I have the zf9 in my Pilot black edition. Hate it. Could be great but the software/tuning is set up to save fuel so much that it’s hurts my soul. I’d happily lose a couple MPGs to have all that 3.5 power available on demand. Also it takes an eternity to shift from P to 1, and from 5 to 4. Btw, you can now fix the MOST issue free at the dealer as it has become a recall (due to the backup camera being intermittent)
Ridiculous, the only thing I like about the vehicle itself, is it's safety rating. We drove it on the 800mi round trip to the beach, and it started the transmission antics. We had 14,000 miles on the trans fluid change.
I’ve reached over 100,000 mi. I’m the second owner, but it didn’t have a ton of miles on it when I got it. I was just getting ready to go pay for a transmission flush. After watching this I will just do it myself. I just hope it’s not really gunky to where I’ve wasted time and money and would still need to go and get a full flush on it. I’ve not had any transmission issues at all so far knock on wood. It’s got power when I need it too. The only problems I’ve had with the car is a rattle that they can’t seem to find. It’s like in the undercarriage, not the engine. The other has been condensation issues in the lights. 2013 Honda Pilot Touring
I have a 2019 Passport Elite, so 9 speed. I installed a $100 VCM defeated, I just couldn't stand the lack of power. I consistently get 24mpg in the city. I have issues with the transmission, when it shifts into 3rd periodically it will make a light thud when it shifts into 3rd. I've drained and filled the fluid (different oem fluid than the stuff in the video) 4 times, 52,000 miles on the vehicle now. I don't know what to do, change the fluid more frequently? The thud into 3rd (could be 2nd but pretty sure it's 2nd) mostly happens when I start driving on a slight downhill. No warranty on the vehicle so no option to have dealer look at it. Any thoughts?
Terrible. 30 year Honda customer. My 2016 Pilot has been awful. Having this exact issue with my 6sp AT. Took it to dealer at 85,000 miles with judder. They applied TSB protocol, but I had to pay for a triple drain and fill because judder warranty was only to 80,000 miles. Started again at 107,000 miles. Honda USA tells dealer I need to do another triple drain and fill, then change ATF every 20,000 miles. Mix of city and highway driving, no towing, nothing big. Unbelievable. This is my last Honda vehicle after 30 years and 4 vehicles. This was a great video. Thank you for making such well done informative content. Considering local dealers want $190 for a drain and fill and even 3rd party shops charge ~$120 I may consider doing it myself after watching your video since it's going to be every 15-20,000 miles from now on.
Brother, i just bought an used Honda Pilot SE 75G miles. You just save me those $300 for the trans oil. I really learned alot with your video. And kudos to you for owning a scooter. I cant dislatch from my scooting even though owning a new car now.
The most common sense and easiest task to do with Transmission Fluid change, No complication at all. Every 15K or every 3rd Oil Change per 5K mike each oil change. Bravo.
My 2016 Pilot developed transmission jutter at approx 20,000 miles. I took it to Honda and there was a service bulletin on that jutter problem. They updated the software and changed fluid and that solved the jutter problem. Thanks for video. I am going to changed my fluid often now.
I just attached a tube extension to funnel. If you use ramps ,place floor jack under rear crossmember leveling car. This will allow more ATF fluid to exit . I measure total fluid extracted so no question about how much to replace. You will find that you will get out close to 4 liters by leveling pilot.
Drain and fill, don't flush. I have previously had a CR-V and an Odyssey. Embarrassed to say, I never changed the transmission fluid on the CR-V. The dealership never recommend it and I never had an issues with it despite adventuring places with that it should have been driven (I was younger). Sold it at 105,000 miles. I currently have a 2018 Acura RDX and a 2015 Odyssey. Neither of them required a transmission fluid change every 15,000 miles. One dealership told me every 90,000 miles, which is ridiculous. 2015 Odyssey started acting up at about 60,000 miles, shifting erratically. Turned out there was a service bulletin on this. The Dealer did a triple drain and fill and updated the software to correct the problem. I now do a double drain and fill every 30,000. Odyssey now has 190,000+ miles with original transmission and engine burns no oil. Acura dealer did a drain and fill on the RDX at 30,000 and I repeated at 60,000, no problems at all with it's transmission.
Thanks for the video! I changed the ATF yesterday and used your video as a sanity check. I have a 2016 Pilot 4WD EX-L and the judder returned ~30K after my previous change. I started at the dealer for this a few years ago and was made aware of the service bulletin others have mentioned at that time (16-091). The judder went away immediately during my test drive. *Of note: for the 2016 Pilot, the service bulletin says to tighten the drain bolt to 36 lb-ft torque. (If you use the filler bolt, it's 32 lb-ft.)
I've also started to drain (~3.5q) and fill the transmission on my 2016 Odyssey with every oil change. I'm DYI'ing both and just going to Costco to have my tires balanced and rotated every 4 months.
We struggled to find the reason our 2016 Pilot ex-l was shuddering so bad. Finally someone said do a transmission fluid change and that completely fixed the shudder! It’s been about a year and it’s slightly starting again so hubby is changing it today in anticipation of a road trip. Not sure the miles I’ve put on it since then, but I’ve read it needs it about every 30,000. I use it as a mail carrier so the miles are higher than usual. Really wish I’d found your video a lot sooner, but hopefully it will help many others! 😊
Thanks for the video! I do the motor oil and trans oil changes on my daughter's 2019 Highlander and it's very easy. It's nice not having to put vehicle on jackstands. I bought a case of DW-1 online and plan to do changes every 15,000 since I did the first one at 25,000. She bought it new in December 2018 and since she works from home, she doesn't put many miles on it.
A lot of honda transmissions would have lived longer with that type of interval. I've never replaced a crush washer in 50+ years, and was actually surprised when I changed my last oil that it needed one.
