Just performed tranny and VTM-4 fluid changes, my thoughts.

[rclark]

Originally Posted by samc

06 EX-L, 48k miles

Just performed the transmission fluid change and VTM-4 fluid change, along with an oil change ofcourse. At 48,171 miles and code came up as A. I know it didn't say to change the first two fluids but I just felt it needed to be done.

First the tranny fluid:
The person before me used gorilla hands to tighten down the fill and drain plugs. Seriously I bent a metal broom (sort of a breaker bar) trying to get them off. If you were curious where the drain plug was it's the only one under the tranny with a 3/8" socket hole in it, I think mine was painted blue but it has faded somewhat. Used just under 4 quarts of fluid (about 3.8q) and it cost $8.53/quart. I bought an extra one just incase I messed up.

VTM-4:
That as well was put on with Lou Ferrigno arms. It literally took a 3 foot long breaker bar to get the two bolts off. Used about 3/4 gallon of that VTM-4 fluid. Cost was $33.54. And $4.09 for a gallon hand pump which worked surprisingly well.

What pissed me off the most was that Honda charged me $3.50~ a piece for those washers. And not only did they charge me that much (for slivers of thin aluminum) they gave me the wrong one for the VTM-4 drain plug. The VTM drain plug washer is the same size as the tranny drain plug one. The larger one below was from the VTM-4 fill bolt.

So in short buy fluids from Honda dealers but buy the washers online, preferably while you're ordering more oil filters. But $120 (oil, tranny, vtm-4 fluids, oil filter, pump, washers) later and I'm happy knowing everything is a o k.

I had my local Honda Repair Shop do both of these services for me for $100. Saved 20 bucks and didn't have the lay on the ground!

[carguy07]

Originally Posted by rclark

I had my local Honda Repair Shop do both of these services for me for $100. Saved 20 bucks and didn't have the lay on the ground!

How do you figure you "saved" anything? ATF drain and fill and VTM-4 fluid would have cost you $40-$45 to DIY. You paid someone $60 to do 1/2 worth of work. $120/HR is enough for me to lay on my back for a few minutes.

[rclark]

Originally Posted by carguy07

How do you figure you "saved" anything? ATF drain and fill and VTM-4 fluid would have cost you $40-$45 to DIY. You paid someone $60 to do 1/2 worth of work. $120/HR is enough for me to lay on my back for a few minutes.

OP stated he paid $120 for the DIY job. Was basing my statement on that.

[humanoid]

Originally Posted by carguy07

How do you figure you "saved" anything? ATF drain and fill and VTM-4 fluid would have cost you $40-$45 to DIY. You paid someone $60 to do 1/2 worth of work. $120/HR is enough for me to lay on my back for a few minutes.

Agreed. I laid on my back 2 minutes max to change the oil, filter and the tranny fluid, saved myself some serious cash.

[carguy07]

Originally Posted by rclark

OP stated he paid $120 for the DIY job. Was basing my statement on that.

He did an oil change/filter too, and bought a pump that he can use again next time. Not saying you got a bad deal (that's what mechanics charge), just that DIY is still a lot cheaper especial if you find a dealer that is not trying to make a mint on parts.

VTM-4 fluid is $20 + oil change/filter with Mobil 1 is $30, ATF is $20, washers are another $4, pump $5. For about $80 you can do those 3 and if you want to blow another $15, you can get some Mobil 1 gear oil and another pump and do the transfer case too.

DIY is so easy on these cars it makes it an easy decision if you are up for getting a little dirty.

[buckeye7]

Not sure if this goes here but couldn't find another dealer/stealer thread. I do all the maintenance on my pilot except for oil changes and everytime I get the oil changed they recommend chaning something as it's dirty etc. Well the next time I got my oil changed I changed the transmission fluid and brake fluid right before I went to the dealer. Anyway...same story...told me that the transmission fluid and brake fluid were dirty and needed replaced. I said just changed it and they didn't seem to care. Anyone else have similar experience?

[humanoid]

I think everyone has had a similar story. It's the $tealer's way of padding their wallets by telling you that you need this and that service whether you really need it or not.

[TomStromie]

Originally Posted by buckeye7

Anyway...same story...told me that the transmission fluid and brake fluid were dirty and needed replaced. I said just changed it and they didn't seem to care. Anyone else have similar experience?

The local Goodyear tells me the same thing just about every visit for both my Pilot and Liberty. They also insist that the transmission should be power-flushed. I thank them for their concern (I only pay $16 for an oil change) and leave. It's not worth the argument. Oh, they were also the ones that said the Tire Pressure Monitoring System needed to be reset when new tires were installed. My response to that was not quite as polite.

[CNJ]

Originally Posted by buckeye7

Not sure if this goes here but couldn't find another dealer/stealer thread. I do all the maintenance on my pilot except for oil changes and everytime I get the oil changed they recommend chaning something as it's dirty etc. Well the next time I got my oil changed I changed the transmission fluid and brake fluid right before I went to the dealer. Anyway...same story...told me that the transmission fluid and brake fluid were dirty and needed replaced. I said just changed it and they didn't seem to care. Anyone else have similar experience?

Exactly why the #1 reason for DIY! Not to mention the money saved. I just did the VTM4 fluid (at 30K mi)and yes it was a bear to get the drain and fill plugs off. My 1/2 to 3/8 adapter broke off inside the fill plug (it was a cheap china tool - figures) - but it came out luckily. Then just using a 3/8 Craftsman ratchet with a pipe got it loose with a prayer. I live in Cali so the VTM4 doesn't get used much except trips to the mtns in the winter 2-3 times a year. The minder never called for it so I didn't bother but at 30k mi I figured I better do it with the oil change. The fluid looked like new and I never had any issues with it so I cant see doing it every 15K mi in my case? I think the front diff fluid should be changed? Anyone care to add thoughts to that? Now the cabin filter