| Escaper |
I have read many listings on various installs on many different accessories, has anyone tackled the install ( aftermarket ) of the tow package? I read in one article that this might be a item left to the dealer because of the lines and coolers? Tim does offer the package at a very fair price, a great savings over the dealer. Has anyone tried this at home?
What obstacles may I run into if I do decide to do this? Having access to a vehicle lift gives me a great deal of confidence in the ability to complete the install. Does anyone have cautions? |
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| phins2rt |
escaper,
This link might help.:D |
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| miro |
| I know, I know, it's been discussed before but somebody please convince me that I'm wrong. I just moved into house living in condo before. I now have all the pleasures of taking care of yard. It breaks my heart to load leaves and branches into my MDX eventhough I'm trying to be really careful. I was thinking of buying a little utility trailer and installing hitch without all the coolers. How bad could it really be if I use it very occasionally for a very short trips to recycling yard or to bring stuff (like salt or whatever) from the store that's 5 ml away? |
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| Kev-man |
quote:
Originally posted by deltajetfixer
In my opinion, the use you're describing probably doesn't require the coolers (I'm figuring on about a 500-700 pound load?).
God forbid though that you had a warranty issue and they found you had a hitch installed without the coolers!
I wanted to do the same thing. I don't want to tow a bobcat or a boat, just a trailer with mulch or random furniture in it.
Has anyone had issues with a dealer complaining that you have a hitch and no coolers?
Also, I have an '04.... I wonder what the towing limit is without the extra coolers........... |
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| calsix |
Ok, now I am confused. I am in the market for MDX, just waiting to see how much I can get for a van before I commit. I specifically asked salesman on towing capabilities. We tow a boat and need a tow vehicle that can tow 3,500 pounds. Salesperson said no problem.
What is the tow rating without the tow package?
Calsix |
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| kflint |
| Acura states on its U.S. web site: "When the MDX is equipped with optional coolers for the automatic transmission and the power steering, its 3500 lb. trailer- and 4500 lb. boat-towing capacities are each calculated to include up to four passengers and their cargo too." |
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| Kev-man |
But how much can it tow safely without the tow package? I don't want to tow a boat, just a small trailer with mulch, etc. Did the tow ratings change for the '04's?
And has anyone had issues with a dealer complaining that you have a hitch and no coolers? |
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| Fireblade6 |
Kev-man:
Even if you tow mulch and a "small" trailer for your mulch and stuff....Because the MDX is a cross-over and more importantly..it is a front wheel based engine with VTM...I STRONGLY recommend that you ge the ATF cooler and the Steering cooler with the tow hitch.
The ATF cooler and power steering cooler ACTUALLY helps extra cooling of your ATF AND steering fluid EVEN if you dont tow anything. |
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| JimH |
Kev-man:
Here is a paragraph from the Acura site discussing the need/use for coolers. Based on this recomendation, they suggest a trans. cooler when towing anything < 2000 lbs.
"In support of safe towing, MDX's tow hitch and other hardware needed for the job is factory engineered for dealer installation. A Genuine Acura Accessory automatic transmission cooler is required for any towing. Beyond a 2000lb. tow load, the addition of an Acura Accessory Power-Steering Cooler is required. The dealer-installed trailer hitch is a Class III receiver-type design that bolts on with no drilling, cutting, or bumper-cover modifications. A harness to provide electrical power to trailer lights plugs into a connector provided at the rear of the vehicle." |
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| DaleB |
I agree. You can install a cheaper and smaller hitch if you only need it for bikes. But for towing I would just do the total pkg. then you are ready for anything. Well, anything within Acura's limits.
It's just too bad the coolers are not more hefty and compact so they could be installed without removing the front assembly. And it's too bad the dealer's charges are a rip.
Don't forget, to get the entire tow pkg. included in the bumper to bumper warranty, it has to be dealer installed at time of delivery. But not installing coolers and having a hitch installed and then showing up with a burned out transmission will not get any sympathy.
