| morisato |
Hello all, I recently picked up a used 2001 MDX a few weeks ago and have been loving it so far. The car dealer I bought it from did not have the service records available, but I was able to track down the selling dealer (Heart Acura in Poughkeepsie, NY) and they mailed me the service records for this particular vehicle. While it seems like overall the previous owner/lessee of the vehicle was pretty diligent in servicing the X, I did notice something that caught my attention. It appears, if the service records are correct, that they did the VTM4 fluid change at 10K but the next one occurred at almost 60K! Now, the lessee did have the proper 30K service done (ie, AT fluid change, etc.), but I was surprised at the lack of mention of the VMT4 fluid flush in that service visit.
My questions to you folks are, should I be concerned about damage that may have occurred to this X because of this oversight, or is it possible the service tech forgot to write it up even though it was done? Currently, the X has about 66.5K miles on it and is driving perfectly fine and smooth. If there was potentially any damage already done, is there anything I can do to reverse/repair it? Any information is greatly appreciated! Thank you! |
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| 01MBMDX76 |
morisato,
First welcome to the family. If you are concerned about it call up the service advisor at Heart Acura to see if it was done before 60K.
I bought my 01 X in Oct 04 with service records after 60K so I don't know if VTM4 was done prior. So far I haven't had a problem with my VTM4 in the 5K miles I've driven. I think you're X is fine. It's all the other things you might notice the longer you drive your X. The thud, the slosh, the wind noise, well they're not that noticeable(':rolleyes:')
And I love driving my X. (':4:') |
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| Northern_MDX |
I wouldn't reach the conclusion that it was not changed between 10k and 60k.
The previous owner could have been a DIYer, or may have it done somewhere else. Very rarely that you are able to get all service records from one single dealer.
But then I guess this comment is not very constructive, so what I would do is to
have the VTM-4 fluid checked by a Honda/Acura mechanics, to perform some kind of fluid analysis.
The last time I changed the fluid myself at 15K interval, it was still in pretty shape.
The 15K interval is considered a bit overkill
by some members here as well.
But then is 50K too long an interval? Only
a fluid analysis can tell. |
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| frostyra |
| I often get my maintenance done at the Honda dealership -- closer to home and less expensive. They've changed my VTM-4 fluid at least twice. The Acura dealer, a member of the same local mega-dealer group, doesn't seem to access maintenance records from the Honda dealer. A similar situation could explain your problem. |
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| richkuan |
| Don't worry, I don't think too many MDX really uses the rear differential if mostly driving on highways. The chance for the rear differential got damaged while there still is fluid in it is very very low. |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by richkuan
Don't worry, I don't think too many MDX really uses the rear differential if mostly driving on highways. The chance for the rear differential got damaged while there still is fluid in it is very very low.
Not so. The rear differential (AWD) is used/activated every time you step on the gas.
I would guess that if it's not on the 30000 mile service order it was not done at that time. Possible the owner did it but not likely. |
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| richkuan |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
Not so. The rear differential (AWD) is used/activated every time you step on the gas.
I would guess that if it's not on the 30000 mile service order it was not done at that time. Possible the owner did it but not likely.
Not sure about this. The power transferred to the rear wheels are controlled by the computer for traction purpose. That is, only when the computer detects the front wheel slips or wheel rotation speed is inconsistent, it will distribute the power to the rear axle thru the rear differential to keep the proper traction, not every time you accelerate.
When I replaced the VTM-4 fluid at 15k, the used fluid is fresh red, just like the new fluid. I talked to an Acura mechanic, he said it's true that for most paved road driving, the rear differential is rarely used. Except when you turn, the differential gears will rotate freely to accomodate the different radius of rotation between right the left wheel, but that doesn't put any load on the differential and won't cause any wear. |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by richkuan
Not sure about this. The power transferred to the rear wheels are controlled by the computer for traction purpose. That is, only when the computer detects the front wheel slips or wheel rotation speed is inconsistent, it will distribute the power to the rear axle thru the rear differential to keep the proper traction, not every time you accelerate.
When I replaced the VTM-4 fluid at 15k, the used fluid is fresh red, just like the new fluid. I talked to an Acura mechanic, he said it's true that for most paved road driving, the rear differential is rarely used. Except when you turn, the differential gears will rotate freely to accomodate the different radius of rotation between right the left wheel, but that doesn't put any load on the differential and won't cause any wear.
The VTM4/rear wheels are engaged:
- Whenever you step on the gas, at any speed.
- Whenever slippage is detected or anticipated.
- When you lock the VTM4 in 1/2/R. |
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