[Pilotpat24]

I would drain and refill with Valvoline Maxlife Synthetic ATF. I have been using it in my 2017 Pilot for a few years now. I have not replaced my filter yet. I would drain and fill every 40-50K miles. I think the manual says every 30K. I have 91500 miles on my 2017.

Thanks for the information. This is the first time the Maintenance Minder has given me a code to change the oil. I will use the Valvoline Maxlife Synthetic ATF. You think it would be worth changing?

 

[Pilotpat24]

Yes change the oil. Did you purchase the car new or used? I'm hoping used. If you're going to do the ATF, you might as well get some gear oil and do the front transfer case fluid at the same time. Then the rear differential as well if the car was purchased used. Who knows if it was ever done. It's cheap insurance to avoid a costly potential problem.

Edit: Front transfer case and rear differential are different fluids.

I bought the car new. Why do you hope I purchased the car used? I did the rear differential at 21,690 miles when the Maintenance Minder called for the service. I am going to do the rear differential service since it's due again on this upcoming service along with the transmission and the front differential.

 

[Pilotpat24]

What trim? If you have the 9 speed AT the procedure for changing the ATF is more complicated then a simple drain and fill. If you have the 6 speed I would recommend sticking with Honda ATF until out of warranty.

I have the 6 Speed (EX). It's currently out of warranty.

 

[Pilotpat24]

Get a VCM disabler ASAP. I’m surprised no one has called this. S-VCM is a good choice. And yes on the Valvoline Maxlife. The 6-speed torque converters are a weak point. If you can find one, they are $1500 for the part, and add a bunch more for R&R labor.

Install an auxiliary cooler as well. The 6-speeds need a lot of help.

Why do you recommend a VCM disabler?

 

[Pilotpat24]

On the 3rd Gen 6-speed Pilots, the VCM system has been tuned to give an ultra-smooth experience to the passengers. Part of this design used deliberate slip in the torque converter lockup clutch. The vehicle computer system slipped the TC clutch when VCM engaged, so that the passengers didn’t experience any vibration.

Unfortunately, 6-speed torque converters seem to die an early death. If you are lucky, your TC dies during the power train warranty period. If you are not so lucky, the TC dies shortly after warranty coverage expires.

IMO, the VCM system is not worth the small MPG gain that it provides. Does VCM slip cause premature TC failure? I don’t know. It appears that 6-speed TC’s fail early and often. If you need to replace your TC, you will be on a 6-month waiting list for the parts, and the job will not be cheap. So, IMO, the $100 S-VCM chip that turns off VCM is a no-brainer.

That’s my two cents worth. Do as you wish, but be aware that the 6-speed TC’s seem to be fragile, expensive flowers.

I was just asking because I didn't know. Now I understand. What VCM disable do you recommend? Do you recommend changing the inline transmission filter too?

 

[Pilotpat24]

Power train warranty is 5yrs/60K miles.

Thanks. I just realized that!!

 

[Pilotpat24]

I am going to replace the ATF very soon. I just checked my ATF and wiped the dipstick on a clean paper towel and the oil is still pink in color and doesn't smell burnt which is good so see/smell!!!

 

[Pilotpat24]

Now more than ever I apreciate the great fuel economy my Pilot gives me. I have over 91K miles on my 2017 EX FWD. I have not installed a VCM dissabler. I tow a 1700lb boat/trailer 80 miles every week (since 2017) here in florida. I often get 30+mpg on the interstate when not towing. I use Valvoline Maxlife ATF. I have not had any problems so far. Tranny is smooth.

That's great news! Glad to hear!