Transmission fluid changed - Honda Pilot

pilot4me · 01-21-2004, 07:25 AM

FYI - had the transmission fluid changed yesterday at 40,000 miles. I decided to change the fluid because it looked like regular engine oil instead of the universal red color I'm use to seeing.

So, you might want to check yours too if your up there in (highway) miles like me.

The dealer charged me $40.89 in Atlanta (Curry Honda).

jay · 01-21-2004, 08:17 AM

The normal maintenance schedule recommends a fluid replacement at 45k miles, and the severe schedule recommends 30k. With all the stop and go driving in my commute, I follow the severe schedule, and will get mine changed at 30k.

Does your driving fall into the normal, severe, or some mix of those categories?

pilot4me · 01-21-2004, 08:33 AM

It's funny you bring that up because the service advisor said it was to be changed at 60,000 miles per his records. Imagine that!!!

Needless to say, I do what the owner’s manual says.

Back to your original question: I figure my driving falls in the “normal” because I drive mostly highway (70 miles) round trip Monday through Friday averaging 65 to 70 mph. I’ve been to Florida 5 times too since ownership - late summer of 2002.

FYI - To date, no problems other than the saggy leather seats.

kemosabe · 01-21-2004, 09:41 PM

pilot4me: I love the name of your city in the state you live in!!!

I wonder if there's such a place as Atlanta, Texas...???

pilot4me · 01-22-2004, 07:09 AM

kemosabe: That's funny.... there is an Atlanta,Texas.

See link - http://www.atlantatexas.org/

kemosabe · 01-22-2004, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pilot4me
kemosabe: That's funny.... there is an Atlanta,Texas.

See link - http://www.atlantatexas.org/

I learn something new everyday!!! Thanks, pilot4me!!!

Pilot Owner · 01-26-2004, 05:39 PM

Is replacing the automatic transmission fluid a job within the scope of say a "weekend mechanic"? Is this job more complicated than replacing the engine oil or rear differential fluid?

Does anyone have a repair manual diagram and brief outline description of "how to replace the automatic transmission fluid"?

Thanks for any help or feedback.

jay · 01-26-2004, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pilot Owner
Is replacing the automatic transmission fluid a job within the scope of say a "weekend mechanic"? Is this job more complicated than replacing the engine oil or rear differential fluid?

Does anyone have a repair manual diagram and brief outline description of "how to replace the automatic transmission fluid"?

Thanks for any help or feedback.

From the Service Manual.

jay · 01-26-2004, 06:15 PM

The fill hole, depicted in the diagram on the right above, has a white plug in it. It looks pretty hard to get to. Looking into the hood from the driver's side, it's the white plug below and in front of the brake fluid reservoir.

Pilot Owner · 01-27-2004, 08:03 AM

Jay;
Many thanks for your prompt and very helpful all-inclusive directions! This should save me much labor $$$$ if I had gone to the dealer!

vinograd · 01-27-2004, 10:33 PM

The drain plug is easy. Look at the trans from the bottom and the left side to find it. Use a square drive of a 3/8 inch drive socket wrench.
The fill bolt is 17 mm size and may be very very hard to remove. The picture posted by jay is very good. Access is fair. The force needed is very high. The first time it is removed it takes alot more than the spec of 33 ft/lbs to loosen it. It may take 120 ft/lbs. Also, that white paint marking the fill bolt may come off in flakes. Be careful no paint flakes get inside the transmission. You might want to fill it through the dipstick hole.

jzshanks · 01-28-2004, 08:20 AM

Don't you normally fill trans fluid through the dipstick hole (at least that's what I'm used to on US cars).

Jim

jay · 01-28-2004, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jzshanks
Don't you normally fill trans fluid through the dipstick hole (at least that's what I'm used to on US cars).

Jim

The Owner's manual tells you to top it up through the dipstick hole if it's low, but the Service Manual says to use the fill hole shown above when replacing the fluid.

john802 · 02-01-2004, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jay
The Owner's manual tells you to top it up through the dipstick hole if it's low, but the Service Manual says to use the fill hole shown above when replacing the fluid.

