Confused about Transfer Case Fluid

[tfrain]

So I'm confused, and it frustrates me to think that I may have made a mistake in this realm. I have an 07 EXL 4WD. My manual says nothing about a separate transfer case or any fluid for it. There are no specs for fluid for it. All it says is "Replace transmission and transfer fluid" which I thought were one in the same, at least when that came up a good while back for maintenance. Now, in looking for something else, I come across something about there being a separate transfer case in 06 and up pilots? Would my manual have nothing about the specifications for that fluid?? Did I miss doing this maintenance even though it isn't in the manual? If so, I sure feel pretty dumb. Thanks all!
Tom

https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/.../ATW0707OM.pdf

[tfrain]

At the time, I was going off what the honorable N-Jay said:

"What little of a "transfer case" exists, is lubricated by the Transmission ATF and is not serviced separately.

The rear VTM-4 unit (the so called "differential") is filled with a specific VTM-4 fluid and is serviced on its own schedule.

Check your owner's manual for the exact schedule.
"

[humanoid]

You in fact do have a transfer case. 06-08 models had the case and needs regular 80-90w fluid. 03-05 models don't have the transfer case, the tranny fluid takes care of the lubrication of the diff for these models. As much as I hate to say it, N_Jay is correct.

[RonnieJ]

It is very easy to replace the transfer case fluid. There is both a drain and a fill bolt, both are 3/8 drive like the transmission drain bolt. They are on drivers side of transmission underneath. I used Mobil1 LS 75w-90 gear oil in the 1 liter bottle, got it at Advance Auto. Pick up the hand pump for that size bottle as well, and only use it for this fluid. Take the fill bolt off first, then the drain bolt and let it drain. There is not much in there, maybe half a quart. Put the drain bolt back on , and use the hand pump going into the fill bolt. Similar to VTM diff, keep pumping until it starts dripping out. It will take about half the bottle. Put the fill bolt back on, and you are done. Should take about 20 minutes to do, most of the time is probably on cleanup.

[ChinleRD]

I have a 2008 AWD EXL.

Just got this response from a dealer service rep after inquiring about my transfercase and service:

"After speaking to my shop foreman he tells me that the transfer case is separate from the transmission and that it is NOT serviceable. Hope this helps if you have any more questions...."


I apologize if I am missing something but it seems like you guys are telling me that I DO have a transfer case. What gives??

[humanoid]

Geez, I think it's time you found another dealer for your questions and/or maintenance. Refer to the .PDF attachment right above your post. It shows how you change out the transfer case fluid for 2006-2008 models. 2003-2005 models didn't have a transfer case, maybe he was referring to those models???

[samc]

Agreed new dealership.

And at this point its time to spend $20-30 on fluid+pump+crush washers and start doing it yourself.

[Busted Knuckle]

all wheel drive pilots (and ridgelines)
have a "transfer case"

the one on the right is from my 2003
the one the left is from a 2007
the 2003 does not have:
a breather tube
drain and fill plugs

the unit from the 2007 does have these items and does have 80/90 gear oil in them

my 2003 transfer case (148K)started making noise a couple of years ago and has become steadily worse with it off it is obvious the bearings are shot
I had it off because transmission #4 was being installed and that is a completely different story


I'm sure someone already knows / posted which model years had which case
I just know the 01-0? MDX and 03-04 pilot uses the one pictured on the left
and whenever it was changed to present use the one on the left
2003-?
?- 20XX

Dan T

[Rotel]

Here is page 245 from the 2007 manual noting the transfer assembly fluid.

2007 Honda Pilot Owner's Manual (pg. 245).pdf

[humanoid]

Originally Posted by Busted Knuckle

I'm sure someone already knows / posted which model years had which case I just know the 01-0? MDX and 03-04 pilot uses the one pictured on the left and whenever it was changed to present use the one on the left

2003-?
?- 20XX

Dan T

2003-2005 no case
2006-present w/transfer case

[94eg!]

Okay. As shown three posts above there are transfer cases for both. The difference is, the 04-03 is not sealed from the main transmission, and it is lubricated with transmission fluid. The 05+ Has a seal between the transmission and case. Therefore it requires it's own dedicated breather, drain & fill ports, and fluid that must be changed separately...

04-03 (no shaft seal) uses transmission ATF for lubrication:


05+ (with shaft seal #25) uses dedicated gear oil for lubrication: