ATF level - Honda Pilot

DrDon · 03-04-2010, 04:07 PM

Thanks for a wonderful forum everyone. Because of this great forum I was able to change my brake pads, replace my spark plugs, drain and fill my automatic transmission fluid and changed my cabin filter. I did all of these last weekend and couldn't of done it without the great help from this forum.

That being said - I drained my Automatic Transmission fluid and filled it back in via the dipstick as illustrated in the DIY (I have a 2004 w/ oil jet). The fill level was roughly in the middle of the dipstick as I put in just about what I took out. So,I left it at that. Although, I just checked the ATF level last night after driving the vehicle and it is just now slightly (say, 2 mm) above the high point on the dipstick. So, my question is: Should I drain it down some or just leave it be since it is just slightly above the max line marker on the dipstick?

Thanks in advance!

rclark · 03-04-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DrDon
Thanks for a wonderful forum everyone. Because of this great forum I was able to change my brake pads, replace my spark plugs, drain and fill my automatic transmission fluid and changed my cabin filter. I did all of these last weekend and couldn't of done it without the great help from this forum.

That being said - I drained my Automatic Transmission fluid and filled it back in via the dipstick as illustrated in the DIY (I have a 2004 w/ oil jet). The fill level was roughly in the middle of the dipstick as I put in just about what I took out. So,I left it at that. Although, I just checked the ATF level last night after driving the vehicle and it is just now slightly (say, 2 mm) above the high point on the dipstick. So, my question is: Should I drain it down some or just leave it be since it is just slightly above the max line marker on the dipstick?

Thanks in advance!

I'd be safe and drain it until it reads below the 'high' mark on the dipstick. You are checking the level while the engines running, correct?

DrDon · 03-04-2010, 04:36 PM

Egad. No. I was checking it shortly after I turned off the vehicle. So, I'm guessing check it while the engine's running, eh? I'm assuming that will cause the reading to be a tad lower than when I measured it after I turned off the engine?

humanoid · 03-04-2010, 04:45 PM

So what's the proper way to check the ATF level? Don't have the manual in front of me now, wife is at work with the Pilot.

rclark · 03-04-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DrDon
Egad. No. I was checking it shortly after I turned off the vehicle. So, I'm guessing check it while the engine's running, eh? I'm assuming that will cause the reading to be a tad lower than when I measured it after I turned off the engine?

Def possible as the fluid would be pumping through the trans while the car is running. Park on a level surface, make sure the trans is at normal operating temp (idle for 10-15 mins), and then put the car in neutral and set the ebrake. Then check.

dustino8 · 03-04-2010, 05:28 PM

ATF is to be checked at normal operating temp with the engine off.

humanoid · 03-04-2010, 06:31 PM

Thanks for the responses, folks!

rclark · 03-04-2010, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dustino8
ATF is to be checked at normal operating temp with the engine off.

Really? That's different than any other car I've worked on. My mistake then!

dustino8 · 03-04-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rclark

Really? That's different than any other car I've worked on. My mistake then!

Ya, it is different than most other makes. However, Honda transmissions are of a different design than other makes.

carguy07 · 03-04-2010, 11:36 PM

I have checked mine both running and off and have gotten the same readings. I'm almost positive that they tell you to shut it off and immediately check it to limit liability from people getting cut up with the fan so close.

samc · 03-04-2010, 11:45 PM

Agreed, how many idiots will stick their fingers into a high spinning rad fan.

I believe you're supposed to drive around for a while, shifting in all gears and then park and check while engine is hot.

Quote:

Originally posted by carguy07
I have checked mine both running and off and have gotten the same readings. I'm almost positive that they tell you to shut it off and immediately check it to limit liability from people getting cut up with the fan so close.

DC9781 · 03-06-2010, 10:06 PM

Funny ATF story for you all.. a bit lengthy but here you go..

I changed my fluid for the first time on my 06 2WD Pilot a couple weeks back. No big deal right? It kind of went like this..

On Saturday my son and I went to the dealership to get the fluid. I couldn't remember how many quarts to buy so I thought I would go out on a limb and rely on the HONDA parts department. Asked the guy how many quarts I would need and he said with great confidence ".. just under 3 quarts".

On Sunday I changed the fluid. Got a bit suspect when it would barely register on the stick. Knew something was wrong. Double checked the forum thread and realized I was a quart short! Dealership closed on Sundays. Argh!!!!!!

On Monday morning at 7am went to the dealership to get 1 quart of ATF. Kept second guessing myself. Thought maybe I wasn't clear to the parts dept on Saturday so I decided to test them. Pulled into the service reception, got out of my van and asked the 3 service techs standing at the counter a simple question "How many quarts of ATF does a Honda Pilot take? Answer.. in unison.. "Just under 3 quarts". I then asked them to look it up and they were a bit puzzled but did it anyways. The look on their face was priceless when they realized all 3 of them got the answer wrong! So after about 30 seconds of silence I asked if I could get my quart of ATF. Went back to the parts department. Different person working there than Saturdat. He got it wrong too! Frustrated (head shaking) I left the dealership.