I'm ready to change my transmision fluid, and I would like to know what is the downside of filling new transmission fluid using the dipstick hole instead of the filler hole.

john802 · 02-01-2004, 05:02 PM

Thanks Jay for posting the ATF Change Procedure,

01-21-2004, 07:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
pilot4me Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dallas, Georgia Posts: 99 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Transmission fluid changed FYI - had the transmission fluid changed yesterday at 40,000 miles. I decided to change the fluid because it looked like regular engine oil instead of the universal red color I'm use to seeing. So, you might want to check yours too if your up there in (highway) miles like me. The dealer charged me $40.89 in Atlanta (Curry Honda). __________________ <b>2003 Honda Pilot Starlight Silver Metallic</b>, EXL-(RES -aftermarket), #15933, Side Steps, Air (Bug) Deflector, Rear Splash Guards & Crossbars, Honda swapped out Goodyear?s for Cross Terrains back to a <b>new version of the Goodyear?s, plus new rims ? no vibration to date!!!</b> <b>2002 Honda CRV EX-(L aftermarket)</b>, Perfect Fit Air (Bug) Deflector <b>QUADRUPLETS ON THE WAY!!</b> â€“ Due June 30, 2005 â€“ Arrive probably in April early May.

01-21-2004, 08:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
jay Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 11,116 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The normal maintenance schedule recommends a fluid replacement at 45k miles, and the severe schedule recommends 30k. With all the stop and go driving in my commute, I follow the severe schedule, and will get mine changed at 30k. Does your driving fall into the normal, severe, or some mix of those categories? __________________ 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited "When you get to the fork in the road, take it." --Yogi Berra

01-21-2004, 08:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
pilot4me Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dallas, Georgia Posts: 99 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It's funny you bring that up because the service advisor said it was to be changed at 60,000 miles per his records. Imagine that!!! Needless to say, I do what the owner’s manual says. Back to your original question: I figure my driving falls in the “normal” because I drive mostly highway (70 miles) round trip Monday through Friday averaging 65 to 70 mph. I’ve been to Florida 5 times too since ownership - late summer of 2002. FYI - To date, no problems other than the saggy leather seats. __________________ <b>2003 Honda Pilot Starlight Silver Metallic</b>, EXL-(RES -aftermarket), #15933, Side Steps, Air (Bug) Deflector, Rear Splash Guards & Crossbars, Honda swapped out Goodyear?s for Cross Terrains back to a <b>new version of the Goodyear?s, plus new rims ? no vibration to date!!!</b> <b>2002 Honda CRV EX-(L aftermarket)</b>, Perfect Fit Air (Bug) Deflector <b>QUADRUPLETS ON THE WAY!!</b> â€“ Due June 30, 2005 â€“ Arrive probably in April early May.

01-22-2004, 07:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
pilot4me Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dallas, Georgia Posts: 99 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	kemosabe: That's funny.... there is an Atlanta,Texas. See link - http://www.atlantatexas.org/ __________________ <b>2003 Honda Pilot Starlight Silver Metallic</b>, EXL-(RES -aftermarket), #15933, Side Steps, Air (Bug) Deflector, Rear Splash Guards & Crossbars, Honda swapped out Goodyear?s for Cross Terrains back to a <b>new version of the Goodyear?s, plus new rims ? no vibration to date!!!</b> <b>2002 Honda CRV EX-(L aftermarket)</b>, Perfect Fit Air (Bug) Deflector <b>QUADRUPLETS ON THE WAY!!</b> â€“ Due June 30, 2005 â€“ Arrive probably in April early May.