Changed my transmission fluid at 30K and 60K started having a shutter type affect, maybe best way to describe it was an RPM flutter that you could feel(especially up or down slight inclines). Felt like I was doing everything I needed until I saw a discussion about the cylinder deactivation causing this flutter. I ordered a disabler that kept it from switching from 6 cylinder to 3 cylinder and that flutter went away and hasn't been back for the last 30K miles. I did not even realize the Honda v6's had cylinder deactivation system on it, when you look that up it seems to be causing many problems.
Where can I buy one? I have a 2016 Odyssey with the same issue. I had the trans fluid flush and software update at 7600 miles. The hesitation and judder back at 90k.
Our 2014 Pilot ATF fill plug was so tight it would not come off! Not a problem since you can fill through the dipstick EXCEPT Honda made the dipstick so small I could not find any normal funnel to fit in that small hole. I "engineered" a piece of tubing to fit the end of the funnel but it is great to see they made the dipstick hole a much bigger diameter on the newer models!
Good pointers. I have 6 speed Honda, due the same thing every 30,000 miles. Have 9 speed Acura and due this 20,000 miles. It take less time to service the trans than doing an oil change. Send a sample of the fluid to a lab to check the wear. I use Black stone.
Only thing I would add is once you put the new fluid in you have to cycle through park, neutral, drive, reverse for a few seconds, then take it for a spin to get the temp up then check the level to fine tune. Mostly your process was fine.
I believe it’s every 30,000 miles. Dealer said 60,000 was fine, although since I tow with mine I’m sticking to 30,000. Will be doing my first today, so depending on how the fluids look I will determine if it needs to be done more often.
I did mine at 60k Dealer did the last one at 30k. The transmission fluid was darker than expected and I didn’t realize until after it was changed, how poor it was driving previously. Transmission was surging slightly. Its AWD and I have the added cooler. I tow a boat that was roughly 3500 all in, about 20 minutes each weekend, only in summer. I’m now just starting to tow about 4,200, same distance and amount. I will be changing my fluid every 15k miles moving forward. Which is about once per year for me.
@@wsvitak got one with 40k it was surging a little. When I did the first drain and fill was surprised to see all the crap on the magnet. I dont even beat on the car after the 3rd drain feels pretty good now.
My neighbor took her Honda HR-V in for a simple oil change and when she left they sold her on cabin air and engine air filter for a total cost of $360.
Having to change the transmission fluid is my biggest gripe about the pilot. Total ripoff & I wish I was warned about this before purchasing it!🤬 Thanks for making this video, it was really helpful!
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had nothing but Honda’s for the last 20 years and am super familiar with working on them, but those kind of intervals are pretty absurd and would dissuade me from keeping that car. I’d be figuring out a way to grab a Toyota lol.
It surprised me quite a bit. But, aside from the frequent maintenance, the transmission still works perfectly. The audio system is a completely different story.
Hi, Thanks for the nice walkthrough. I recently had my t oil changed but next time I think I can give it a try by myself. I am here in Korea. :) thanks a lot. 👍👍👍
I change the trans fluid on all my cars every 30 k miles. Doing every 15k miles, the fluid is not that bad and so its just a waste of money. On my Pilot I put two funnels, The black one at the bottom and another one on top.
I added an in line transmission cooler in front of the radiator in hopes of keeping the juddering at bay. My Ridgeline has the same transmission and I tow with it often, and since adding it I haven't had the juddering.
Nice video, just sub for the support. Generally speaking, for the same Honda DIY owners, to save the convenience of putting the car on the jack or ramp, this 15k miles transmission fluid change interval could basically be every other oil change (assuming one would opt to choose changing their 0W-20 synthetic oil every 7-8k miles and not go much further than that).
My Grand Cherokee is full time 4wd and it’s recommended to change the differential fluid and transfer case fluid every 30k miles. You’ll actually start feeling a grinding in the driveline if you don’t
Hi Buddy, Thanks for the detailed video and great job. I might be wrong, but it looks like your vehicle is "with shift lever" and you have overfilled the transmission by 0.2 qts. Exactly at 14 minutes of this video(where you are showing the owner's manual) it clearly says 3.3 US qt for "Models with shift lever" whereas you put 3.5 qt that is for "Models with electronic gear selector". I have 2017 Pilot (Elite) 28K miles with electronic gear selector (9 speed transmission), and I just completed the transmission fluid change because I felt the transmission is little jerky in lower rmp and lower gears. I got it checked at a stealership, they said transmission is ok and transmission change is almost due. Even after the transmission fluid change, transmission is still jerky in initial gears (may be 1st couple of gears or so, or up to 25 mph)
You are correct. I was surprised when I read it, because I’ve always gone with 3.3 qts. I have since done another drain and fill with the correct level. Thanks for pointing this out!
My 2016 Honda Pilot started "hunting" on inclines at 40K and started making noises at 40-50 MPH at 48K. After doing an initial ATF change of 3.25 quarts, the transmission runs smoother. You can't completely trust Honda guidelines
Great Video.... thank you for sharing. Now, if you will excuse me..... I have to go out and work on my Honda Odyssey build out. (grin) I have the finish floor installed, the fold out seat/bed re-installed and now I can determine the elevations for my work counter and storage. . . . Thanks again for your videos, they are very helpful.
@@AdventureGearTV Yessir. My background is construction and being retired I will design it, build it and modify it as many times as it takes between now and the time I move up to a larger vehicle, at which point I will start the whole process over again (grin).
My 2016 pilot just hit 56k miles and is running fine, changing mine for the 1st time this weekend. Not sure if it was changed before we bought it at 36k miles or not. Have everything except for the long funnel. Curious to see where the factory fill plug is, but might just buy the funnel and be done with it.
I have a 2018 changed mine out at 40,000, she just hit 50,000 and I won't do it again until about 70 to 75,000 I agree 15,000 sounds overkill. My magnet was not that bad wiped and re-used. However I was driving g back from the recent eclipse out of Hanksville Utah back home to California as I passed Vegas I got a "transmission oil to hot" and had to pull over for 30 minutes and added half a quart of fluid just to be on the safe side. No issues since.