Some have suggested removing the hitch if they don't have coolers and the tranny goes bad. That's fine, if you can predict where and when it will happen. |
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| Kev-man |
So how many folks out there have tackled the steering & transmission cooler installs themselves? I know I've seen at least 1 guy who did it in here, and made it fairly straightforward. I tend to make things harder than they should be sometimes, but do enjoy trying. So please offer your honest feedback as to how easy/difficult it was to perform. I'm sure I can do the hitch myself.
And I guess getting the whole thing from Tim is the way to go $$$-wise? |
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| HARDROCK |
| I understand the need for the ATF cooler if you are towing but why do you need one for the power steering system too? |
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| hopeitsfriday |
| Think about all the recent problems with the MDX's transmission, I would not even consider towing without a transmission cooler. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by HARDROCK
I understand the need for the ATF cooler if you are towing but why do you need one for the power steering system too?
I think it is the idea that it is another system contributing to more heat in the engine compartment. If you do some searches on the web you find the addition of a power steering cooler is not a new concept. |
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| MaD-X |
| If you are thinking about putting a transmission cooler for towing, I would also think about using an aftermarket cooler that's bigger in capacity. The factory cooler is just too pathetic and no way in hell I would pay that much $ for the factory cooler. I used B&M Transmission cooler. Installation is simple. If you can install the hitch, you should have no problem with the cooler. I wish I had taken some photos during the install. |
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| Kev-man |
quote:
Originally posted by MaD-X
If you are thinking about putting a transmission cooler for towing, I would also think about using an aftermarket cooler that's bigger in capacity. The factory cooler is just too pathetic and no way in hell I would pay that much $ for the factory cooler. I used B&M Transmission cooler. Installation is simple. If you can install the hitch, you should have no problem with the cooler. I wish I had taken some photos during the install.
So is B&M good enough to warrant NOT getting the 4yr 50k warranty with an Acura install? How much more cooling does the B&M have? 2x? Is there such a thing as "too cool"? I know you want the transmission up to its normal operating temp, or is there no danger of a cooler cooling that much? Is there a website that has details about the one you installed? Has anyone else installed this one? Sorry for all the questions......:confused: :confused: :confused: |
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| MaD-X |
Yes, I do think that B&M coolers are much better in terms of its capacity to cool ATF than the factory cooler (plus they're about 1/3 of the cost). You can't over-cool with B&M because it has a bypass that allows cooler, thicker viscosity ATF to bypass the cooler. So, in theory, only hot ATF gets cooled. I also added an external transmission filter made by Perma-Cool. This filter also has a temperature gauge, but I haven't actually connected all the wiring to get it to work yet. As soon as I get a chance to install the temp sensor, I report some temp readings. Both are available from Summit Racing.
Here are some links:
http://www.bmracing.com/ - go to "Products", then "Transmission Coolers". I have SuperCooler 70268. I think Ardvarkus also has this on his MDX.
http://store.summitracing.com/produ...searchtype=ecat
The warrenty issues regarding aftermarket coolers are still in the grey area, but I'm betting that my warrenty will run out before my transmission will. And if that's the case, I'd rather get the better cooler for longer transmission life. But that's just me. |
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| Kev-man |
quote:
Originally posted by MaD-X
Yes, I do think that B&M coolers are much better in terms of its capacity to cool ATF than the factory cooler (plus they're about 1/3 of the cost). You can't over-cool with B&M because it has a bypass that allows cooler, thicker viscosity ATF to bypass the cooler. So, in theory, only hot ATF gets cooled.
So was it an easy install? Factory attach points, etc? And how much was it? |
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| MaD-X |
It's currently $45.88 from Summit Racing. Click on the 2nd link above.
Basic install is basically similar to the factory cooler. You have to remove the bumper and the cover below the bumper. Do a search for ATF cooler install and there should be a pdf file somewhere with pictures and directions from Acura. Most aftermarket coolers come with clips that allows the cooler to be attached to the front of your car's radiator. Installation is just as easy as doing the factory cooler install. May be I'll take some photos when I get home today. |
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| teke |
I am due to pickup my new 04 MDX on Thursday of this week. I am interested in installing the tow package. I have read all of the above posts and they all point to having the dealer install this option for numerous different reasons.
