Check out this one:
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...00+mile+service
A long read (125+ replies) but everything you wanted to know about 7500 sevice, pricing, saving money, and more. :29: |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by hockeyplayer
I am at the vtm changing interval. I have not called my dealer about the 7500 mile service price but I sure as heck am not paying 200 dollars for a service that seems premature in my opinion. I have a Honda dealer that is way more convenient. I realize eagle has had a good deal going to a Honda dealer. Has anyone else . Just curious. 200 dollars:eek: :16:
After reading the previous threads, I had originally called my local Honda dealer. They stated that they do not service Acuras |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
After reading the previous threads, I had originally called my local Honda dealer. They stated that they do not service Acuras
Are you sure they were not referring to warranty service?
Hard to believe any service department would not be willing to do "collect" maintenance or repairs, especially a Honda Dealer on an Acura.
My Acura dealer is 45 miles away, the Honda dealer is 1/2 mile from my home. When I bought my MDX the Acura dealer said the Honda dealer would/could do maintenance or even repairs on the MDX, but not warranty repairs.
Honda dealers also have all the parts needed, fluid, filters, washers, etc. because of the Pilot. |
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| Jon |
| I am such a retard:mad: I just got my service done about 2 weeks ago. 7,500 miles late. I too have spoke to several different mechanics and they all advised me that the VTM-fluid change was not necessary. It is just a common practice used by many many auto makers. None the less.........I went in to my Acura dealer and got the 7,500 service (@15,000 miles) for $175. I don't know who to believe, I just want to keep the MDX updated and kosher so it fetches more $$$ when it comes time to sell it. I have kept a very regular maintenance schedule and have receipts to prove it. Also makes me sleep a little better that a certified Honda tech did it instead of Joe at my local garage.:8: |
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| MARFONG |
BaldEagle:
I also got an offer for a free inspection from Acura when my '02 MDX had only about 9,000 miles. I made an appt. at my dealer, but the service advisor refused to do the inspection, saying that my vehicle was too new to need an inspection. I later complained to the service manager and he said that Acura had mistakenly sent those out to '02 owners. He checked with Acura and they agreed to provide me with a 15K service for free to compensate me for the wasted time. |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by MARFONG
BaldEagle:
I also got an offer for a free inspection from Acura when my '02 MDX had only about 9,000 miles. I made an appt. at my dealer, but the service advisor refused to do the inspection, saying that my vehicle was too new to need an inspection. I later complained to the service manager and he said that Acura had mistakenly sent those out to '02 owners. He checked with Acura and they agreed to provide me with a 15K service for free to compensate me for the wasted time.
Similar story here and then they have the nerve to use these unnecessary inspections to justify the $200 charge for the 7500 mile maintenance. Who are they kidding? Sounds almost like fraud to me.:moon: :twak: :1pat: :28: :bonk: |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
Similar story here and then they have the nerve to use these unnecessary inspections to justify the $200 charge for the 7500 mile maintenance. Who are they kidding? Sounds almost like fraud to me.:moon: :twak: :1pat: :28: :bonk:
It really is a shame that their service is so poor compared to the vehicle. Again, that's why I love BMW's service . . . cannot be compared to. |
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| JTM |
Honda dealers in my area don't do service for Acura's. I was asking price for the 7500 miles service few months back, and all of them tell me they are not doing services on MDX. I have to bring to Acura dealer. :rolleyes:
Anyhow, toward the end, I bought all the parts/fluid need for the 7500 miles service from my local Acura dealer and had GOOD YEAR store does the service. So I paid less than $40 for tire rotation, VTM fluid and Oil changes. (tire rotation and oil change were free due to the welcome coupon) :2: |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
He told me it was not necessary and basically a way to overcharge Acura owners.
Hope you don't have VTM-4 issues later, as it seems the owners manual calls out the 7500 mile fluid cange specifically.
I agree that all the "inspections' are a waste on $$, but it makes me think twice when they call out something specifically like the VTM-4 fluid.
They did make the first change at 15,000 miles for the Pilot, but they still call it out specifically. |
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| laborlitigator |
| I trust my mechanic more than I trust Acura. . . |
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| mgmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
I trust my mechanic more than I trust Acura. . .
Although I am not a mechanic, I trust myself alot more than I trust ANY mechanic or dealer's service department. That's why I prefer to do simple routine service (oil changes, VTM changes, tire rotations, etc.) myself.
This way, there are absolutely no questions if a specific service was actually performed, whether it was performed properly, or if I was overcharged. |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
I trust my mechanic more than I trust Acura. . .
