2025 Honda Pilot MM; Change All Wheel Drive Oil at 5.6k mi

[rstcso]

Maybe I just don't know how to read Honda''s Maintenance Minder, but it looks like I should be changing the oil again, even though I did and reset it just over 1,000 miles ago. Is this due to Honda saying to replace the filter every other oil change (A vs B)? The tires do still need to be rotated, but why in the world is the system telling me to change 6: All Wheel Drive Oil at 5,648 miles, especially when 4k of those was on a long trip with zero towing? I found references where Honda's first interval is shortened, but this much?

I haven't even looked at what's involved in changing it. Is this for just the rear, or all gearboxes for the AWD system? My wife is heading out on a long trip into Canada next month, so it looks like this needs to be done before this trip.

From the owner's manual for 6: All Wheel Drive Oil:

*5: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical (Shear) stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

 

[nwjones18]

Interesting.. I am planning on getting one of these and didn't know I was signing up to change transfer case oil every 15k miles (or more).. I assume that's what AWD oil is?

Did a search and found this:

https://www.piloteers.org/threads/all-wheel-drive-oil.188463/

 

[rstcso]

Interesting.. I am planning on getting one of these and didn't know I was signing up to change transfer case oil every 15k miles (or more).. I assume that's what AWD oil is?

Did a search and found this:

https://www.piloteers.org/threads/all-wheel-drive-oil.188463/

Looks like the same article I read.

As for hesitation on buying it because of this, I'd rather have a vehicle with realistic fluid change intervals vs those with "lifetime" fluids. We went from an Audi Q5 to the Pilot Elite and have been very happy so far. Certainly has more room, and my wife likes that it "feels bigger" (duh, it is).

 

[ls973800]

That is just showing the service is coming due at your next B service date which could be another 8000-10000 miles. First change on my 2019 for the code 6 fluid was called for around 7500 miles then every 30000 miles When you reset the MM the next services which will be due are shown.

 

[rstcso]

We bought the car in San Antonio and live north of Austin, so I needed to start a relationship with a local dealership service department. Called one a few miles from me and was pleasantly surprised with the advisor I spoke with. He's been with the same dealership over 20 years and answered every question as honestly as can be expected.

As for item 6: All Wheel Drive Oil, the first interval typically is between 6k-10k miles, then every 30k miles after. They charge $150 for the service. An oil changes and tire rotation are free for the first 12k miles, so no charge for the tire rotation.

I asked about using Amsoil and doing my own oil changes. Zero problem if using the correct viscosity and have receipts (showing correct viscosity <cough-cough>).

I asked when they do oil changes, do they use Honda branded or other bulk oil. He said this dealership is owned by Penske, so they use bulk Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic, but not PUP. They've not had any issues due to oil as long as a vehicle has been maintained regularly (I can believe this). I'll stick with the Amsoil that's in it, and will be switching to HPL PPPCMO next oil change.

Another thing I learned: If you use Honda's My Garage to track work you do yourself, the dealership does not have visibility to your entries. He stressed keeping your receipts.

I'll spend the $150 for them to do a simple rear gear lube drain-and-fill, just to build the relationship with the advisor/dealership.

 

[JunkdrawerDog]

It's saying that you have 90% oil life remaining and when you arrive at 0%, you will need to do a B service, along with items 1 and 6.

 

[rstcso]

It's saying that you have 90% oil life remaining and when you arrive at 0%, you will need to do a B service, along with items 1 and 6.

So technically there's nothing due now? (I know I should rotate the tires... because I'm retentive).

 

[JunkdrawerDog]

So technically there's nothing due now? (I know I should rotate the tires... because I'm retentive).

Correct.

 

[crashz]

On our CRVs I don't recall doing the rear service until 30k miles. My old one was probably never changed until I bought it at 120k. I have always used the Honda branded dual pump fluid for these because I don't know of any other compatible fluids. Interesting that they require an early change now.