[xGS]

Per Honda maintenance procedures a "Flush" is 3x ATF drain and fill procedures with some driving/shifting in between each one.

Which "Honda maintenance procedure" defines a flush as "3x ATF drain and fill"?
Kindly provide a link to it.

 

[undivide]

oh so we have to shake our fluid now before we pour it in, ok, got it !
only a matter of time before some company comes out with a compatible fluid like the dw1

 

[Nail Grease]

oh so we have to shake our fluid now before we pour it in, ok, got it !
only a matter of time before some company comes out with a compatible fluid like the dw1

Do you have to shake it if your pouring the whole bottle in? smirk

 

[BaronKB]

Hello everyone, I own a 2019 Pilot all-wheel-drive purchased new. Have 29,700+ miles on it and the service reminder appeared on my display with following code: A123.
Called dealership and they say I need a transmission fluid flush every 30k miles. I only use the car for day to day commuting...no towing or driving in abnormal conditions. Do I really need a tranny fluid flush every 30k miles or can it wait. I’ve owned a Corolla and did a drain and refill every 30k miles. I have always understood that a complete flush is done around 50k miles (not when car has a lot more miles because a flush can actually dislodge debris and kill the tranny) and total flush is a one time thing since the fluid lasts a long time anyway. Do I need to get it done & if so, how much should it cost (approx). Thank you

We have a 2017 Pilot 2WD and began having what felt like transmission slippage in lower gears at about 34k miles. It is a Touring with 9 speed tranny. Took it to dealer, still under warranty. Service rep said it needed a transmission flush, tech said it didn't and couldn't find anything wrong. Took the vehicle back to the dealer a week later with same concerns. Same disagreement between Service advisor and tech. Took it back a third time. Tech finally relented and concurred with transmission flush. Cost was to be around $300 but we complained that it was still under warranty and Honda's recommended fix was the flush. Service advisor agreed and waived the fee. Since the flush we still experience an occasional slippage but not the loud clunking sound when it happens like before the flush. We feel that the transmission could eventually become a very expensive problem with this vehicle.

 

[Hondamon]

We have a 2017 Pilot 2WD and began having what felt like transmission slippage in lower gears at about 34k miles. It is a Touring with 9 speed tranny. Took it to dealer, still under warranty. Service rep said it needed a transmission flush, tech said it didn't and couldn't find anything wrong. Took the vehicle back to the dealer a week later with same concerns. Same disagreement between Service advisor and tech. Took it back a third time. Tech finally relented and concurred with transmission flush. Cost was to be around $300 but we complained that it was still under warranty and Honda's recommended fix was the flush. Service advisor agreed and waived the fee. Since the flush we still experience an occasional slippage but not the loud clunking sound when it happens like before the flush. We feel that the transmission could eventually become a very expensive problem with this vehicle.

I would be disabling the VCM to reduce the slippage on the torque converter.

 

[jimmaki]

We have a 2017 Pilot 2WD and began having what felt like transmission slippage in lower gears at about 34k miles. It is a Touring with 9 speed tranny. Took it to dealer, still under warranty. Service rep said it needed a transmission flush, tech said it didn't and couldn't find anything wrong. Took the vehicle back to the dealer a week later with same concerns. Same disagreement between Service advisor and tech. Took it back a third time. Tech finally relented and concurred with transmission flush. Cost was to be around $300 but we complained that it was still under warranty and Honda's recommended fix was the flush. Service advisor agreed and waived the fee. Since the flush we still experience an occasional slippage but not the loud clunking sound when it happens like before the flush. We feel that the transmission could eventually become a very expensive problem with this vehicle.

What did the tech think the problem solution was before he relented? One thing I'm sure he didn't suggest is putting a VCM disabler on the car which is what you should do as soon as possible. The next step is to do several drain and fills using a full synthetic atf. Many here have had good luck with Valvoline Maxlife full synthetic atf. Walmart carries it (usually). If not, they'll ship it to you.

 

[The Todd]

oh so we have to shake our fluid now before we pour it in, ok, got it !
only a matter of time before some company comes out with a compatible fluid like the dw1

That was sarcasm, right? VML FTW!

 

[Captain_Pilot]

With the pandemic, we just don't drive much. My '19 Pilot 6 speed has about 4,000 miles only. Does ATF need to be drained/filled once ever x number of years? I know engine oil gets acidic and needs to be changed every year. Does ATF go by mileage only? Is it time dependent?

 

[jimmaki]

With the pandemic, we just don't drive much. My '19 Pilot 6 speed has about 4,000 miles only. Does ATF need to be drained/filled once ever x number of years? I know engine oil gets acidic and needs to be changed every year. Does ATF go by mileage only? Is it time dependent?