Cool, does offer a warrenty with his advice? |
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| TheWorm |
| I can understand eliminating some of the superfluous stuff dealers add to service intervals to jack their margins (oil additives, fuel additives, other junk fees) but IMO skipping interval maintenance items in the owner's manual is a mistake. |
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| thomas |
I also called the Acura dealer in San Jose area. They quoted me
a $90 for the VTM fluid change only. I asked them why it was so
much higher than engine oil change. The answer was the labor.
So, I order the service manual and changed it myself within 30 minutes. I did'nt even need to jack up the car since I could reach to the fill/drain plugs just from the backend. As for the cost:
fill pump : $10. from dealer. ($5 from hardware/auto shop).
fluid+washes: $20. from dealer.
Get a torque wrench will help you from over tight the plug
by set it to the manufacture spec. Save the pump for the
next VTM fluid change.
For all the inspections for a 1 or 2 years new car, I believe the
dealer just added them as a long list. Otherwise, I would sell
my MDX-).
Thomas |
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| mgmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
I can understand eliminating some of the superfluous stuff dealers add to service intervals to jack their margins (oil additives, fuel additives, other junk fees) but IMO skipping interval maintenance items in the owner's manual is a mistake.
Agree 100% :4: |
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| hammermdx |
| I just do the regular maintenance stuff (as per the recommended schedule) myself, oil changes, VTM and ATF changes. I leave the heavy lifting and warranty work for the dealer. My feeling is the less anyone but me touches my vehicles the better. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by mgmdx
Although I am not a mechanic, I trust myself alot more than I trust ANY mechanic or dealer's service department. That's why I prefer to do simple routine service (oil changes, VTM changes, tire rotations, etc.) myself.
This way, there are absolutely no questions if a specific service was actually performed, whether it was performed properly, or if I was overcharged.
Unfortunately, I simply don't have the patience to do it myself. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
Cool, does offer a warrenty with his advice?
Of course not, but I've been using him for about 13 years so I think he's earned my trust. . . |
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| hammermdx |
| I hear you, for me it's like therapy.....me and my machine.:cool: |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by mgmdx
Agree 100% :4:
Yes, but isn't the VTM required at 15K and suggested at 7.5K. . . perhaps I maybe mistaken |
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| TheWorm |
| VTM is 7.5k required change (1st change) and then varies thereafter depending on normal/severe schedule. |
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| hammermdx |
| Pretty sure the manual states it's required at 6 months or 7500 miles....whichever comes first. |
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| laborlitigator |
| Well, I guess I'll find out at 15K miles cause I don't really feel like changing the VTM at this point. |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Yes, but isn't the VTM required at 15K and suggested at 7.5K. . . perhaps I maybe mistaken
The 2003 Honda Pilot owners manual calls for an initial change of VTM fluid under "normal" conditions at 15000 miles and 7500 miles under "severe" conditions.
The MDX calls for the initial change at 7500 miles on both "normal" and "severe" conditions. :confused: :8: :confused:
To my knowledge the VTM drive system is identical in the Pilot And MDX. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
The 2003 Honda Pilot owners manual calls for an initial change of VTM fluid under "normal" conditions at 15000 miles and 7500 miles under "severe" conditions.
The MDX calls for the initial change at 7500 miles on both "normal" and "severe" conditions. :confused: :8: :confused:
To my knowledge the VTM drive system is identical in the Pilot And MDX.
Hmmmm. . . I wonder what Honda/Acura has to say about that. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
This is beginning to sound just like the Regular gas or Premium gas thread.
Q: Should the VTM-Fluid change for the MDX be done at 7,500 miles as stated in the owner's manual...or can it wait until 15,000 miles as stated in the Honda Pilot owner's manual?:confused: |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Hmmmm. . . I wonder what Honda/Acura has to say about that.
They'll probably say that the X and Pilot VTM drive systems are "different enough"
:rolleyes: |
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| JTM |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
I can understand eliminating some of the superfluous stuff dealers add to service intervals to jack their margins (oil additives, fuel additives, other junk fees) but IMO skipping interval maintenance items in the owner's manual is a mistake.
Strongly AGREE with you!!!
Now I am doing Oil Change and tire rotation by myself. I will most likely do the VTM-4 fluid change by myself @ 30K miles as well.
In VA, the vehicle is REQUIRED to do state inspection every year (as often as you want, but no longer than a year) for $15. Basically, they inspect the entire car. (brake, fluid, belts, blah blah blah) If anything need to be work on, it should be WARRANTY issue. (at least before 4yr/50K) So I am not going to spend extra money on those maintenance. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Huh?
