Easy DIY ATF Fluid Change PICs

[giwan1259]

WOW was that easy. I used a 9/16 x 3/8 x 12 clear tubing, though the dip stick tube fits a 1/2 I wanted it tighter so it would not leak.

Using a pair of needle nose pliers I stretched the tubing for the dip stick tube end with the help of a hair dryer, on the other end attached a funnel that will stay permanently. Drained out about 3.5- 3.75 quarts, first change at 57K, fluid did not look to bad, yes dark but not that much pic up on the drain bolt.

My dealer sold the quarts @ $7.07 and didn't even have a replacement washer as he said, the guys in back don't use one. I pulled the washer off gently cleaned it as the edge had a build up and was worried it may not seal well. Also heated it up gently with a torch hoping to gain back some elasticity unless it went plastic. CAUTION I tried this with the oil washer and since they are aluminum it melted off the hook I had it on when I didn't pay attention.

[ED27]

Any reason why you didn't use the fill-hole? For Pilots without the oil-jet mod (certain '04s and later), the fill hole is easy to get to and you can just use a long funnel for the fluid refill.

[giwan1259]

Originally posted by ED27
Any reason why you didn't use the fill-hole? For Pilots without the oil-jet mod (certain '04s and later), the fill hole is easy to get to and you can just use a long funnel for the fluid refill.

Couldn't easily get to the fill hole and remove the bolt. I belive this is easier and see no potential harm.

I found the ATF change actually easiler then the VTM fluid change.

[ED27]

Originally posted by giwan1259


Couldn't easily get to the fill hole and remove the bolt. I belive this is easier and see no potential harm.

I found the ATF change actually easiler then the VTM fluid change.

IC.....for me I just used an extension on my ratchet and then a magnet to pick up the bolt.

[budrow79]

Originally posted by Armystrong
These are the tools and Equipment I used for the ATF fluid drain.

1. I had to use 1/4" flexible tube that normally is used with my Fluid Pump kit. I heated up the ends with a blow dryer and stuck the funnel in one end and then the other making it wide enough for the transmission dipstick tube.
2. 3/8" Rachet the extension was too long.
3. Fluid catch can (1 gallon plastic jug)

Thanks for the great write up. Pictures made it very easy. I just changed my trans fluid using your method. It worked great!

Thanks Again!

[blu_twstd_steel]

What about the drain/fill plugs in transfer case? They appear to have the same 3/8" plugs as in the rear. Not much info in the manual. These are not the drain/fill plugs for the auto trans.
Thanks.

[hondabeliever]

This might be the easiest job I've done on any vehicle. I used a heat gun on the plastic tubing and stuck my pinky in it to expand it and it fit just fine around the dipstick hole.

Thanks for step by step.

[Mike09touring]

is this process the exact same for the 2009 pilots ?

did you drive the pilot up on ramps ?

thanks in advance

[giwan1259]

Not sure if it's the exact same on the 09 but no need to drive it up on ramps.

Originally posted by Mike09touring
is this process the exact same for the 2009 pilots ?

did you drive the pilot up on ramps ?

thanks in advance

[Bubbie79]

I've been lurking around here for a while, and am amazed at all the great info. Two weeks ago I bought an 03 with 60k. It seems pretty common for folks to change out the ATF whenever they change their oil. I was just wondering if that means every 3500 or 7000?

[giwan1259]

Sounds a bit much to change it that often. Do you really change the oil every 3500? My engine oil still looks pretty clean at that point and the ATF is clean for sure.

If you really want to do it anyway I'd say you can easily wait till 7000 or maybe change the ATF every other oil change.

Originally posted by Bubbie79
I've been lurking around here for a while, and am amazed at all the great info. Two weeks ago I bought an 03 with 60k. It seems pretty common for folks to change out the ATF whenever they change their oil. I was just wondering if that means every 3500 or 7000?

[Bubbie79]

Originally posted by giwan1259
Sounds a bit much to change it that often. Do you really change the oil every 3500? My engine oil still looks pretty clean at that point and the ATF is clean for sure.

Well this is the first vehicle that I've owned where the manual says you can go 7,000 between oil changes. In the past I've always done them at around 3,000. I actually like to crawl around under there and check things every couple of months. And the difference between spending 15 every 3 months and 15 bucks every 6 months, isn't that big.

[Sunday Rider]

Originally posted by Bubbie79


Well this is the first vehicle that I've owned where the manual says you can go 7,000 between oil changes. In the past I've always done them at around 3,000. I actually like to crawl around under there and check things every couple of months. And the difference between spending 15 every 3 months and 15 bucks every 6 months, isn't that big.

Welcome to the Pilot forum Bubbie79.

I use the severe maintenance sched, and after approx 3,600 miles mine is dirty. I also change the tranny fluid (4 qts) every other oil change. Again I find the stuff that comes out is not the "garnet" colour of the stuff going in. So just a paraniod precaution.
The oil change on the Pilot is so easy, so it is not big deal.

[iivtecracerii]

The blackness of the oil has nothing to do with its lubricating qualities.

[Sunday Rider]

Originally posted by iivtecracerii
The blackness of the oil has nothing to do with its lubricating qualities.

Like I said, Paranoia

I figure the '03 weak point is the tranny, so I over do it. Not only that, I have only towed twice, and I have the tranny cooler and p/s cooler installed.