VTM fluid change 2005 Pilot

[herrwald]

My dealer recommends following the severe service schedule because of Minnesota weather. So, I just turned 7500 and the schedule says change the VTM fluid. My dealer wants $95 to do this. Seems a bit much from what I have been reading here. Any opinion on the severe schedule suggestion. I do not pull anything or do anything crazy off road.
Thanks.

Great forum!!

[whizmo]

Judgment call, but I don't think MN weather, in and of itself, constitutes severe. I'd let it go to 15K.

Whizmo

[CMasten]

sounds like your dealer needs an extra 95 bucks...

From everything I have read from Honda they do like you to swap it at 7500 (the first time). if your off roading, or been pulling a trailer to this point, if you havnt I would say, buy the gallon of fluid for $20.00 and do it yourself at 10-15, 000 miles...

Just keep track of your maintenance and having just done this, I can tell you its easier than changing your oil

[ptsmh73]

Originally posted by herrwald
My dealer recommends following the severe service schedule because of Minnesota weather. So, I just turned 7500 and the schedule says change the VTM fluid. My dealer wants $95 to do this. Seems a bit much from what I have been reading here. Any opinion on the severe schedule suggestion. I do not pull anything or do anything crazy off road.
Thanks.

Great forum!!

I live in Maine and follow the severe schedule, but on the VTM there is a note (which is on the following page) that indicates unless you are in dusty areas or towing use the normal schedule for VTM, which has first change at 15,000. I just have mine done in Dec ($60 for the VTM). Total 15K service was $225.

[ensign_eddie]

I just had the VTM fluid changed for $50 at Vandergriff Honda in Arlington, Texas. Based on what I've seen here, I thought that was a fair price. I also had the 7500 mile service done and the total was $132.

I said this on another thread, but according to the book (at least the way I read it), the VTM fluid is supposed to be changed at least every year (until 30K miles, then it's every 2 years) even if you haven't put on 15K miles (like me). If I've read this wrong, someone please correct me. Of course, that won't get my $50 back...

BTW, I love this forum!

[deparson]

If they could get away with it the stealers would have you change your VTM-4 oil every 10 miles and charge $100 a pop.

If it were my car I would go with the manual which, for most people, means 15K, 30K, every 30K there after.

I paid $49.99 in Chicagoland.

-D

[humanoid]

For those that have changed the VTM-4 fluid, what are the fill and drain plug sizes?

[humanoid]

Originally posted by humanoid
For those that have changed the VTM-4 fluid, what are the fill and drain plug sizes?

Never mind, found out that they use a 3/8" socket end to loosen the bolts. The torque spec is 35 ft/lbs, right?

[john802]

Originally posted by humanoid


Never mind, found out that they use a 3/8" socket end to loosen the bolts. The torque spec is 35 ft/lbs, right?

Yes.