In other words, Honda/Acura will state that the MDX VTM is significantly different than the Pilot VTM, therefore necessitating a different maintenance interval. |
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| laborlitigator |
| But it's the same engine, isn't it? |
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| EXCALIBUR |
laborlitigator,
That is exactly the point. If the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX have the same engine, then how come they have different VTM-Fluid maintenance schedules? How come the Pilot is recommended to run on Regular and the MDX is recommended to run on Premium? Why oh why? Curious minds want to know.:confused: :confused: :confused: |
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| laborlitigator |
Well, then Honda/Acura probably believes that since Acura owners, on a whole, are generally more affluent and can be lead to believe that the change of the VTM at an earlier stage is required.
This in turn produces additional revenue for Acura dealerships. |
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| mgmdx |
One word comes to mind, MARKETING. Of course, this could all be a part of a huge conspiracy targeted toward MDX owners. :D You decide.
One thing is certain though, performing routine maintenance at intervals that are recommended (even if it is more frequent than necessary) will not harm your MDX. On the other hand, while skipping recommended maintenance will probably not harm your MDX either, there is a greater probability that something could happen in the long run.
Moreover, if the problem develops where maintenance interval that was skipped is related to the component that failed, you can be certain that Acura will ask you for service records and will likely deny responsibility if the service was not performed as recommended. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
| The old saying, "Damned if you do, damned if you don't," comes to mind.:mad: |
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| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by EXCALIBUR
The old saying, "Damned if you do, damned if you don't," comes to mind.:mad:
Did you do your VTM change yet? Maybe you could do laborlitigator's too.
:2: |
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| hockeyplayer |
I just had my 7500 service done and go figure, the dealer had to do something to tick me off! I called the dealership earlier in the week and asked how much for the 7500 service. She asked my last name and specifically said "Ah, Mr. Hockeyplayer, that will be $138.99 for your Silver Touring MDX." I booked the appointment because I thought that was fair. I was reading on the site about the $199.00 deal and was NOT going to pay that. I drove up in the morning and the service manager met me. I proceeded to tell him that I am here for the 7500 mile service. He then told "OK that will be $199.00 and should take about 2 hours." WHAT!!! I told him that I had been quoted on the phone that the service was $138.00??He said that price was for all other Acuras but the MDX is 199.00 because of the VTM. Uhh...The lady on the phone knew I had an MDX and quoted $138.99?? I thought I was going to have to take off but he agreed to honor the quote. When I came back and went to pay the cashier it was indeed 138.99. On the top of the work order it stated that the vehicle was an MDX that was in for the 7500 mile service. It said change oil, rotate and balance tires, check other crap, and change VTM fluid, but when I looked at the parts and labor the VTM fluid and washer and labor was not on there. My question is....Should go back(I don't want to) and demand that VTM fluid 0.00,washer 0.00, labor 0.00 be put on the bill or not? As you all know I HATE dealers and do not trust them but would they not fulfill the 7500 mile checklist because of the negotiated price or is it just a way to not put the zeros on the bill??? I will stick my head under and see if I can see any sign of work done on the differential. Thanks in advance.
p.s. DEALERS SUCK ;) |
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| TheWorm |
Hockeyplayer,
There's no way to tell by looking whether the VTM4 was changed or not; just a fill and drain bolt/hole and nothing else.
If it isn't on the invoice, then I presume it wasn't done. I'd go back and ask that it be done @ the agreed-upon price (i.e. no additional charge). |
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| JimH |
Hockey Player:
I would go back and verify that it be done and get a proper invoice saying that it was done. They may have done it and not put the VTM on the invoice so as not to get the computer/books goofed up on their incorrect quote. That is their problem, and should still provide a proper invoice w/ all work done. |
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| greatscot |
quote:
Originally posted by hockeyplayer
I just had my 7500 service done and . . . It said change oil, rotate and balance tires, check other crap . . .
Did the Bill really say "crap?" I wouldn't go back there again :2: |
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| hammermdx |
hockeyplayer,
I would definitely go back and demand that they put it on the invoice(you may need this for warranty reasons down the road). I changed my own VTM fluid a few weeks back, and unless the tech was real sloppy, it will be real difficult to tell if the fluid was changed. Since it wasn't on the bill, you may want to make them change it while you wait, if you get the feeling it wasn't changed the first time.....another dirtbag dealer! |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I am sure they did change it but like you guys have mentioned, there is no sign of work performed. The first thing that went through my mind was that it was a way for them to balance the register and books or not document that someone made a mistake but like Hammer had mentioned, I do not want any warranty issues(knock on plood:25: )I will drop by on Monday and talk to the service manager and if he can't prove to me it was changed I will be the first MDX owner to have a 25 mile interval for changing VTM fluid. Thanks for the input. Dealers:3: |
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| DaleB |
There is more than one way to look at it. They could just redo the paperwork, and have it reflect they did the change (assuming they really did it).
