Differential changes and maintenance minder

[pilotlite]

I had my Diff fluid changed around 13,000 miles when the maintenance minder said to but haven't had it pop up again since. I'm at 33,000 miles now and all it says is A1. Should I just change it anyways or wait until it shows up on the minder?

[humanoid]

If it makes you sleep better at nights then change it out, otherwise, follow the MM.

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally Posted by pilotlite

I had my Diff fluid changed around 13,000 miles when the maintenance minder said to but haven't had it pop up again since. I'm at 33,000 miles now and all it says is A1. Should I just change it anyways or wait until it shows up on the minder?

You had better check your MM codes...A1 does not suggest or require a Diff fluid change... wait for the VTM fluid (code "6") change unless you are using the Pilot in extreme service --- moutain driving or towing.

[jcantanixon]

Originally Posted by RSQ Pilot

You had better check your MM codes...A1 does not suggest or require a Diff fluid change... wait for the VTM fluid (code "6") change unless you are using the Pilot in extreme service --- moutain driving or towing.

Yeah, I think that's what he meant. Code 6 came up around 13k, but it hasn't come up since and now that he just turned 33k, it's A1. Since the first interval was so short, he sort of expected it to come up every 15k miles or so. However, that's not the Honda recommendation. According to the manual, the VTM gets changed once kind of early, then doesn't get changed again for awhile.

They probably want to do the first one quick to get rid of the break-in fluid and particles. That used to be pretty common with new engines and transmissions. Do the first fluid change quick, then normal intervals after that.

[pilotlite]

Originally Posted by jcantanixon

Yeah, I think that's what he meant. Code 6 came up around 13k, but it hasn't come up since and now that he just turned 33k, it's A1. Since the first interval was so short, he sort of expected it to come up every 15k miles or so. However, that's not the Honda recommendation. According to the manual, the VTM gets changed once kind of early, then doesn't get changed again for awhile.

They probably want to do the first one quick to get rid of the break-in fluid and particles. That used to be pretty common with new engines and transmissions. Do the first fluid change quick, then normal intervals after that.

That's what I thought thanks. I called a dealer who said the same thing so I'll just change the oil and wait for it to show up sometime in the future.

[armpilot]

The MM takes the guess work out of Maintance, why fight it?

[humanoid]

Originally Posted by armpilot

The MM takes the guess work out of Maintance, why fight it?

I think they fight it because their thinking is still old school. Just like how many folks still change their oil every 3K miles because that's what dear old dad taught them eons ago, not understanding that technological advances in combustion engine and engine oil have made it possible to have extended drain intervals.

[pilotlite]

I'm not fighting it I'm questioning it. I had an '05 Pilot that called for diff changes every 15,000 miles so going over 20,000 now seemed high to me. I suppose if it goes to 50,000 miles I should believe it's still good? I also use to change the oil every 7500 miles but now it's more like 6600. I guess the '05 was being abused by their own oil maintenance intervals but babied by the diff intervals.

[humanoid]

IIRC it's 15K for the 1st time and every 30K or 45K thereafter depending on which schedule you follow, "severe" or "regular".

[ptsmh73]

Originally Posted by humanoid

IIRC it's 15K for the 1st time and every 30K or 45K thereafter depending on which schedule you follow, "severe" or "regular".

Per the manual, replacement of VTM-4 fluid for normal service its actually 15K, then 30K, then every 30K thereafter. So, 30, 60, 90, etc.

[armpilot]

Originally Posted by humanoid

I think they fight it because their thinking is still old school. Just like how many folks still change their oil every 3K miles because that's what dear old dad taught them eons ago, not understanding that technological advances in combustion engine and engine oil have made it possible to have extended drain intervals.

Hey,I get it, I fought the urge to have my first oil change done early. I got nervious around 8000km, especially reading some of the old school thoughts posted on this site regarding engine shavings etc. I waited until 11500km when the MM told me to do it. I resisted cause i trust that Honda's MM wouldnt allow me to go long periods without being safe, because from a dealership viewpoint, they see me less often and why wouldnt they want to see me more often. Plus, the break-in oil is important. Honda is about engines first, if not plastic dashboards and outdated GPS system, trust in the engine!

[CLOS]

this is my first Honda and was wondering if the "D" (shifter) would blink if I had to change the differential fluid. I already change the ATF fluid and it still blinks after a few miles on the rd. oh, its an 03, w/ 42,000.