01-26-2004, 05:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
Pilot Owner Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 19 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACEMENT Is replacing the automatic transmission fluid a job within the scope of say a "weekend mechanic"? Is this job more complicated than replacing the engine oil or rear differential fluid? Does anyone have a repair manual diagram and brief outline description of "how to replace the automatic transmission fluid"? Thanks for any help or feedback. __________________ 2003 Pilot EX - Nighthawk Black Honda Fogs/Garnish - Lower Trim Bumper (Front/Rear) & Side Mirror Bridgestone Dueler H/L 245/70/16 Running Boards/Sylvania Silverstar/Rear Splash Guard/Wheel Locks/ Yakima Cross Bar w/Low Riders/Honda Hood Air Deflector /Michelin Wipers Cargo Cover/WeatherTech Advantage Plush Mats Ventshade Window Visors (wish I got the Visors from WeatherTech Hidden Hitch/Mobile One 0W-20

01-27-2004, 08:03 AM	#10 (permalink)
Pilot Owner Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 19 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	RE: ATF Change Procedures Jay; Many thanks for your prompt and very helpful all-inclusive directions! This should save me much labor $$$$ if I had gone to the dealer! __________________ 2003 Pilot EX - Nighthawk Black Honda Fogs/Garnish - Lower Trim Bumper (Front/Rear) & Side Mirror Bridgestone Dueler H/L 245/70/16 Running Boards/Sylvania Silverstar/Rear Splash Guard/Wheel Locks/ Yakima Cross Bar w/Low Riders/Honda Hood Air Deflector /Michelin Wipers Cargo Cover/WeatherTech Advantage Plush Mats Ventshade Window Visors (wish I got the Visors from WeatherTech Hidden Hitch/Mobile One 0W-20

01-27-2004, 10:33 PM	#11 (permalink)
vinograd Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 33 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The drain plug is easy. Look at the trans from the bottom and the left side to find it. Use a square drive of a 3/8 inch drive socket wrench. The fill bolt is 17 mm size and may be very very hard to remove. The picture posted by jay is very good. Access is fair. The force needed is very high. The first time it is removed it takes alot more than the spec of 33 ft/lbs to loosen it. It may take 120 ft/lbs. Also, that white paint marking the fill bolt may come off in flakes. Be careful no paint flakes get inside the transmission. You might want to fill it through the dipstick hole.

01-28-2004, 08:20 AM	#12 (permalink)
jzshanks Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 18 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Don't you normally fill trans fluid through the dipstick hole (at least that's what I'm used to on US cars). Jim __________________ 2003 EX-L Sagebrush Pearl (wife's car) ------------------------------------------------- Self installations: oem fog lights - oem running boards - Drawtite trailer hitch (just for bikes) - rear splash guards - cargo cover - bugflector II - Husky cargo liner - Fumoto oil drain plug

02-01-2004, 05:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
john802 Rip Tide Dude! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 3,054 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Re: ATF Change Procedure Thanks Jay for posting the ATF Change Procedure, __________________ 2003 Honda Pilot EX Starlight Silver* OEM Full Nose Mask \| Wheel Locks \| Cross Bars \| OEM Running Boards \| Chrome Accent - OEM Running Board \| Rear Splash Guard \| OEM '04 Horn \| Cloud-Rider Spectare Black Stainless Steel Grille Screen & Bumper Combo \| Thule Ski Rack #725 \| Thule Snowboard Carrier #575 \|OEM All Season Floor Mats \|OEM Cargo Tray \| Pilot Motorsports #PM555 Stainless Steel Exhaust Tips \| PowerStation Pro Portable Charger/Compressor/Emergency Light \| Tire Step Ladder \| Eurodezigns Blue Xenon H4 Bulbs & H3 Fog Light Bulbs \| Infinity Kappa Speakers \| Dynamat Original/Extreme \| Complete Set of 3M Protector \| 3M Metallic Tint \| Covercraft Noah Custom Cover \| Microtune #141X Antenna Amplifier \| Dashmat Dash Cover \| Full Size Spare Tire \| Broadway Napolex BW-86 Wide Inside Rear View Mirror \| Complete Sets of Dark Smoke WeatherTech WeatherFlectors \| Westin Black Rear Bumper Guard \| 3rd Brake Light Mod \| 6 Disc CD Changer \| ______________________________ The dawn of love would be the end of pleasure!

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