Easy DIY ATF Fluid Change PICs

[sandman512]

Thanks for the replies. I still might fill through the dipstick, just weighing my options. What size tubing do I need to fill to the funnel?

[giwan1259]

I found it easier to refill thru the dipstick. Make a funnel and hose attachment as shown in many of the pictures. Its much easier, cleaner, and less of a bother. Has anyone given a reason NOT to use the dipstick to refill?

[sandman512]

Once again,thanks for the DIYS here.
Tonight, I accomplished the following:
1) Oil change--Went smooth.
2) Cabin Filter- Easy, I hope I put the filter back in the right way(tab on the bottom, right side?)
3) ATF-- Not bad, put the the bolt came off fairly easy. Once I put the wrench in, I used my foot and it was loose. FYI, I filled through the dipstick tube. 4 Qts. Was pretty yeasy.
4) VTM-- Bolts came off easy. The fill was a mess. My filler device was leaking, out the back.
After cleaning up everything and a good hot shower, I'm pretty pleased.

THANKS!

[OhioBobcat2000]

I found the refill bolt/hole finally today on my 2008. That will definitely be much easier than through the dipstick.
At 30k I'm going to drain and fill with 4 quarts of Amsoil ATF. It's been perfect for years in my other Honda's.

[pistonhonda]

Originally Posted by Armystrong

Drain the ATF into another container. I will take this container to Schucks to properly dispose of the fluid. The total Fluid that came out of the Transmission was right at 4 QUARTS. Given I spilled alittle, .

I was wondering if any you guys from NorCal can tell me where you recycle the ATF fluid...we have a Kragen(Schucks sister store) nearby that takes oil, oil filter and batteries. Walmart takes oil/oil filter, others I think but no signs posted for ATF anywhere(haven't done my own maintenance other than cabin filter ) but don't know where ATF goes... tackling this job within this week.
thanks.

[carguy07]

Motor oil and ATF recycle in the same container. They will just dump the ATF in with the oil and it will be fine. I would suggest not telling them that it's ATF in case you get someone that does not know that it's ok to mix them. Tell them it's Redline oil if they question the color.

[pistonhonda]

Thanks for that info carguy07.

Well I found out on my own that the '06 (ref.-2WD EX Pilot)ATF fill bolt is actually a 17mm socket. Not like the 24mm on the '03 as shown on the manual scans.

The local Harbor Freight was out of non-ratcheting 3/8" drive breaker bars so I passed for now... to try using a regular 3/8" ratchet. Whew!!! That bolt feels like it's welded on there. I was hoping that it would at least be on there at ONLY the specified torque from OP since I've had a drain/fill done by our dealership twice. I'm sure they changed the ATF on both occassions but now I'm wondering if they used the dipstick method like others here because the sucker is still tight.

ATF change will wait for now if one of my disposable cheapo 3/8" ratchet w/ a piece of pipe as extension won't work. About two weeks wait for the HF 3/8" breaker bars to come in.

[carguy07]

Originally Posted by pistonhonda

Thanks for that info carguy07.

Well I found out on my own that the '06 (ref.-2WD EX Pilot)ATF fill bolt is actually a 17mm socket. Not like the 24mm on the '03 as shown on the manual scans.

The local Harbor Freight was out of non-ratcheting 3/8" drive breaker bars so I passed for now... to try using a regular 3/8" ratchet. Whew!!! That bolt feels like it's welded on there. I was hoping that it would at least be on there at ONLY the specified torque from OP since I've had a drain/fill done by our dealership twice. I'm sure they changed the ATF on both occassions but now I'm wondering if they used the dipstick method like others here because the sucker is still tight.

ATF change will wait for now if one of my disposable cheapo 3/8" ratchet w/ a piece of pipe as extension won't work. About two weeks wait for the HF 3/8" breaker bars to come in.

The fill bolt is 17mm the washer is 24mm. I remember reading a TSB that recomended tapping the head of the bolt to compress the washer a little to make it easier to remove. From what I have heard, many dealers fill through the dipstick tube. Once you get a funnel and tubing worked out it is easier. IMO

I like to use a 1/2" socket wrench with a 3/8" adapter to break the bolts loose and just use a 3/8" to snug them down.

[kkkkken]

I just wanted to say thanks to all that posted about how easy it was to do an ATF change.

My 07 was at 56,000 miles (I bought it with about 54,500) and I figured it hadn't been done. I think I was right - the fluid was kind of the same color as the new Honda fluid - but on the brown side. A fair bit of tiny tiny metal filings on the magnetic drain bolt.

I'll do another change like this in about 5,000 miles - and try to get the overall quality of the fluid back up to a more respectable level.

I've also bought the VTM fluid to do the rear VTM change- but forgot to hit the dollar store for a hand pump. Maybe tomorrow!

thanks again!

[carguy07]

Originally Posted by kkkkken

I just wanted to say thanks to all that posted about how easy it was to do an ATF change.

My 07 was at 56,000 miles (I bought it with about 54,500) and I figured it hadn't been done. I think I was right - the fluid was kind of the same color as the new Honda fluid - but on the brown side. A fair bit of tiny tiny metal filings on the magnetic drain bolt.

I'll do another change like this in about 5,000 miles - and try to get the overall quality of the fluid back up to a more respectable level.

I've also bought the VTM fluid to do the rear VTM change- but forgot to hit the dollar store for a hand pump. Maybe tomorrow!

thanks again!

Personaly I would do another drain and fill on the tranny at a closer interval like 100 miles or so.

[kkkkken]

Originally Posted by carguy07

Personaly I would do another drain and fill on the tranny at a closer interval like 100 miles or so.

Might I ask what I can do to get the fluid right back to "clean and healthy" status?

The fluid is $6 a litre - so its $24 to keep draining it - which I really don't mind - cheap considering what a tranny overhaul might be. IF I should do a bunch of drain and refills to get the fluid "good" - I will - but I'd rather do it more efficiently - if possible. Any suggestions?

thanks!

[humanoid]

My '05 manual states to do a 3X drain and refill to get "most" of the fluid out. That's good enough for me as a DIY'er.

[carguy07]

Some people remove the return line and pump it dry. I have been told by several mechanics that it is safe as long as you kill the engine as soon as it runs out. I'm not a fan of that method though. I hate the idea of something that expensive running dry and I know darn well I would end up with several quarts on the ground.

Drain and fill is the best way. IMO

[pistonhonda]

Thanks to all of you here who contribute to the maintenance threads...

Done the ATF fluid change drain/fill 1x... the fluid looked ok as this was the fourth or is it third???

I decided to use the dipstick hole to fill and it was a breeze using 3/8" tubing, though I had to heat up the ends with a hairdryer and widen the two ends with the funnel tip so that it would go over the dipstick hole and stay put, tight.

Draining was a pain as I'm not so skinny and the Pilot left unjacked/on wheels. But after the drain bolt was out, everything else went smoothly.

Thanks again carguy07 and others for saving me NEEDED money.

[wanders]

Thanks to all who've posted advice on this topic. Made the job super easy

One more thing not to pay to have done!!!