On Tuesday I talked to the service manager. He was really nice. I explained to him my concern about how many employees got the answer incorrect. The difference with him was he didn't know the answer but offered to look it up for me. He explained (and I agree) that they work with the fluids in bulk when doing the changes but was very frustrated at the poor service and incorrect answers. Nice guy though I won't be having my Pilot serviced there anytime soon.

Can't wait till the next time the ATF needs changed. So far I'm batting 1.000 at that dealership and you better believe I'll be quizzing them again. Muhahahahahaha!!

Moral of story: If you don't know what you need going into the parts department it would be wise to ask the employees to lookup the information!

Great site.. Thank you for all the great information.

03-04-2010, 04:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
DrDon Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nampa, ID Posts: 37 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	ATF level Thanks for a wonderful forum everyone. Because of this great forum I was able to change my brake pads, replace my spark plugs, drain and fill my automatic transmission fluid and changed my cabin filter. I did all of these last weekend and couldn't of done it without the great help from this forum. That being said - I drained my Automatic Transmission fluid and filled it back in via the dipstick as illustrated in the DIY (I have a 2004 w/ oil jet). The fill level was roughly in the middle of the dipstick as I put in just about what I took out. So,I left it at that. Although, I just checked the ATF level last night after driving the vehicle and it is just now slightly (say, 2 mm) above the high point on the dipstick. So, my question is: Should I drain it down some or just leave it be since it is just slightly above the max line marker on the dipstick? Thanks in advance!

03-04-2010, 04:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
humanoid Super Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sunny SoCal Posts: 2,861 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	So what's the proper way to check the ATF level? Don't have the manual in front of me now, wife is at work with the Pilot. __________________ 2005 EX-L Sage Brush Pearl -->OEM Running Boards, OEM rear mud guards, OEM crossbars, AVS bug deflector, 5000K HIDs, OEM Accord EX emblem, full sized spare, Hella FF 75 driving lamps, Nifty CatchAll Mats <------------ click here first, n0oB!!!

03-04-2010, 05:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
dustino8 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 757 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	ATF is to be checked at normal operating temp with the engine off. __________________ 2003 SS EX-L; Sidesteps, aftermarket hitch and tranny cooler, prodigy brake controller, Airlift 1000 2007 Toyota Tundra Dearly departed 1991 Prelude and 2005 Civic

03-04-2010, 06:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
humanoid Super Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sunny SoCal Posts: 2,861 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks for the responses, folks! __________________ 2005 EX-L Sage Brush Pearl -->OEM Running Boards, OEM rear mud guards, OEM crossbars, AVS bug deflector, 5000K HIDs, OEM Accord EX emblem, full sized spare, Hella FF 75 driving lamps, Nifty CatchAll Mats <------------ click here first, n0oB!!!

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03-04-2010, 04:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
DrDon Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nampa, ID Posts: 37 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Egad. No. I was checking it shortly after I turned off the vehicle. So, I'm guessing check it while the engine's running, eh? I'm assuming that will cause the reading to be a tad lower than when I measured it after I turned off the engine?

03-04-2010, 11:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
carguy07 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: OH Posts: 437 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have checked mine both running and off and have gotten the same readings. I'm almost positive that they tell you to shut it off and immediately check it to limit liability from people getting cut up with the fan so close.

03-06-2010, 10:06 PM	#12 (permalink)
DC9781 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Funny ATF story for you all.. a bit lengthy but here you go.. I changed my fluid for the first time on my 06 2WD Pilot a couple weeks back. No big deal right? It kind of went like this.. On Saturday my son and I went to the dealership to get the fluid. I couldn't remember how many quarts to buy so I thought I would go out on a limb and rely on the HONDA parts department. Asked the guy how many quarts I would need and he said with great confidence ".. just under 3 quarts". On Sunday I changed the fluid. Got a bit suspect when it would barely register on the stick. Knew something was wrong. Double checked the forum thread and realized I was a quart short! Dealership closed on Sundays. Argh!!!!!! On Monday morning at 7am went to the dealership to get 1 quart of ATF. Kept second guessing myself. Thought maybe I wasn't clear to the parts dept on Saturday so I decided to test them. Pulled into the service reception, got out of my van and asked the 3 service techs standing at the counter a simple question "How many quarts of ATF does a Honda Pilot take? Answer.. in unison.. "Just under 3 quarts". I then asked them to look it up and they were a bit puzzled but did it anyways. The look on their face was priceless when they realized all 3 of them got the answer wrong! So after about 30 seconds of silence I asked if I could get my quart of ATF. Went back to the parts department. Different person working there than Saturdat. He got it wrong too! Frustrated (head shaking) I left the dealership. On Tuesday I talked to the service manager. He was really nice. I explained to him my concern about how many employees got the answer incorrect. The difference with him was he didn't know the answer but offered to look it up for me. He explained (and I agree) that they work with the fluids in bulk when doing the changes but was very frustrated at the poor service and incorrect answers. Nice guy though I won't be having my Pilot serviced there anytime soon. Can't wait till the next time the ATF needs changed. So far I'm batting 1.000 at that dealership and you better believe I'll be quizzing them again. Muhahahahahaha!! Moral of story: If you don't know what you need going into the parts department it would be wise to ask the employees to lookup the information! Great site.. Thank you for all the great information.

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