Properly Set ATF Dipstick to Avoid Starter Motor Failure

Currently Applies To: ’03 and later MDX and ’04 and later TL

Did you know that if you don’t properly set the ATF dipstick, you can wind up with a starter motor failure? Sounds a bit far-fetched, but it’s true! The reason is the ATF dipstick’s location; it’s next to the starter motor.


If you don’t properly set the dipstick in its tube, ATF can spill out and soak the starter motor. That fluid will eventually work its way into the motor components, causing this sort of damage:



So, whenever you need to remove the ATF dipstick, always make sure you properly reset it by pushing it all the way back into the tube. If you don’t, you could wind up with a failed starter motor.

[Source] September 2009 Acura ServiceNews