[MD.]

New 2021 pilot AWD I will have the VTM oil changed at 30,000. A mechanic from Honda said that break in VTM oil is used and should be changed at 12,000 miles. Anyone know about this break in VTM oil ? I’m sure this guy ( mechanic) is on this forum.

 

[cintocrunch]

I mean the fluid (Dual Pump II) isn't expensive in the grand scheme of thing and all of the wizardry that makes the AWD system better than ANYTHING else in the class happens in the rear diff. But I've never heard of anyone replacing the rear diff fluid before the 30k, many go much longer not realizing it should be done at all.

My take (I am not a Honda tech): replace every 30k, starting at 30k. If parts require break-in on mainstream vehicles it is usually done at the factory before it is shipped to the dealer.

 

[Nail Grease]

I haven't heard of "break in fluid" for the VTM. If I had a new 2021 under warranty, I'd follow the Maintenance Minder. If it said to change it at 12k, I would. Otherwise no.

 

[Jack Vogt]

If you follow the maintenance minder, the first rear differential fluid change is usually in the first 15,000 miles then every 60k after that

 

[Nail Grease]

If you follow the maintenance minder, the first rear differential fluid change is usually in the first 15,000 miles then every 60k after that

That sounds like "break in fluid" to me.

 

[Daltongang]

Yes the rear differential fluid first change is at 12,000 mile. Unlike the engine and transmission the rear differential does not have a filter to catch the residue from the mating of the new gears. The way to take care of this is to drain the fluid after 12,000 miles and fill it with fresh clean fluid. The fluid is a "break in" fluid in terms of getting the gear mating residue out.

After that, if memory serves me correctly, the rear differential fluid is changed every 30K.

 

[MD.]

That sounds like "break in fluid" to me.

It sure does. Will do it at 12,000

 

[D-Dub]

I'm doing mine now on the '17 - 22,300 miles. My MM never kicked in for that but the dealer recommended the $110 replacement on inspection last week, though they said "all good" at 14K and 17.5K. They also told me I needed the $160 "air induction service" because they found my engine air filter to be dirty (I replaced it this summer and it's not dirty). As an aside and with all due respect, but just how do they check the transfer case, rear diff and trans fluids and find them all to be "dirty/contaminated" but then I have to use a 1/2" breaker bar with a 3/8" adapter (or my cordless impact wrench) and some WD40 to break through the rust and crud on the recently reinstalled check/drain plugs?

Anyway, I had planned today to be "RearDiffDay" for all three Hondas. But dealer parts shop is trying to charge $19.96 per quart; yesterday 2nd dealer said the DPF2 is back-ordered and 3rd said "$12.50." So I called local Acura dealer for their DPFS. Parts guy told me there is a national shortage and while they could sell me a couple of quarts for personal use for $12 since I am a previous customer, they are not selling to other dealers. Then I saw this on Bernardi's:

Anyone have word on a replacement? Seem the Eneos found at Napa is in short supply too, if that is even a real alternative.

 

[xGS]

I'm doing mine now on the '17 - 22,300 miles. My MM never kicked in for that but the dealer recommended the $110 replacement on inspection last week, though they said "all good" at 14K and 17.5K. They also told me I needed the $160 "air induction service" because they found my engine air filter to be dirty (I replaced it this summer and it's not dirty). As an aside and with all due respect, but just how do they check the transfer case, rear diff and trans fluids and find them all to be "dirty/contaminated" but then I have to use a 1/2" breaker bar with a 3/8" adapter (or my cordless impact wrench) and some WD40 to break through the rust and crud on the recently reinstalled check/drain plugs?

Anyway, I had planned today to be "RearDiffDay" for all three Hondas. But dealer parts shop is trying to charge $19.96 per quart; yesterday 2nd dealer said the DPF2 is back-ordered and 3rd said "$12.50." So I called local Acura dealer for their DPFS. Parts guy told me there is a national shortage and while they could sell me a couple of quarts for personal use for $12 since I am a previous customer, they are not selling to other dealers. Then I saw this on Bernardi's:

View attachment 153672

Anyone have word on a replacement? Seem the Eneos found at Napa is in short supply too, if that is even a real alternative.

Try here for the Honda fluid: 08200-9007 - Genuine Honda Dual Pump Fluid Ii

ENEOS recommends their Import DPS Fluid for the rear differential of your Pilot.
https://www.eneos.us/import-dps-wp/

 

[D-Dub]

Try here for the Honda fluid: 08200-9007 - Genuine Honda Dual Pump Fluid Ii

ENEOS recommends their Import DPS Fluid for the rear differential of your Pilot.
https://www.eneos.us/import-dps-wp/

Thanks. I will!

 

[Highspeedbail]

Try here for the Honda fluid: 08200-9007 - Genuine Honda Dual Pump Fluid Ii

ENEOS recommends their Import DPS Fluid for the rear differential of your Pilot.
https://www.eneos.us/import-dps-wp/

Appreciate the links.

I need to call my dealer tomorrow for a price.
I just passed 31k miles and was going to do a 2nd change this weekend.

Thanks!

 

[D-Dub]

Parts manager said the double charge was for the “replacement” he had to order when the DPF was not coming in. So he gave me 2 quarts of the DPF to makeup. But now, the DPF seems to be on backorder again - just had an online order cancelled.