Dad asked for me to do a transmission fluid change on his 2019 6speed awd ridgeline. He isn't sure if it was every changed beforehand. He bought it at 40k. Fluid its self didn't look bad, just a bit low. But noticed a lot of shavings on the drain magnet. Is this normal wear or no? Sorry not experienced tech. Just a duds that does simple PMs at home.
Is this excessive wear for 75k miles? Honda ridgeline 2019 6speed awd
- Thread starter PAcrude
- Start date
Normal wear in a auto trans, that's why there is a magnet in the pan or plug.
BTW, you are not a duds.
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- May 4, 2025
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Not bad at all pretty normal during the first change you tend to see more than with later swaps due to the break in. At 75k thats normal. I would just advise you to do 3 changes in rapid succession then a single spill and fill ever 30k from here out.
JHZR2
Staff member
Take a look at photos I’ve posted from our odyssey. Seems pretty normal.
Fluid pics?
Looks a lot better than mine.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...r-extended-protection-atf.393405/post-7265349
Looks a lot better than mine.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...r-extended-protection-atf.393405/post-7265349
Disable VCM like mentioned. More frequent changes as mentioned. Is it under an extended warranty?
If no warranty and all yours, Find one of the full synthetic versions that the shifting characteristics are acceptable. Amsoil SS has gotten some good reviews. I’d probably try the new Valvoline Extended Protection and do a 3x drain and fill either way to get most of the old out.
A Magnefine filter will fit right into where the factory external filter goes.
Does the Ridgeline have a transmission cooler? Add if not. I use OBD Fusion App and a VeePeak BLE+ plug in to monitor the temps. ScanGauge3 was nice and also does rear differential temperature and torque converter slip %. Around town stop/go heats up tranny pretty quick in my 6 speed Pilot.
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I am curious about the 10K recommendation. I know it wont hurt but that seems excessive.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Looks typical for a Honda "conventional" automatic, especially on the first go around. You're doing a good thing doing drian/fills on it.
@Starving Electrician
Having the VCM enabled shuts down 3 cylinders on light loads, cruising on highway. It also makes the TC slip so that you don’t feel that engage/dis-engage as much. It also uses the electronic motor mounts to assist with that. The added slip of course adds extra heat and wear.
Mine averaged less than 10k and still had all the stuff in my pictures and fluid color. Again that’s in my usage conditions. Others may have no issues or have not monitored or checked. Dealer Service manager mentioned today she will check as she believes there is a warranty extension on the TC to 150k for the 6 speed, not confirmed yet. They did find “hidden” or not yet triggered codes last time and swapped my injectors.
Having the VCM enabled shuts down 3 cylinders on light loads, cruising on highway. It also makes the TC slip so that you don’t feel that engage/dis-engage as much. It also uses the electronic motor mounts to assist with that. The added slip of course adds extra heat and wear.
Mine averaged less than 10k and still had all the stuff in my pictures and fluid color. Again that’s in my usage conditions. Others may have no issues or have not monitored or checked. Dealer Service manager mentioned today she will check as she believes there is a warranty extension on the TC to 150k for the 6 speed, not confirmed yet. They did find “hidden” or not yet triggered codes last time and swapped my injectors.
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Looks normal to me. Bravo for doing the maintenance for him. You're not a dud!
Not excessive. This 6 speed runs very hot, constant TC slip form VCM wears it out. I’ve monitored tranny temps and in normal around town driving in summer here in Texas it runs at 190-200F. And I have the cooler installed. 25$ for a gallon of Valvoline Maxlife every 10k miles is not a big expense to keep the tranny happy
Normal, clean it off and put it back in. No worries.
I wouldn't sweat about the magnet debris. Your Dad is a little late in doing the first drain and fill, but not overly concerning. My first change was done at 62K, and I have done a series of D&F's in the past three years. My unit works great for a 19 year old Ridgeline. Do the D&F with the specified fluid (not a multi-vehicle fluid) and sleep well at night.
Note: my 2007 is a 5 speed and does not have VCM.
Note: my 2007 is a 5 speed and does not have VCM.
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JHZR2
Staff member
Not sure what VCM has to do with transmission…
A more frequent change is generally prudent, at least to try to get more new fluid in there.
I don’t do ours every oci, but I change out 3qts every few oci.
Accord hybrid “CVT”, 97k:
Odyssey 110k: