Service Bulletin

15-039

September 17, 2018

10076 Version 4

Transmission End Cover Leaks (9-Speed A/T)
Supersedes 15-039, dated September 9, 2017, to revise the information highlighted in yellow
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
2016-17
MDX
2018
MDX
2019
MDX
2015-18
TLX
2019
TLX AWD
2019
TLX 2WD

Trim
ALL with 9-speed A/T
AWD
2WD
ALL with 9-speed A/T
9-speed A/T
9-speed A/T

VIN Range
ALL
5J8YD4H..JL000001 thru 5J8YD4H..JL028339
5J8YD3H..KL000008 thru 5J8YD3H..KL000552
ALL
19UUB3F..KA000002 thru19UUB3F..KA002947
19UUB2F..KA000001 thru 19UUB2F..KA003475

REVISION SUMMARY
Under AFFECTED VEHICLES, 2018-19 MDX, and TLX were added.
SYMPTOM
The transmission end cover leaks on vehicles with 9-speed A/T.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
During assembly, the transmission end cover sealing gasket gets torn.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the transmission end cover sealing gasket.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

ATF Type 3.1

08200-9017A

1

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

End Cover Kit: (contains11 Torx bolts, cover, seal, and plugs)

06233-5J4-000

1

CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not
assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies,
contact an authorized Acura automobile dealer.

© 2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION (TLX)
Operation Number

Description

Flat Rate Time

Template
ID

Failed Part Number

2321S2

Replace the transmission end
cover sealing gasket (TLX)
(includes ATF level check).

1.1 hrs

15-039N

20021-5L9-053

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION (MDX)
Operation Number

Description

Flat Rate Time

Template
ID

Failed Part Number

2321S2

Replace the transmission end
cover sealing gasket (MDX)
(includes ATF level check).

1.0 hrs

15-039P

20021-5NB-043

Defect Code:

07408

Symptom Code: 05103
Skill Level:

Repair Technician

REPAIR PROCEDURE
Raise the vehicle on a lift.
TLX Only: Remove the undercover.

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Loosen and remove the fender liner as needed to access the transmission end cover.

Use a strap to hold the fender liner out of the way.
TLX Only: Remove the resonator box and move the intake tube.

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Remove the 11 T-30 Torx bolts from the end cover.

Replace the cover, the sealing gasket, and bolts with the new ones from the kit. Torque the bolts to
10.0 N·m (7 lb-ft) in the sequence shown.

TLX Only: Reinstall the resonator box, intake tube, and undercover.
Reinstall the fender liner.

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ATF LEVEL CHECK
Before You Start
Connect the i-HDS. Go to the A/T Data List, and scroll down to ATF Temperature.
Raise the vehicle on a lift, remove the engine undercovers (if needed), and slightly loosen the level plug.
Enter VSA Maintenance Mode
NOTE: You must enter this mode to complete the ATF level check; it disables the VSA and TCS functions. Be sure
to complete all of the following steps within 30 seconds, or you’ll need to start over.
Turn the ignition to ON.
Press and hold the brake pedal, and release the parking brake.
Press and hold the VSA OFF switch until the VSA OFF indicator comes on. Then, press the switch again until the
indicator goes out.
Release the brake pedal, and set the parking brake.
Press and hold the VSA OFF switch until the VSA OFF indicator comes on. Then, press the switch again until the
indicator goes out.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Press the VSA OFF switch. If the VSA OFF indicator comes on, press the switch again and release it. If successful,
the VSA OFF indicator starts blinking and the VSA indicator comes on. You are now in VSA maintenance mode. To
exit this mode, either turn the ignition switch to OFF or quickly press and release the VSA OFF switch, making sure
the VSA OFF and VSA indicators go out.
Check the ATF Level
Start the engine, and wait for the transmission temperature to reach 90°F.
NOTE: If the temperature is more than 115°F (the vehicle may have been recently driven), shut off the engine and
let the transmission cool down before continuing.
Shift to Drive, then press the D/S button again to enter sequential mode.
Using the paddle shifters, shift to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, then 4th gear. Then, shift back to 3rd, 2nd, and 1st gear.
IMPORTANT: Do not shift past 4th gear with the vehicle on the lift; you could damage the transmission.
Apply the brakes to stop the wheels from spinning, then shift to Park.
Raise the engine speed to 2,000 rpm for about 5 seconds, then release the accelerator pedal. Repeat this until the
transmission temperature reaches about 100°F, then wait for the temperature to reach 104 to 115°F.
NOTE: The ideal temperature for checking the ATF level is 104°F. If it’s more than 115°F, shut off the engine, let
the transmission cool down, and start over again.

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With the engine running, remove the level plug.
IMPORTANT: With the level plug removed, you must keep the engine running. If you shut it off, the ATF will pour
out of the transmission.
• If a small amount of ATF trickles out of the level plug hole and keeps doing so, the level is OK. Install a new
level plug, and torque it to 35 N·m (26 lb-ft).
• If no ATF comes out, loosely install a new level plug and lower the vehicle. Remove the fill plug, and add the
appropriate amount of ATF Type 3.1 through the fill plug hole. Then, install a new fill plug, and check the ATF
level again by removing the level plug. Be sure to monitor the ATF temperature while doing this. When you’re
done, install the level plug, then torque the level and fill plugs to 35 N·m (26 lb-ft).

Install the engine undercovers (if removed).
Turn the engine off.
END

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