:) WELL DONE Indeed! Very thorough and concise! I used to have Honda's CRV, Civics etc. BUT after what you pointed out on maintenance costs of newer ones, NO THANK YOU HONDA! ESPICIALLY the $$$$ TIMING BELTS! :( ALL the BEST and Cheers! :)
I bought a 2008 Honda Ridgeline RTS new. I now have clocked over 208,000 miles on it. I have religiously chanced 3.8 qts, of Honda Transmission Fluid, every 15,000 miles, and have not experienced and slippage, weird noises or Thud Shifting. I know this story is Pilot Related, however, The Pilot & Ridgeline share the same transmission. Mine being a 2008 vehicle, it has a 5 speed transmission. Maybe, the 9 speed transmissions are a bit more finicky?
New subscriber here. Very informative video and i thank you. Recently got a 21 Pilot and planning to do my own oil changes at least. Is there a specific oil you like for that car? Thinking about the full synthetic motor oil but figured I'd ask. Thx again and will continue watching your videos.
Those pesky jack ramps. Every time I make a video, I find those little mistakes. Jack stands were on my mind from the previous video with my trailer. Thanks for stopping by!
Nice video. However there is absolutely no need to drain and refill any Honda product every 15 K. Now i would agree to every 30 to 50 K intervals. I have a couple friends who work as mechanics ,one for Honda ( 14 years) and both say there is no need for 15 K intervals on any transmission. However they said that changing it can't hurt anything but your wallet and time. They also said if your transmission is doing what you say it is, get it checked by someone who knows Honda.
Good video, thanks. Same process on the Ridgeline with a 6AT, which I'm about to do at 50k miles. And good job using a torque wrench and mentioning the proper torque spec, which is easy insurance that a lot of people ignore. But what's with the weird crouch in an empty garage bay at 2:40? LOL And a small heads up: DW-1 is correct, but Idemitsu H Plus is made to meet the DW-1 spec but it cheaper and comes in 5-quart jugs, too. And some old cardboard from the Amazon boxes we all get all the time makes a good disposable drip and splash catcher under the drain pan, just in case. And those are ramps, NOT jack stands. :)
Never use anything besides Honda transmission fluid, regardless of what they tell ya. It just ain't the same and isn't worth the risk to save a buck. Awesome video by the way.
9 speed transmission are a bit more of a process their is a procedure to do and have to connect the computer with the honda software and put the transmission on teach in mode. Basically it does a relearn with the new fluid and would have to drive vehicle 5 miles city and 5 miles highway. In order to the the procedure honda techs have access to the honda software to put the transmission on maintenance mode. Yes im that honda tech lol.
first... you have nicely explained and went over step by step and very detailed. Also visually we were able to see everything you were working with. Thanks and i will be getting this done now my vehicle is at 100k miles. I got it at 80K. The main issue i have is that whenever i drive to 60- 65mph a "transmission problem" error message pops up but there is no issue with the shifting or anything in driving. I have driven it 15k miles like that. I am wondering if i do the fluid change first and see if it goes away or i am not sure. Some people online posted the same problem and said they had transmission changed some say they had different thing done to it. Now i am not sure what to do. Should i change the fluid first or is there any kind of module or something "computerly" that needs a reset. The vehicle is a salvage title i am not sure the dealer would take it if it had a recall. So any suggestion???
About to do this for the first time because ('16 Pilot): $150 for the diagnosis $650 for the drain and fill x3 we're out the $150, but now I know and hopefully we will never go back for this. How do I dispose of the used fluid?
Geez 650 thats crazy. Shit is easier to do than a oil change. Just did mines 3x for 50 bucks. Local town recycling center will take the used fluids maybe autozone etc would take it too.
Thanks - this is helpful, just got a used 2022 Pilot so this is great for info. Question: why don't you just measure the exact amount you took out and put that same amount in?
Why only do 3 qts. When it holds 8 total. Seems like the other 5 dirty qts. will quickly take away the life span of the new 3. If there is that much slug on the drain plug, how much is in the filter? I don't like taking my vehicles back to the dealership for stuff I can do either. That's why I am searching videos on how to maintain my pilots transmission.
I use a translator. Honda Pilot 2017 For a 9 speed transmission, is it worth installing additional cooling? Or is it unnecessary? I want to tow a motorhome, don't know which one yet
I've had your comment about music preference in my head for the last few videos of yours, and now i keep on giggling thinking about how different your video would be if I were the one editing with lofi and happy-go-lucky songs XD
When I had my transmission changed. Dropped the pan and changed the filter/oil. Doesn't your transmission have a filter? Having to changed transmission according to my car Ford booklet is every 30,000 miles. Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
I think they label the filter as a lifetime filter for this model. I’ll have to check, but I believe there is one in situs transmission that can only be accessed during a rebuild.
Pilots do have a transmission filter. Black in color and about the size of a small oil filter. Fortunately it is accessible on the outside of the transmission on the front side from underneath the vehicle. Awkward to get to, but doable. Simply disconnect hoses to remove old one and reconnect to install new one. The filter is directional, and has an internal bypass valve in it. I changed mine earlier this year at 90K miles on my '16 Pilot. Cut it open and it was VERY dirty, but not clogged. Filter cost was $50 at the dealer at that time. Cheaper on Amazon, but I did not want to run the risk of getting a counterfeit filter. And yes I got the "Not normally a service item. Usually only replace with transmission overhaul" speech from the parts guy. Still, very glad I did the job. May be my imagination, but my Pilot seemed to run smoother with a new filter.
I really like your channel. I'm curious if you're happy with your solar panel and generator set up. Are you happy with what you're using or would you recommend something different? Best-case scenario for minivan what would you recommend for solar panel and solar generator combo?