After all, what's on paper is more important for maintaining your warranty. However, just one skipped service may show up as problem after your warranty has expired, I don't know how you could ever predict that.
The right thing is to do it (again, or the 1st time) and record it. It would seem routine for the tech to record his work as he goes, along with the time which is used to determine cost. That's what would make me suspect whether it was really done.
Dealers should realize that, even if they think the mechanic did the service, they should apologize immediately correct the problem and send you on your away.
I tripped up one service mgr. who tried to charge me labor twice for replacing belts when he had to remove the belts anyway to replace a faultiy water pump. He was pissed at being wrong. This is not an uncommon reaction. |
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| BaldEagle |
My VTM fluid change story at the Honda dealer:
1. Dealer changed at about 7000 miles. Did not change the crush washers because they did not have them in stock and did not know that it was mandatory to install new washers. After researching the situation by the service manager they said they would do it again.
2. Took it in at about 10000 miles for them to redo the VTM change (free) and install the new crush washers. When I picked it up I noticed on the service order that only one washer was installed. The mechanic only changed the top washer. When I brought this to the attention of the service manager he was very upset with the mechanic. I had to take it back again the same day for them to redo it with both washers replaced.
3. The third time they got it right. Changed both top and bottom crush washers and had to add about a quart of VTM fluid because of the fluid lost while changing the lower washer. |
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| hockeyplayer |
| One thing I did note on the bill at the bottom was that there was an advertisement stating that they service HONDA vehicles as well. Hmmmmmm. |
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| BlueStreak |
After spending some time this afternoon working on my X, I decided to settle-in and read a few posts.
About VTM changes, in my 2003 book, unless I'm reading it incorrectly, says VTM change at 15k for the first interval, 30k after that (normal conditions), 15k intervals for severe conditions. That would put the MDX schedule on par with the Pilot's schedule. So there is no difference. I don't see where the initial change is required at 7500. Again, if I'm reading the book wrong someone tell me. Looks to be a change from previous years.
At 5200 miles, today I changed the oil (installed synthetic) and rotated the tires. In looking where the oil filter is, when I removed the right front wheel it was a piece of cake to get the oil filter off - it's right there. I typically rotate and change oil at 5k intervals, so this is going to be easy to do going forward.
Each oil change I also spray silicone on the rubber boots on the CV shafts to keep the rubber soft. 140K on my Accord and the rubber on those CV joints is in great shape.
Anyway, I'll plan to do my own VTM change. My Acura dealer is 90 miles from me and like mentioned earlier, when I do the work I know it's done right. I bought from Jamie Stockman and I'm sure he's service dept is top notch; I'm just too lazy to drive that far.
When I rotated today I was surprised to see how tight the lug nuts were. The dealer installed locks were at 80lb ft and the regular lug nuts were 60lb ft. Not sure if the dealer loosened them during prep, but I was expecting lug nuts to be much tighter. 80 to 100 ft lbs is typically what they are torqued to. I try to keep 80lb ft so my wife, as she has done in the past, can get the lug nuts off should she have to. (She stands on the lug wrench to break them lose!)
The first maint. was about what I expected. Only the damn oil filter for 2003 is different (much smaller) so I can't share with my Accord and the wrench I have didn't work very well with such a small filter.
-Greg
03 SS/Quartz/Nav/Res
00 Dark Blue Vette Convertible |
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| hockeyplayer |
| This brings a great question. Can the 03 owners verify what Streak has mentioned? Why is the VTM fluid replacement now at 15000??Interesting as I do not believe the differential was redesigned for the 03 model year. Hmmmm. What gives?? |
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| MARFONG |
Bluestreak,
I thought the engine on the '02 and '03 were the same. Therefore, wouldn't the oil filters be the same? I thought the difference in horsepower was due to tweaking the engine. |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by BlueStreak
About VTM changes, in my 2003 book, unless I'm reading it incorrectly, says VTM change at 15k for the first interval, 30k after that (normal conditions), 15k intervals for severe conditions. That would put the MDX schedule on par with the Pilot's schedule. So there is no difference. I don't see where the initial change is required at 7500. Again, if I'm reading the book wrong someone tell me. Looks to be a change from previous years.
I was wondering about that, even did a tread a few weeks ago and never did get a good answer on if the 2003 VTM initial change was now at 15000 miles like the Pilot.
