Well, we only have about 100 miles on ours, but from reading, the first change or two does seem to come up early, less than 15k miles. Supposedly the mileage between changes increases to closer to 30k after that. Again, not my personal experience, just what I have read on the forum.

 

They wanted to charge me $155.00 to change my differential fluid, I bought 2 quarts of dual pump oil for $9.00 and a $5.00 pump at AutoZone and changed it myself.

 

For 3rd-gen Pilot ( 2016+ ) the first rear diff fluid change should come up on the MM at about 15k miles, and then about 30k miles later. This is a different differential than previous generations of Pilot, and different service interval. For "severe service" such as frequent towing or lots of mountain driving, Honda recommends changing fluid at 7.5k miles and then every 15k miles. But MM won't show that. The exact mileage at which the MM will indicate "6" service is due will vary because the MM is programmed to "bundle" major service items with an oil change.

This ain't your granddaddy's 4WD. The Honda/Acura system is sophisticated and fuel efficient, but it does require relatively frequent fluid changes. Your choice on whether to change now, let the MM nag you for another "15% oil life" and then do it, or wait until next oil change or whenever. But the MM has no way to know that you "skipped it to do later" once it is reset for the oil change, so YOU will have to remember to do it then, and the next "6" interval will be short because the MM still won't know what the heck you are doing. So I would just do the rear diff fluid change now.

If the cost really bothers you, DIY is easy and there is lots of room under the rear so you don't need to raise the vehicle. As a bonus, you get to explore your Pilot's beautiful underside.

 

just did mine last weekend at 10,xxx miles. did it myself for $30 all un8 and took 30 min. extremely easy.

 

I had the B6 done at around 15k miles recently for $190. Did the tire rotation myself to save a few bucks.

 

Eng oil and a rear diff fluid change for $190! How much were they going to charge you for a tire rotation? I'm thinking the tire rotation involves more work than the rear diff fluid change.

 

i was charged $184 for B16, engine oil, diff oil, rotation, and that included inspection and report card. and i made sure i got 100 refills of the capucino and latte machine they had in the waiting room

 

Yeah, the initial change does come pretty fast. It's relatively easy to do. Here is a video that shows it.

 

I find it easier to drop the spare. It only takes a minute or two and it helps keep the winch from seizing up from corrosion, which is inconvenient if it won't move when you need the spare. I you really want to do it right, check pressure in the spare and spritz/wipe some lube on the winch cable.

Loosen the fill plug first, then remove the drain plug, so you're sure you can refill it! :surprise:

I'm surprised the video didn't give a play-by-play of pumping the fluid in with a fluid pump, but that is a bit tedious.

 

I was just told today By a dealer that when changing the rear differential fluid they are also required to change the rear differential seals. Is that the recommendation from a Honda? Do the diy’ers replace seals in the driveway when draining a refilling the diff?

 

No and No.

Either they are BS'ing you or there was some confusion. It is recommended to change the copper washers though, one on drain plug and another on fill plug.

 

Yup. Make sense that first change comes early on our wizard rear diff. Remember that our rear wheels are geared 1.8% faster than our front wheels. In straight line it’s impossible for rear wheels to spin faster than front ones so the clutches in the rear diff are “always” slipping.... that means that contact material will wear a bit over time, but also the fluid, that is part of the system viscous friction wizardry, is working overtime as soon as clutches are starting to bite ... hope that makes the op a little less bitter about the short interval....


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There is no reference in Honda materials that I've ever seen to there being a difference in final drive ratios between the front and rear axles.

There is a difference in FDR's between the six speed and nine speed.

 

Intriguing since only one final drive ratio according to the specs and its the same front and rear........

 

Same thing for all accelerated rear differential Acura as far as I can see.

2018 MDX

MDX other source

2018 Elite Pilot

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DPSF (dual pump fluid II) is stamped right on the differential cover! Not VTM-4.

 

Yes, 3rd Generation AWD Pilots use Dual Pump Fluid II in the rear differential.
Older models use VTM-4.