Hello neighbor! I’m really glad you decided to change the transmission fluid and asked about how to properly service the automatic transmission on your Honda Pilot. I’ll walk you through everything based on my experience as a mechanic.
Automatic transmission fluid is an important component that lubricates the transmission and ensures its proper operation. Over time, transmission fluid can break down, become contaminated, or lose its effectiveness, which can lead to a decrease in transmission performance and even damage. Therefore, it is important to replace the transmission fluid in the Honda How to change oil Honda Pilot at the recommended intervals.
I have a new post about how long a Honda Pilot can go without changing the engine oil!
For a Honda Pilot, change the transmission fluid every 30,000-60,000 miles normally. For tough conditions like towing, replace every 20,000 miles.
What transmission fluid to choose?
Choosing the right type of transmission fluid is important for maintaining the performance and longevity of the transmission. For the Honda How to change oil Honda Pilot, it is recommended to use Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 Automatic Transmission Fluid or a compatible fluid that meets Honda specifications. Using the wrong type of transmission fluid can cause damage to the transmission.
If you want to buy a used car, I recommend immediately replacing the Honda Pilot cabin filter. After all, it is he who is responsible for the clean air that drivers and passengers breathe.
To help you choose the right transmission fluid for your Honda How to change oil Honda Pilot, we have created the following table:
| Generation | Engine | Amount Required | Popular Brands in the US | Catalog Number | Approximate Cost (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (2002-2008) | L13A | 2.3 quarts (2.2 liters) | Honda Genuine ATF-Z1, Valvoline MaxLife ATF, Castrol Transmax ATF | 08200-9003, 804751, 03520 | $9 – $12 |
| 2nd (2008-2013) | L13Z1, L15A7 | 2.9 quarts (2.7 liters) | Honda Genuine ATF DW-1, Valvoline MaxLife ATF, Castrol Transmax ATF | 08200-9008, 804755, 03521 | $11 – $15 |
| 3rd (2013-2020) | L12B, L15B | 3.3 quarts (3.1 liters) | Honda Genuine ATF DW-1, Valvoline MaxLife ATF, Castrol Transmax ATF | 08200-9008, 804755, 03521 | $11 – $15 |
| 4th (2020-present) | L13B | 3.3 quarts (3.1 liters) | Honda Genuine ATF Type 3.1, Valvoline MaxLife ATF, Castrol Transmax ATF | 08200-9401, 804759, 03521 | $11 – $15 |
It is important to note that using a non-compatible transmission fluid or mixing different types of transmission fluid can cause damage to the transmission.
In conclusion, regular maintenance of the transmission fluid is important for the proper operation and longevity of the automatic transmission in the Honda How to change oil Honda Pilot. By following the recommended intervals for replacing the transmission fluid and using the right type of fluid, you can help ensure the transmission performs as it should.
My new post: How to properly check the engine oil level on a Honda Pilot. This should be done at least once every two weeks.
Required tool
To replace the transmission fluid in a Honda How to change oil Honda Pilot automatic transmission, you will need a few tools:
- Jack and jack stands or ramps for raising the car and providing access to the transmission pan.
- A drain pan to catch the old transmission fluid.
- Socket wrench set or adjustable wrench for removing the drain plug and transmission pan bolts.
- Transmission funnel for adding new transmission fluid.
- Torque wrench for tightening the transmission pan bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Step-by-step instruction
Here are the steps to change the transmission fluid in the automatic transmission of a Honda How to change oil Honda Pilot:
- Warm up the transmission by driving the car for a few miles or letting it idle for 10-15 minutes.
- Raise the car using a jack and jack stands or ramps, making sure it’s level and secure.
- Locate the transmission pan under the car, which is typically located on the bottom of the transmission.
- Place the drain pan underneath the transmission pan and remove the drain plug using a socket wrench or adjustable wrench.
- Let the old transmission fluid drain out completely into the drain pan.
- Once the old fluid has drained out, clean the drain plug and reinstall it.
- Remove the bolts holding the transmission pan in place using a socket wrench or adjustable wrench, and carefully lower the pan to avoid spilling any remaining fluid.
- Clean the transmission pan thoroughly with a solvent or brake cleaner and let it dry completely.
- Remove the old transmission fluid filter from inside the transmission pan and replace it with a new one.
- Install the transmission pan gasket and carefully place the pan back in position.
- Reinstall the bolts holding the transmission pan in place and torque them to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Add new transmission fluid through the dipstick tube using a transmission funnel until the fluid level reaches the appropriate mark on the dipstick.
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then shift through all the gears to circulate the new transmission fluid.
- Check the transmission fluid level again and add more fluid as needed to bring it to the appropriate level.
Some engines perform better than others, even if they are new. Review of new Honda Pilot engines in my new post!
The whole process can take between 1-2 hours depending on the experience level of the person performing the task. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of transmission fluid to use and the frequency of changing it.
Great neighbor! Now you know how to change transmission oil on a Honda Pilot yourself. If you have any questions, ask in the comments.
