Interesting. Makes you think that Honda isn't "calculating" the life of the fluid that much based on engine RPM, etc, etc. Well, presuming you use your Ridgeline like a car, i.e. no towing, minimal loading, and so on. Honda is programming it to say to change the ATF much sooner than is typical in their 2 or 4-door vehicles, which seem to go 60-90k miles before it says to change the ATF.
How Often Change Honda DW-1?
- Thread starter Gebo
- Start date
not 100% sure now, I remember watching a YT video shot in Japan where they went over the ATF change, they placed 'next ATF service' sticker with 40K km interval.
That could be no different than the oil-change places that notate the next oil change in 3000 miles or whatever random mileage they pick.
25k miles is really on the low side though.
15K on the V6 and 30K on the 4-cyl.
I think I saw them show it printed in some booklet, but don't want to claim whether it was Owners Manual or Service Manual.
nope:
"...Honda says it normally doesn't need changed..."
and the 150K mi on mine ('04 Accord) looks/runs fine w/one of those 'never chnage' guidelines.
Newer models? I'm not sure... the auto tranny is not something I do on hondas that new
Every second oil change.
Instead of DW1 use Maxlife. I use Amsoil SS blue cap in my wife’s 19 Pilot. I typically go 30K between changes.
No, they don't. Their dealers might but dealers are not "Honda".
It's built into the Maintenance Minder now. There may be some "logic" in calculating the mileage but it seems that their SUVs, minivans, and truck aim for closer to 30k but coupes and sedans are 60-90k.
I do the same mileage (15k miles/24k kms) in my 05. Usually once a year in the summer.
As @Hall mentioned, the mileage between drain/fill depends on the model and usage. Vans/trucks seem to require more frequent replacement than cars, and towing or other severe conditions change things, too. For example, I tow frequently with my Odyssey, and DW1 didn't hold up very well in this situation (noticeable changes to the shift "feel" after a 1300 mile trip with a 17 ft boat). I switched to full synthetic ATF about 7 years ago to minimize this issue. So far, Pennzoil Platinum LV, Maxlife, and Amalie have all performed similarly, with somewhat better durability than DW1. I say "somewhat" because the shifts still get a little sloppy after towing, just not quite as bad as with DW1. Regardless, I do a single drain/fill each year (15k miles) to keep it fresh.
WoW, I dont get it.
On normal duty I thought Honda said "No change needed life long". All U guys
are way under that. Buncha yrs (most) w/merican cars we change out filter'n
fluid but not these... Plez elucidate need (mechanically) I need schoolin~
I guess #34 sez it all 'depends on Y/M/M & use'~
On normal duty I thought Honda said "No change needed life long". All U guys
are way under that. Buncha yrs (most) w/merican cars we change out filter'n
fluid but not these... Plez elucidate need (mechanically) I need schoolin~
I guess #34 sez it all 'depends on Y/M/M & use'~
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Change the CVT fluid every oci or every other. BG CVT 303 gets added also. Going to either Lubegard CVT Restore or Hotshot Restore after I use up all the BG.
20 yrs ago, Honda spec'ed 120K for normal and 60k for severe. Subsequent changes were at shorter intervals.
Currently Honda says go by the Maintenance Minder. On the Pilot's I've seen the message show up as early as 20-25K.
The greatest threat to ATF seems to be heat which is greater in heavier vehicles than in lighter vehicles. An ATF cooler (part of the Honda tow package) helps, but my shifts still degraded after towing. IMO this shift degradation is the result of heat-induced changes to the fluid, given that fresh ATF restores the shifts. However I have not done a UOA to confirm.
In all fairness, the Honda trans probably wouldn't grenade if the ATF were left alone for 100k+ miles, but I am not willing to risk it. I generally keep my vehicles well over 100k miles, but if this were a lease vehicle I would probably be less concerned with longevity.
yeah, plenty those 2 japan. brands thru this shop w/o changes do 250K mi. w/o problems.
I like the 'heat' idea and larger motors/duty...
thnx
I like the 'heat' idea and larger motors/duty...
thnx
Ever try lubegard transmission protectant?
It lowered my atf summer temps on the highway by 13 Celsius.
Shift quality holds up very well.