Hi, thank you! If you’re using a Sienna like mine, then a 200w panel is about the largest that fits on the roof. I recommend getting at least a 1000Wh power station if you can. I’ve had luck with the EcoFlow River 2 Pro lately, but it’s smaller at 768Wh. It also accepts up to 200w of solar power.
Great video. I have an 18 EXL AWD. Several months ago I had an issue where the car would seem like it couldn't decide what gear to be in under certain driving conditions - it would shift up/down strangely. After some searching online and in forums I discovered that it was just a matter of changing out the ATF. Fortunately changing the ATF is easy and the Pilot is one of the few vehicles that still has a dipstick so checking the level is easy. Note though, the official procedure is to drain and fill THREE times, not just once. That's because when you drain the ATF, you're only really emptying out around 1/3-1/2 of the total retained fluid, so ultimately you're just diluting it. Given that the fluid is pretty pricey ($15/qt IIRC), going through 12 rather than 4 quarts makes up for a lot of the dealer premium especially when you include time (sibce the car should be driven between each drain and fill to mix the fluid). That also explains why you have to change it so often - you're not changing all the fluid, just a portion of it (full fill is 7.8q but on change its 3.3 since thats al that will flow out via gravity). This video popped up because i just changed mine for the secons time as the aforementioned shifting issue was starting to occur again. I actually measure what comes out and fill with thr same (using a large graduated cylinder) and for my vehicle thats more like 4q.
how many 1 litre gallons are we expected to put in the oil chamber pls? I realized you used 3 and half smaller gallons, right? why would some request we buy about 8 gallons of what you administered pls?
I have a 2019 pilot exl and had this issue where it would feel like it was juttering took it to the dealer they changed the fluid but after a couple of days started doing it again now I have to take it back it sucks because i just got it 3 weeks ago and only has 83000 miles love the car but this transmission is bad wonder what they will do it if they won’t fix it the car is staying with them
Thanks for the vid. I have a 2020 EX-L AWD with shift lever (not pushbutton electronic). I am pretty sure it is the same transmission in your video. The drain and dipstick are in the exact same place as the one in the video. I think you may have made an error in the amount of fluid. At 13:50 in the vid, you show the specs. But you are reading the "electronic gear selector" transmission (3.5Q) and Type 3.1. I don't think the transmission you're working on has the electronic gear selector. I believe it has the shift lever. It should be 3.3Q AND as you show in the video ATF type DW-1. Can you double check this please. Thank you.
Correct. I was reading it incorrectly in the video, but I actually did the correct amount, with the correct fluid. Thank you for pointing that out. I didn’t realize that I read the 8 speed transmission specs. Mine has a center console gear selector. Not a push button.
How has your experience been with the Pilot's transmission? I'd like to hear your thoughts here.
I have the zf9 in my Pilot black edition. Hate it. Could be great but the software/tuning is set up to save fuel so much that it’s hurts my soul. I’d happily lose a couple MPGs to have all that 3.5 power available on demand. Also it takes an eternity to shift from P to 1, and from 5 to 4.
Btw, you can now fix the MOST issue free at the dealer as it has become a recall (due to the backup camera being intermittent)
Ridiculous, the only thing I like about the vehicle itself, is it's safety rating. We drove it on the 800mi round trip to the beach, and it started the transmission antics. We had 14,000 miles on the trans fluid change.
I’ve reached over 100,000 mi. I’m the second owner, but it didn’t have a ton of miles on it when I got it. I was just getting ready to go pay for a transmission flush. After watching this I will just do it myself. I just hope it’s not really gunky to where I’ve wasted time and money and would still need to go and get a full flush on it.
I’ve not had any transmission issues at all so far knock on wood. It’s got power when I need it too. The only problems I’ve had with the car is a rattle that they can’t seem to find. It’s like in the undercarriage, not the engine. The other has been condensation issues in the lights.
2013 Honda Pilot Touring
I have a 2019 Passport Elite, so 9 speed. I installed a $100 VCM defeated, I just couldn't stand the lack of power. I consistently get 24mpg in the city. I have issues with the transmission, when it shifts into 3rd periodically it will make a light thud when it shifts into 3rd. I've drained and filled the fluid (different oem fluid than the stuff in the video) 4 times, 52,000 miles on the vehicle now. I don't know what to do, change the fluid more frequently? The thud into 3rd (could be 2nd but pretty sure it's 2nd) mostly happens when I start driving on a slight downhill. No warranty on the vehicle so no option to have dealer look at it. Any thoughts?
Terrible. 30 year Honda customer. My 2016 Pilot has been awful. Having this exact issue with my 6sp AT. Took it to dealer at 85,000 miles with judder. They applied TSB protocol, but I had to pay for a triple drain and fill because judder warranty was only to 80,000 miles. Started again at 107,000 miles. Honda USA tells dealer I need to do another triple drain and fill, then change ATF every 20,000 miles. Mix of city and highway driving, no towing, nothing big. Unbelievable. This is my last Honda vehicle after 30 years and 4 vehicles.
This was a great video. Thank you for making such well done informative content. Considering local dealers want $190 for a drain and fill and even 3rd party shops charge ~$120 I may consider doing it myself after watching your video since it's going to be every 15-20,000 miles from now on.
Brother, i just bought an used Honda Pilot SE 75G miles. You just save me those $300 for the trans oil. I really learned alot with your video. And kudos to you for owning a scooter. I cant dislatch from my scooting even though owning a new car now.
The most common sense and easiest task to do with Transmission Fluid change, No complication at all. Every 15K or every 3rd Oil Change per 5K mike each oil change. Bravo.
My 2016 Pilot developed transmission jutter at approx 20,000 miles. I took it to Honda and there was a service bulletin on that jutter problem. They updated the software and changed fluid and that solved the jutter problem. Thanks for video. I am going to changed my fluid often now.