So here is my question.....I know that I can buy the package for $650.00 from Tim. My dealer sells the same kit for about $880.00. I they want around 350.00 to install it. I would like to hear what each you have paid for this option so that I can see if the dealer price is decent or I am being racked of the coals.
Thanks. This site has been a huge wealth of knowledge
thanks again
Teke |
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| evoge |
| Your dealer prices for the kit and install seem high. My dealer did it all for about $750 two years ago. Would a 2004 install be any different than previous models? |
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| zafer |
| I'll have to check to make sure exactly what I was charged, but it was ~$750 installed with tongue and complementary ball . Right now at acura.com the msrp price is $799 + installation. When `03s were displayed, the price they had there was an approximate price installed, and my actual was a little less than that. |
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| TheyCallMeBruce |
quote:
Originally posted by teke
I am due to pickup my new 04 MDX on Thursday of this week. I am interested in installing the tow package. I have read all of the above posts and they all point to having the dealer install this option for numerous different reasons.
So here is my question.....I know that I can buy the package for $650.00 from Tim. My dealer sells the same kit for about $880.00. I they want around 350.00 to install it. I would like to hear what each you have paid for this option so that I can see if the dealer price is decent or I am being racked of the coals.
Thanks. This site has been a huge wealth of knowledge
thanks again
Teke
Is there any reason you couldn't purchase it from Tim and have the dealer install it? Dealer's are obligated to install genuine OEM parts, whether purchased at their dealership or another. A number of forum members have done this and are very happy. |
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| evoge |
quote:
Originally posted by evoge
Would a 2004 install be any different than previous models?
Wayne mentioned this info below, so it might apply to the factory hitches as well (?):
___Sorry to those with an 04 X as E-Trailer made mention of the new bumper fascia getting in the way of the hitches they currently offer. |
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| teke |
quote:
Originally posted by TheyCallMeBruce
Is there any reason you couldn't purchase it from Tim and have the dealer install it? Dealer's are obligated to install genuine OEM parts, whether purchased at their dealership or another. A number of forum members have done this and are very happy.
TheyCallMeBruce
Good idea. I just need to know what they are going to charge me for the labor. They said its a big project. I looked at the intall instructions and they seem very straight forward. The most difficult part of this looks like taking off the bumper cover, which in relaity is more cumbersome than difficult. My dealer told me that it would take 4-5 hours to install. Seems a bit ridiculous looks like a two to 3 hour job at best.
Ill let you know how it turns out.
Kevin |
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| Shpdriver |
As I posted elsewhere, just completed the installation on my 02 MDX. Simple to do. Hardest part is removing plastic fender clips. I recommend if you tackle this job that you go buy 15-20 plastic clips from Acura or Honda (if the Pilot clips are the same...might be cheapers)...I paid $1.20/ea....kind of pricy for a plastic clip.
Anyway, everything else was easy. Some recommendations:
- A lift would make it easier....but, I did it on the ground.
- Have a spare body avail to help you when you're ready to remove the bumper
- Get some plastic containers to put plastic clips and bolts in. I had three, one for the top fasteners, one for the bottom fasteners, and one for the wheel well fasteners.
- Have extra ATF and Power Steering Fluid avail. Took about 1 extra qt of ATF and 1 pint of Power Steering Fluid to fill up coolers.
Total time approx....3 1/2 hours from an amature working with a screw driver, 10 and 8 mm ratchet, and pair of pliers. Low tech install....does not deserve the big bucks Acura charges! |
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| phins2rt |
shpdriver,
Thanks for the post. I plan on doing this in the next couple of weeks. Did you break a lot of clips when you removed the bumper? I was under the impression that the clips were reusable. Thanks.
edit: I just read your other post on the clips. Nevermind.... |
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| Shpdriver |
I broke about 10 clips underneath the fender wells. After doing the installation, I noticed that I did not have to remove all of the fender well. Since I have a 2002 MDX, and the instructions were for 2003, there was very minor changes with respect to clip location and number required to remove.
But, I still recommend you pick up 10 spares. It will be worth the $11 bucks before you start, and you can always use them in the future...for instance if you need to change out the fog lights.
