What happens if you change fluids before schedule?

[panamamike]

Lets say MM doesn't tell me to change a particular fluid like the transmission fluid. However, it's recommended to change out at 30k miles. If I go ahead and change that fluid out, will the car know the fluid has been replaced?

I'm not familiar with the reset process, so I don't know what it will do.

Mike

[jay]

You'd have to reset the Maintenance Minder in accordance with the reset instructions in the manual.

[mainerunr]

If it's not throwing the code for the tranny yet, I don't believe resetting the MM will clear that cycle. I think it would only reset the cycles for the items it was showing needed attention.

[jay_man2]

The '09 manual, which I found online through this forum, steps you through resetting the MM. In the procedure I read, you reset the Minder for oil life, and by implication leave the rest unchanged.

[panamamike]

Originally posted by jay_man2
The '09 manual, which I found online through this forum, steps you through resetting the MM. In the procedure I read, you reset the Minder for oil life, and by implication leave the rest unchanged.

This would make me think the MM brains only really work for oil changes, not really for the other fluids even though it claims to.

Mike

[youbetcha]

Originally posted by panamamike


This would make me think the MM brains only really work for oil changes, not really for the other fluids even though it claims to.

Mike

I believe it tracks oil changes based on several engine parameters but it seems that the other changes like air filters, transmission, and VTM-4 are based on mileage.

I doubt there is any benefit to try to second-guess it, though.

Other posters have questioned parts of it, for example why the oil filter is changed at every other oil change, etc., but I think Honda would not allow its own maintenance recommendations to cause part failure.

It is there to make your life easier, so you don't have to spend more time/energy on maintenance than you need.

[mblaue04]

I have an '06 Honda Pilot EX-L and have Never followed the MM. I guess I just didn't trust the computer telling me when to have the maintenance done. (Also, probably because on my '04 CR-V it doesn't have the MM system on it.)

For those of you who have used the MM system, do you actually trust it? What is the key to using it? Allowing it to go down to 15% oil life?

[youbetcha]

Originally posted by mblaue04


For those of you who have used the MM system, do you actually trust it? What is the key to using it? Allowing it to go down to 15% oil life?

I had an oil analysis done after about 5,000 miles, and the MM was spot on as far as remaining life.

The key to using it is to wait until the wrench comes up at about 15% and then get the oil changed.

[mblaue04]

There is a way to force the MM to give you the codes before getting to 15%. Unfortunately that information is at home. I'll try to post that information this evening.

[freddy991]

Mblaue04,
Pls don't forget to post the information tonight. I personally is looking forward to this MM information.

'Fred

[mblaue04]

The following link has good information about the Maintenance Minder (Pg 6&7)

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/A050900.PDF

The following link has more information about the Maintenance Minder (Pg 3)

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/A051100.PDF

Here's the link that shows how to force-retrieve maintenance item codes (Pg 3)

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/A060900.PDF

I hope that you'll find this information helpful. I sure have!

[youbetcha]

Originally posted by mblaue04
The following link has good information about the Maintenance Minder (Pg 6&7)

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/A050900.PDF

The following link has more information about the Maintenance Minder (Pg 3)

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/A051100.PDF

Here's the link that shows how to force-retrieve maintenance item codes (Pg 3)

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/A060900.PDF

I hope that you'll find this information helpful. I sure have!

Thanks. I'm also glad they printed something about putting nitrogen in the tires, every once in a while, someone wants to belabor that issue.

[freddy991]

Mblaue04,
Thanks for your quick response for the MM Information.

Definately the document is really helpful. But, the MM system you sent is only applicable for Honda pilot 2006.

Can we use the document for Honda Pilot 2003?

Thanks

'Fred

[RSQ Pilot]

Mblaue04,
Thanks for your quick response for the MM Information.

Great info..,.As most stuff applies to my '05 ODY it was good reading.

[mblaue04]

The next time that you get your oil change etc. Try resetting the MM and see if it gives you codes. As far as I can tell, every other time you have had your MM reset when you have the oil changed, the tech either didn't see the codes that were there, or they saw them and just didn't want to/know to mention them to you.

In other words, if you want to go straight on with the MM, it is probably a good idea to reference your maintenance records to see what you've recently done!

Also, any dealership will be willing to give you a print out/fax of the maintenance history with them.

Personally I have two dealerships in town that I go back and forth between. So I have one that is available online 24/7 and the other I just simply call or have them fax over the info.

I'll see if I can dig up something on the '03 Pilot MM. The next time you get ready to get your oil changed is probably the best time to reset the MM and check to see if it will give you any codes.