Do you know what the bulletin number is?
@@jerryjerry9063 Honda SB #A17-014; NHTSA ID Number: 10108688; static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10108688-9999.pdf
I just attached a tube extension to funnel. If you use ramps ,place floor jack under rear crossmember leveling car. This will allow more ATF fluid to exit . I measure total fluid extracted so no question about how much to replace. You will find that you will get out close to 4 liters by leveling pilot.
Great video! I strongly recommend never reusing a crush washer unless there's no other option though. Very descriptive video and great instructions.
I've been researching how to do this for the past few days. I now have the confidence to do this without "breaking my car." Thank you.
@@CarlosPareja07 thanks for the feedback!
Drain and fill, don't flush. I have previously had a CR-V and an Odyssey. Embarrassed to say, I never changed the transmission fluid on the CR-V. The dealership never recommend it and I never had an issues with it despite adventuring places with that it should have been driven (I was younger). Sold it at 105,000 miles. I currently have a 2018 Acura RDX and a 2015 Odyssey. Neither of them required a transmission fluid change every 15,000 miles. One dealership told me every 90,000 miles, which is ridiculous. 2015 Odyssey started acting up at about 60,000 miles, shifting erratically. Turned out there was a service bulletin on this. The Dealer did a triple drain and fill and updated the software to correct the problem. I now do a double drain and fill every 30,000. Odyssey now has 190,000+ miles with original transmission and engine burns no oil. Acura dealer did a drain and fill on the RDX at 30,000 and I repeated at 60,000, no problems at all with it's transmission.
I’m doing my first transmission oil change at 50000 miles on our Pilot with no drive ability issues at all.
Best time to start is now! Make sure to read the manual for the correct replacement fluid amount.
Great video, my pilot was sputtering and the atf change instantly corrected. Thank you
Thanks for the video! I changed the ATF yesterday and used your video as a sanity check. I have a 2016 Pilot 4WD EX-L and the judder returned ~30K after my previous change. I started at the dealer for this a few years ago and was made aware of the service bulletin others have mentioned at that time (16-091). The judder went away immediately during my test drive.
*Of note: for the 2016 Pilot, the service bulletin says to tighten the drain bolt to 36 lb-ft torque. (If you use the filler bolt, it's 32 lb-ft.)
I've also started to drain (~3.5q) and fill the transmission on my 2016 Odyssey with every oil change. I'm DYI'ing both and just going to Costco to have my tires balanced and rotated every 4 months.
What type of transmission fluid did you use?
Valvoline Max Life ATF is synthetic and less prone to breakdown. It's also $26/gallon at Walmart.
We struggled to find the reason our 2016 Pilot ex-l was shuddering so bad. Finally someone said do a transmission fluid change and that completely fixed the shudder! It’s been about a year and it’s slightly starting again so hubby is changing it today in anticipation of a road trip. Not sure the miles I’ve put on it since then, but I’ve read it needs it about every 30,000. I use it as a mail carrier so the miles are higher than usual. Really wish I’d found your video a lot sooner, but hopefully it will help many others! 😊
look up S-VCM for honda
Thanks for the video! I do the motor oil and trans oil changes on my daughter's 2019 Highlander and it's very easy. It's nice not having to put vehicle on jackstands. I bought a case of DW-1 online and plan to do changes every 15,000 since I did the first one at 25,000. She bought it new in December 2018 and since she works from home, she doesn't put many miles on it.
I bought 4 quarts off amazon for $45 bottom line. Paid a local mechanic to swap the fluid for $40. First change at 63k miles. It was black.
A lot of honda transmissions would have lived longer with that type of interval. I've never replaced a crush washer in 50+ years, and was actually surprised when I changed my last oil that it needed one.
You did great with this video!! Thank you for the information! A video on the Timing belt when you have to change it would be amazing!
That sounds like a fun project. It’s coming up soon!
I’d like to see that too.
Changed my transmission fluid at 30K and 60K started having a shutter type affect, maybe best way to describe it was an RPM flutter that you could feel(especially up or down slight inclines). Felt like I was doing everything I needed until I saw a discussion about the cylinder deactivation causing this flutter. I ordered a disabler that kept it from switching from 6 cylinder to 3 cylinder and that flutter went away and hasn't been back for the last 30K miles. I did not even realize the Honda v6's had cylinder deactivation system on it, when you look that up it seems to be causing many problems.
Yup. I was posting this all around the Honda forums on v6 engine benefitting from the Cylinder deactivation disabler.
Where can I buy one? I have a 2016 Odyssey with the same issue. I had the trans fluid flush and software update at 7600 miles. The hesitation and judder back at 90k.
Our 2014 Pilot ATF fill plug was so tight it would not come off! Not a problem since you can fill through the dipstick EXCEPT Honda made the dipstick so small I could not find any normal funnel to fit in that small hole. I "engineered" a piece of tubing to fit the end of the funnel but it is great to see they made the dipstick hole a much bigger diameter on the newer models!
Good simple job! Thanks
Good pointers. I have 6 speed Honda, due the same thing every 30,000 miles. Have 9 speed Acura and due this 20,000 miles. It take less time to service the trans than doing an oil change. Send a sample of the fluid to a lab to check the wear. I use Black stone.
Only thing I would add is once you put the new fluid in you have to cycle through park, neutral, drive, reverse for a few seconds, then take it for a spin to get the temp up then check the level to fine tune. Mostly your process was fine.
I believe it’s every 30,000 miles. Dealer said 60,000 was fine, although since I tow with mine I’m sticking to 30,000. Will be doing my first today, so depending on how the fluids look I will determine if it needs to be done more often.
just remember for most people your going to follow the severe maintence schedule
I do every 30,000 miles too but added a Transmission Cooler for my FWD and no issues
I did mine at 60k Dealer did the last one at 30k. The transmission fluid was darker than expected and I didn’t realize until after it was changed, how poor it was driving previously. Transmission was surging slightly. Its AWD and I have the added cooler. I tow a boat that was roughly 3500 all in, about 20 minutes each weekend, only in summer. I’m now just starting to tow about 4,200, same distance and amount. I will be changing my fluid every 15k miles moving forward. Which is about once per year for me.
