2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
APPLICATION
TRANSAXLE APPLICATION
Application Transaxle Model
Integra (2001) SKWA
MDX MGHA
3.2CL BGFA Or MGFA
3.5RL M5DA
IDENTIFICATION
OIL PAN GASKET
NOTE: Illustrations for all other models are not available. All models use a drain plug to
drain fluid.
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2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
Fig. 1: Identifying Oil Pan Gasket (Acura M5DA)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
LUBRICATION
NOTE: A separate differential is attached to the transaxle on 3.5RL models.
SERVICE INTERVALS
Differential (3.5RL)
Change fluid at 30,000 mile intervals.
Transaxle
On MDX, change fluid at 45,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles. On 3.2CL, change fluid every 90,000 miles.
On all other models, change fluid at 120,000 miles, then every 90,000 miles thereafter.
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2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
Start and run engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Turn ignition off. Check fluid level with
vehicle on level surface. Fluid level should be between upper and lower marks on dipstick. Add fluid if
necessary.
RECOMMENDED FLUID
Differential (3.5RL)
Use GL4 or GL5 hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W if operational temperatures are less than 0°F (-18°C), or SAE 90W
for temperatures greater than 0°F (-18°C).
Transaxle
Use Honda Premium Formula Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Using a non-Honda ATF can affect shift
quality.
FLUID CAPACITIES
DIFFERENTIAL FLUID CAPACITIES
Application Refill - Qts. (L) Dry Fill - Qts. (L)
3.5RL 1.1 (1.05) 1.2 (1.1)
TRANSAXLE FLUID CAPACITIES
Application Refill - Qts. (L) Dry Fill - Qts. (L)
Integra 2.9 (2.7) 6.2 (5.9)
MDX 4.0 (3.8) 9.0 (8.5)
3.2CL 3.1 (2.9) 7.6 (7.2)
3.5RL 3.2 (3.0) 9.1 (8.6)
DRAINING & REFILLING
Warm transaxle to normal operating temperature. Remove transaxle drain plug. Use NEW gasket and replace
drain plug whenever fluid is drained. Tighten drain plug to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
On MDX and 3.2CL models, remove fill plug and refill transaxle between upper and lower marks on dipstick.
Tighten fill plug to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . On all other models, refill transaxle
through dipstick hole. On all models, check and adjust fluid level as necessary. See CHECKING FLUID
LEVEL .
OIL COOLER FLUSHING
NOTE: Transmission cooler flusher Kent-Moore (J38405-A) or equivalent should be
used to perform this procedure. This procedure should be performed before
reinstalling the transaxle.
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2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
1. Check components for wear and cracks before using. Replace any worn or cracked components.
2. Using a measuring cup, fill the flusher with 21 ounces (about 2/3 full) of biodegradable Flushing Fluid
(J35944-20). Do not substitute with any other fluid. Follow the handling procedure on the fluid container.
3. Secure the flusher filler cap, and pressurize the flusher with compressed air to 80-120 psi (551-827 kPa).
The air line should be equipped with a water trap to ensure a dry air system.
4. Hang the flusher under the vehicle. Attach the flusher discharge hose to the return line of the ATF cooler
using a clamp.
5. Connect the drain hose to the inlet line on the ATF cooler using a clamp. Securely clamp the opposite end
of the drain hose to a bucket or floor drain. See Fig. 2 .
6. With the water and air valves off, attach the water and air supplies to the flusher (hot water if available).
7. Turn on the water valve for 10 seconds. If water does not flow through the cooler, it is completely
plugged, cannot be flushed, and must be replaced.
8. Depress the trigger to mix the flushing fluid into the water flow. Use the wire clip to hold the trigger
down.
9. While flushing with the water and flushing fluid for 2 minutes, turn the air valve on for 5 seconds every
15-20 seconds to create a surging action. See Fig. 3 . Air pressure should be 120 psi (827 kPa) maximum.
10. Turn the water valve off. Release the trigger, then reverse the hoses to the cooler so you can flush in the
opposite direction. Repeat steps 7 -9 .
11. Release the trigger, and rinse the cooler with water for one minute. Turn the water valve and the water
supply off.
12. Turn the air valve on for 2 minutes, or until no moisture is visible leaving the drain hose. Residual
moisture in the cooler or lines can damage the transaxle.
13. Remove the flusher from the cooler line. Attach the drain hose to an ATF container. Install the transaxle,
and leave the drain hose attached to the cooler line.
14. Make sure the transaxle in "P" position. Fill the transaxle with ATF, and run the engine for 30 seconds or
until about one quart is discharged. Remove the drain hose, and reconnect the cooler return hose to the
transaxle. Refill the transaxle with ATF to the proper level.
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2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
Fig. 2: Flushing Transaxle Oil Cooler
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
Fig. 3: Turning Air Valve Off
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
ON-VEHICLE REPAIRS
NOTE: Various components may be serviced without transaxle removal. For servicing
of these components, see appropriate component under REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION in appropriate DIAGNOSIS article. For additional information on
testing electrical components, see appropriate DIAGNOSIS article.
ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: All models are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). All
SRS wiring is color-coded Yellow. DO NOT use electrical test equipment
on these circuits. Disconnect negative and positive battery cables before
removing console. Wait at least 3 minutes after deactivating air bag
system. System maintains voltage for about 3 minutes after battery is
disconnected. Servicing air bag system within this 3 minute time period
may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
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2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in RESTRAINTS.
NOTE: Radio has a coded theft protection circuit. Before disconnecting battery cables,
obtain radio anti-theft code number from customer. After reconnecting power,
turn ignition and radio on. When CODE is displayed on radio, re-enter 5-digit
code to restore radio operation using radio station present buttons.
SHIFT CONTROL CABLE
Integra
1. Remove console, and place gear shift selector into Neutral. Remove selector lever cable bracket from
cable adjuster. Align hole in adjuster with hole in shift cable. See Fig. 4 .
2. Two holes in end of shift cable are positioned at 90 degrees to allow cable adjustments in 1/4 turn
increments. Loosen lock nut on shift cable, and adjust if necessary. Tighten lock nut to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install selector lever cable bracket.
3. When installed, selector lever cable bracket should not bind. If selector lever cable bracket binds, cable is
still out of adjustment. Repeat adjustment procedure. Start engine, and check shift lever selection of all
gears.
Fig. 4: Adjusting Shift Control Cable
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
MDX & 3.2CL
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2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
1. Shift transmission into Reverse. Remove center console. Remove lock nut securing cable to selector, then
remove cable from selector. Rotate cable socket counterclockwise 1/4 turn, then remove shift cable from
bracket base. See Fig. 5 .
2. Push shift cable in until it stops, then pull back one detent positioning cable to "R" position. Turn ignition
on and verify "R" indicator light on instrument cluster is illuminated. Turn ignition off.
3. Insert a .24" (6.0 mm) pin into shift lever bracket base through positioning hole on shift lever assembly.
See Fig. 6 . Position shift cable into shift cable bracket by rotating cable socket counterclockwise 1/4
turn. Insert shift cable socket onto shift lever mounting stud. Install shift cable lock nut, then tighten lock
nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Remove pin from shift lever. Start engine and
check shift lever operation of all gears.
Fig. 5: Adjusting Shift Control Cable (MDX & 3.2CL)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
3.5RL
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2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
1. Remove center console and place gear shift selector in Neutral. Remove selector lever cable bracket from
link adjuster. See Fig. 4 . Insert a .16" (4.0 mm) pin into shift lever bracket through "N" position shift
lever cutout. See Fig. 6 .
2. Ensure transmission control lever is in Neutral. Turn ignition on and verify "N" indicator light on
instrument cluster is illuminated. Align hole in adjuster with hole in shift cable. See Fig. 4 .
3. Two holes in end of shift cable are positioned at 90 degrees to allow cable adjustments in 1/4 turn
increments. Loosen lock nut on shift cable, and adjust if necessary. Tighten lock nut to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install selector lever cable bracket.
4. When installed, selector lever cable bracket should not bind. If selector lever cable bracket binds, cable is
still out of adjustment. Repeat adjustment procedure. Start engine, and check shift lever selection of all
gears.
Fig. 6: Indexing Selector Lever Position
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
SHIFT INDICATOR PANEL
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2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
Integra
Move gear shift selector into Neutral. Index mark on shift indicator should align with "N" mark on shift
indicator panel. See Fig. 7 . If index mark is not aligned, remove center console. Remove shift indicator panel
mounting screws, and adjust by moving panel.
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Monday, May 11, 2009 7:41:21 AM Page 10 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
Fig. 7: Adjusting Shift Indicator Panel (Integra)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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2002 Acura MDX
2001-02 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Servicing - Acura Integra, MDX, 3.2CL & 3.5RL
TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH
NOTE: Switch may also be referred to as A/T gear position switch. Vehicles use a
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to monitor switch operation. Switch will set a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) if a malfunction exists. See appropriate
DIAGNOSIS article.
1. Turn ignition on. Move selector lever through all gear positions while noting instrument panel gear
selection display. If gear position matches selected position on instrument panel, no adjustment is
necessary.
2. If display does not match selected position, loosen switch retaining bolts and rotate switch to adjust.
Ensure vehicle starts only in Park or Neutral, and that back-up light comes on with gear selector in
Reverse.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Drain Plug (3.5RL) 29 (39)
Differential Filler Plug (3.5RL) 33 (44)
Shift Control Cable Lock Nut (MDX & 3.2CL) 16 (22)
Transaxle Drain Plug 36 (49)
Transaxle Fill Plug (MDX & 3.2CL) 33 (44)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Shift Control Cable Lock Nut (Integra & 3.5RL) 62 (7)
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