2010 Touring...when to do what?

[pilot~lyte]

I've been told over and over by the dealer to rely on the reminder light. My Pilot is 1 yr and a few weeks out from delivery and has just over 19k mi. So far, I've changed the oil just 3 times, based on the maintenence minder system. Can I really trust it? I feel like there are other things that should be done, but I have no idea what they would be. LOL

I was just in the dealership yesterday because my remotes still aren't working reliably even after being re-coded months ago and because of this weird jerking and shuddering I feel nearly constantly. Of course, the tech couldn't duplicate my issues, and the advisor didn't say a word about maintenence.

My maintenence record journal book doesn't say milage intervals, so that's no help. FWIW, all but about 5-6k of the miles have been in-town.

[humanoid]

Just trust the MM, it's there for a reason put there by Honda engineers.

[whizmo]

Originally Posted by pilot~lyte

I've been told over and over by the dealer to rely on the reminder light. My Pilot is 1 yr and a few weeks out from delivery and has just over 19k mi. So far, I've changed the oil just 3 times, based on the maintenence minder system. Can I really trust it? I feel like there are other things that should be done, but I have no idea what they would be.

The maintenance minder puts up codes that tell you what needs to be done. If you've through 3 oil change cycles, I suspect it has been putting up the codes for other things besides an oil change, such as tire rotation or VTM fluid changes. Exactly what you need to do is completely covered in your OM.

There are a couple calendar-based (rather than mileage-based) maintenance items also. The MM will not keep track of these. Again, it's covered in the OM.

Occasionally you'll see recommendations for more frequent service (often made by the dealers wanting to keep their service bays busier) but in general, yes, you should trust the MM system. It is exactly what Honda recommends and what will keep your warranty intact.

- Mark

[rocky]

Two new posts on the same day. From the guy who reported that there was only one quart left in his Pilots engine when the oil was changed.

In that scenario, bloody miracle the engine didn't seize up. No wonder its burning oil.

Have you ever considered the other parts of the code, eg VTM4 change code? Tranny fluid change code? By 19k, you would have changed both on the early generation Pilots.

Can't imagine Honda Engineers would want less maintenance for their cars. If you don't service a car properly, expect problems to arise.

[pilot~lyte]

rocky, why are you such a sarcastic jerk?

There have been no other codes. None. I would have noticed them. The damn thing spent a week beeping over the stupid washer fluid being low, I can't imagine it would let me ignore a reminder for service.

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally Posted by pilot~lyte

I've been told over and over by the dealer to rely on the reminder light. My Pilot is 1 yr and a few weeks out from delivery and has just over 19k mi. So far, I've changed the oil just 3 times, based on the maintenence minder system. Can I really trust it? I feel like there are other things that should be done, but I have no idea what they would be. LOL

I was just in the dealership yesterday because my remotes still aren't working reliably even after being re-coded months ago and because of this weird jerking and shuddering I feel nearly constantly. Of course, the tech couldn't duplicate my issues, and the advisor didn't say a word about maintenence.

My maintenence record journal book doesn't say milage intervals, so that's no help. FWIW, all but about 5-6k of the miles have been in-town.

Not sure of your driving conditions but here's my record....
6212 miles A1 code Oil change/rotate
14554 miiles B6 Oil/ VTM change/ rotate
Cabin air filter changed at 12 months*
21404 miles A1 code Oil change/ Rotate
Cabin Air Filer/Engine Air filter replaced at 24 months*
* my choice
Can't understand why you have not had the tires rotated....that should happen with every oil change cycle based upon MM code recommedations... Initial VTM code generally happens at the second oil change cylcle per my friends and I who have 2009-2010 Pilots.

The list of things that need to be done are in the OM as are the meanings of the MM codes. Better check as there are calander schedules for some things as well the MM codes and severe service issues which overide some routine maintenance issues.

The Low WW fluid waning beep is a new one for me....never heard that before.

Happy Flying

[whizmo]

Originally Posted by pilot~lyte

There have been no other codes. None. I would have noticed them. The damn thing spent a week beeping over the stupid washer fluid being low, I can't imagine it would let me ignore a reminder for service.

It still sounds like you're expecting to see messages popping up in dash saying "Tire Rotation" or "VTM Fluid Change" or something equally explicit. That's not the way it works. There is a letter code and a number code and each has specific services that are requested. Even at the most basic service there is more to be done than just an oil change. And I'd be very surprised if by three cycles you haven't gotten the code which includes a VTM fluid change.

Again, it's nicely covered in the OM. I really get the strong impression you haven't read it.

- Mark

[Wispilot]

Originally Posted by pilot~lyte

I've been told over and over by the dealer to rely on the reminder light. My Pilot is 1 yr and a few weeks out from delivery and has just over 19k mi. So far, I've changed the oil just 3 times, based on the maintenence minder system. Can I really trust it? I feel like there are other things that should be done, but I have no idea what they would be. LOL

I was just in the dealership yesterday because my remotes still aren't working reliably even after being re-coded months ago and because of this weird jerking and shuddering I feel nearly constantly. Of course, the tech couldn't duplicate my issues, and the advisor didn't say a word about maintenence.

My maintenence record journal book doesn't say milage intervals, so that's no help. FWIW, all but about 5-6k of the miles have been in-town.

Generally yes, follow the maintenance minder. It served me well on my '08 Accord. I did, and will on my Pilot, deviate from it on several things (but not oil changes).

At 19k with alot of city miles I would think it's time for a rear differential fluid change and also a drain and fill on the tranny. Your air and cabin filter may also need changing.

On my Pilot I will follow the MM for oil changes. But I plan on changing the rear diff oil at 7,500 miles, then at 15k and then every 15k thereafter.

I'll do a transmission drain and fill every 15-20k. Air and cabin filters replaced every 15-20k. Tires rotated every 6k. Transfer case fluid change will probably be about every 15-20k.

This may seem like over maintaining to some but it's worked well for me in the past.