@@wsvitak got one with 40k it was surging a little. When I did the first drain and fill was surprised to see all the crap on the magnet. I dont even beat on the car after the 3rd drain feels pretty good now.
Great video, thanks for the tips. Having a long funnel for the fill is very important!
Thank you! Very detailed and great walk thru step by step of the process.
My neighbor took her Honda HR-V in for a simple oil change and when she left they sold her on cabin air and engine air filter for a total cost of $360.
WoW!!! Im cussing out all this type of shops robbing people like this way. I changed my 2023 pilot engine and cabin filter last week and spend $38.
Having to change the transmission fluid is my biggest gripe about the pilot. Total ripoff & I wish I was warned about this before purchasing it!🤬 Thanks for making this video, it was really helpful!
I first to get the funnel and other tool . You made it look so easy
Honda says in the manual to do a drain and refill every 30,000 miles! I do that like clock work plus differential fluid every 30,000 miles
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had nothing but Honda’s for the last 20 years and am super familiar with working on them, but those kind of intervals are pretty absurd and would dissuade me from keeping that car.
I’d be figuring out a way to grab a Toyota lol.
It surprised me quite a bit. But, aside from the frequent maintenance, the transmission still works perfectly. The audio system is a completely different story.
Hi, Thanks for the nice walkthrough. I recently had my t oil changed but next time I think I can give it a try by myself. I am here in Korea. :) thanks a lot. 👍👍👍
Great video, looking forward to more Honda Pilot content.
Nice work ❤
I change the trans fluid on all my cars every 30 k miles. Doing every 15k miles, the fluid is not that bad and so its just a waste of money. On my Pilot I put two funnels, The black one at the bottom and another one on top.
If u have to reuse drain plug, flip it over to get double use out of one. Only if you have to reuse.
Thank you so much for the video, great advice. Very helpful to know. I will do my pilot 2022 every 20 000 kms . 👍
I added an in line transmission cooler in front of the radiator in hopes of keeping the juddering at bay. My Ridgeline has the same transmission and I tow with it often, and since adding it I haven't had the juddering.
Nice video, just sub for the support. Generally speaking, for the same Honda DIY owners, to save the convenience of putting the car on the jack or ramp, this 15k miles transmission fluid change interval could basically be every other oil change (assuming one would opt to choose changing their 0W-20 synthetic oil every 7-8k miles and not go much further than that).
My Grand Cherokee is full time 4wd and it’s recommended to change the differential fluid and transfer case fluid every 30k miles. You’ll actually start feeling a grinding in the driveline if you don’t
Yikes! This thing starts to buck a little. The first time it happened, I thought it had bad plugs or injectors.
Nice Jack stands!
Lol. Yep.
I use ramps. Thanks for the video!
Hi Buddy, Thanks for the detailed video and great job. I might be wrong, but it looks like your vehicle is "with shift lever" and you have overfilled the transmission by 0.2 qts. Exactly at 14 minutes of this video(where you are showing the owner's manual) it clearly says 3.3 US qt for "Models with shift lever" whereas you put 3.5 qt that is for "Models with electronic gear selector".
I have 2017 Pilot (Elite) 28K miles with electronic gear selector (9 speed transmission), and I just completed the transmission fluid change because I felt the transmission is little jerky in lower rmp and lower gears. I got it checked at a stealership, they said transmission is ok and transmission change is almost due. Even after the transmission fluid change, transmission is still jerky in initial gears (may be 1st couple of gears or so, or up to 25 mph)
You are correct. I was surprised when I read it, because I’ve always gone with 3.3 qts. I have since done another drain and fill with the correct level. Thanks for pointing this out!
I did the measurement method, measured what came out and put the same amount back in there
You have to fill and drain the fluid 3 times and the issue should be resolved
Thank you, I just bought my 2019 pilot
Thanks for sharing this process
Right on! As always, thanks for stopping by!
Great video I got a 2019 pilot 6 speed how do you check or read the oil dipstick thank you
I suggest doing a double drain every 30k miles. I haven't had a problem and I have over 150k miles.
Timing chain need to replace either last longer but still need to be changed
Thank you video and I’m glad the 2022 don’t have that issue but and big but the diff fluid has to get changed at 15k and the 45k
Impressive and really easy to follow video.
I believe you’re supposed to change it every 60,000 miles
My 2016 Honda Pilot started "hunting" on inclines at 40K and started making noises at 40-50 MPH at 48K. After doing an initial ATF change of 3.25 quarts, the transmission runs smoother. You can't completely trust Honda guidelines
No Honda changed it to 30k miles
Great Video.... thank you for sharing.
Now, if you will excuse me..... I have to go out and work on my Honda Odyssey build out. (grin)
I have the finish floor installed, the fold out seat/bed re-installed and now I can determine the elevations for my work counter and storage.
. . . Thanks again for your videos, they are very helpful.
That sounds like a fun project! Are you building everything yourself?
@@AdventureGearTV Yessir. My background is construction and being retired I will design it, build it and modify it as many times as it takes between now and the time I move up to a larger vehicle, at which point I will start the whole process over again (grin).
My 2016 pilot just hit 56k miles and is running fine, changing mine for the 1st time this weekend. Not sure if it was changed before we bought it at 36k miles or not. Have everything except for the long funnel. Curious to see where the factory fill plug is, but might just buy the funnel and be done with it.
Thanks buddy,,, this video it really helped me
Every 15000 miles sounds crazy to me.
I went back and checked. It’s been 5 drain and fills at 3.5 qts each. So, almost $300 in fluids alone for DIY.
