[zroger73]

Why can't Honda source these ATF coolers?

Just over a year ago, there was a global pandemic that disrupted all sorts of supply chains. You might have noticed one of these effects if you tried to be buy toilet paper in the Spring of 2020. If you've driven by a new car in the last few months, you may have noticed a line of new cars parked around the perimeter with the middle of the lot being empty. Have you tried to buy a new major appliance recently? You might be waiting months unless you settle for a model you might not want. Manufacturers can't find employees because nobody wants to work - they make more on unemployment.

Honda dealers typically don't stock parts - they generally order them for next-day delivery from regional warehouses that source from the same vendor. If one dealer can't get an item, chances are another won't be able to, either. "National backorder" is the common term.

Chances are, Honda's supplier is struggling to make enough ATF coolers for the Ridgeline alone - not to mention making extra stock for replacements or accessories for the Pilot. Can't blame Honda or Honda dealers for the shortage of ATF coolers, tonneau covers, windshields, emblems, and many other parts.

 

[zroger73]

I see the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act cited regularly, but the reality is that the burden is still on the consumer. Dealers and Honda don't mind denying a warranty because they know that 99.999% of owners will never actually sue them. Even if you're right and Honda is wrong, their legal team will embarrass you and your attorney in a trial. No sane attorney would ever take on a warranty denial case.

 

[zroger73]

What blows my mind is that it still has a 6,000 lb. towing limit even with the CVT that the 9-speed is replacing.

 

[zroger73]

As a Nissan fan and two time Pathfinder owner I am happy to see them return to better styling and a traditional transmission.

The 9-speed isn't exactly "traditional" since it uses dog clutches between 4-5 and 7-8 and friction clutches between all other speeds.

To the best of my knowledge, no other automatic transmission in the world uses dog clutches.

 

[zroger73]

On paper, I didn't like the ZF 9HP. In reality, I find it to be smooth and intelligent. The only two things I don't like are the relatively long amount of time it takes to downshift when passing, for example, and the way the vehicle accelerates slightly when manually downshifting from 5 to 4. Oh, and the occasional forward lurch when starting.

 

[zroger73]

I thought you got rid of your RL? Your profile picture indicates one of the brand new ones, did they suck you back in?

Honda covered part of the cost of a new Ridgeline.

 

[zroger73]

I guess this thread started something. Lots of interesting info posted. Monday I expect to receive genuine Honda ATF cooler for their 9 speed. Purchased from BKHondaparts.com. Next question - will local dealer install it. Dealer told me - can't remember which one - they only install parts they get from Honda. My backup plan is a friend who has independent auto repair business do it. They have the know-how. According to Honda's written warranty, I'm not required to use their service. Any suggestions?



FYI - e trailer does have an ATF cooler made by DERALE that the MFR says is compatible with the 2018 Pilot 9 speed transmission. Check the link https://www.etrailer.com/question-289171.html

As long as it is Genuine Honda part number 06255-5EZ-316, the cooler is warranted for one year (part only - no labor). If installed at the time or purchase, the part and labor to replace it would have been covered for the duration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (3 years or 36,000 miles).

 

[zroger73]

In stock form there are no rubber hoses in the atf cooler circuits. Only two stainless pipes with a multi o ring fittings, retained by a bolt in finger. Atf hoses are added as part of the kit.

AWD Ridgelines come with a cooler that uses rubber hoses.

 

[zroger73]

The only "catch" I can think of when adding any ATF cooler (even the Honda accessory cooler) is making sure to adjust the ATF level to account for the additional volume of the cooler and lines. If the 9-speed proves to be as sensitive to the fluid level as suggested by the service information, failing to adjust it could lead to damage that is not covered under warranty.

Example: Customer adds ATF cooler, but fails to adjust fluid level or lacks the required equipment and knowledge resulting in too much (or too little) fluid that causes damage to the transmission. Dealer notices an aftermarket or Honda accessory ATF cooler installed and finds incorrect fluid level with no signs of leaks. Honda denies warranty coverage by claiming that incorrect fluid level caused damage.

In reality, a few ounces off either way on ATF is probably inconsequential, but I wouldn't be willing to guarantee it.

 

[zroger73]

25500-5NC-0130 is a replacement cooler, not a kit.

 

[zroger73]

There IS A TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK!

The 6-speed has a dipstick, but the 9-speed does not.

 

[zroger73]

I have the 6 speed 2017 Pilot EXL. WOW!!! Nine speed no tranny dipstick ZF transmission??? YIKES!!! What "DIPSTICK" Engineering Designer though that one up???

Transmission dipsticks began disappearing decades ago. A common example was GM's 4-speed automatic that went into millions of Cavaliers, Malibus, and other GM models. BMW's haven't had engine oil dipsticks for years. Honda was one of the last automakers still using dipsticks in their transmissions, but that died when they discontinued their 6-speed automatic last year.

Water & electric motors don't mix!

Electric motors have been successfully used in submergible pumps for over a century. They're in virtually every water well on the planet.

Them darn CVT's are essentially nothing more than a scaled up snowmobile transmission.

That's not correct. Snowmobiles use a rubber pull belt that must be periodically replaced while automotive CVT's use a steel push belt that has no replacement interval. The belt in a snowmobile is positioned using centrifugal force and tensioned with springs. The belt in an automotive CVT is positioned and tensioned using computer-controlled hydraulic pressure. The end result is similar, but the way it's accomplished is very different.

 

[zroger73]

Do you know if ANY current total EV (or any other hybrid) has been designed and approved to tow & launch / retrieve any marine craft successfully and safely?

The Tesla Model X is rated to tow 5,000 lbs. There's nothing in the owner's manual that says you can't launch a boat.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is rated to tow up to 10,000 lbs. with the extended-range battery and max trailering option.

Tesla says the Cybertruck will be able to tow more than 14,000 lbs.