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...TM+fluid+change
The change to 15000 miles in the 2003 makes sense because the 2003 Pilot is also 15000 miles.
The called for change at 7500 miles for the 2001/2002 was probably an overkill, they were being extremely cautious because of a newly designed AWD system without a lot of history. |
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| hockeyplayer |
| Went to dealership after work today. The service manager acted as if I was insulting him by questioning if VTM was indeed changed. He assured me that he had remembered my vehicle and remembered authorizing the "negotiated price".It was the price that was quoted on the damn phone????? He told me that all Techs know what is involved in an MDX 7500 service. He assured me the VTM service was done. He scribbled on the bill that the VTM change was done and a chicken scratch autograph next to it. God I hate dealers:3: :3: All my services and oil changes have been at the dealership that I purchased but that will definately be the last. They actually figure that YOU owe them something??? |
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| hammermdx |
| Jeez, another dirtbag dealer!!!! |
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| hhwc |
...at the dealer. No muss, no fuss. It did cost $139.99 so it wasn't cheap. All the paperwork was in order.
In addition to the 7500 mile service at the dealer, I went ahead and did a drain/fill service on the tranny at home. For whoever is going to do this, a word of advice. Make sure to shield the area at which the drain plug is pointing. WHAT A MESS! I wonder why they didn't point the drain plug down....
Anyway, just wanted to reinforce the point that a lot of people have been making. Keep an eye on the ATF. Even at 7500 miles, my fluid was getting brownish-red. I'll probably be doing a drain/fill on the tranny every 7500 miles... |
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| thomas |
Hello,
You might need just a little experience. When you let go whenever oil(engine/VTM), never take the bolt out immediately. Instead, loose bolt and hold it so the oil just leaky out first. Adjust the holder accordingly as you slowly unplug the bolt. Keep a eye
on it since at the end you need to move the holder back to the original position. I change my engine/VTM oil without dirty my hands
that much.
Hope this will help you next time.
Thomas |
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| rjmitche |
quote:
Originally posted by BlueStreak
About VTM changes, in my 2003 book, unless I'm reading it incorrectly, says VTM change at 15k for the first interval, 30k after that (normal conditions), 15k intervals for severe conditions. That would put the MDX schedule on par with the Pilot's schedule. So there is no difference. I don't see where the initial change is required at 7500. Again, if I'm reading the book wrong someone tell me. Looks to be a change from previous years.
quote:
Originally posted by hockeyplayer
This brings a great question. Can the 03 owners verify what Streak has mentioned?
OK... here it is, (a little blurry but) straight from the '03 Owner's Manual (note that this is for "normal conditions"):
1 of 2 |
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| rjmitche |
| ...and the relevant page from the 2003 "Maintenance Journal": |
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| rjmitche |
For "Severe Conditions", the 2003 Owner's Manual suggests to replace the VTM-4 rear differential fluid:
"At 7,500 miles/12,000 km/6 months, then every 15,000 miles/24,000 km/2 years"
with a footnote that says:
"Follow this schedule for rear differential fluid replacement if you use your vehicle for off-highway driving, trailer towing, or mainly in stop-and-go driving. Otherwise, use the fluid replacement schedule in the Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions."
Note that it also states that "Canadian Owners should follow the maintenance schedule for severe conditions." |
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| xcel |
Hi Rjmitche:
___Thanks for the scans and as always, thanks for reminding all of us to RTFManual ;) 15K, 30K, 60K, 90K, 120K … it is.
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| rudy331 |
| Just scheduled 7,500 mile service. Dealer says yes to VTM change, but book indicates 15,000 for the '03. They quoted price of $190.38 but what they are intending to do seems more in line with 15,000 mile service. I'm inclined to have my local guy do the oil change and rotate tires and wait for the VTM at 15,000 (I've never gone off-road or towed with the X). A little concerned about the ATF though after reading so many posts. Perhaps I should let Acura do the oil, rotate tires and change ATF???? What do you guys think?:confused: |
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| hammermdx |
| Pull the tranny dipstick and if the fluid has a brownish tint or burnt smell then change it. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by rudy331
Just scheduled 7,500 mile service. Dealer says yes to VTM change, but book indicates 15,000 for the '03. They quoted price of $190.38 but what they are intending to do seems more in line with 15,000 mile service. I'm inclined to have my local guy do the oil change and rotate tires and wait for the VTM at 15,000 (I've never gone off-road or towed with the X). A little concerned about the ATF though after reading so many posts. Perhaps I should let Acura do the oil, rotate tires and change ATF???? What do you guys think?:confused:
You know my opinion. . . |
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