Wow did not know this.
Check the magnet and you'll see why you should change it frequently
For the 6 speed?. . .My first Trans drain and fill was at 27K miles per the maintenance minder. 15K miles is seriously overkill.
I have a 2018 changed mine out at 40,000, she just hit 50,000 and I won't do it again until about 70 to 75,000 I agree 15,000 sounds overkill. My magnet was not that bad wiped and re-used. However I was driving g back from the recent eclipse out of Hanksville Utah back home to California as I passed Vegas I got a "transmission oil to hot" and had to pull over for 30 minutes and added half a quart of fluid just to be on the safe side. No issues since.
$500 for this job in midwest!
Thank you for your help! 😊
:) WELL DONE Indeed! Very thorough and concise! I used to have Honda's CRV, Civics etc. BUT after what you pointed out on maintenance costs of newer ones, NO THANK YOU HONDA! ESPICIALLY the $$$$ TIMING BELTS! :( ALL the BEST and Cheers! :)
Thanks! It’s wild. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to pay that much for maintenance.
I bought a 2008 Honda Ridgeline RTS new. I now have clocked over 208,000 miles on it. I have religiously chanced 3.8 qts, of Honda Transmission Fluid, every 15,000 miles, and have not experienced and slippage, weird noises or Thud Shifting. I know this story is Pilot Related, however, The Pilot & Ridgeline share the same transmission. Mine being a 2008 vehicle, it has a 5 speed transmission. Maybe, the 9 speed transmissions are a bit more finicky?
Great information 👍
New subscriber here. Very informative video and i thank you. Recently got a 21 Pilot and planning to do my own oil changes at least. Is there a specific oil you like for that car? Thinking about the full synthetic motor oil but figured I'd ask. Thx again and will continue watching your videos.
Thank you 🙏🏾
So, for the crush washer, you want the flat side with the transmission to mate or the bolt?
$189 at my local Honda dealer.
Very good video sir! Those are Rhino ramps btw not a jack stand .
Those pesky jack ramps. Every time I make a video, I find those little mistakes. Jack stands were on my mind from the previous video with my trailer. Thanks for stopping by!
I wish my 2018 pilot had dipstick to check the transmission
Thanks for posting.
Nice! I hope it was useful.
Nice video. However there is absolutely no need to drain and refill any Honda product every 15 K. Now i would agree to every 30 to 50 K intervals. I have a couple friends who work as mechanics ,one for Honda ( 14 years) and both say there is no need for 15 K intervals on any transmission. However they said that changing it can't hurt anything but your wallet and time. They also said if your transmission is doing what you say it is, get it checked by someone who knows Honda.
Luckily the newest harness connector recall from Honda should address the infotainment issues. 4 hour job by the dealer.
I’m going to bring it in soon and see. I heard about it right after posting this video.
Video was great help
Good video, thanks. Same process on the Ridgeline with a 6AT, which I'm about to do at 50k miles. And good job using a torque wrench and mentioning the proper torque spec, which is easy insurance that a lot of people ignore.
But what's with the weird crouch in an empty garage bay at 2:40? LOL
And a small heads up: DW-1 is correct, but Idemitsu H Plus is made to meet the DW-1 spec but it cheaper and comes in 5-quart jugs, too. And some old cardboard from the Amazon boxes we all get all the time makes a good disposable drip and splash catcher under the drain pan, just in case. And those are ramps, NOT jack stands. :)
Ha! It’s the camera angle. I didn’t want to move it, and was getting ready to drive in.
Never use anything besides Honda transmission fluid, regardless of what they tell ya. It just ain't the same and isn't worth the risk to save a buck. Awesome video by the way.
My maintenance schedule says to change it every 60k. 15k is crazy
Is the process the same for the 9 speed transmission?
9 speed transmission are a bit more of a process their is a procedure to do and have to connect the computer with the honda software and put the transmission on teach in mode. Basically it does a relearn with the new fluid and would have to drive vehicle 5 miles city and 5 miles highway. In order to the the procedure honda techs have access to the honda software to put the transmission on maintenance mode. Yes im that honda tech lol.
Thanks
first... you have nicely explained and went over step by step and very detailed. Also visually we were able to see everything you were working with. Thanks and i will be getting this done now my vehicle is at 100k miles. I got it at 80K.
The main issue i have is that whenever i drive to 60- 65mph a "transmission problem" error message pops up but there is no issue with the shifting or anything in driving. I have driven it 15k miles like that. I am wondering if i do the fluid change first and see if it goes away or i am not sure. Some people online posted the same problem and said they had transmission changed some say they had different thing done to it. Now i am not sure what to do. Should i change the fluid first or is there any kind of module or something "computerly" that needs a reset. The vehicle is a salvage title i am not sure the dealer would take it if it had a recall. So any suggestion???
I would switch to Amsoil transmission fluid. There fluids r way better than Honda's
warranty recall for the torque converter judder
5 minutes in and I'm wondering if he's ever going to actually get to it...
About to do this for the first time because ('16 Pilot):
$150 for the diagnosis
$650 for the drain and fill x3
we're out the $150, but now I know and hopefully we will never go back for this. How do I dispose of the used fluid?
Geez 650 thats crazy. Shit is easier to do than a oil change. Just did mines 3x for 50 bucks. Local town recycling center will take the used fluids maybe autozone etc would take it too.
Thanks - this is helpful, just got a used 2022 Pilot so this is great for info. Question: why don't you just measure the exact amount you took out and put that same amount in?
The amount that comes out might not be correct. So, it’s safer to use the check and fill procedure. Thanks for stopping in!
I have a 2017 Ridgeline with the same problem. So every oil change I replace trans fluid . Keeps the shutter away.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEO , IM COPPY FROM YOU ,NOW I DO MY CAR NOW ...