Best of luck. |
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| phins2rt |
| Thanks Shpdriver. |
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| ghost |
quote:
Originally posted by Shpdriver
I broke about 10 clips underneath the fender wells. After doing the installation, I noticed that I did not have to remove all of the fender well. Since I have a 2002 MDX, and the instructions were for 2003, there was very minor changes with respect to clip location and number required to remove.
But, I still recommend you pick up 10 spares. It will be worth the $11 bucks before you start, and you can always use them in the future...for instance if you need to change out the fog lights.
Best of luck.
Those clips break just by looking at them - definitely single use items, unless you're really lucky!
Click here and go to the end of the thread to get another view of the install process. It was about a 3 hr process for an admitted hacker...
(But hey, it's on, it works, and I'm up ~$400... :2:) |
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| MDX-rated |
quote:
Originally posted by evoge
Your dealer prices for the kit and install seem high. My dealer did it all for about $750 two years ago. Would a 2004 install be any different than previous models?
The prices for the OEM 2004 tow package have gone up and list for ~$1,200 installed among dealers in my region. Thought I might as well get mine dealer installed last week because, quite by chance, I was quoted a good price (lower than list) by my dealer and had a $250 parts/service voucher to use. A friend had her Odyssey's transmission replaced recently as further evidence of the tranny's weakness. Its an expensive way to get a hitch but felt the coolers were desirable for my X and didn't want to do it on my own.
I was also wondering if there is a difference with the 2004 tow hitch assembly and install. According to some aftermarket suppliers (Valley) it's a different part for them altogether because of the new twin exhaust layout.
I'm posting pictures here of my OEM tow hitch and maybe those with pre-2004 tow packages can comment on differences - not able to get close enough to one to observe any difference. Note that the lower trim covering the spare tire is removed to make way and also how it bends around the top of exhaust:
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| evoge |
quote:
Originally posted by MDX-rated
The prices for the OEM 2004 tow package have gone up and list for ~$1,200 installed among dealers in my region.
Wow, by comparison, I feel like I got a bargain. The install on an '04 looks like it's more than a simple DIY.
Thanks for the update! |
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| phins2rt |
I just finished installing the ATF and power steering coolers install. It wasn't too bad. The easiest part is getting the bumper off. The hardest part was trying to get the hoses removed from the tranny. Some of those clamps are in there at an awkward angle. I ended up putting the X on jack stands to be able to get at everything a little easier.
Just to clarify, there are two types of clips on the bumper. The larger clips (mostly on the top of the bumper) are pretty easy to reuse. The lower clips are the ones I found breaking. Their part number is 91501-S04-003 if anyone needs them.
It took me about 4 hours to do this. The clamps were a bear and took me a while to figure out the angle to use with the pliers to get them off.
I was also able to better attach my HID ballasts while I had the bumper off. |
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| nhatman |
| quick question: i don't understand why you would need any coolers if you plan to tow something small and light, say, under 500 lbs or so. when i load up mine for a camping trip, i have 4 other people in the car and all our gear, which would easily be over 700 lbs. |
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| ghost |
You probably don't, except for warranty issues. Lots of folks have installed the QuickHitch and other types sans coolers.