ATF doesn't see the combustion byproducts engine oil does, so I would think it should last quite a while at ambient temps. High temps and wearing clutch material shorten atf life. The pure synthetics hold up better. I just checked the Amsoil atf that's been in service in my Nissan Quest for 10 years and it looks and smells cherry.

 

[plplplpl]

That was sarcasm, right? VML FTW!

I believe it instructs the potential purchaser to tremble at the price and/or shake his head before moving on to the Valavoline Maxlife ATF shelf.

Either that or shake some sense into anyone you consider your friend before he buys another case of this overpriced non-full-synth stuff.

 

[jimmaki]

I believe it instructs the potential purchaser to tremble at the price and/or shake his head before moving on to the Valavoline Maxlife ATF shelf.

Either that or shake some sense into anyone you consider your friend before he buys another case of this overpriced non-full-synth stuff.

Remember Windows 3.1? Don't hold your breath for the free upgrade to ATF-Type 10

 

[xGS]

With the pandemic, we just don't drive much. My '19 Pilot 6 speed has about 4,000 miles only. Does ATF need to be drained/filled once ever x number of years? I know engine oil gets acidic and needs to be changed every year. Does ATF go by mileage only? Is it time dependent?

Before the MM, under normal use conditions, the ATF was due for its first change at 3-years/45K-miles, and at every 2-years/30K-miles thereafter. The severe service schedule was simply at every 2-years/30K-miles.

 

[PLT383]

Wonder why one needs to “shake well before using”? Once it’s in the tranny and vehicle sits overnight, a day or two, a week, whatever.....how do you continue to “shake well”? (facetious)

 

[Captain_Pilot]

Before the MM, under normal use conditions, the ATF was due for its first change at 3-years/45K-miles, and at every 2-years/30K-miles thereafter. The severe service schedule was simply at every 2-years/30K-miles.

That's great info. Tks.

 

[ScDevon]

Are you going to be the first documented case of changing to an aftermarket ATF in a 9-speed?

I'll be doing mine when the time comes with pics and genuine Honda fluid for now, but somebody will probably beat me to it. You can shoot the fluid temp DIRECTLY through the level check plug with an IR gun with the engine running since the fluid level is supposed to be at the bottom of the threads anyhow with the engine running at 112 degrees F fluid temp. (if you shut the engine off, you'll lose fluid like crazy out of the check plug).

Shooting the fluid temp directly through the check plug eliminates all of this debate over scan tools, etc and which ones measure trans. temp accurately and all of that stuff. The issue is that the temp has to be between 104 F and 112 F which is only medium operating temp. Just "checking it hot" would be too hot in the 200 F degree range.

 

[jimmaki]

Wonder why one needs to “shake well before using”? Once it’s in the tranny and vehicle sits overnight, a day or two, a week, whatever.....how do you continue to “shake well”? (facetious)

Maybe so you don't leave all the spices in the bottom of the bottle.

 

[Nail Grease]

I'll be doing mine when the time comes with pics and genuine Honda fluid for now, but somebody will probably beat me to it. You can shoot the fluid temp DIRECTLY through the level check plug with an IR gun with the engine running since the fluid level is supposed to be at the bottom of the threads anyhow with the engine running at 112 degrees F fluid temp. (if you shut the engine off, you'll lose fluid like crazy out of the check plug).

Shooting the fluid temp directly through the check plug eliminates all of this debate over scan tools, etc and which ones measure trans. temp accurately and all of that stuff. The issue is that the temp has to be between 104 F and 112 F which is only medium operating temp. Just "checking it hot" would be too hot in the 200 F degree range.

My blue tooth OBD Link with my Torque Pro App, gives me convenient transmission temp readings.

 

[ScDevon]

My blue tooth OBD Link with my Torque Pro App, gives me convenient transmission temp readings.

Yes it does. There is hope for other DIY-ers on the 9 speed services who only own a basic scan tool or maybe only an IR thermometer, too. If there is 110 F -ish degree transmission fluid dribbling out of the check plug with the engine running, you're good. (level surface after cycling it through shifts, etc)

 

[Hondamon]

Maybe so you don't leave all the spices in the bottom of the bottle.

Its not spices...its gold flecks. Thats why it is so expensive 😄

 

[jimmaki]

Its not spices...its gold flecks. Thats why it is so expensive 😄

Both .... gold, frankincense and myrrh
.
Honda sings, "Alleluia!"
"Alleluia!": the dealer replies.