Hot transmission

[Hogan773]

I was under my Pilot tonight looking to find the drain hole for the ATF just in case I decide to attempt this fluid change. The car hadn't been driven for several hours, yet the whole aluminum transmission case was still surprisingly hot to the touch (not enough to burn me, but quite hot).

Is this normal?

Also where the heck is the ATF fill hole? I looked a couple inches behind the dipstick, and there looks like a bump that could be a bolt but it is covered with a plastic or rubber overlay. Am I looking in the wrong place?

[humanoid]

Easy DIY ATF Fluid Change PICs

[Hogan773]

Thanks for the Noob dissing - but you didnt answer my question on the heat of the transmission, oh high and mightly exalted one.

Plus, the links you referenced don't really have a pic of the ATF hole, although sounds easier just to do thru dipstick.

Thanks again and sorry to bother you!

[Tim]

Originally posted by Hogan773
Thanks for the Noob dissing - but you didnt answer my question on the heat of the transmission, oh high and mightly exalted one.

Plus, the links you referenced don't really have a pic of the ATF hole, although sounds easier just to do thru dipstick.

Thanks again and sorry to bother you!

the link provided has a pic in the 53rd post of the ATF fill hole back by the firewall. it's both hard to see and get to. (as info 07 vs 04, hole is in the same spot)

was your engine as warm as your transmission? (metal conducts heat)

the noob reference is in his signature (it's a joke, get over it)

also it would be informative if you listed in your signature the year of your pilot so we can better ans your questions without having to search your previous posts.

by the way,.....welcome aboard

[Hogan773]

Ok understood - thanks

[imnfni]

Well I have a question for everyone. I know based on how this is responded to on this forum and others, I'm opening myself up here but here goes. What would be wrong with using the supposedly compatible Castrol ATF product for the first two cycles of the flush and then using the Honda ATF for the final. I know, it only saves my about 20 bucks, but hey??? What are everyone's thoughts?

[Hogan773]

Originally posted by imnfni
Well I have a question for everyone. I know based on how this is responded to on this forum and others, I'm opening myself up here but here goes. What would be wrong with using the supposedly compatible Castrol ATF product for the first two cycles of the flush and then using the Honda ATF for the final. I know, it only saves my about 20 bucks, but hey??? What are everyone's thoughts?

I didnt think a flush was even necessary.

I took my Pilot to an independent for an oil change and fluids change. It has been 2 yrs since I had the VTM and ATF changed at 18K miles. I am now at 36K. The indy checked and told me that it wasnt necessary to change eithe ATF or VTM - they were still both clean. I did do a brake flush as one had never been done in 5yrs Ive owned it.

I also checked the ATF dipstick and agree the fluid is still almost pink-clear.

[imnfni]

I also forgot to mention that mine is a 2007 EXL 2WD and I bought it new. The transmission fluid has never been changed and I have almost 48K on it now, I know, smack on the hand.

[Tim]

Originally posted by imnfni
Well I have a question for everyone. I know based on how this is responded to on this forum and others, I'm opening myself up here but here goes. What would be wrong with using the supposedly compatible Castrol ATF product for the first two cycles of the flush and then using the Honda ATF for the final. I know, it only saves my about 20 bucks, but hey??? What are everyone's thoughts?

The key words here are "supposedly compatible ".

The trani holds app. 12 quarts, you can only drain 4 at a time. (I personally wouldn't take the chance even if to save 200 bucks).........

[ctobio]

48K miles on the transmission fluid is not particularly obscene.

[Tim]

Originally posted by Hogan773


I didnt think a flush was even necessary.

I took my Pilot to an independent for an oil change and fluids change. It has been 2 yrs since I had the VTM and ATF changed at 18K miles. I am now at 36K. The indy checked and told me that it wasnt necessary to change eithe ATF or VTM - they were still both clean. I did do a brake flush as one had never been done in 5yrs Ive owned it.

I also checked the ATF dipstick and agree the fluid is still almost pink-clear.

(as info) maintenance schedule for an 04.

[Tim]

I believe that like the brake fluid, the trani and VTM fluids absorb moisture which you wouldn't see.

I follow the manual

[ctobio]

Originally posted by Tim
I believe that like the brake fluid, the trani and VTM fluids absorb moisture which you wouldn't see.

I follow the manual

I don't believe transmission fluid to have any hygroscopic components. At least not in any significant quantity.

[Hogan773]

Originally posted by Tim
I believe that like the brake fluid, the trani and VTM fluids absorb moisture which you wouldn't see.

I follow the manual

Yeah I've never heard anything but the brake fluid being water-attracting.

I know the manual says 45K miles (then 30) + every 2 years, but if the fluid is still full and not dirty, I'm not sure its a necessity. (I know I know, why deviate from the manual).

Anyway this was one of the highest rated independent Honda/Acura shops in Chicago, and they thought it not necessary to drain/fill ATF after 2 yrs and only 18K miles since last change. Their view was the MILEAGE is much more important factor than the TIME (years). ie if I don't drive my car that much, is the ATF really breaking down as the car just sits there?

Anyway I guess to each his own. I was fully prepared to have them replace both, but followed their advice. Refreshing when a shop tells you you DON'T need to do a service.