Why only do 3 qts. When it holds 8 total. Seems like the other 5 dirty qts. will quickly take away the life span of the new 3. If there is that much slug on the drain plug, how much is in the filter? I don't like taking my vehicles back to the dealership for stuff I can do either. That's why I am searching videos on how to maintain my pilots transmission.
Just do it 3x
5:27
I use a translator. Honda Pilot 2017 For a 9 speed transmission, is it worth installing additional cooling? Or is it unnecessary? I want to tow a motorhome, don't know which one yet
I've had your comment about music preference in my head for the last few videos of yours, and now i keep on giggling thinking about how different your video would be if I were the one editing with lofi and happy-go-lucky songs XD
I tried a few different songs on the intro, but chose this one to be more audience appropriate.
@@AdventureGearTV your audio is on point, as always!! /Genuine
Thank you for maintenance info how long engine oil changes 5000or7000
Thanks!
Wow! Thanks! That’s awesome!
How about a Filter Change?
When I had my transmission changed. Dropped the pan and changed the filter/oil. Doesn't your transmission have a filter? Having to changed transmission according to my car Ford booklet is every 30,000 miles. Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
I think they label the filter as a lifetime filter for this model. I’ll have to check, but I believe there is one in situs transmission that can only be accessed during a rebuild.
@@AdventureGearTV It would be interesting info to learn and know.
Pilots do have a transmission filter. Black in color and about the size of a small oil filter. Fortunately it is accessible on the outside of the transmission on the front side from underneath the vehicle. Awkward to get to, but doable. Simply disconnect hoses to remove old one and reconnect to install new one. The filter is directional, and has an internal bypass valve in it. I changed mine earlier this year at 90K miles on my '16 Pilot. Cut it open and it was VERY dirty, but not clogged. Filter cost was $50 at the dealer at that time. Cheaper on Amazon, but I did not want to run the risk of getting a counterfeit filter. And yes I got the "Not normally a service item. Usually only replace with transmission overhaul" speech from the parts guy. Still, very glad I did the job. May be my imagination, but my Pilot seemed to run smoother with a new filter.
@@chuck5386 Good to know. Thank you.
Good looking out in Need a ATF filter when i do this job. Thanks for the heads up!@@chuck5386
I really like your channel. I'm curious if you're happy with your solar panel and generator set up. Are you happy with what you're using or would you recommend something different? Best-case scenario for minivan what would you recommend for solar panel and solar generator combo?
Hi, thank you! If you’re using a Sienna like mine, then a 200w panel is about the largest that fits on the roof. I recommend getting at least a 1000Wh power station if you can. I’ve had luck with the EcoFlow River 2 Pro lately, but it’s smaller at 768Wh. It also accepts up to 200w of solar power.
@@AdventureGearTV I've got a Chrysler Town and country that seems they have a similar layout to yours
Question, does this transmission have a filter that must be changed to?
Great video. I have an 18 EXL AWD. Several months ago I had an issue where the car would seem like it couldn't decide what gear to be in under certain driving conditions - it would shift up/down strangely. After some searching online and in forums I discovered that it was just a matter of changing out the ATF.
Fortunately changing the ATF is easy and the Pilot is one of the few vehicles that still has a dipstick so checking the level is easy.
Note though, the official procedure is to drain and fill THREE times, not just once. That's because when you drain the ATF, you're only really emptying out around 1/3-1/2 of the total retained fluid, so ultimately you're just diluting it. Given that the fluid is pretty pricey ($15/qt IIRC), going through 12 rather than 4 quarts makes up for a lot of the dealer premium especially when you include time (sibce the car should be driven between each drain and fill to mix the fluid).
That also explains why you have to change it so often - you're not changing all the fluid, just a portion of it (full fill is 7.8q but on change its 3.3 since thats al that will flow out via gravity).
This video popped up because i just changed mine for the secons time as the aforementioned shifting issue was starting to occur again. I actually measure what comes out and fill with thr same (using a large graduated cylinder) and for my vehicle thats more like 4q.
Did the strange shifting stop?
how many 1 litre gallons are we expected to put in the oil chamber pls? I realized you used 3 and half smaller gallons, right? why would some request we buy about 8 gallons of what you administered pls?
paying that much to crack a cpl drain bolts im gonna do the trans, diff, and transfer case fluid changes myself n save 1000$ f that
That’s how I feel. Over the lifetime of the vehicle, it adds up quickly.
I have a 2019 pilot exl and had this issue where it would feel like it was juttering took it to the dealer they changed the fluid but after a couple of days started doing it again now I have to take it back it sucks because i just got it 3 weeks ago and only has 83000 miles love the car but this transmission is bad wonder what they will do it if they won’t fix it the car is staying with them
22 ridgeline, my transmission fluid needs to be changed every 50k miles 🤔
Thanks for the vid. I have a 2020 EX-L AWD with shift lever (not pushbutton electronic). I am pretty sure it is the same transmission in your video. The drain and dipstick are in the exact same place as the one in the video. I think you may have made an error in the amount of fluid. At 13:50 in the vid, you show the specs. But you are reading the "electronic gear selector" transmission (3.5Q) and Type 3.1. I don't think the transmission you're working on has the electronic gear selector. I believe it has the shift lever. It should be 3.3Q AND as you show in the video ATF type DW-1. Can you double check this please. Thank you.
Correct. I was reading it incorrectly in the video, but I actually did the correct amount, with the correct fluid. Thank you for pointing that out. I didn’t realize that I read the 8 speed transmission specs. Mine has a center console gear selector. Not a push button.
Hi what is the code for 2020 Honda Pilot transmission oil
How do you erase the code B123 from the dashboard
6:15 who knew Jack stands were the price for internet content? XD
So, about that….I’m not sure why I said jack stands three times, but those are technically ramps. Lol
@@AdventureGearTV 🤣🤣 i just assumed i didn't know what Jack stands were XD thanks for the revelation!
Thanks 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