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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA20043.5RLREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 9 (SERVICING - A/T)LUBRICATIONOIL COOLER FLUSHING
2004 Acura 3.5RL

Oil Cooler Flushing

2004 Acura 3.5RLSECTION Oil Cooler Flushing
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2002 Acura MDX, 2002 Acura 3.5RL, 2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2001 Acura MDX, and 2001 Acura Integra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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.
  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 1 .
  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 2 . 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.
    Fig 1: Flushing Transaxle Oil Cooler
    G00139124Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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