2020 Honda Pilot - 25k
- Thread starter Chester11
- Start date
It's good that it has it. It bothers people into servicing their car. Is yours the 6 or 9 speed? The 6 speed is likely easier to service but I think both can be refilled from the top and drained without having the pan be pulled.
I'd use valvoline EP atf as it's compatible with both. I don't think I'd use the maxlife atf/cvt.
I'd use valvoline EP atf as it's compatible with both. I don't think I'd use the maxlife atf/cvt.
Last edited:
I don't know about the Pilot, but for the Civic like mine, it's not time based, or at least, not strictly time based. Most people report that the code shows up at about 60k miles.
As for fluid, I'd use OEM. Not a fan of aftermarket fluids that claim to meet the specs of dozens of different models, while OEM's often are very specific as to what fluid should be used.
As for fluid, I'd use OEM. Not a fan of aftermarket fluids that claim to meet the specs of dozens of different models, while OEM's often are very specific as to what fluid should be used.
I think it's the 6 speed, and uses DW-1. (I believe the 9 speed is only available in the highest spec pilot for 2020).
I'm one of the rare weirdos that had bad shift flares with Maxlife on another Honda. So I'm going OEM (or maybe Idemitsu if I have to).
Hopefully I can fill it from the top - that's good news.
I'm one of the rare weirdos that had bad shift flares with Maxlife on another Honda. So I'm going OEM (or maybe Idemitsu if I have to).
Hopefully I can fill it from the top - that's good news.
I am also in that tiny minority of folks with bad maxlife experience in a Honda, though I have no issue with it in other makes. I use Honda oem OR amsoil. Frankly, I have favored amsoil over oem unless it’s something like a CVT. Have used amsoil in over half a dozen Hondas I help take care of with no issue long term.
The valvoline ep atf is better than the maxlife which I personally wouldn't use but I'd use the ep atf. It's far narrower in compatibility but covers your 6 speed but if dw-1 specific fluid isn't expensive or hard to get it'd be worth getting.
I used Maxlife in my Nissan AT and it never shifted right again. Never again with aftermarket fluid.
I’ll add my copy paste post whenever dw-1 comes up just like the others.
I use aisin dw-1 and have had success. It is full synthetic and not a mv style transmission fluid. Last I checked it was around 6 a qt on rockauto.
I use aisin dw-1 and have had success. It is full synthetic and not a mv style transmission fluid. Last I checked it was around 6 a qt on rockauto.
sending out a flier in case anyone is online tonight.
the parts guy at my local dealer sold dw-1 at a pretty good price, so I did a drain and fill this afternoon.
I'm struggling at reading the dipstick. About 109 ounces came out, and I replaced a little less, thinking I would dial it in slowly.
I saw the TSB regarding overfilling, so I went for a pretty good drive (basically followed the TSB, about 20 min, with a loop on a divided highway). Shutdown and read the stick. I'm not seeing anything - maybe a small amount at the bottom.
I don't have a scan-tool that reads trans temp - and don't want to overfill.
Am I clueless, or over-engineering this job? (I burned the piss out of my hand already trying to reach the dipstick).
Any help appreciated.
the parts guy at my local dealer sold dw-1 at a pretty good price, so I did a drain and fill this afternoon.
I'm struggling at reading the dipstick. About 109 ounces came out, and I replaced a little less, thinking I would dial it in slowly.
I saw the TSB regarding overfilling, so I went for a pretty good drive (basically followed the TSB, about 20 min, with a loop on a divided highway). Shutdown and read the stick. I'm not seeing anything - maybe a small amount at the bottom.
I don't have a scan-tool that reads trans temp - and don't want to overfill.
Am I clueless, or over-engineering this job? (I burned the piss out of my hand already trying to reach the dipstick).
Any help appreciated.
If it's not on the dipstick, it's not on the dipstick. Let it rest a little longer and check again. Be sure the fluid isn't getting wiped off the dipstick when pulling it out. Add to the low line, drive again, and check again.
Use OEM Honda fluid.
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2025
- Messages
- 278
Maxlife, or any other multi's, don't work too well in Honda auto's. ATF+4 does, and it holds up better than DW-1 or Z1.
I usually go for a drive, then upon return, allow vehicle to idle until radiator fans cycle twice.
3.4qt will usually put it right at hot minimum, which is barely at the tip of the stick.
Also, these transmissions require extremely frequent fluid changes. A 50% changeout every 25k will not be enough to prevent shudder issues.
In the 19 we have the six speed. Disabled the VCM, installed OEM transmission cooler and use Amsoil SS blue cap ATF. 81K so far and it’s behaving quite well. Was going to change the fluid at 60K but decided not too since it what still bright red. I’ll do a change at 90K along with the inline filter.
And change it now!
Thanks guys, I'm up to about 3.5 quarts (which is about what came out plus a some spillage).
I was surprised how much debris was on the drain plug. Definitely something I'm going to do every 25-30k. I'll probably get a proper scan tool to measure the temp. (I still need to to the transfer case.)
I have to get a new drain pan - the one I have is terrible, it overflowed and made a freaking mess. My driveway looks like Deepwater horizon - so much for trying to save a couple bucks.
I was surprised how much debris was on the drain plug. Definitely something I'm going to do every 25-30k. I'll probably get a proper scan tool to measure the temp. (I still need to to the transfer case.)
I have to get a new drain pan - the one I have is terrible, it overflowed and made a freaking mess. My driveway looks like Deepwater horizon - so much for trying to save a couple bucks.
Similar threads
