MM Service B16. Change the VTM fluid??

[AbsolutMizzou]

My 06 has 10,800 miles. The MM indicates B16 which is oil/filter and changing of the VTM fluid.

I guess I'm confused as to why I need to change the VTM. We don't tow much (only the occasional bike) and don't take the car off road. I think the manual stated to change the VTM fluid every 15,000 miles if you tow a lot or drive rough terrain.

Is this something I can skip or not? How often did the 05 Pilot maintenance schedule require VTM fluid changes?

[whizmo]

Originally posted by AbsolutMizzou
My 06 has 10,800 miles. The MM indicates B16 which is oil/filter and changing of the VTM fluid ... I guess I'm confused as to why I need to change the VTM.

Your experience is not unique. A bunch of us have had the system recommend a VTM fluid change at the 2nd oil change interval. My guess is that when Honda was fiddling with the MM algorithms, they decided a relativley early VTM change would improve the service life so essentially the 06 and later cars have a different recommendation than the earlier cars.

- Mark

[AbsolutMizzou]

So can I skip it or not? For instance, on a 2005, what interval does the service manual call for?

[whizmo]

Originally posted by AbsolutMizzou
So can I skip it or not? For instance, on a 2005, what interval does the service manual call for?

I think the intervals you mentioned for the 05's in your original post were about right, although I don't know precisely.

Certainly you can skip it, but Honda is saying that you'll be better service life out of your VTM system if you don't. Since all of the 06's and 07's seem to be doing what you're doing, I don't think it is a mistake or a glitch - Honda changed the interval (at least initially) and is saying you should do it.

- Mark