Pilot 30k inspection...

[DonutCity]

Ok, my '04 Pilot is due for it's 30k mile "inspection" - I was quoted $450 from a local Honda dealer...Is that about on mark or is that a bunch of completely unnecessary items that they are charging for?? Any insights and or personal experiences are welcome...

Thanks,

Donut.

[rocky]

Lemme see
Oil Change $40
Cabin filter $20 DIY $120 Dealer
VTM4 change....$100 Dealer

Not much else...unless the truck warrants more

Heck I suppose I should check the manual before writing....don't even know if the engine's air filter needs changing at that mileage

[DonutCity]

Thanks for the reply...I was kind of seeing it like you are cost related. I do the engine oil changes myself and aside from that all I could see that is checked and or replaced is the VTM4 change (which I don't care to do), cabin filters (usually a pain to get to), cleaning the throttle body, and a visual inspection of hoses and belts...So, when they told me $450 - I was thinking, am I missing something??

[flyalteon]

Personally, I just can't pay the dealer that much for something so simple...
I am sure the dealer is throwing in some things that are well beyond what the Honda manual calls for.

If you change your oil, you can change the VTM fluid. I would certainly use the fluid sold at your Honda dealer. I have seen them ask anywhere from $19 - $31 per gallon for it (so much for honesty...make you wonder what happens in the sealed off service bay)...and a gallon is more than enough to do the job. I would probably buy a couple of new washers too (fill and drain plugs). Engine air filter would be easy to change... Depending upon year, you may consider flushing the brake fluid...which is easy to do if you feel comfortable and have an assistant..otherwise have a shop do it.

[rocky]

Originally posted by DonutCity
Thanks for the reply...I was kind of seeing it like you are cost related. I do the engine oil changes myself and aside from that all I could see that is checked and or replaced is the VTM4 change (which I don't care to do), cabin filters (usually a pain to get to), cleaning the throttle body, and a visual inspection of hoses and belts...So, when they told me $450 - I was thinking, am I missing something??

VTM 4 change is easier than the engine oil change. No more complex than a diff.

[DonutCity]

Thanks again for everyone's helpful input!! Ok, here's the question - will doing the items on the 30k affect my warranty in any way?? If the answer is no - does anyone have more info on changing the VTM4 fluid?? I figure it's an easy process, but I'd like to completely eliminate the "learning curve"...

[GreenMachine]

There are a handful of threads on this topic. I haven't done it, but it looks very easy, very similar to the RT-4WD on our CR-V I just did myself a couple weeks ago. Take out the fill plug, take out the drain plug, drain fluid, put back in drain plug (this might have a crush washer that needs to be replaced, but I can't remember), fill up with Honda VTM 4 fluid, reinstall fill plug.

I'm sure others who have done this have some tips, so be sure to check around. The search function should help with this.

[DonutCity]

Thanks GreenMachine - I'll search... Any insight as to the warranty being affected by doing the work yourself??

[mriley]

In response to your question on doing the work yourself and does it affect the warranty? It depends. I know my service manager and talk to him from time to time when picking up parts. We talk about doing the work myself vs paying the high prices in the shop. He states, that as long as I keep my receipts, use Honda parts when needed, mark the book with dates and mileage, it won't affect the warranty. When someone comes in and has little or no proof of the work done, doesn't use Honda recommended parts or fluids but demands that it be covered under warranty, well, they are probably out of luck.


In response to doing some of your own work:

The VTM change is easy but you do need a pump to put the new fluid back in. The local Napa store had a hand pump w/ hoses for about $15. You just need to put the pump into a plastic bag or something for storage. It's a little messy to store. I did the 15k and 30k change but I don't see why, the fluid was not dirty. If it's recommended, then it's recommended.

Earlier today I changed the cabin filter and a side note to add to the instructions in the forum, make sure you vacuum out the box before putting in the new filter. I had been smelling a mildew smell, the kind you get from old leaves. I found a small pile in the box. I was also amazed at how dirty the filter was at 34k.

VTM change = 20 minutes
Cabin filter change = 20 minutes
Trans. oil change = 20 minutes.

Money saved by using the forum for instructions, priceless...

[DonutCity]

Outstanding reply mriley!! Thanks for your input - that helps a lot. I'm ok with doing the work, I just didn't want to compromise the factory warranty. Speaking of a needed pump for the VTM4 oil change - I have a pump you run off an electric drill - should do the job (I'm guessing you need a pump because of the fill port being located to high to "pour" fluid back into it??).

Thanks again.

[rocky]

You should be able to get a hand pump from your local auto shop. better control of the amount. It really doesn't take much to fill.

[smurray]

When replacing the VTM-4 Fluid someone once mentioned that you should make sure you can remove the refill plug before draining the fluid, just in case...

[pilotowner1]

Originally posted by smurray
When replacing the VTM-4 Fluid someone once mentioned that you should make sure you can remove the refill plug before draining the fluid, just in case...

This is very good advice - both are very hard to remove. (maybe I'm just weak). Also when I did mine, I removed the spare tire since you don't have a lot of room to move around. This is optional, but I had a difficult time when it was time to re-fill. The pump I used is from AutoZone ($4) and also put in a new crush washer (45 cents).