Looks like the transmission dipstick is a thing of the past. Over the past few years many manufactures have gone to more sealed transmissions that require the transmission to be professionally serviced.

 

Changing the transmission fluid on the Honda (and other brands) 9sp transmissions is no longer a DIY Saturday afternoon project.

Unless you see a fluid puddle under your car or a dash light comes on, there's no need to ever check your fluid level.

Google what is involved and you'll see why....

 

What, you don't have 7 grand for a transmission fluid exchanger? I was thinking of getting this one for my wife for her birthday. Symtech ATF Multi-Fluid Transmission Fluid Exchanger

 

I had a Transmission Cooler installed before I pickup up the new Pilot and I guess I have to hope they checked the fluid level after they installed the cooler. Thanks for the reply's.

 

The 6-speed does have a dip stick. The 9-speed does not.

 

Yes, this works just fine. I've used a funnel and hose that went over the dipstick pipe,. Just clean it first and put a clamp on it so it does not leak. The tiny "in hole" funnels take forever to fill 3 qts.

Oil changing places like Mineke have a machine to suck the oil out and then pour in new oil. Of course you can't ever change the tranny oil filter if there even is one. Maybe with all Honda's cost reductions there is no filter. I have 2010 Pilot and there is no Tranny Dip stick. We service older cars and wheel chair vans and having the ability to change tranny oil and replace the filter and remove the metal filings from the magnetic plug has saved many a transmission from having to be replaced. Some Chevy and Ford E350 vans have over 400,000 miles, Dodges 200,000 to 250,000. The new Transit series are sealed as is the Dodge Promaster so it will be interesting to see how long they last. I wonder how long my 2010 Pilot tranny will last. I should search for some history on this.

 

MtMan Thanks I will look a little closer tomorrow.

 

I just drained and refilled my 2017 Pilot 6 speed tranny yesterday. It does have a dipstick. You have to bend over and extend your arm way down to reach it. Best to use your left hand. And as the above diagram states,,there is a notch for proper position of the plug when its is pushed in. This is also where to add fluid as well. I use a 2 foot small plastic hose that fits into the fill hole and extends up to the top of the engine for ease of adding fluid. The hose is made by Toro and is called Funny Pipe. Do a search. Maybe a long skinny funnel would work to.

 

Ok, I am just being lazy here. Can I use a super thin tip funnel to refill the ATF thru dipstick opening instead of the filling hole? Years ago I tried to refill the ATF thru the filling hole on an old Accord and got cut badly. I have big hands, and I'm clumsy with tools

 

FOUND THE DIPSTICK . Just to the right of the left hand motor mount, use a flashlight. It isn't painted.
Thanks for all of the response.
Jack

 

Why are you checking the transmission fluid on a 2020 you just got?

 

Sounds like a conscientious owner who wants to find where some of the features and maintenance check items are. There have also been posts about the factory or the dealer not doing a proper pre-purchase inspection. This includes high or low air tire pressure, high or low oil, high or low transmission fluid, etc.

Wait until he start reading the owner's manual and really starts playing around with the car!!! Good for him wanting to know more about his car?

 

Slipjohn1 Ask: Why are you checking the transmission fluid on a 2020 you just got?
In the first post on this subject I stated that I had a Transmission Cooler installed on my new Pilot ( for towing )and wanted to make sure that the fluid was topped up after installing the cooler and couldn't find the dip stick.
Jack

 

I learned it back in tha day on my Odyssey forum. The Interwebs are very helpful for us DIYers

 

Surprised that a 2010 Pilot doesn't have a dipstick when 2010 Odyssey and 2014 Accord do

 

The second gen Pilot ('09-'15) does have a dipstick. This thread was specifically created for 3rd gens.

 

There actually is an external transmission fluid filter on the 3rd generation 6 speed transmissions. There was a post from someone who listed the Honda filter number and pictures of him changing it.

 

OK, I found the post I was thinking of on You Tube. The Honda part number for the filter is 25430-PLR-003 and is used on many different Hondas. Not used on the 9 speed transmission from what I can find right now. Here's one link for the part from a Honda parts seller.

6 Speed Transmission Fluid Filter

Here's the link to the You Tube of the filter change and fluid change. Even though it is a Ridgeline it will be similar for the Pilot I am sure.

Transmission Filter Change 6 Speed

 

GREAT info. First I've seen of the 6 speed having a serviceable filter, that makes a difference to me.