You might want to take it off before that 30,000 mile service though! |
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| njnetsfan |
| I have been struggling with this issue since I got my "X" three weeks ago. When I originally went in for the vehicle they ""d me $299 for the hitch, 2 days later it went to $499, so off to uhual I went $129 installed was their Quote. I found this sight and all of the warranty issues. I only need it for the bikes. After talking to customer service, my sales rep, and local dealer service they all said that the warranty would not be an issue and that a "heavy overload" can be determined if there is any engine or tranny issue. The dealer has agreed to install the hitch for $299, I could save $200 by getting a uhual and install it myself, but I figure if they put it on without all the coolers I should be safe!:2party: |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by njnetsfan
I have been struggling with this issue since I got my "X" three weeks ago. When I originally went in for the vehicle they ""d me $299 for the hitch, 2 days later it went to $499, so off to uhual I went $129 installed was their Quote. I found this sight and all of the warranty issues. I only need it for the bikes. After talking to customer service, my sales rep, and local dealer service they all said that the warranty would not be an issue and that a "heavy overload" can be determined if there is any engine or tranny issue. The dealer has agreed to install the hitch for $299, I could save $200 by getting a uhual and install it myself, but I figure if they put it on without all the coolers I should be safe!:2party:
Did they make you sign any kind of agreement? First I heard of a dealer willing to do that. Sounds too easy .... fair, but too easy. |
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| phins2rt |
| I was under the impression a dealer couldn't install just the hitch. They needed to install the coolers as well.:confused: |
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| SouthOCMDX |
| I got the OEM tow package last year for around $750 installed as well. I think I brought a 10% off parts coupon I printed off the web if I recall correctly. I'll see if I can dig out the receipt & scan it. |
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| njnetsfan |
| I thought that the dealers had to install the coolers as well, my dealer told me that was not true, I am scheduled to get "just the Hitch" on Friday, I will post the results:4: |
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| njnetsfan |
| Picked up the "X" earlier today with the hitch only installed by the dealer, no coolers no electric just what I needed for the Bikes! I did not need to sign anything except the credit card receipt: :mad: I guess it was an extra $200 well spent:) |
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| yogi799 |
So, perhaps repeating the topic, but I want to make sure - should I get the tranny cooler for towing a 2000lb boat on a flat terrain?
If so, what are some good websites with aftermarket tranny cooler KITS? Dealer wants $195 and that's a bit more than I wanted to spend. Anything you guys found for below $100?
Appreciate any input a lot! |
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| Kev-man |
quote:
Originally posted by MaD-X
Yes, I do think that B&M coolers are much better in terms of its capacity to cool ATF than the factory cooler (plus they're about 1/3 of the cost).
Here are some links:
http://www.bmracing.com/ - go to "Products", then "Transmission Coolers". I have SuperCooler 70268. I think Ardvarkus also has this on his MDX.
http://store.summitracing.com/produ...searchtype=ecat
So I'm going to get the Supercooler for the tranny, but where can I get a good steering fluid cooler? Should I just buy one from the dealer?? :crying: |
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| renov8r |
If you are getting a B&M for the tranny get another for the PS. There is no demand for PS coolers among the "performance parts market" so they don't bother advertising, but you can use any unit and will get the same effect as the "Acura" units.
Of course an aftermarket unit will typically be capable of dissipating MUCH more heat, so the net result is your PS fluid will be capable of much severe duty. Though, other than somebody running with a heavily loaded trailer it is all ut impossible to heat up the PS fluid... |
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| MaD-X |
Kev-man,
I agree with renov8r. What I would do, however, is buy one cooler "smaller" for the PS fluid since PS generally run a lot cooler than ATF. There's really no need to place a big cooler for the PS as renov8r was refering to. If you go to summit racing website, I'm sure they have separate coolers for PS fluid as well, but they're not any different than atf coolers. |
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| sidewinder |
| ATF and PS coolers are probably necessary for heavy duty towing. Lets not go overboard with the dealer refusing warranty issue until someone has actually been denied warranty due to hitch w/o coolers. I've been towing my Seadoo since 2001 on my Hidden Hitch w/o coolers and have not had any problems. I think this warranty scare is an urban legend more than anything. The thing to remember is to use common sense. You don't need a cooler when towing utility trailers or PWCs but you will definitely need a cooler for towing a heavy boat. Don't get me wrong, as someone mentioned, cooler certainly won't hurt and will probably extend the life of the transmission but light duty towing w/o cooler will probably not have a negative impact. |
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| ownmdx |
I am hearing it is about $1400.00 to have the steering, transmission coolers and hitch put on the MDX.
Is this right? I do not think this is something I would install myself.
I am interested in getting this package to pull a 19' boat (3500 lbs.)
Are there other after market options? |
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| nightguy |
| My dealer quoted me $900. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
My dealer quoted me $900.
More typical. |
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| timbrwolf9 |
| Mine was around $950 installed. Bought the kit from Tim and had my local dealer install it. |
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| DaleB |
| $900-1000 is more typical including the kit, I meant to say. |
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