2011fulter and trans fluid costs?

[thecaptain]

PS in advance: I went to change the title spelling but it wouldn't allow me. Mea culpa. Onward below.


Hi. I just got the codes 123 on my Honda pilot. One of them is for changing the dust and air filters. The other is for rotating the tires. In the last is for transmission fluid. Question: are changing the air filters a big Job? Is it something I can do? I am fairly handy and I'm wondering how difficult it is to access panels and what not to change the filters. I would prefer to change the air filters myself and not a huge charge to the dealer if I can. But for rotating tires I'll let someone else do that. Also is changing the transmission fluid a huge deal? I already know that changing the rear differential fluid is a job a bit too big for me but isn't the same for the ATF?

Also if I do decide to do these jobs myself, what would you guys consider reasonable charges if I have to take it to the dealer?

[1YESfan]

How many miles when the codes appeared ( just out of curiosity)?

[thecaptain]

31961 to be exact. Got them with the...oil change. But I was pressed for time and got the oil changed this Sunday, want to do the

tire rotation
tranny fluid and
air filters myself if I can in December.

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally Posted by thecaptain

31961 to be exact. Got them with the...oil change. But I was pressed for time and got the oil changed this Sunday, want to do the

tire rotation
tranny fluid and
air filters myself if I can in December.

Engine air and cabin air filters are a piece of cake.....4 phillips screws to undo and to access the engine air filter in the filter box under the hood drivers side. Cabin air filter...drop the glove box door by pressing in the tabs on the sides of the glove box, CAF door is easily accessible behind the acess panel, filter sides out.
Search forum for DYI tranny and VTM fluid changes ....may helpful hints both are not difficult if you plan ahead with the right tools.

[thorgrim]

Originally Posted by thecaptain

PS in advance: I went to change the title spelling but it wouldn't allow me. Mea culpa. Onward below.


Hi. I just got the codes 123 on my Honda pilot. One of them is for changing the dust and air filters. The other is for rotating the tires. In the last is for transmission fluid. Question: are changing the air filters a big Job? Is it something I can do? I am fairly handy and I'm wondering how difficult it is to access panels and what not to change the filters. I would prefer to change the air filters myself and not a huge charge to the dealer if I can. But for rotating tires I'll let someone else do that. Also is changing the transmission fluid a huge deal? I already know that changing the rear differential fluid is a job a bit too big for me but isn't the same for the ATF?

Also if I do decide to do these jobs myself, what would you guys consider reasonable charges if I have to take it to the dealer?

The air filters are easy. One is under the hood, should just be a few spring clips to open (where the air intake goes into) the other is in the car behind the glove box, again easy to change out, directions are in the Owners manual for both. For the fluids, and tire rotation, I dont think they are difficult to change, but that is for each to decide. I still get them changed by a shop only because I just dont feel like getting into it all, as would take me 30-40 minutes to get everything set up and then do the job, 20-30 minutes. I can just go to the shop and be in and out in 30. So for me the added cost of having them do it, which is probably double the price to do it myself, but that gives me back 30 minutes to do something else, and I dont get dirty. I do make sure to inspect their work prior to leaving

[PilotVlad]

With regard to the ATF replacement, what Honda considers a replacement is really a half-assed replacement (actually even less). When the drain bolt is removed, only 3.6 quarts drain out. Capacity is 8.6 quarts. Most owners of 2nd gen Acura CL/TL change the fluid ourselves and do a 3-by-3 (or even 4-by-3) due to the fragile nature of our transmissions and the constant need for fresh fluid. The procedure is: drain the fluid, refill with same amount as drained, drive around enough for all gears to engage including reverse and then repeat the process two or three more times making 3 or 4 total drain/refill cycles. This will replace most (but not all) of the old fluid. Whether or not this is necessary for the Pilot transmission is debatable as the transmissions have proven themselves to be fairly reliable. Just thought I'd share this tidbit anyway.