[Beginnersmind]

Hello, friends. I just bought a used 2016 elite with 88k miles. It’s in really good condition and seems to be shifting/accelerating/braking fine. But I wanted to get a quick rundown of what you all think should be my first course of action to keep it running good for as long as possible.

What would you do first?

Thanks!

 

[ls973800]

Welcome to the group!

Any service records come with it? Private or dealership purchase? You can sign up on the Honda Owners web page and put in your VIN. Sometimes it will show what work was done at a Honda dealership.

Otherwise unless you know for sure, I would start fresh with fluid services (rear differential, front transfer case, oil, filter, transmission fluid). You have the 9 speed so read up on how to do that yourself if you are able, otherwise a dealer will charge between $300.00-$450.00 from what I have read on here due to the cost of the 3.1 ATF and the labor involved to do the Honda procedure to check the level. Some owners have switched to MaxLife ATF even in the 9 speed with no reported problems.

 

[hokiefyd]

Welcome!

I understand there's a software update or two available for the 2016-2018 models with the 9-speed transmission to make the shift behavior smoother and more predictable. It may be wise to have a dealer scan it for available software updates (this is different from infotainment/navigation updates that you can do yourself wirelessly or via USB drive). At 88k miles, the transmission fluid and transfer case fluid should have been changed at least once, and the rear drive unit fluid should have been changed several times. It would be good to check on those to see if they've been done before, and to refresh those if they haven't.

 

[Karl2020]

May want to look into muzzling your VCM with a VCM Tuner or something similar.

 

[Beginnersmind]

Welcome to the group!

Any service records come with it? Private or dealership purchase? You can sign up on the Honda Owners web page and put in your VIN. Sometimes it will show what work was done at a Honda dealership.

Otherwise unless you know for sure, I would start fresh with fluid services (rear differential, front transfer case, oil, filter, transmission fluid). You have the 9 speed so read up on how to do that yourself if you are able, otherwise a dealer will charge between $300.00-$450.00 from what I have read on here due to the cost of the 3.1 ATF and the labor involved to do the Honda procedure to check the level. Some owners have switched to MaxLife ATF even in the 9 speed with no reported problems.

Dealer purchase with some records, but I’m not seeing a few of these items. I’ll put these on the list, and definitely try the VIN with Honda. Thanks

 

[Beginnersmind]

May want to look into muzzling your VCM with a VCM Tuner or something similar.

Just reading about this. Makes sense to me, I just need to source out the part that fits. Thanks

 

[Beginnersmind]

Welcome!

I understand there's a software update or two available for the 2016-2018 models with the 9-speed transmission to make the shift behavior smoother and more predictable. It may be wise to have a dealer scan it for available software updates (this is different from infotainment/navigation updates that you can do yourself wirelessly or via USB drive). At 88k miles, the transmission fluid and transfer case fluid should have been changed at least once, and the rear drive unit fluid should have been changed several times. It would be good to check on those to see if they've been done before, and to refresh those if they haven't.

Perfect. Thank you!

 

[Karl2020]

Just reading about this. Makes sense to me, I just need to source out the part that fits. Thanks

VCMTUNER II - Advanced - 2007+ for Honda Acura 3.5L I-VTEC Disable VCM / ECO mode

Backordered. See below on how to order. Read Reviews | Vehicle Fitment List Update: 2/27/2023. Ordering opens at 9am PST on 2/27/2023. These orders will be shipped the week of 2/27/2023 through 3/4/2023. Next date for product ordering is scheduled for 3/6/2023 at 9am PST based on...

www.vcmtuner.com

They only accept orders at noon EST so keep that in mind.

 

[sequoiasoon]

VCMTUNER II - Advanced - 2007+ for Honda Acura 3.5L I-VTEC Disable VCM / ECO mode

Backordered. See below on how to order. Read Reviews | Vehicle Fitment List Update: 2/27/2023. Ordering opens at 9am PST on 2/27/2023. These orders will be shipped the week of 2/27/2023 through 3/4/2023. Next date for product ordering is scheduled for 3/6/2023 at 9am PST based on...

www.vcmtuner.com

They only accept orders at noon EST so keep that in mind.

SVCM is the other popular choice. S-VCM Controller - Disable VCM / deactivate VCM and stop ECO in Honda Acura and you can order it now, in the evening, 3am, whatever floats the boat.

@Beginnersmind - welcome to Piloteers

 

[Beginnersmind]

SVCM is the other popular choice. S-VCM Controller - Disable VCM / deactivate VCM and stop ECO in Honda Acura and you can order it now, in the evening, 3am, whatever floats the boat.

@Beginnersmind - welcome to Piloteers

Thanks! They look pretty similar, but this one says: "Designed to be indestructible, its integrity is not compromised even when submerged in boiling brine."

Lol. So I'll probably go that route. Lots of boiling brine around these parts.

 

[Ronnie pumpkin]

Oil and filter changes. Probably other fluids as well

 

[rpfotog]

I bought the idlestopper (link below) and hooked it up in order to prevent my 2016 Elite from cutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. It makes the default state OFF for auto idle engine shutoff. That means the engine never turns off when you come to a stop. You can always use the console button to re-enable the behavior if you want. After having a few mishaps in traffic where it was difficult to get the Pilot restarted, I decided to disable it at all times.

Home | Idlestopper

Turn your auto idle stop system off automatically on your Honda or Acura vehicle with the Idlestopper. Disable Idle Stop System

www.idlestopper.com