[road2cycle]

Compare maintenance records to what is called out in the 2005 Pilot maintenance guide (last year before the maintenance minder system). If the timing belt/water pump/tensioner hasn’t been replaced this will set you back ~$1k. That is the most expensive of the maintenance items between 7yr/75k and 12yr/125k.

 

[can]

VCM is the big question you should prepare to handle. If the chambers, rings, and plugs are gummed up in the VCM cylinders, you are going to be out a lot of $$ or have to put up with vibration and misfires. If it is pearl-white, then you might have paint peeling problem between the windshield and sunroof too. Engine mounts suck on this generation. Lots to look after.

 

[a1gdPaxanm]

So the owner of this vehicle told me he never changed the transmission or awd oil to date. He only did oil change, tire rotation, breaks himself.

I find it hard to believe that MM did not have a code for these in 7 years. Is it possible?

Thanks,
Alex

 

[can]

MM is a tame animal - it can be reset by pressing a button. And it does not matter what MM says. You can change the tranny fluid yourself as long as you have a 17mm socket, 12" extension, and a 3" breaker bar. You do not even need to jack the car up. Same about AWD oil but this time you need 4-5' or a 1/2" plastic hose. Timing belt is a different story.

 

[a1gdPaxanm]

MM is a tame animal - it can be reset by pressing a button. And it does not matter what MM says. You can change the tranny fluid yourself as long as you have a 17mm socket, 12" extension, and a 3" breaker bar. You do not even need to jack the car up. Same about AWD oil but this time you need 4-5' or a 1/2" plastic hose. Timing belt is a different story.

Thanks, I didn't know this. How bad is it that tranny and AWD oils have not been changed in 7 years/75,000 miles? Is it possible that MM has not displayed service code for them yet?

Thank you again!

 

[road2cycle]

It’s not ideal that they have not been changed, but not the end of the world either as long as the fluids haven’t been overheated.

For the rear differential I would replace the fluid (use only Honda/Acura VTM-4 fluid) then do a second replacement 5k miles later.

For the tranny fluid I would do a flush which for Honda is a 3x drain and fill driving a few miles in between each drain and fill.

I’m also guessing the transfer case fluid has never been changed. I’d replace it now and then again in 5k miles.

 

[J3C]

Hi a1gdPaxanm, I'm going to a dealership to look at a 2012 EX-L with 69,000 miles. Just curious what you paid. I've been trying to research a fair price. Thanks in advance.